Green Ribbon BX: The Genetic Backbone
Green Ribbon BX: The Genetic Backbone
Strain Overview
Type: Balanced / Sativa-Leaning Hybrid (55% Sativa / 45% Indica)
Breeder: Exotic Genetix
Lineage: Green Ribbon x (Green Ribbon x The Cube) [Backcross]
Market Status: The "Vigor Donor"; Green Ribbon BX is rarely found on dispensary shelves as a standalone flower, but it is one of the most important tools in modern American breeding. Mike from Exotic Genetix famously used this male to create the "Mint Chocolate Chip" line. He chose it for one specific reason: Yield. While strains like Girl Scout Cookies taste amazing, they often grow slow and yield low. Green Ribbon BX acts as a "genetic steroid," injecting massive branch structure, fast growth, and heavy yields into anything it touches, without overpowering the flavor of the mother plant.
THC Content: Moderate-High (18% – 22%)
Dominant Terpenes: Pinene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Humulene
Key Effects: Creative Buzz, Social Energy, Physical Relaxation, Mood Elevation
Green Ribbon BX is a breeder’s secret weapon unleashed.
It represents the perfect stabilization of the legendary Green Ribbon cut. It is an "old school" style plant—big, leafy, and pungent—that offers a functional, happy high. While it is famous for being a father to modern hype strains, the strain itself is a phenomenal smoke, offering a floral, musky funk that stands out against the sea of modern candy strains.
History and Lineage: Stabilizing a Legend
To understand the "BX" (Backcross), we must look at the original clone.
The Original (Green Ribbon): A mysterious Northern California clone, widely believed to be a cross of Trainwreck x Afgooey. It was famous in the San Jose area for its massive colas and high energy.
The Problem: The original clone was hard to find and only existed as a female plant.
The Solution (The BX): Exotic Genetix wanted to capture the vigor of this clone in seed form. They crossed the Green Ribbon clone with a male from their "The Cube" lineage (which also held Green Ribbon genetics) and then bred it back to the mother.
The Result: A stabilized seed version that consistently produces the massive structure and unique terpene profile of the original Green Ribbon.
Terpene Profile: Floral Funk and Musk
Green Ribbon BX has a polarization profile. It does not smell like fruit or gas. It smells like a vintage perfume shop located in a damp forest.
Dominant Terpenes
Pinene (The Freshness): The dominant terpene. It provides a sharp, clear pine and wood aroma that contributes to the strain's alertness.
Humulene (The Hops): Adds a distinct earthy, woody, and slightly floral note (like hops or aged wood).
Myrcene (The Musk): Provides a heavy, damp base that grounds the lighter floral notes.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is pungent and unique. It smells of floral potpourri, musk, pine sol, and damp earth.
The Smoke: Thick and expansive. It tastes of dried flowers, woody spice, and a hint of lime. It is a savory, botanical flavor rather than a sweet one.
Strain Effects: The Social Butterfly
This is a classic "Daytime Hybrid." It sits perfectly between the racy energy of the Trainwreck parent and the stone of the Afgooey.
The Experience
The Buzz: The high starts with a head-band sensation. You feel awake, alert, and buzzing with energy.
The Social: It is an incredible conversation strain. It removes social barriers and makes you talkative and giggly.
The Creativity: The Sativa dominance shines through, sparking creative ideas and motivation to get off the couch.
The Finish: As the high wears off, a gentle body relaxation sets in, but it rarely leads to a crash or couch-lock.
Best For: Afternoon barbecues, creative projects, hiking, fighting fatigue, and social anxiety.
Growing Green Ribbon BX: The Branch Breaker
This is why the strain exists. It was bred to perform in the garden.
Growth Structure
The Vigor: This plant is a beast. It grows Fast and Tall. It has an aggressive root system and thick stalks.
The Yield: Heavy to Massive. This is a commercial cropper's dream. It produces huge, long colas that can snap branches if not supported.
The Structure: It has an open structure (Trainwreck influence) which allows for great light penetration and airflow, reducing mold risk despite the big buds.
The Hardiness: It is incredibly resilient. It handles stress, heavy feeding, and mistakes with ease.
The Time: It finishes flowering in 8 to 9 weeks.
Grower’s Tip: Because it grows so aggressively, you must use support. Trellis nets, bamboo stakes, or tomato cages are mandatory. If you don't support it, the weight of the flowers will snap the branches in week 7.
Final Verdict: The Genetic Backbone
Green Ribbon BX is a piece of breeding history. It is the reason why strains like Mint Chocolate Chip yield so well. But beyond its utility as a breeding tool, it is a fantastic strain in its own right. It offers a unique, floral-musk flavor and a happy, energetic high that is becoming harder to find in a market dominated by heavy Indicas. If you want to grow a plant that fills your tent quickly and delivers a harvest you’ll struggle to carry, this is the ribbon you want to cut.
You should choose Green Ribbon BX if:
You want Maximum Yield.
You want a Social/Energetic High.
You enjoy Floral/Musky flavors.
You want a Resilient Plant.
Score: 9.2/10 (The Vigor King)