Reina Madre (Queen Mother): The Spanish Matriarch
Reina Madre (Queen Mother): The Spanish Matriarch
Strain Overview
Type: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (Mostly Sativa)
Breeder: Delicatessen Seeds (Mario Bellandi)
Lineage: Spanish Landrace Sativa x (Jack Herer x Black Domina)
Market Status: The "Royal Ancestor"; Reina Madre (Queen Mother) is one of the most important strains in European cannabis history, though few modern smokers know her name. She is the crown jewel of the Spanish cannabis scene of the 1990s and the genetic mother of Juanita la Lagrimosa. This makes her the biological grandmother of the entire global CBD movement. She is prized for her electrifying "pure Sativa" high and her ability to finish flowering surprisingly fast for a plant with such tropical effects.
THC Content: High (19% – 20%)
Dominant Terpenes: Terpinolene, Pinene, Limonene
Key Effects: Intense Energy, Cerebral Stimulation, Artistic Creativity, "racy" Euphoria
Reina Madre is cannabis royalty.
While modern US genetics focus on dessert flavors and heavy sedation, Reina Madre is a throwback to the European "Haze Craze." She offers a stimulating, almost psychedelic experience that acts like a double shot of espresso for the brain. She is the definition of "Old School Cool"—a strain that tastes like the earth and makes you want to conquer the world.
History and Lineage: The Pride of Spain
The story of Reina Madre is the story of Mario Bellandi and Delicatessen Seeds, a legendary Spanish breeder.
The Goal: Bellandi wanted to create a Sativa that possessed the soaring, trippy effects of the best tropical landraces but could actually be finished outdoors in the Spanish climate (unlike a pure Thai or Colombian).
The Mix: The exact lineage is guarded, but it is widely accepted to be a cross of a high-altitude Spanish Sativa clone crossed with a stable Jack Herer x Black Domina hybrid to reduce the flowering time.
The Legacy: Reina Madre became the backbone of Spanish breeding. Her most famous contribution was being pollinated by a Diesel male to create Juanita la Lagrimosa, which in turn birthed the CBD-rich strains we use today. Without the Queen, there would be no CBD revolution.
Terpene Profile: Sour, Spicy, and Sharp
Reina Madre does not smell like cookies or candy. She has a sharp, piercing aroma that clears the sinuses.
Dominant Terpenes
Terpinolene (The Haze): The dominant terpene. It provides a complex floral, herbal, and citrus bouquet that is often associated with "racy" Sativas.
Pinene (The Forest): A massive dose of pine that contributes to the alertness and mental clarity of the high.
Limonene (The Sour): Adds a distinct tart lemon note, similar to a sour candy.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is pungent and acidic. It smells of sour apples, pine forest, and damp earth.
The Smoke: Crisp and biting. It tastes of spicy wood, tart fruit, and an earthy aftertaste. It is an acquired taste for those who love savory/sour profiles over sweet ones.
Strain Effects: The Creative Spark
This is not a strain for watching TV. This is a strain for doing things.
The Experience
The Launch: The effects are immediate and intense. A rush of energy hits the head, often causing a tingling sensation.
The Mind: It is highly cerebral. Thoughts race, connections form, and creativity flows. It is a favorite among artists, musicians, and writers.
The Body: There is almost zero body load. You feel light on your feet. It is excellent for hiking, dancing, or cleaning.
The Warning: Because it is so stimulating, it can trigger anxiety or paranoia in users with low tolerance. It is a "racy" high that demands activity.
Best For: Wake-and-bake, artistic projects, outdoor activities, parties, and fighting fatigue.
Growing Reina Madre: The Elegant Giant
Reina Madre grows with the elegance of a pure Sativa but the manners of a hybrid.
Growth Structure
The Height: She grows Tall. Indoors, she will stretch significantly. You must flip her to flower early or use height-control techniques.
The Speed: This is her magic trick. Despite being a Sativa, she finishes flowering in 8 to 9 weeks. This speed (likely inherited from the Black Domina influence) makes her viable for growers who usually avoid Sativas.
The Yield: Moderate to High. She produces long, spear-shaped colas that are not overly dense, making them resistant to mold.
The Color: In the final weeks, she often displays beautiful pink and purple hues on the pistils and leaves, looking truly regal.
Grower’s Tip: She is a light feeder. Do not blast her with high nitrogen levels like you would an American hybrid. She prefers a "less is more" approach to nutrients.
Final Verdict: The Spanish Matriarch
Reina Madre is a strain for the connoisseur who respects history. She offers a window into the past—a time when Sativas were wild, spicy, and energetic. She provides one of the clearest, most motivating highs on the market, free from the lethargy of modern poly-hybrids. If you want to grow the mother of the CBD movement and experience a true "energy strain," bow down to the Queen.
You should choose Reina Madre if:
You want Intense Energy (Wake and Bake).
You love Sour/Spicy flavors.
You are an Artist/Creative.
You want Sativa effects in 8 weeks.
Score: 9.5/10 (The Sativa Royal)