40 Elephants
OG Kush × Afghan Hashplant × Elephant
40 Elephants is a boutique hybrid strain recognized for its potent effects and complex aromatic profile. Named after a historic London shoplifting gang, this cultivar offers a polished style and a reputation that spreads through word-of-mouth. It is often found in limited releases, contributing to its mystique.
Appearance and Structure
40 Elephants typically develops dense, spear-shaped colas with tight calyxes and short internodal spacing. Its leaves are broad and dark, often exhibiting a waxy sheen. Some phenotypes may display faint lavender hues on the sugar leaves under cool conditions late in flowering. The buds are heavily frosted with trichomes that mature quickly, and pistils transition from tangerine to rust as the plant ripens. Properly cured, the dried flower presents a silver-green cast with occasional deep green or purple flecks, maintaining its shape when handled.
The plant structure favors a central leader unless trained early, requiring attention to apical control for uniform light distribution. Growers can expect a moderate stretch after the light cycle flip, making it manageable in most indoor environments with early training. The dense buds, well-covered in resin, are suitable for both connoisseur flower presentation and extraction purposes.
Aroma and Flavor
The initial aroma of 40 Elephants is characterized by bright lemon peel, layered with notes of diesel and pine, a profile often associated with limonene. This citrusy scent persists from mid-flower through the curing process. Underlying these top notes is a peppery spice, hinting at the presence of beta-caryophyllene and humulene, with subtle mint and eucalyptus undertones in some variations. As the aroma develops, it deepens to reveal notes of damp earth and cured hardwood, often linked to myrcene.
Upon grinding, the volatile aromas intensify, releasing a prominent lemon-diesel burst. Flavors reported by users include candy, citrus, diesel, earthy, grape, grapefruit, and herbal notes. The overall sensory experience is complex, blending sharp, fuel-like characteristics with sweeter, more grounded elements.
Effects
40 Elephants is described as having a 'gentle giant' effect profile, delivering an assertive initial head lift that gradually settles into a grounded sense of physical ease. This hybrid offers a balanced experience, combining mental uplift with noticeable body relaxation. Users report a potent effect that aligns with its high THC content.
The strain's effects are often noted for their smooth onset and sustained presence. While specific durations are not detailed, the reported profile suggests a cultivar that can provide both a cerebral engagement and a calming physical sensation, making it suitable for various times of use depending on individual tolerance and desired outcome.
Terpenes and Cannabinoids
While specific laboratory percentages are not consistently provided, 40 Elephants is understood to be a high-THC strain, typically ranging from 15-25%, with minimal CBD content (<1%). The terpene profile is often noted for its prominent limonene, contributing to citrus aromas and flavors. Beta-caryophyllene is also frequently indicated, adding peppery and spicy notes, while myrcene is thought to contribute to the earthy undertones and potentially the relaxing effects. Humulene and terpinolene are also mentioned as present terpenes.
Growing
Cultivating 40 Elephants involves managing its dense structure and moderate stretch, typically around 1.5-2.0x after the light cycle flip. Early training is recommended to ensure uniform light distribution, especially for plants favoring a central leader. The strain is noted for its thick trichome coverage and resin production, suggesting good potential for extraction.
The flowering period is described as reliable, with buds developing significant density and resin saturation. Growers can expect a visually appealing plant with good bag appeal and potential for substantial yields if managed appropriately. Phenotype selection is often focused on achieving a specific terpene balance, typically favoring limonene and caryophyllene expressions.
Origins and Lineage
The official lineage of 40 Elephants has not been publicly confirmed by a breeder. However, based on its aroma, structure, and effects, it is widely believed to be a hybrid with OG or Kush-family genetics crossed with a larger, resinous parent. Hypotheses suggest a cross involving OG/Kush strains and an 'Elephant' variety or Afghan Hashplant, known for contributing to dense colas and Afghani-like characteristics.
The name itself is a nod to the notorious all-female shoplifting gang from early 20th-century London, the Forty Elephants, hinting at the strain's stealthy power and polished style. Its emergence in connoisseur communities in the late 2010s, often described with terms like 'lemon-diesel' and 'OG-leaning,' further supports its presumed genetic makeup. While some speculate a minor Cookies influence due to a sweet nuance, the dominant profile leans more towards classic Kush and resinous landrace genetics.