Cannabis Strains
Jean Guy Strain Info
In this feature, we’ll spotlight Jean Guy: an iconic Canadian strain that packs a lemon-pine punch.
Last updated November 13, 2025 | Published on June 11, 2020
Strain at a Glance
Aroma and taste: Citrusy, woody, piney
Appearance: Dense, vibrant green buds with frosty trichomes
Strain type: Typically sativa-dominant hybrid
Common dominant terpenes: Terpinolene, limonene, myrcene
Average THC: High Average CBD: Low
What is Jean Guy?
The Jean Guy cannabis strain is well-known, particularly in Canada. While its genetic background is a little hazy, Jean Guy is likely a descendant of the White Widow strain. Although it’s often described as a sativa-dominant hybrid, some variations can be sativa, hybrid or even indica-dominant.
History of Jean Guy
This iconic Canadian strain originated in Montreal in the early 2000s, where clones of the plant were dropped off at the Montreal Compassion Centre by one of its members, or so the story goes. To pay homage to the strain’s background, the centre’s members came up with what they felt was a quintessentially Québécois name: Jean Guy (where Jean is pronounced with a soft J, rhyming with “Shawn,” and Guy like “ghee”).
Jean Guy strain characteristics
Jean Guy is known for its citrusy and piney aroma, and its unique dense coating of crystal trichomes, though each brand’s bud has its own distinctive variations.
Here are some common characteristics of Jean Guy:
- high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and low cannabidiol (CBD) levels
- vibrant green buds with thick, resinous trichomes
- fresh, sour citrus scent with lemony, piney and/or woody undertones
Sometimes you’ll see a cannabis strain referred to as a “cultivar,” which is a term used in botany (the study of all plants).
Potential effects of Jean Guy strain
Cannabis affects everyone differently, and experiences vary widely. While we can’t speak to the Jean Guy strain effects specifically, its typically high THC content means it may produce effects similar to other high-THC cannabis products.
The short-term effects of consuming high-THC cannabis may include:
- joy, calm and relaxation
- a heightened sensory experience (such as sense of smell or taste)
- confusion
- fatigue or sleepiness
- impaired memory or concentration
High-THC cannabis can be intoxicating for both new and experienced users, so it’s important to start with a low dose to gauge your personal tolerance. Individuals with a family history of mental health conditions may be especially sensitive to THC’s psychological effects.
How cannabis affects you varies depending on factors like how often you consume, the method of consumption (such as smoking or ingesting edibles) and your overall health and body chemistry. Being mindful of these factors can help you consume cannabis more safely and enjoyably while reducing the risk of negative effects.
Growing Jean Guy
Like its parent strain White Widow, Jean Guy has large fan leaves and abundant foliage that produce a large canopy. This strain is best left to intermediate and expert growers because of its needs for very specific soil acidity, humidity and nutrient content to prevent mould, mites and other growing difficulties. Licensed Producers use meticulous grow processes to produce a high-quality harvest of this finicky plant.
Climate requirements
Jean Guy grows best in a mild climate with warm days and cooler nights. It prefers temperatures between 20°C and 27°C and moderate humidity levels, typically 40% to 50% during its flowering stage to prevent mould, mildew and other moisture-related issues.
This strain can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but indoor growing allows for better control of the environment, which can increase yield and potency.
Height and growing time
Jean Guy typically flowers indoors within a period of 65 to 75 days. Outdoor growers can expect harvest from late September to mid-October, depending on how the local climate aligns with natural seasonal changes. Jean Guy plants tend to grow tall and lanky, reaching 1.5 to 2.5 metres outdoors, and three to five feet indoors. To manage plant height and maximize space, indoor growers often use training techniques like topping (cutting off the growing tip of the main stem to stop vertical growth) or low-stress training (where branches are gently bent and tied away from one another to create space).
Yield
Under ideal indoor conditions, Jean Guy can produce 400 to 550 grams of cannabis per square metre of growing space. Outdoors, with proper care and favourable weather, each plant may yield about 340 grams. While its yields might not rival the highest producing strains, Jean Guy stands out for its exceptional THC potency and flavourful terpene profile, making its harvest highly prized among growers and consumers alike.
What are some strains like Jean Guy?
If you’re wondering if the Jean Guy cannabis strain is right for you, there’s no simple answer, as the effects of cannabis vary widely.
However, when you’re curious to explore a new strain, characteristics like lineage, cannabinoid content and flavour profile can help steer you down a familiar path. Below are some strains that share some similarities with the Jean Guy cannabis strain.
Cannabis strains that share Jean Guy genetics
White Widow is said to be where the Jean Guy phenotype started — Jean Guy was a naturally occurring variation of the White Widow family that has since been selectively grown for signature Jean Guy traits. A sativa-dominant hybrid, White Widow features more caryophyllene in its terpene profile for an earthier, woodier and spicier aroma.
Cannabis strains with similar citrusy flavour profiles
Terpenes like limonene, pinene and myrcene give cannabis strains their fruity, tangy and sour tasting notes. If you enjoy the flavour profile of Jean Guy, look for strains that have a similar mix of uplifting citrus aromas. Or, even easier, look for strains with citrus fruits in their names. Sour Tangie, for example, features lots of feisty, fruity flavour with a gassy twist, borrowed from its parent strain East Coast Sour Diesel. It’s known for high THC potency and sativa-dominant genetics.
Sativa strains with similar high THC potency
If high-THC, sativa-dominant strains are what you’re after, there is no shortage of choices on offer. To help narrow it down, you might look for the word “Haze” in the strain name. Haze is a family of cannabis genetics typically associated with sativa dominance and fruity, fresh aromas.
Another option is Jack Herer, named for the famous cannabis activist. It’s a high-THC, sativa-dominant strain with a rich history and iconic genetics. Said to be a cross between Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk, Jack Herer’s terpene profile includes myrcene, caryophyllene and pinene, which combine to create a spicy, piney aroma with citrus and herbal undertones.
Will I like Jean Guy?
Jean Guy may be a good choice if you like the taste and aroma profiles of White Widow, Lemon Skunk or Lemon Z. If you gravitate toward high-THC strains with little to no CBD, or you just have a lot of Canadian cannabis pride, Jean Guy is well worth exploring.
