The Jungle Boys are a prolific growing collective responsible for some of the most interesting and aromatic cannabis flower strains around. If you live in Southern California, you're lucky enough to try their innovative and pungent strains, many of which smell like a freshly baked dessert. The Jungle Boys are a family and friend operated business that takes pride in producing unique cannabis strains that can't be found anywhere else.
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Who Are the Jungle Boys?
The History of the Jungle Boys
The Jungle Boys opened up their first brick-and-mortar shop in 2005 and gained local recognition through their innovative growing techniques. Ivan, the founder of the Jungle Boys, was influenced to grow cannabis plants by his mom who grew these plants in his childhood backyard. Her tips helped Ivan learn how to keep a low-key grow going without attracting unwanted attention.
Ivan worked elsewhere, while maintaining a passion for cultivation. When his dad was diagnosed with stage IV cancer, their doctor recommended cannabis after chemotherapy wasn't working. Ivan applied for a medical recommendation and began purchasing cannabis for his dad from Toluca Lake Collective, also known as TLC, in Los Angeles.
While Ivan's dad passed away, cannabis products helped his dad find relief during his final moments. Ivan was inspired to foster his growing passion and eventually settled on building out his grow operation to sell to dispensaries all while working over 14 hour shifts. He continued to work long hours to support his family, while still making time for his cultivation efforts.
In order to scale the business, Ivan opened a dispensary called Nature's Green Cure in Santa Fe Springs, CA. Ivan found success with his WiFi #43 strain after growing more than the recommended 100-plant limit. At the time, growers feared getting locked up for 40 years for growing more than 99 plants. Ivan took the risk and found his calling in finding the perfect phenotypes. Ivan was also successful taking over TLC in 2013 after partnering with them for many years before that.
Despite a lengthy court battle with the city of Los Angeles on compliance issues with TLC, the case was dismissed many years later, which let the Jungle Boys focus on meeting California's legal market demand. The Jungle Boys weed business employs hundreds of workers to provide both the medical and recreational market with their most popular cuts.
The Jungle Boys weed business continues to grow as they open up new facilities. Ivan has included his entire family in the business, too. His daughter manages TLC, his wife runs the new clothing line, and his nephew manages the growing operations. As they continue to battle with knock-off strains, their status as premium growers continues to rise.
Cookies SF x Jungle Boys Collaboration
Ivan's pheno-hunting work led him to start another breeding project (Exotikz) with Berner from the Cookies group. The Cookies brand is also known for their dessert-like aroma with strains like Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, Gelato, Sunset Sherbet, and more. Exotikz produces beloved strains in California and neighboring states.
Many Exotikz releases include Girl Scout Cookies, OG Kush, and Durban Poison genetics. They partnered with Reef Dispensaries in Las Vegas a couple of years ago to bring popular strains such as Purple Punch, Sundae Driver, and Strawberry Shortcake into Nevada.
Jungle Boys Strains
As mentioned previously, the Jungle Boys plant hundreds of different phenotypes in search of just the right one that smells and yields the best. While other brands are focused on bag appeal, the Jungle Boys focus on rich terpene content. Here are some of their most popular strains you might have come across.
Sundae Driver
Sundae Driver is an indica-dominant hybrid bred from Fruity Pebbles and Grape Pie, so you can just imagine how good it smells. Consumers have noted sweet and chocolatey scents as well as purple leaves from this hybrid. Sundae Driver is said to provide a relaxing and potent body high, perfect for a lazy Sunday.
Jungle Cake
Jungle Cake is an indica-hybrid made by crossing White Fire 43 (WiFi 43) with Wedding Cake strains. These flower buds are large, dense, and heavily frosted in trichomes. Their unmistakable OG smell of citrus and pine are all there for you to enjoy. Consumers report a burst of euphoria coupled with full-body relaxation after a few hits.
Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Shortcake is the first Exotikz release, which is made with White and Wookies strains. The result is a heavy indica with a distinct strawberry aroma and flavor. Its most common terpenes include limonene, myrcene, and alpha-humulene. Consumers also noted notes of tropical fruits such as mango as well as some spicy undertones. Its high THC content is said to provide cerebral and uplifting effects that can be used during any time of day.
Mimosa
Mimosa #14 was selected as the best of the bunch and for good reason. It went on to win first place at a Chalice Cup. It's a cross between Clementine and Purple Punch strains. The strong genetics give Mimosa an orange and grape-flavored smell and taste with its relatively high beta-caryophyllene and linalool levels.
Pie Hoe
Pie Hoe is a cross between Grape Pie and Tahoe OG resulting in this indica-dominant strain. Try this strain if you love grape-like, diesel, and spicy aromas. This strain features high levels of myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and terpineol. A few puffs and consumers report feeling pleasantly relaxed and ready to binge watch their favorite show.
Topanga Canyon OG
If you're an OG fan, you'll love the Topanga Canyon OG strain. Its a cross between Topanga and Sweatband strains. This indica-dominant hybrid strain has a strong piney, citrusy, and diesel flavor that will remind you of other OG varieties.
Zacks Pie
Zacks Pie has the same genetics as Wedding Pie, Grape Pie, and Wedding Cake, and is an homage for a Jungle Boys employee that passed away. It features up to 27 percent THC and strong purple hues throughout. These dense and fox-tailed buds are grape-flavored, but also have a strong Wedding Cake smell that's sweet and slightly minty.
Where to Buy Jungle Boys Weed?
For now, the Jungle Boys' weed can mainly be found at TLC and Los Angeles Farmers dispensaries. Both locations each carry about a dozen of the Jungle Boys most sought-out buds such as Wedding Cake, Topanga Canyon OG, White Durban, Florida Cake, and Grape Head. Make sure to follow their Instagram page for news on new strains and more.
The Jungle Boys and their offshoot group, Exotikz, have made their mark on the Southern California weed market. The Jungle Boys' hard work has paid off by searching for the finest and most complex aromas from hundreds of plants of the same seeds.
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