Cannabis strains are either pure or hybrid varieties of the plant genus Cannabis, which encompasses the species C. sativa, C. indica and C. ruderalis.
Varieties are developed to intensify specific characteristics of the plant, or to differentiate the strain for the purposes of marketing or to make it more effective as a drug. Variety names are typically chosen by their growers, and often reflect properties of the plant such as taste, color, smell, or the origin of the variety. Cannabis strains commonly refer to those varieties with recreational and medicinal use. These varieties have been cultivated to contain a high percentage of cannabinoids. Several varieties of Cannabis, known as hemp, have a very low cannabinoid content, and are instead grown for their fiber and seed.
Best Weed Strains
Dutch Cheese
Dutch Cheese is a little bit of a mystery in the cannabis community. Why? Because only one of its parents are known (Euforia). That makes Dutch Cheese one bastard of a strain. Sorry, Dutchy. But don’t let its parental heritage dissuade you. Dutch Cheese is a cerebral high that will leave you feeling uplifted and euphoric. All of that wrapped in a sweet, fruit-flavored package that is sure to please.
Chernobyl
We love this strain because it smells like teen spirit. Just kidding. It’s even better than that — it smells like lime sherbet! Chernobyl is a mix of Trainwreck, Trinity, and Jack the Ripper. Contrary to its “powerful” and “scary” name, Chernobyl is more about floating away on a happy, relaxed cloud than it is about watching the walls have a meltdown. That makes Chernobyl great for relieving stress and bad moods.
Chem Dog
Chem Dog can trace its roots back to the well-known strains Kush, Hash Plant, and Northern Lights. It offers very pungent, earthy diesel flavors and results in a relaxed, euphoric high with tinges of creativity floating on the periphery. But like many of the strains on this list, Chem Dog should be approached with the caution it deserves. THC levels top out at 15-20% so it can kick you where it counts in no time flat and take you deep inside your head (for good or bad) on a very cerebral trip.
Death Star
To paraphrase a classic line, “That’s no moon. It’s a ganja strain!” Death Star shares its sativa and indica effects with its parents Sensi Star and Sour Diesel and offers a truly unique experience. Though sometimes slow to take over, Death Star never fails to zap your cares and will transport you to a state of relaxed euphoria like none other. Like its parent strain, Sour Diesel, Death Star produces flavors akin to the pungent, earthy diesel we’ve all come to know and love. The thick frosty leaves of the Death Star strain smoke very smooth and slow while, at the same time, delivering a heady indica punch for those who want to get stuck on their couch for a few hours.
Ghost Train Haze
Bred from parents Ghost OG and Nevil’s Wreck, this strain measures in at 25% THC content and can serve as your express train to good times. Contrary to its name, Ghost Train Haze has a tendency to stimulate focus and creativity so you won’t be walking around in a daze (or haze). Ghost Train Haze won’t scare you silly but it will knock your socks off with flavors reminiscent of sweet, earthy citrus. Delicious! All aboard the Ghost Train Haze express.
Red Dragon
Another potent strain that specializes in a heady sense of happiness, euphoria, and the seemingly-at-odds relaxation and excitement. That’s a mystical combination with an appropriately mystical name. Legend has it that this strain got its name from the vivid red hairs that adorn the mature buds and give them a dragon-like appearance. I don’t know about all that but this is certainly an excellently powerful strain that will fly you to places you’ve never even imagined.
Yoda OG
Yoda OG is one of the best-matched marijuana strains for a quality couch lock session. It’s combined mental and body indica buzz will soothe your senses as your mind unwinds and your body melts between the cushions. Any chronic pain or emotional stress will disappear in a pungent puff the moment you light up, making this the cannabis companion of choice for both recreational and medical marijuana users.
ChemDawg
Chemdawg can trace its roots (again, pun intended) back to the well-known strains Kush, Hash Plant, and Northern Lights. It offers very pungent, earthy diesel flavors and results in a relaxed, euphoric high with tinges of creativity floating on the periphery. But like many of the strains on this list, Chemdawg should be approached with the caution it deserves. THC levels top out at 15-20% so it can kick you where it counts in no time flat and take you deep inside your head (for good or bad) on a very cerebral trip.
Cherry OG
The Cherry OG strain is the child of Cherry Thai, Afghani, and Lost Coast OG and is a 50/50 blend of indica and sativa that produces a pleasant 50/50 combination of mind and body high. You start with the heady high of sativa and end with a deep body relaxation that is a signature effect of indica. True to its name, the first thing you’ll probably notice about this unique bud is that it is smaller and darker than most, and has a visibly reddish tone. It’s quite reminiscent of, well, what else? Cherries! Sometimes a name does really say it all.
Black Gorilla
Black Gorilla is a hybrid of Gorilla Glue #4 (a potent strain in itself) and Bright Berry so you know it’s gotta be good. This is one of those names that I often question. It’s like they just picked a word out of a dictionary without giving it any thought. Aren’t most gorillas black? I certainly haven’t smoked enough weed that my answer would be no. So why name it that? Why not get creative and call it Green Gorilla? Nice use of consonance, don’t you think? Dibs on the name, by the way! Or maybe go the rhyming way with Vanilla Gorilla? Prosaic name aside, this is a nicely potent strain that will knock you on your ass like you’ve been hit by a black gorilla…oh, now I get it.
Kandy Kush
Kandy Kush is a sweet-flavored hybrid (sativa/indica mix) that produces a distinct lemon scent when smoked. It’s become a favorite amongst medical users because of its potent high and strong pain-relief quality. Results may vary but Kandy Kush is great for relieving stress, depression, lack of appetite, and insomnia. That means, if you’re using this on a recreational basis, that you’ll feel awesome (physically and mentally), have a good meal, and get a great night’s sleep.
Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies
Some weed strains have very strange names and you just know they were thought up while under the influence. Other strains have names that are both appropriate and descriptive and were likely thought up in a stroke of genius (also under the influence, of course). Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies is certainly one of the latter. Forget about the 17-28% THC. Forget about the euphoria and relaxation it creates. This strain is named appropriately because—like the delicious cookies—you can just never get enough.
Fruity Pebbles
The Fruity Pebbles strain is an excellent choice for the beginner and expert alike. It’s mild but powerful effects won’t have you bouncing off the walls or held captive by your couch, but it will take you to places you’ve never been before. This strain traces its roots back to the likes of Tahoe Alien, Green Ribbon, and Granddaddy Purple. Thanks to these distinguished genetics, Fruity Pebbles is a versatile bud with plenty of beneficial effects—both recreational and medicinal—that can be used for a variety of intents and purposes.
Afternoon Delight
Afternoon Delight is famous for its small, dense nugs that give off a distinct aroma of pepper, flowers, and pine. This indica-dominant hybrid has been described as producing “a hazy aura that engulfs the mind and body.” Other dominant effects include relaxation and euphoria which means that this uplifting strain was very aptly named.
Bettie Page
If you’re looking to stoke your creativity, Bettie Page may be just the thing for you. This 50/50 hybrid that tastes of berries and diesel will have you coming up with some of your best weed-fueled inspirations ever. One cannabis enthusiast described this high-THC strain as producing mellow euphoria that focuses itself in the cerebral space and encourages energy rather than lethargy. Sounds great to me!
Acapulco Gold
As the name suggests, Acapulco Gold originated in and around Acapulco, Mexico, although it’s becoming more and more difficult to find as grow operations move indoors. This sativa strain is redolent with sweet, earthy, and citrus flavors that propel you into a happy place faster than a real trip to Acapulco.
Satori
Satori is indica/sativa hybrid that brings on feelings of extreme bliss. The high has been described as clear and powerful and will certainly fly the most jaded cannabis consumer to new euphoric and psychotropic places.
Alien Abduction
Alien Abduction packs a high-THC punch which may be where the strain got its name. It’s easy to imagine the original consumer of this product being sure he was being, or at least had been, abducted by aliens. Alien Abduction combines a righteous head buzz with a “Why is my head so heavy?” body high. Medical users rave about Alien Abduction’s appetite-stimulant and sleep-aid properties.
AK-47
Though AK-47 may sound like it might put you down for the count faster than you can say, “Let’s get baked,” it’s really one of the more cuddly and lovable strains available. The sweet, earthy, and woody aromas of this strain are the first thing you’ll notice, followed by a heady mix of energy, euphoria, and relaxation. This is a great choice if you want to function and have a good time rather float away into your own psychedelic world.
Brainwreck
Brainwreck is the love child of a threesome between the strains Trainwreck, Brain Child, and Brain. Its effects are exhilarating and cerebral, making it the smart choice for consumers looking to avoid fatigue. The nice thing about Brainwreck is that the mental effects last a lot longer than the physical effects.
Gravity
Gravity is an indica strain that is becoming well-known for its high CBD content. That CBD punch makes it a popular choice for the treatment of chronic pain and stress. Medical users like the fact that the Gravity strain can leave you relaxed but with energy to spare for normal activities.
Bordello
If you like sativa-like mental effects from an indica-dominant strain, you’ll love experiencing what Bordello has to offer. Users say this strain hits behind the eyes first and then spreads throughout the body. The combination of euphoric and uplifting effects will have you wondering how you’ll ever manage to focus your brain again. It’s wise to clear your calendar and give your whole day over to Bordello just in case you can’t find your way out. Reminds me of this strain’s namesake.
Savant’s Grail
Want to push your euphoria, arousal, focus, giggliness, and happiness off the charts? Try Savant’s Grail. This hybrid strain from Michigan took second place in the 2015 Michigan Cannabis Cup because of the unique combination of effects that knock the mind around while under its influence.
Carl Sagan
As the late, great Carl Sagan once wrote, “The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world.” The Carl Sagan strain can do that for you.
Bogart
The Bogart strain is reminiscent of earth and wood with subtle undertones of lemony goodness. Add in Bogart’s high THC content, and you’ve got a hybrid strain that is particularly useful for patients suffering from PTSD, nausea, stress, and chronic pain. Bogart is also a great choice for smokers with a well-developed cannabis tolerance.
Cloud 9
One toke of the Cloud 9 strain and you’ll be…on cloud nine! Sorry, that comparison is mandatory in the Strain Writer’s Handbook. If I hadn’t made that terrible joke, I’d be subjected to eight hours of the movie Back to the Beach on repeat as punishment. Only the happy, giggly relaxation of the Cloud 9 strain could have gotten me through that hell on Earth.
Beastmode OG
Want a powerful punch from your weed? Try the aptly named Beastmode OG. Named after NFL running back Marshawn Lynch, this strain mimics his explosive playing style. The nice balance of indica and sativa effects mean that you’ll experience a wonderful elevation in mood along with relief from stress and pain.
Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen strain on brown surface. Because of its parentage—Green Crack, OG Kush, and Blue Dream—this lemon-scented strain offers both relaxing and uplifting effects. The come-down is lengthy and sleepy which makes it great for insomnia and pain relief.
Skywalker OG
This indica dominant hybrid will save you from the dark side of physical pain. Skywalker OG is a cross between Skywalker and OG kush as opposed to Anakin and Padme.
Cannatonic
This hybrid has a THC to CBD ratio of nearly 1 to 1, which contrary to its name means it has very little psychoactive effect making it an ideal medical strain for use during your waking hours. Never judge a strain by its name alone!
MK Ultra
This indica is named after the Central Intelligence Agency’s illegal and highly disturbing mind control experiments on unwitting United States and Canadian citizens because of the strain’s powerful, hypnotic, fast-acting euphoric effects. MK Ultra is a cross of OG Kush and G13, another amazing indica which nearly made this list and which, according to legend, was bred by the CIA, FBI, and other intelligence agencies at a secret facility at the University of Mississippi.
Jack Herer
This sativa is named after the legendary legalization activist and author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes. This strain creates blissful, clear-headed and creative effects.
Maui Waui
This sativa original came out of Maui’s volcanic soil. It has sweet, tropical pineapple flavors and is known for delivering creative, high-energy euphoria.
Blueberry
This strain smells and tastes like blueberries and it’ll relieve pain, stress or any other form of the blues with heavy indica euphoria.
Purple Haze
This sativa is as classic as Jimi Hendrix’s epic 1967 hit due to its creative, high-energy, cerebral, psychedelic euphoria.
Super Silver Haze
This sativa has an energetic, uplifting, long-lasting body high which is perfect for stress, nausea and lack of appetite.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a very well-known indica strain with powerful psychoactive effects ideal for knocking the lights out of any kind of unwanted pain, sleeplessness, depression or stress.
Pineapple Express
This incredibly popular, colorful, distinctly flavorful sativa has a zany comedy named after it because of its high-energy buzz, making it a great strain to get you off your couch for productive pursuits or recreational hijinks and mischief.
Tahoe OG Kush
This hybrid is a strong strain with a THC content as high as 25%. This nighttime strain combines indica-like sedative buzz with a kicking sativa body euphoria, making it great for treating pain, insomnia, or lack of appetite.
Bruce Banner #3
This hybrid smashes you with euphoria that hits you harder and faster than a gamma ray explosion with a fallout of creative relaxation to help you explore, understand, and harness your own inner, alter egos.
HeadBand
Some batches of Headband can have so much THC in them (up to 27%) that you might feel a little bit of slight pressure around the crown of your head if you smoke it. It burns easily and you may smoke a lot of it before you feel its effects, which are ideal for treating pain.
Durban Poison
This uplifting, energetic sativa is named after the port city in South Africa where it’s originally from. It’s a highly sought after strain used for making cannabis concentrates.
OG Kush
This hybrid flourishes on the west coast where it is well known for alleviating migraines, treating ADD/ADHD and other stress disorders with a heavy euphoria due to THC levels that can reach up to 27%.
Bubba Kush
Big, bulky, green, and purple Bubba Kush buds are known for their chocolate, coffee, hashish aroma and flavor, which produce a calm, tranquilizing euphoria.
Super Lemon Haze
If you like your weed with tart, sweet, zesty, citrus flavors then this lively, energetic sativa is the ideal choice for you!
White Widow
The white, crystal trichome resin of the white widow plant won’t creep up on you slowly. This world-wide known Dutch coffee shop favorite will quickly intoxicate you with energetic euphoria, entangling you in webs of conversation and creativity.
Trainwreck
This well-loved hybrid hits you as fast and as hard as a runaway train with euphoric relief, creativity and happiness whenever your body or mind is feeling wrecked from physical pain, arthritis, anxiety, migraines, ADD/ADHD or PTSD.
Green Crack
This sativa creates a sharp, electric, energetic mental buzz that is so invigorating that Snoop Dogg named it Green Crack. It’s ideal daytime treatment for fatigue, stress, and depression.
Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies is a cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison that grew even more popular than it’s celebrity-like parents especially in 2014. Its aroma is sweet, earthy and smooth to smoke. It’s high THC and CBD content induces full-body, relaxed, euphoria great for treating pain, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Strawberry Cough
This sativa is known for its strawberry aroma and flavor, which is strong enough to make the most seasoned stoner cough. Strawberry Cough is as well known for managing social anxieties, reducing stress, and inducing happiness as it is for its unique palatability.
Grandaddy Purple
GDP is a highly physically and mentally relaxing, euphoric, indica lover’s dream well known for its deep shades of purple and white, snow-like trichome resin. GDP is a staple for treating severe pain, stress, insomnia, appetite loss, and muscle spasms, and it was invaluable in managing deadline stress over this very blog post!
Sour Diesel
This notorious, no-nonsense sativa is named after it’s unmistakable pungent diesel-like aroma. Sour D. is strong fuel for fast relief from stress, pain, and depression or for high-adrenaline recreation!
Blue Dream
Blue dream is one of the most popular strains on all the lists because seasoned smokers and green cannabis users alike love the balanced full-bodied relaxation and euphoric cerebral stimulation.
It’s an ideal daytime medicine great for alleviating pain, depression, and nausea. This hybrid arguably gives you the best-balanced blend of indica and sativa effects, making it a great introductory strain into the wonderful world of cannabis.
