jason-crawford

Medically Reviewed by
Jason Crawford

Article Last Updated on January 5, 2023

Weed strains nowadays are much more potent than how they were in the past. There’s also much more variety. Cannabis cultivators are constantly doing their best to come up with different strains that will open up new dimensions of the cannabis plant. Even experienced weed connoisseurs sometimes don’t know what to expect from a strain before they actually try it because weed is a complex plant and part of its appeal is its mystery.

In today’s article, we want to talk about the best kinds of weed strains you can currently find on the market. Whether for medical marijuana or recreation, these strains have stayed on the top for many good reasons, so let’s examine their charm.

What Weed Is Considered as the Best Weed?

The best weed strains you will find on the top shelf in any dispensary are carefully bred strains that have been cultivated with care and cured for a long time. This process ensures that the cannabinoids and terpenes are well-developed, preserving the unique taste and aroma of that particular strain.

For some cannabis users, high-THC strains are the best, especially those that seek psychoactive effects specifically. However, considering that different cannabis connoisseurs have different needs, high-CBD strains are also sought after, especially for therapeutic purposes.

The Best Cannabis Strains to Tickle Your Fancy

Let’s review the most popular strains you will currently hear about in the cannabis community, most of which are well-established classics loved by many.

Indica Strains

Indicas are known for their intense relaxation effects and altering of the senses. They are naturally higher in THC and CBD, making many of them a favorite for recreational users looking for an intense euphoric and psychedelic experience. However, they can also be good for treating chronic pain. 

Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple is an Indica strain famous for its relaxation and euphoric effects. With THC of 23%, it’s not suitable for beginners, but its purple buds will mellow you out in no time (and you will feel it in your body). It has a berry-like fruity aroma and flavor that’s very hard to resist.

Northern Lights

Another popular strain, Northern Lights is an acclaimed award-winning strain. Its effects are fast-acting and very soothing, perfect for nighttime. Its flavor is piney with lemony undertones, while its aroma is a fresh combination of spice and sweetness.

Hindu Kush 

With its notably resinous buds, Hindu Kush may be one of the most popular pure Indica strains. It induces a deep and relaxing body high that melts all your worries away. Its taste is sweet and berry-like, while its aroma is an alluring mix of sweet and earthy.

Afghani

Afghani is a heavier Indica strain that produces intense euphoria and a deep state of body relaxation. It’s an old-school Indica with resinous buds that have an earthy and diesel-like aroma with citrusy undertones and a sweet hash taste.

Sativa Strains 

Sativa strains are opposite from Indica strains in that they produce a cerebral high rather than a body high. Their effects are predominantly uplifting and energizing, which makes them more suitable for the daytime. Their THC content is naturally higher while CBD is naturally lower, but there are many Sativas that have higher CBD levels.

Sour Diesel 

Sour Diesel is an iconic Sativa strain known for its pungent smell and potency. With THC levels between 20-25%, it’s perfect for wake-and-bake because it will energize you in an instant. It smells like gasoline with lemony undertones, and it tastes tangy.

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a well-liked pure Sativa strain that improves your mood and boosts your energy levels. It has a refreshing citrusy and piney taste and aroma with smooth and sweet undertones that will stimulate your senses just like a cup of coffee.

Green Crack

Green Crack is a Sativa strain with high THC levels of about 20%. It’s an energetic and uplifting strain that’s great for improving your focus, making it perfect for daytime use. Its aroma is citrusy and woody, while its flavor reveals some sweet and tropical flavors.

Jack Herer 

Another top strain, Jack Herer is a popular Sativa strain known for its cerebral effects. It will stimulate your brain and wake up your creativity while still relaxing your body. It has a citrusy, peppery smell with herbal and lemony flavor that’s a little earthy.

Hybrid Strains 

Hybrid strains are a cross of Indica and Sativa strains, where usually the one strain is dominant, but there are also many balanced hybrids. Growers have developed hybrid strains to produce some very specific effects, so you can find all kinds of amazing hybrid strains to suit your every need. Some of the best strains currently sold on the market are hybrids, and a few of them have achieved the status of a classic.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant hybrid. It’s a potent strain with THC levels of about 20%. It has a pungent berry aroma with a hint of citrus and its flavor is flowery and fruity. Blue Dream is a great daytime strain because it heightens your focus, but it still gives you some fuzzy feelings of calm and euphoria. 

Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush is a very popular Indica-dominant strain. It’s perfect for nighttime because of its intense sedative effects that manifest as a couch-lock pretty soon. Its flavor is an interesting sweet blend of chocolate and coffee, with a nutty and herbal aroma.

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies is an award-winning weed strain with an impressive THC content of 28%, which makes it quite powerful. It has a sweet aroma and flavor, reminiscent of cookie dough, with notes of lemon and spice. Girl Scout Cookies starts off with a cerebral high that then spreads through the body and turns into a body-melting high. 

OG Kush

OG Kush is a very famous balanced hybrid that originates from California. It has large and colorful flowers and a very distinct earthy aroma with notes of pine and citrus, and a slightly spicy flavor. The high is felt slightly more in the mind than in the body – colors will seem more vivid, your mood will be uplifted and you will feel more mentally stimulated.

White Widow

White Widow is an acclaimed Indica-dominant strain that’s a favorite among many in the weed community. Its earthy, woody, and slightly flowery taste, and its warm, musky aroma with a touch of fruitiness will boost your mood and creativity, and lead you to blissful relaxation.

Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express weed is a Sativa-dominant hybrid that packs a lot of power with 20% THC levels. It starts off with a strong head high that after a few moments turns into a relaxing sense of well-being. It has a floral aroma and a fruity flavor with a slight tanginess and woody undertones.

Trainwreck

Trainwreck is a very popular strain due to its high THC content of 25%, making it suitable for seasoned users. It’s a Sativa dominant hybrid that initially causes a rush of adrenaline followed by a mellowing body buzz and feelings of bliss. It has a piney and lemony flavor coupled with earthy aroma and citrusy notes.

Gelato 

Gelato is just what it sounds like – a sweet and delicious balanced hybrid whose effects are the perfect blend of Indica and Sativa. It will give you a cerebral buzz that’s not overly stimulating, and it will uplift your mood. Its taste and aroma are citrusy and refreshing, with a touch of sweetness.

Cherry Pie

Cherry pie is an irresistible Indica-dominant hybrid. It has a pronounced sweet and sour cherry pie-like flavor with light herbal and floral aroma. It can boost THC levels of up to 20%, making it quite potent, but its effects are highly relaxing and uplifting (and even suitable for mental or physical tasks).

The Takeaway – Marijuana Strains Galore

Nowadays, there are strains for practically your every whim. Whatever effect you want to experience, there is a strain for it. However, the best strains are those that have been bred well and cured well, and that’s what they have in common, whether they’re Indicas, Sativas, or hybrids.

A passionate advocate for the benefits of cannabis. Fraser Horton, who has a background in botany and a strong love of nature, has spent years researching how cannabis affects the body and mind. He established Leaf Nation in 2020, where he has devoted himself to educating people about the legalisation of marijuana and its safe and responsible use. Fraser is committed to highlighting cannabis’ potential for improving wellness and working to dispel the stigma associated with its use.

Disclaimer

The information presented on this page is provided as a public service to aid in education and is derived from sources believed to be reliable. Readers are responsible for making their own assessment of the topics discussed here. In no event shall Leaf Nation be held reliable for any injury, loss or damage that could happen if using or abusing drugs.