In case you’ve missed it, the cannabis industry is booming right now. There is more choice for cannabis users than ever before, and enticing new strains appear on the market all the time. But which are the best?
In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of our favourite strains, from classics that have been around since your grandparents were smoking to breakthroughs in the rapidly advancing field of cannabis breeding.
A change in federal law would be massive news for this blossoming sector, paving the way for even faster industry growth and accessibility to cannabis for even more Americans.
Already, the number of people using cannabis for recreation and medicinal use is growing every month. The amount of land set aside for cannabis cultivation is on the rise, investors are jumping on board, and more dispensaries are popping up in towns and cities across the nation.
People are turning to cannabis for all kinds of reasons; for relief from stress, to promote better sleep, as an alternative to prescription drugs, and simply to relax and kick back in their downtime.
The demand from a whole new wave of cannabis users - and the stripping away of red tape - has given businesses space and resources to develop new products and inventive strains of cannabis.
Before the days of legalization, the choices were slim. Unless you were growing your own plants, you got what you were given, and the idea of being able to pick from a range of strains was a dream that even the most optimistic of users couldn’t imagine as reality.
This cross-breeding dates back millennia when ancient Chinese farmers bred hemp plants to produce stronger fibre and larger plants for clothes, house building, and cooking.
Although there is still the desire to grow plants that produce more of the smokeable flower and which flourish in different climates and soil types, a lot of today’s focus is on the flavours and aroma of the flowers and the type of high it gives.
It has long been thought that Indica weed has a relaxing high, affecting the whole body, whereas Sativa produces a more cerebral effect conducive to creativity and exploration. As time moves on and clinical research into cannabis advances, the distinction between these two categories has become more and more blurred.
Researchers are suggesting that the traditional labels and effects of the two categories are meaningless. Genetic studies have found there are no characteristics that strictly define Indica, Sativa, or hybrid plants.
This gives all the more importance to the specific strains of cannabis, which are carefully produced for particular types of high, potency, and flavour.
While breeders work to create consistency with their strains, there is nothing to say that a strain from one breeder will be precisely the same as a strain with the same name from another breeder. While there will likely be a substantial similarity, many cannabis growers work to recreate certain popular strains without using the same genetics - resulting in a similar but not identical plant.
It should also be noted that breeders are often improving and fine-tuning their strains, so you may notice a slight change over time.
But without further ado, let’s get into it.
The most famous name drop of this strain is probably in Jimi Hendrix’s song by the same name. Thought to have been originally developed from a cross of Haze and a Purple Thai, the plant produces purple flowers with a rich berry aroma.
Purple Haze is a Sativa known for its cerebral highs and chilled euphoria and is often the go-to for people who want to ignite a spark of creativity from their high. Modern variants of Purple Haze average around 15% THC.
This is a strong one - beginners should take it easy when smoking this. A potent dose can leave new users feeling a bit anxious and paranoid, but these effects are sure to ease down pretty quickly.
This Indica strain is perfect for medical users, as the hit it delivers is sure to help reduce body aches and pains and set you up for a great night’s sleep. Its potency is so well renowned many people believe the name ‘Rhino’ comes from the impact of the high it delivers.
Well, with THC content ranging from 15-30%, you may want to think twice before you start your day with a few puffs of Mimosa. A cross between Clementine and Purple Punch, you can expect the fruity, citrus flavours of its alcoholic counterpart to come through when you smoke.
The high can vary depending on the dosage and your tolerance. An uplifting, energetic buzz fades into a relaxing, lazy feeling the more you intake. This makes it a versatile strain for both recreational and medical users. If you’re feeling lethargic Mimosa can pick you up, but it can send you back down just as quickly if you get the dosage right.
Sensi has kept the genetic makeup of this strain a secret since its creation in the late ’80s. A hybrid that leans slightly into the Sativa side, Jack Herer was designed to give equal parts head and body high and equal parts rejuvenation and relaxation.
Sensi wanted to create the best weed strain on the planet, and it’s hard to say that they failed. They name it after the cannabis activist and writer Jack Herer. His hard work to break the stigma around marijuana paved the way for the legislation that is sweeping across large parts of North America and Europe today.
Jack Herer’s quality is evident in the fact that it was one of the first strains of marijuana to be given the label of ‘medical grade’ by the Dutch government way back in the early 2000s.
There are many offshoots and imitations, each with its own unique twist on this cannabis titan, such as Black Jack and Captain Jack.
This strain also dates back decades and is the lovechild of some of the earliest cultivators in the modern American cannabis industry. Skunk #1 is such a strong strain its genetics have been used as a launchpad for more offshoots and varieties than can be reasonably listed. Skunk #1 made its way over the Atlantic during the ’70s or ’80s and provided a starting point for the domination Sensi Seeds still enjoy to this day.
Expect a THC level of around 18%, putting it in the same category as other high potency strains on this list, but the high is known to be smooth and long-lasting, with few paranoid side-effects.
As the name suggests, you’ll experience a sweet fruity taste ranging from mango to pineapple to cedar. You’ll feel creative and relaxed at the same time as motivated and productive—a perfect combination for those who want the high but still need to get busy with their day.
This is another strain with a background lost to the shady days before legalization. Sour Diesel gained widespread popularity in the ’90s, probably due to its one-of-a-kind taste and strong-smelling smoke that can be recognized a mile away.
The THC levels range from 10-20% depending on the grower, and it is a mostly Sativa strain. Sour Diesel is another strain that has produced countless offspring, most of which take the edge off the chemical aftertaste and replace it with tropical tones.
This one is pure Sativa and has its roots in the arid subtropical climate of South Africa - making it a hardy and resilient plant that can grow in a wide range of environments and soil types.
Expect a feeling that fills you with energy and lifts you onto your feet, perfect for those who like a productive high. Durban Poison has a lovely sweet flavour and is a great bud to smoke at parties - it has a crowd-pleasing taste, and the effects loosen you up and promote chatty behaviour.
Because it has been cultivated and perfected for many years, Durban Poison is great for amateur growers. It’s easy to grow, has an excellent yield, and flowers remarkably quickly compared to other strains.
So there you have it. We’ve listed some of our personal favourites and some strains that are simply essential smoking for anyone who wishes to call themselves a cannabis connoisseur. I can’t find half of these strains in the dispensaries near me, so keep your eyes peeled!
If you’re new to the world of cannabis, then you won’t go wrong with any of the strains mentioned here, and you can even impress your more experienced friends with your newfound knowledge of cannabis varieties.
Happy smoking and we hope you find the strain that’s perfect for you!
In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of our favourite strains, from classics that have been around since your grandparents were smoking to breakthroughs in the rapidly advancing field of cannabis breeding.
The choice for cannabis users has never been better
Countless states have bowed down to pressure from cannabis users, medical researchers, and politicians alike. Legalization is rolling out across America on a state by state basis, and the change in presidency could even bring about a shift in the law on a federal level.A change in federal law would be massive news for this blossoming sector, paving the way for even faster industry growth and accessibility to cannabis for even more Americans.
Already, the number of people using cannabis for recreation and medicinal use is growing every month. The amount of land set aside for cannabis cultivation is on the rise, investors are jumping on board, and more dispensaries are popping up in towns and cities across the nation.
People are turning to cannabis for all kinds of reasons; for relief from stress, to promote better sleep, as an alternative to prescription drugs, and simply to relax and kick back in their downtime.
The demand from a whole new wave of cannabis users - and the stripping away of red tape - has given businesses space and resources to develop new products and inventive strains of cannabis.
Before the days of legalization, the choices were slim. Unless you were growing your own plants, you got what you were given, and the idea of being able to pick from a range of strains was a dream that even the most optimistic of users couldn’t imagine as reality.
Cannabis Strains: What are the differences?
Much like other plants that humans have domesticated for their own use, cannabis has a long history of selective breeding designed to produce sturdier, more resistant plants and produce higher yields.This cross-breeding dates back millennia when ancient Chinese farmers bred hemp plants to produce stronger fibre and larger plants for clothes, house building, and cooking.
Although there is still the desire to grow plants that produce more of the smokeable flower and which flourish in different climates and soil types, a lot of today’s focus is on the flavours and aroma of the flowers and the type of high it gives.
Indica vs Sativa
Traditionally, cannabis strains have been broken down into three broad categories; Indica, Sativa, and hybrids, which are a mix of the two. Out of these three, Indica dominant strains are typically the favourite among seasoned cannabis users while sativas are associated with uplifting and relaxing effects that make you sleepy.It has long been thought that Indica weed has a relaxing high, affecting the whole body, whereas Sativa produces a more cerebral effect conducive to creativity and exploration. As time moves on and clinical research into cannabis advances, the distinction between these two categories has become more and more blurred.
Researchers are suggesting that the traditional labels and effects of the two categories are meaningless. Genetic studies have found there are no characteristics that strictly define Indica, Sativa, or hybrid plants.
This gives all the more importance to the specific strains of cannabis, which are carefully produced for particular types of high, potency, and flavour.
Strain consistency
Before we jump into the countdown of some of our all-time favourite cannabis strains, there is a word of warning you should consider. Not all strains that have the same name will be identical.While breeders work to create consistency with their strains, there is nothing to say that a strain from one breeder will be precisely the same as a strain with the same name from another breeder. While there will likely be a substantial similarity, many cannabis growers work to recreate certain popular strains without using the same genetics - resulting in a similar but not identical plant.
It should also be noted that breeders are often improving and fine-tuning their strains, so you may notice a slight change over time.
But without further ado, let’s get into it.
Purple Haze
Let’s start with a classic. The name purple haze has been dropped by more rockstars, rappers, and reggae singers than anyone can remember and is one of the most recognizable names in cannabis.The most famous name drop of this strain is probably in Jimi Hendrix’s song by the same name. Thought to have been originally developed from a cross of Haze and a Purple Thai, the plant produces purple flowers with a rich berry aroma.
Purple Haze is a Sativa known for its cerebral highs and chilled euphoria and is often the go-to for people who want to ignite a spark of creativity from their high. Modern variants of Purple Haze average around 15% THC.
White Rhino
From a veteran of the game to a relative newcomer, White Rhino is apparently named for the horn-like buds that sprout from the top of this high yield plant. A cross of popular old-school strain White Widow and North American Indica, this strain is known for its high THC content and the heavy, mind and body numbing high it delivers.This is a strong one - beginners should take it easy when smoking this. A potent dose can leave new users feeling a bit anxious and paranoid, but these effects are sure to ease down pretty quickly.
This Indica strain is perfect for medical users, as the hit it delivers is sure to help reduce body aches and pains and set you up for a great night’s sleep. Its potency is so well renowned many people believe the name ‘Rhino’ comes from the impact of the high it delivers.
Mimosa
Who doesn’t love a mimosa? It’s one of the few alcoholic beverages that you will be encouraged to drink with breakfast. Does this hybrid variety live up to the name of this classic 11am tipple?Well, with THC content ranging from 15-30%, you may want to think twice before you start your day with a few puffs of Mimosa. A cross between Clementine and Purple Punch, you can expect the fruity, citrus flavours of its alcoholic counterpart to come through when you smoke.
The high can vary depending on the dosage and your tolerance. An uplifting, energetic buzz fades into a relaxing, lazy feeling the more you intake. This makes it a versatile strain for both recreational and medical users. If you’re feeling lethargic Mimosa can pick you up, but it can send you back down just as quickly if you get the dosage right.
Jack Herer
If there were a cannabis hall of fame, you would find Jack Herer behind a red velvet rope, happily chilling out in the VIP section. This strain was developed by the equally famous and celebrated champion of the cannabis seed industry, Sensi Seeds.Sensi has kept the genetic makeup of this strain a secret since its creation in the late ’80s. A hybrid that leans slightly into the Sativa side, Jack Herer was designed to give equal parts head and body high and equal parts rejuvenation and relaxation.
Sensi wanted to create the best weed strain on the planet, and it’s hard to say that they failed. They name it after the cannabis activist and writer Jack Herer. His hard work to break the stigma around marijuana paved the way for the legislation that is sweeping across large parts of North America and Europe today.
Jack Herer’s quality is evident in the fact that it was one of the first strains of marijuana to be given the label of ‘medical grade’ by the Dutch government way back in the early 2000s.
There are many offshoots and imitations, each with its own unique twist on this cannabis titan, such as Black Jack and Captain Jack.
Skunk #1
Another tried and tested variety that your parents probably remember (I mean if it ain’t broke don’t fix it) is the world-famous Skunk #1. This strain is so well known for its thick, earthy smoke and stress-free high, the word skunk became synonymous with any potent weed and is still used as a slang name for cannabis in many parts of the world.This strain also dates back decades and is the lovechild of some of the earliest cultivators in the modern American cannabis industry. Skunk #1 is such a strong strain its genetics have been used as a launchpad for more offshoots and varieties than can be reasonably listed. Skunk #1 made its way over the Atlantic during the ’70s or ’80s and provided a starting point for the domination Sensi Seeds still enjoy to this day.
Pineapple Express
No doubt you’ve seen or heard of the film starring James Franco and Seth Rogan, but this strain has been around longer than you might think. Pineapple Express is now a household name - probably one of the most recognizable names in cannabis - but it has been enjoyed in Europe for a handful of decades before it shot to worldwide fame.Expect a THC level of around 18%, putting it in the same category as other high potency strains on this list, but the high is known to be smooth and long-lasting, with few paranoid side-effects.
As the name suggests, you’ll experience a sweet fruity taste ranging from mango to pineapple to cedar. You’ll feel creative and relaxed at the same time as motivated and productive—a perfect combination for those who want the high but still need to get busy with their day.
Sour Diesel
Ah yes, good old Sour D. A far cry from some of the fruity and sweet-tasting buds we’ve featured so far, Sour Diesel has its own unique flavour. Eventually, your mouth will be drier than a Nevada summer, but the initial flavour will have your taste buds watering. The pungent diesel-like flavour isn’t to everyone’s liking, but for some, I included, it makes a welcome change from the norm.This is another strain with a background lost to the shady days before legalization. Sour Diesel gained widespread popularity in the ’90s, probably due to its one-of-a-kind taste and strong-smelling smoke that can be recognized a mile away.
The THC levels range from 10-20% depending on the grower, and it is a mostly Sativa strain. Sour Diesel is another strain that has produced countless offspring, most of which take the edge off the chemical aftertaste and replace it with tropical tones.
Durban Poison
Last, but by no means least, Durban Poison. As a current resident of South Africa, it would be remiss of me not to include this strain on the list of some of the most moreish buds the earth has to offer.This one is pure Sativa and has its roots in the arid subtropical climate of South Africa - making it a hardy and resilient plant that can grow in a wide range of environments and soil types.
Expect a feeling that fills you with energy and lifts you onto your feet, perfect for those who like a productive high. Durban Poison has a lovely sweet flavour and is a great bud to smoke at parties - it has a crowd-pleasing taste, and the effects loosen you up and promote chatty behaviour.
Because it has been cultivated and perfected for many years, Durban Poison is great for amateur growers. It’s easy to grow, has an excellent yield, and flowers remarkably quickly compared to other strains.
So there you have it. We’ve listed some of our personal favourites and some strains that are simply essential smoking for anyone who wishes to call themselves a cannabis connoisseur. I can’t find half of these strains in the dispensaries near me, so keep your eyes peeled!
If you’re new to the world of cannabis, then you won’t go wrong with any of the strains mentioned here, and you can even impress your more experienced friends with your newfound knowledge of cannabis varieties.
Happy smoking and we hope you find the strain that’s perfect for you!
