White Widow, Pineapple Express, Jack Herer, Super Silver Haze… the list of unique names given to weed strains is lengthy. While some strain names indicate a desired psychoactive effect or flavor profile, others pay homage to the cultivators who created them or even play into the bud’s unique lineage. And some cannabis strain names are completely random or intentionally funny.

Since strain names often aren’t the most reliable source of insight into the specific characteristics of a strain, it can be difficult to differentiate between the good, the bad, and the ugly in the world of weed. And that’s where we come in.

This comprehensive guide gives insight into the unique characteristics of the most popular strains. We’re here to provide you with a thorough source of information to give you a firm grasp on everything you need to know about cannabis strains in general; a stoner’s manual, if you will.

Indica-Dominant Strains

Indica-dominant strains hold a special place in the world of weed, especially for stoners searching for hybrid effects that encourage relaxation without the heavy sedative effects often found in purely Indica strains.

An Indica-dominant strain is simply a hybrid between two cultivars; however, its parent genetics make way for a higher percentage of cannabis indica versus sativa. Indica-dominant strains can realistically be smoked at any time of day, but stoners typically reach for them during times of high stress or to relax after a particularly long work week.

Popular Indica-Dominant Strains

A few popular indica-dominant strains include:

Gorilla Glue (60% Indica / 40% sativa): Gorilla Glue is a popular Indica-dominant hybrid strain born from Chocolate Diesel and Sour Diesel. It’s known for its high THC content, strong effects, and borderline-perfect structure. The buds of Gorilla Glue are dense, sticky, and covered in trichomes that give it a frosty appearance, while the aroma is pungent and earthy with notes of pine and diesel. People describe the effects as potent and long-lasting, inducing feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and a sense of being "glued" to the couch.
Blueberry (80% Indica / 20% Sativa): The Blueberry strain is a popular Indica-dominant hybrid known for its fruity, sweet taste and aroma that resembles fresh blueberries. The strain is believed to be a cross between an Afghani indica, Thai sativa, and Purple Thai sativa strains; however, its definitive lineage is unknown. Blueberry is renowned for its relaxing and calming effects, which can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and insomnia as well as relieve pain.
Girl Scout Cookies (60% Indica / 40% sativa): Girl Scout Cookies is an Indica-dominant hybrid marijuana strain that is born from a cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison. It is best known for its sweet, earthy, and slightly minty flavor profile and is often described as having a powerful and euphoric high to put you in a mood that’s equally relaxing and uplifting — great for both mental and physical pain.

A Closer Look at Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Strains of Marijuana

It’s a well-known fact that different cannabis strains produce different psychoactive effects. For example, your favorite cannabis sativa strain may give you a much-needed jolt of energy in the morning, but that same strain isn’t particularly ideal for nighttime smoke sessions.

To better understand the three main categories of cannabis, let’s take a closer look.

Indica Strains

Indica strains are a type of cannabis plant that is known for their short, bushy stature and broad leaves. Indica strains tend to have higher levels of CBD (cannabidiol) than THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which typically results in a more relaxing and calming effect on the body.

Indica strains are often used for their soothing properties and are commonly associated with feelings of relaxation, sleepiness, sedation, and chronic pain relief. Typically recommended for nighttime use, indica strains can help promote restful sleep, relief from stress, and an overall sense of tranquility. Additionally, indica strains are known for their ability to stimulate appetite, making them a popular choice for medical marijuana patients who suffer from chronic medical conditions such as nausea or loss of appetite.

Sativa Strains

Sativa strains are a type of cannabis plant that is known for their tall, lanky stature and narrow leaves. Sativa strains tend to have higher levels of THC than CBD, which typically results in a more energizing and mood-lifting effect on the mind and body.

Sativa strains are often consumed for their cerebral effects and are commonly associated with motivational feelings of euphoria, creativity, and increased focus. Often recommended for daytime use, sativa strains can help enhance productivity and provide a jolt of energy for a morning wake-n-bake or mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Regarding their medicinal benefits, sativa strains are typically used to alleviate chronic medical conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Hybrid

Hybrid strains are created by crossbreeding different indica and sativa cannabis strains. The goal of crossing strains is to create a cannabis cultivar with desirable characteristics from both parent strains, such as a combination of the relaxing effects of an Indica with the energizing effects of a sativa.

There are three main types of hybrid strains: Sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant, and balanced. Sativa-dominant hybrids tend to have more of the uplifting effects associated with sativa strains, while Indica-dominant hybrids tend to have more of the relaxing effects associated with Indica strains. Balanced hybrids aim to provide an equal mix of both sativa and indica effects.

Hybrid strains can vary widely in their effects and potency, depending on the specific combination of parent strains and their respective cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Some particular strains may be more suited for daytime use, while others may be more appropriate for nighttime use or for specific medical conditions such as pain relief.

The effects of cannabis can vary widely depending on the individual. For example, certain strains may work for one stoner, but other strains may not work for another.

How to Choose Between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Strains

Choosing between cannabis indica, sativa, and hybrid strains ultimately comes down to time of day, desired effects, and preference. Many stoners may reach for a purely sativa strain in the morning for a boost of energy and motivation, while others skip the sativa entirely when it’s time to wind down for the night.

Hybrid strains, on the other hand, create a more bespoke experience that can be easily tailored to one’s desired effects without being too overpoweringly sativa or too indica-heavy.

It’s important to note that there is no ‘right’ strain or ‘wrong’ strain to smoke at any time of day — one’s preference is a uniquely individual choice. For novice consumers, we recommend starting slow and experimenting to find the right strain for you.

What is the best cannabis strain?

As mentioned, different strains may have varying effects and benefits depending on an individual's specific needs, preferences, genetics, taste buds, etc. What may be the ‘best strain’ for one stoner may not be the same for another. Similarly, the citrus-forward flavor profile that one smoker tastes may be interpreted entirely differently by another. It’s for this reason that we include a disclaimer on each and every product on our digital menu.

Cannabis strains have different levels of THC and CBD and may produce different effects such as an energetic high, pain-relieving effects, or a relaxing body high. In regards to medicinal purposes, some strains may be more effective in treating certain medical conditions than others; however, we encourage you to seek out professional medical advice when treating chronic conditions such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia.

Ultimately, the "best" cannabis strain is a matter of personal preference. Always do your research, go out of your way to experiment with different strains, and continue to search for the ‘best’ cannabis strain based on your own desired effects.

Sativa-Dominant Strains

Many of the industry’s most popular weed strains are sativa-dominant strains. These unique cultivars are perfect for stoners searching for hybrid effects that lean more toward the sativa side of the spectrum. These buds may produce energizing effects and a mood boost without the added overwhelm, paranoia, or anxiety that some consumers may experience from a purely Sativa strain.

A sativa-dominant strain indicates that its parent genetics make way for a higher level of sativa versus Indica. Sativa-dominant strains are often smoked in the mornings or during the mid-afternoon for a jolt of energy, a hit of creativity, or a much-needed boost of productivity when in a bad mood or hitting a slump.

Popular Sativa-Dominant Strains

A few popular sativa-dominant strains include:

Jack Herer (80% sativa / 20% Indica): Jack Herer is a popular cannabis strain named after the legendary cannabis activist Jack Herer. This sativa-dominant hybrid is known for its energizing and uplifting effects which are best described as creative and focused. Jack Herer is a cross between Haze x (Northern Lights #5 x Shiva Skunk), resulting in a complex blend of flavors and aromas that includes pine and citrus with a spicy undertone.

Pineapple Express (60% sativa / 40% indica): Nope, we’re not referring to the 2008 comedy movie. Pineapple Express is a popular hybrid cannabis strain born from a cross between Hawaiian and Trainwreck. It’s best known for its fruity and tropical aroma, with hints of pineapple, mango, and apple. Pineapple Express is popular for its energizing and uplifting effects and is often smoked for its ability to promote creativity, focus, and a sense of euphoria.

Sour Diesel (90% sativa / 10% indica): Sour Diesel is a popular sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain. Its lineage is unclear with some experts claiming that it’s a cross between Chemdawg 91 and Super Skunk, while others swear that it’s a cross between a Mexican sativa and a Chemdog phenotype. Despite the uncertainty, Sour Diesel is consistently known for its strong gassy aroma and flavor, with undertones of citrus and skunk. This strain is often used for recreational purposes to enhance creativity, focus, and sociability. Overall, Sour Diesel is an intense strain from start to finish and has even been used to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

How are Weed Strains Named?

Weed strain names are often derived from a variety of cannabis characteristics including, but not limited to:

A strain’s specific effects. For example, Strawberry Cough is a sativa strain that’s notorious for leaving smokers with a heavy cough swiftly followed by uplifting cerebral effects and a soothing body high.
A strain’s country of origin. For example, Afghan Kush is an indica strain originating from the famous Hindu Kush mountain range that spans the Afghan-Pakistan border.
A strain’s unique aromas. For example, Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant hybrid marijuana strain that features a strong and potent aroma of citrusy, sour gas.
A strain’s combined genetic background. For example, OG Cookies is an Indica-dominant hybrid derived from a cross between Girl Scout Cookies and OG Kush.
A cannabis breeder’s unique sense of humor. For example, Purple Monkey Balls is an Indica-dominant hybrid that… speaks for itself.

Common Types of Weed Strains and Effects

So many different strains have gained notoriety in the cannabis industry, and new strains are constantly popping up on our radar. Often, the most popular strains present different effects, potency, and aroma that appeal to a wide audience, and are widely available in many regions. However, a few common strains include:

Sour Diesel is a cannabis strain known for its energetic, talkative, and creative effects.
Blue Dream, is a cannabis strain known for its creative, uplifting, and energetic effects.
Pineapple Express is a cannabis strain known for its energetic, happy, and talkative effects.
Jack Herer, is a cannabis strain known for its energetic, creative, and uplifting effects.
White Widow is a cannabis strain known for its euphoric, energetic, and creative effects.
Strawberry Cough, is a cannabis strain known for its energetic, uplifting, and talkative effects.
Gorilla Glue is a cannabis strain known for its relaxed, sleepy, and hungry effects.
Super Silver Haze, is a cannabis strain known for its creative, uplifting, and energetic effects.

What is the strongest strain of weed?

The strength of a marijuana strain can vary depending on factors such as the growing conditions, genetics, and even the harvesting methods. It’s important to note that the strength of a strain might affect people differently based on their tolerance level, genetics, and smoking background.

However, a couple of the strongest weed strains that we’ve featured on our menu include our Sweet Matcha 2 Gram Slam (approximately 38% THC) and Resting Kush Face from Cream of the Crop (approximately 40% THC). Given that the typical THC percentages for most modern strains range between 15%-25%, it’s safe to say that these strains have an exceptionally high THC content.

Weed Strains FAQ

What are the 10 best weed strains?

The 10 ‘best’ weed strains largely depend on opinion; however, a few of the most popular strains in California include Runtz, Apple Fritter, Wedding Cake, GMO, Zkittlez, OG Kush, Cereal Milk, Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, and Girl Scout Cookies.

What are the top 3 strains of weed?

The top 3 strains of weed are typically acknowledged as cannabis Indica, cannabis sativa, and hybrid strains.

What is the most popular strain of weed?

The most popular strain of weed in California is Blue Dream.

What are the top 20 weed strains?

The top 20 weed strains include Girl Scout Cookies, Durban Poison, Mimosa, Zkittlez, Sour Diesel, White Widow, Trainwreck, Jack Herer, OG Kush, Gelato, Purple Haze, Wedding Cake, Granddaddy Purple, Super Silver Haze, Durban Kush, Banana Kush, Grape Pie, Chemdawg, Purple Punch, and Runtz.

What are the 3 main strains of weed?

The three main strains of weed are indica, sativa, and hybrid.

How many strains of weed are there?

Experts suggest that there are over 700 strains named and recognized.

What are the 7 original strains of weed?

The 7 original strains of weed include Amnesia, Blueberry, Cheese, AK-47, Skunk, and Northern Lights. Notice how simple the names are compared to more modern brands?

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Runtz Genetics

Find Your Perfect High: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Weed Strains

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