What Are the Most Common Cannabis Strains That You’ll Love?
Experts estimate that there are at least 700 strains of cannabis with new strains made every day. Each strain produces different effects in those who consume it.
Learning more about each of the cannabis strains will help you become a more well-rounded stoner. It will also allow you to custom-tailor your high towards the specific desired effect of each marijuana strain.
Come on a hazy yet scientific journey as we dive deep into some common strains of marijuana and the traits inherent to each.
Sativa Indica and Hybrid Cannabis Strains
The three main classifications of marijuana strains are Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid. Each of the big three has its inherent traits that are common among all strains within their classification.
Some strains have large amounts of the cannabinoid CBD and less of the psychoactive high-producing THC cannabinoid.
These are high CBD strains, but they can fall under the Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid labels as well. There is also the new cannabinoid Delta 8 which is taking the market by storm.
If you want to try Delta 8 strains of cannabis check out this article to learn what to do.
The following is a deep dive into each of the categories of marijuana. The strains discussed in each category are in no particular order, but all are common favorite strains throughout the stoner community.
Sativa Strains
Sativa strains of cannabis provide an uplifting and energetic high in their users. Sativa strains are best consumed before an active day out in the natural world.
Sativa strains are endemic to Eastern Asia, but they now are all across the world due to the burgeoning global cannabis market.
The high from Sativa weed strains enhances many activities from skateboarding to hiking. They can also make a user feel more social and can be great for parties.
Be careful smoking Sativa strains before bed as they make it difficult to sleep or unwind. Also, keep in mind that Sativa strains can lead to increased anxiety and paranoia if they are over-consumed.
They may cause racing thoughts and over-analysis in the user if used beyond moderation. For these reasons, it is very important to always use these strains of marijuana judiciously and in moderation.
Pure Sativa strains are much rarer in the cannabis world than either Hybrids or Indicas. The following are some well-known and popular examples of Sativa-dominant marijuana strains.
The Classic Acapulco Gold
This is a cannabis strain that your parent’s enjoyed back in high-school. It hails from Southern Mexico and has enjoyed fame and popularity long before the current cannabis craze.
It is gold or yellow and provides a stimulating high renowned for its clarity. It was one of the first “premium” strains to enjoy widespread popularity in the United States.
The Diesels
The strains collectively labeled as “The Diesels” include a variety of super-popular Sativa strains. The most well-known of these is Sour Diesel, a strain remarkable for the pungent diesel-like aroma responsible for its name.
Sour Diesel, like all Sativas, provides an invigorating and stimulating high that helps users focus and maintain productivity. This strain first emerged during the early 1990s. The Gangster Rap industry made it a popular household name.
All Diesel strains have the characteristic diesel aroma relevant to their namesake. Other examples of Diesels include NYC Diesel, Strawberry Sour Diesel, Diesel, and Jack Diesel.
New Diesel strains are being cross-bred every day by cannabis growers. Jack Diesel is a prime example of this. For this strain, Jack Herer is crossed with NYC Diesel to create a new strain.
All somebody needs to do to create a new Diesel is cross a Diesel strain with another strain and tack Diesel on the end of its name. This helps explain why there are so many Diesel strains out there.
Jack Herer
This pine-scented and very fragrant strain can trace its roots back to the Netherlands where it was even given the seal-of-approval as a medical-grade cannabis strain by Dutch pharmacies.
Its name is a testament to the American author and cannabis activist who wrote the classic tale “The Emperor Wears No Clothes”.
This strain provides an uplifting mind and body high that also incorporates some Indica elements. It is very stimulating and great for new and experienced stoners who want to have an energetic experience.
It was made by cross-breeding two popular strains. The first is Haze, a Sativa with roots in California. The second is Northern Lights which is one of the most popular Indica strains of all time.
For this reason, some consider Jack Herer to be a hybrid. Despite this rationale, its strong uplifting and energetic high makes it better classified as a Sativa strain.
Haze Strains
There are many haze strains from the historic Purple Haze made popular by the Jimi Hendrix song of the same name, to staples such as Lemon Haze. The original Haze has roots in Santa Cruz California and is a hybrid.
Surprisingly enough, most of the more modern offshoots of the traditional Haze are Sativa-dominant. They are characterized by earthy aromas and also possess the notorious stimulating and creative highs inherent to Sativa strains.
Durban Poison
This strain can trace its roots to the South African port-city that shares its namesake. The buds of Durban Poison have absurd amounts of sticky THC crystals.
They tend to get all over your hands when breaking it up. These crystals are also what give Durban Poison its kick. Prepare for a very stimulating high conducive to creativity and physical activity.
Maui Wowie
This is one of the most well-known and sought-after Sativas available on the market today. It hails from the isles of Hawaii, Maui in particular. Its smell provides slight hints of pineapple and its high is favored for reducing stress.
Green Crack
While there is no crack-cocaine mixed in with this strain, sometimes the high it produces will make you think twice. Expect one of the strongest, most invigorating, cerebral, and energetic highs around from this strain.
Its smell incorporates slight fruit notes with a base of earthiness. There is also an Indica variant of Green Crack, but the one descended from Skunk #1 is a strong Sativa.
Indica Strains
Indica strains are on the opposite end of the marijuana spectrum from Sativas. Their high produces a relaxing effect in the user. They are great to smoke right before bedtime or a lazy day spent on the couch.
Indica strains are endemic to the Indian subcontinent, hence their name. They tend to have a higher THC content than Sativa strains as well. They provide a more “heavy” high that tires the user out.
They are also great for pain reduction and alleviation of anxiety and paranoia. Be careful with strong Indicas as they may increase your appetite to epic proportions and make you feel lazy and tired.
Indicas are often associated with more of a body-high feeling than their Sativa brethren. This makes them an excellent choice for recovery after a workout or taking a load off after work.
The following are some of the popular Indica and Indica dominant strains. Pure Indica strains are much more common than pure Sativas but less common than the catch-all Hybrid category.
Northern Lights
Northern lights is perhaps the most famous and sought-after Indica strain of cannabis. Like many classic strains, it got its start in Holland sometime in the mid-1980s.
It reached new heights of fame and notoriety and became the Northern Lights that we all love today once it took roots in its adopted home of Seattle. It has some of the stickiest resin of all strains and is coated in THC crystals.
Expect a heavy and relaxing high when smoking Northern Lights. Don’t expect to take much of a break from the couch and pizza box when in the depths of a Northern Lights-induced buzz.
G-13
G-13 is an Indica rooted in a background of conspiracy. Supposedly, this strain was created by clandestine elements of government in the 1960s by combining a variety of the strongest varieties of marijuana out there.
This is one of the most potent marijuana strains and it should be treated as such by its users. Be careful not to go overboard with this one or you may be stuck on the couch for long periods of time.
Varieties of Kush
“Kush” has become synonymous with Indica across the stoner world. In essence, the “Kush” variety of strains is to Indica what Diesel is to Sativa.
There are many kinds of Kush ranging from the presidential Obama Kush whose euphoric and stimulating properties imitate many Sativas, to the tranquilizing Bubba Kush.
Kush varieties of marijuana all can trace their roots back to India’s Hindu Kush mountains. Most have a heavy crystal load, partial purple coloration, and have heavy sedative effects.
Grape Ape
This strain of marijuana is characterized by its intense grape smell and heavy relaxing high free from anxiety and paranoia. Like many coveted marijuana strains, it can trace its roots back to Amsterdam.
Granddaddy Purple
This California-rooted strain descends from the famous Indica Purple Urkle. It provides a very heavy high and can be denoted by its rich purple color and heavy THC crystal loads.
Growers love Granddaddy Purp because plants produce large amounts of it during harvest when compared to other varieties of marijuana. It is notable for its beautiful contrasting purple and white appearance and its potency.
Hybrid Strains
Hybrids are a bit of a catch-all category for strains that are in between Indica and Sativas. With so many growers cross-breeding strains in the modern marijuana scene, many pure Indicas and Sativas have been hybridized.
You can expect a moderating high from Hybrids, meaning that it may consist of many elements from both Indica and Sativa highs. This means that the Hybrid categorization of marijuana strains is much more diverse than the other two.
The following are some common Hybrids. Keep in mind that they can lean to either the Indica or Sativa side of their roots. Most balance the two factors out into a nice blend. Hybrids are the most common type of marijuana strain.
White Widow
This is yet another strain that can trace its roots back to the nation of The Netherlands. It is a very balanced hybrid with earthy notes and very resinous characteristics. This is one of the most famous and popular types of weed.
Blue Dream
Hailing from California, this classic Sativa-dominant strain of marijuana is favored for its full-body relaxation and cerebral euphoric high. Blue Dream combines the best of both the Indica and Sativa worlds.
Pineapple Express
This one is so popular it had a stoner movie named after it! Its two parent strains Trainwreck and Hawaiian give it a Sativa-dominant high dominated by fruity and floral notes. A great all-arounder for socializing and staying active.
Headband
What happens when you cross the popular Indica OG Kush with the famous Sativa Sour Diesel? You get Headband, an instant classic that provides an interesting side effect.
People note that they feel pressure right on their third eye around their forehead. The feeling is likened to wearing a headband hence its name.
Gelato
This balanced hybrid packs a punch and should not be taken lightly by inexperienced stoners. It hails from the San Francisco Bay area and is notable for its vivid orange hairs and pelt of THC crystals.
AK-47
A popular strain that has won numerous cannabis cups worldwide. It has multiple parent strains that give it a mellow but balanced hybrid effect. It has been around since the early ’90s and is a true crowd-pleaser.
Strains a-Plenty
This is by no means a complete list of cannabis strains. With new strains being developed every day it is impossible to list them all. This guide does hammer out some of the big names though so it is a great start for a budding stoner.
Learn more about strains by contacting your local dispensary or doing some research online. For all your other news and information, make sure to check out the rest of our site!
