100 Cannabis Strains to Try Before You Die
Strain type: Indica
Parent strains: Gooberry, Hell’s Angel OG, Jack the Ripper
Backstory: 9 Pound Hammer is an 80% indica strain whose dense buds are coated in resin, offering sweet grape and lime flavors. True to its indica heritage, effects are heavy and long-lasting.
Why we love it: “9 Pound Hammer is a chunky indica-dominant strain that really stands out when you see it growing next to other strains. Its flavors intermix and create a sweet funk that leads to deep relaxation.” —Will Hyde
Strain type: Sativa
Parent strains: Mexican
Backstory: One of the best-known strains, Acapulco Gold has been likened to dinner at a five-star restaurant. It resembles a gold nugget, and aromas of burnt toffee linger when the bud is broken up.
Why we love it: “A Mexican landrace prized for its happy, stimulating buzz, Acapulco Gold has a reputation as one of the best cannabis strains ever created.” —Jeremiah Wilhelm
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: Cannatonic
Backstory: A sativa-dominant phenotype of the high-CBD cannabis strain Cannatonic, the most remarkable characteristic of ACDC is its THC:CBD ratio of 1:20. That ratio means that this strain induces almost no psychoactive effects. Tests have put ACDC’s CBD content as high as 19%, which is almost unheard of.
Why we love it: “A light-footed CBD strain with almost no THC to cloud your mind.” —Bailey Rahn
“AC/DC is one of my favorite high-CBD strains because of its THC-to-CBD ratio and surprisingly good flavor. As a dab, it’s the perfect nightcap. As flower, I use it to tone down THC strains that are too buzzy.” —Ben Adlin
Strain type: Indica
Parent strains: None; landrace strain.
Backstory: Afghani is a heavy indica strain named after its geographic origin, where the earliest varieties of cannabis are believed to have grown. Breeders worldwide have come to treasure Afghani for its heavy resin production.
Why we love it: “An Afghan landrace strain with famous sedation qualities and generous resin production.” —Jeremiah Wilhelm
Strain type: Indica
Parent strains: Afghani
Backstory: Afgoo, also known as Afgooey, is a potent indica strain believed to have descended from an Afghani indica and Maui Haze. Its sativa parent lends Afgoo uplifting, creative qualities, yet this strain undoubtedly takes after its indica parent with relaxing, sleepy effects to go with its earthy pine flavor.
Why we love it: “This ultra-heavy indica delivers a sedative, one-of-a-kind buzz that hugs the body like a straitjacket fresh from the dryer.” —Jeremiah Wilhelm
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: South American, Mexican, Thai, Afghani
Backstory: Don’t let its intense name fool you: AK-47 will leave you relaxed and mellow. While its scent is sour and earthy, its sweet floral notes can only be fully realized in the taste. Created in 1992 by Serious Seeds, AK-47 has won numerous Cannabis Cup awards around the world.
Why we love it: “A hybrid strain with rich genetic heritage and bold, mood-brightening effects.” — Bailey Rahn
Strain type: Sativa
Parent strains: North American Sativa
Backstory: Alaskan Thunder Fuck (also referred to as ATF, Matanuska Thunder Fuck, or Matanuska Tundra) is a legendary sativa-dominant strain originating in the Matanuska Valley area of Alaska. According to the legend, it was originally a Northern California sativa crossed with a Russian ruderalis, but sometime in the late 70s it was crossed with Afghani genetics to make it heartier. ATF presents large, beautifully frosted buds with incredibly strong odors.
Why we love it: “ATF is a classic. It is a hearty, sweet smelling plant with an outstanding, heady buzz.” —Will Hyde
Strain type: Sativa
Parent strains: Trainwreck, NYC Diesel
Backstory: An extremely popular strain for sativa lovers, Allen Wrench wraps the best qualities of its parent strains into a single package, and couples them with crisp flavors of sour fruit.
Why we love it: “Loved by go-getters of all kinds, Allen Wrench’s clear-headed stimulation makes it a perfect coffee substitute.” —Jeremiah Wilhelm
Strain type: Sativa
Parent strains: Skunk No. 1, Cinderella 99, Jack Herer
Backstory: Amnesia is typically a sativa-dominant cannabis strain with some variation between breeders. Amnesia’s genetic forerunners have passed on uplifting, creative, and euphoric effects ideal for putting you in a great mood, no matter the day, time, or situation.
Why we love it: “Forget your worries and woes with this clear-headed high: Amnesia’s sativa-dominant lineage make it a stimulating and functional strain that belongs in the bag of any cannabis consumer on the go.” —Jeremiah Wilhelm
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: OG Kush, Banana
Backstory: With a smell and flavor of overripe bananas, this hybrid definitely earns its name. Banana OG has tested at over 25% THC and has a reputation as a “creeper”—as in, its effects will creep up on you if you’re not careful.
Why we love it: “Banana OG smells amazing! It’s like an overripe banana peel full of pine needles, and it creates thick smoke that always gets me laughing.” —Will Hyde
Strain type: Sativa
Parent strains: Appalachia
Backstory: Bay 11, bred by Grand Daddy Purp, is an ultra-potent sativa. Its dense, pale buds are coated in amber resin with a sweet, fruity aroma that initiates immediate relaxation.
Strain type: Indica
Parent strains: Blueberry, White Widow
Backstory: Berry White is the offspring of parents of near-celebrity status in the cannabis world, and is famous in its own right for effects that offer shelter from stress and a sturdy sense of euphoria.
Why we love it: “I’ve never laughed so hard as I did after sharing a cartridge of this with my best friend.” —Brett Konen
“Berry White’s sweetness is my weakness. A few puffs and I’ll be giggling all night.” —Philip Bjorge
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: Blueberry, Haze
Backstory: Blue Dream, a sativa-dominant hybrid that originated in California, has achieved legendary status among West Coast strains. By crossing a Blueberry indica with the sativa Haze, Blue Dream balances full-body relaxation with gentle cerebral invigoration. Novice and veteran consumers alike enjoy the level effects of Blue Dream, which ease you gently into a calm euphoria.
Why we love it: “Without a doubt the most common and illustrious strain found across the United States today.” —Bailey Rahn
Strain type: Indica
Parent strains: Afghani, Thai, Purple Thai
Backstory: A true A-List cannabis strain. Blueberry’s legendary status soared to new heights after claiming the High Times’ Cannabis Cup 2000 for Best Indica. The long history of the strain is traced back to the late 1970s when American breeder DJ Short was working with a variety of exotic landrace strains.
Strain type: Indica
Parent strains: OG Kush
Backstory: Bubba Kush is an indica strain that has gained notoriety in the U.S. and beyond for its heavy tranquilizing effects. Sweet hashish flavors with subtle notes of chocolate and coffee come through on the exhale as powerful relaxation takes over. Bubba’s stocky plant stature and bulky bud structure suggest Afghani descent, but its genetic origins aren’t certain: The breeder whom this strain was named after states that Bubba Kush emerged just after 1996, when an OG Kush hybrid pollinated an unknown indica strain obtained in New Orleans. The genetically ambiguous indica was simply called “Bubba.” Bubba Kush has flourished ever since.
Why we love it: “A crazy-popular tranquilizing Kush born and bred in the USA.” —Bailey Rahn
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: MK Ultra, G13 Haze
Backstory: Cannatonic is a unique hybrid strain bred by Spanish seed bank Resin Seeds specifically for its low THC content (rarely above 6%) and high CBD content (6-17%). It produces a relatively short-lived, mellow high that is also uplifting and powerfully relaxing.
Why we love it: “A CBD-rich variety providing relaxation without the mental fog, Cannatonic is immensely popular and perfect for beating anxiety.” —Bailey Rahn
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: Nepalese, Thai
Backstory: Chemdawg has developed quite the name for itself over the years. Between its mysterious origin, ambiguous genetics, and the plethora of successful crosses the strain has produced, Chemdawg has secured itself a permanent place in the cannabis hall of fame. The original source of powerhouse strains like Sour Diesel and OG Kush, Chemdawg is known for its distinct, diesel-like aroma that you can smell from a mile away. Consumers can expect to have a very cerebral experience.
Why we love it: “Chemdawg is an influential and mysterious strain. There are many different phenotypes but all tend to share a gasoline-y flavor profile and high potency.” —Will Hyde
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: Trainwreck, Jack the Ripper, Trinity
Backstory: Chernobyl is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain that carries a unique lime sherbet smell. Originally bred by TGA Genetics, expect dreamy, long-lasting cerebral effects that will float you to a happy mood and relaxed mindset.
Why we love it: “A flavorful fusion of lemon and citrus that frees you from stress and bad moods.” —Bailey Rahn
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: Granddaddy Purple, Durban Poison
Backstory: With illustrious lineage, buds that are dense and full of orange hairs, and a touch of purple color, this strain smells of sweet and sour cherry pie. Its effects come on in minutes and stick around for hours.
Why we love it: “A delicious strain as its name suggests. Cherry Pie is a sweet flower with strong lineage. It makes a great joint.” —Will Hyde
Strain type: Sativa
Parent strains: Chocolate Thai, Cannalope Haze
Backstory: DNA Genetics developed Chocolope to create their homage to the Chocolate strains of the 1980s. The hefty sativa buds give off earthy, sweet coffee flavors and provide a dreamy, cerebral effect with a strong, euphoric mental shift.
Why we love it: “Relaxed, cuddly, and grin-inducing, this strain is adored by pretty much everyone at the Leafly office, and also happens to make a damn good concentrate.” —Brett Konen
“Chocolope blasts you into non-stop giggle fits. It’s a must-have if you’re looking to lighten things up and share some quality time with old friends.” —Nick Elam
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: Jack Herer, Shiva Skunk
Backstory: Cinderella 99, otherwise known as C99, or simply “Cindy,” is a sativa-dominant hybrid bred by Mr. Soul of Brothers Grimm. She’s best known for her potent cerebral high, sweet fruity flavors, and epic yields. According to Mr. Soul, C99 was created using seeds found in a Sensi branded two-gram package of Jack Herer purchased at an Amsterdam coffee shop.
Strain type: Sativa
Parent strains: Cinderella 99, Vortex
Backstory: Cinex, a mix of already popular parents, has a variety of flavors ranging from sweet citrus to earthy skunk. The effects are clear-headed and uplifting—perfect for building a positive mindset and stimulating creative energy.
Why we love it: “Cinex is a cross of Cindy 99 and Vortex genetics. What more could you ask for? Citrus flavors and a sativa kick make this strain one to try.” —Will Hyde
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: Juanita La Lagrimosa, Kalijah
Backstory: Dancehall, a 60/40 sativa-dominant hybrid, was bred by Reggae Seeds by combining Juanita La Lagrimosa (a Mexican–Afghani-Spanish hybrid) with Kalijah (Blue Heaven crossed with a Mexican-Afghani hybrid). Named after a style of Reggae played in times of celebration, Dancehall will lift your spirits to a happier place where creativity and social bonding thrive. As its flowers mature, vibrant shades of green, blue, purple, and red twist underneath its crystal trichomes while aromas both sweet and spicy dance from cracked buds.
Why we love it: “A truly classic clear-headed sativa. Dancehall’s massive CBD/THC ratio (upward of 20:1) is kind to cannabis consumers looking for healing effects and a touch of vigor.” —Jeremiah Wilhelm
“It’s like the first combination beer-plus-nap after a long week. Relaxing, but you keep your wits about you. Perfect right before a concert.” —Saba Samakar
Strain type: Sativa
Parent strains: Arcata Lemon Wreck, Cinderella 99
Backstory: Dirty Girl is a sativa-dominant cross of a Trainwreck hybrid, known as Arcata Lemon Wreck, and Cinderella 99. The combination produces a tropical aroma of pineapples and citrus fruit with a sharp pungent note reminiscent of Pine Sol. The flavor of Dirty Girl is like sweet lemon candy.
Why we love it: “The first sativa that truly wowed me. Flavor, euphoria, tons of creative energy—this is an instant fave of anyone I share it with, and should be a go-to.” —Brett Konen
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: Blue Dream, Dream Star
Backstory: The sativa-dominant hybrid Double Dream puts a unique spin on the famed Blue Dream by crossing it with Dream Star. With a complex flavor profile that synchronizes sweet floral notes with berries and spice, it’s a soothing and mentally invigorating strain that still allows clear-headed functionality. The dreamy, euphoric buzz is anchored by a deep, physical relaxation that mutes pain, anxiety, stress, and more.
Why we love it: “With all the best characteristics of Blue Dream and none of the market oversaturation, fans of that iconic strain will adore this fresh take.” —Brett Konen
Strain type: Sativa
Parent strains: African
Backstory: This pure sativa originated in the South African port city of Durban, from whence it has gained notoriety worldwide for its sweet smell and energetic, uplifting effects. Durban Poison is the perfect strain to help you stay productive through a busy day, explore the outdoors, or spark creativity. The over-sized resin glands make this strain a quality choice for concentrate extraction, and the buds are round and chunky with a thick coating of trichomes.
Why we love it: “Fuel for focus and creative thought straight from Africa.” —Bailey Rahn
“One of the best landrace sativas, older than most standing governments, closest to having mild psychedelic effects, and always a good pairing for creative pursuits.” —James Scott
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: Unknown
Backstory: Over the years, Dutch Treat has become an essential strain of Amsterdam coffeeshops. The dense, sticky buds have an intense smell of sweet fruits mixed with pine and eucalyptus trees. The cerebral high comes on quick and leaves consumers feeling uplifted and euphoric while reducing stress and relaxing the mind.
Why we love it: “Dutch Treat has a sweet, candied flavor that is unique to the strain. A longtime favorite in Amsterdam and very potent. Dutch Treat make a great concentrate.” —Will Hyde
“My go to recommendation for first timers! It’s mellow and has a good mix of head and body high.” —Rocco DeVito
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: Albert Walker, Tahoe Alien
Backstory: Ewok was the Hybrid winner of the 2013 Seattle High Times Cannabis Cup. Bred by Alien Genetics, it’s a fast-growing plant with a short vegetative cycle that produces large yields of frost-covered buds as hairy as the Star Wars Ewoks themselves. Pungent fruity notes of tangerine and lemon introduce Ewok’s strong cerebrally-focused effects, which promote relaxation and stress relief.
Why we love it: “Ewok, a Pacific Northwest favorite, carries a pungent, sweet aroma and melts away stress.” —Will Hyde
Strain type: Hybrid
Parent strains: Green Ribbon, Granddaddy Purple, Tahoe Alien
Backstory: Fruity Pebbles (aka Fruity Pebbles OG) by Alien Genetics was originally a limited-time offering from the breeder. This sweet hybrid borrows a mix of great genetics to create a tropical, berry flavor reminiscent of the cereal it’s named for. The euphoric effects will keep you happy when you’re stressed—pour yourself a bowl of Fruity Pebbles anytime.
Why we love it: “A mellow, uplifting hybrid strain whose aroma of fruity breakfast cereal is so distinctive, you have to try it to believe it.” —Bailey Rahn
