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Looking for the cream of the crop when it comes to cannabis strains? With thousands of options out there, only some become certified classics with worldwide appeal. From timeless and iconic strains to the latest modern cultivars, here we'll show you the best weed strains of all time that you should grow at home.
Quick Jump to the Best Marijuana Strains:
- Best Weed Strains 2021
- Best Weed Strains 2020
- Best Weed Strains 2019
- Best Weed Strains 2018
- Best Weed Strains 2017
- Best Weed Strains 2016
What Is The Best Strain of Weed?
Picking your favorite cannabis strain is a bit like choosing your favorite movie. There are so many genres and styles to choose from that the task is daunting and subject to taste. Like a classic movie, a legendary strain becomes iconic for a reason - it boasts worldwide popularity and remains relevant for years. However, the world’s best strains aren’t just golden oldies; they’re cutting-edge and modern strains that boast impressive terpene flavor profiles or seriously balanced highs. The criteria for earning the best place position is one earned through competition wins, incredible flavors and mind-bending potency.
This list takes in all aspects of what has made the best cannabis strains so memorable over the years. You’ll discover old-school classics like OG Kush and Purple Haze alongside modern legends within the scene like Girl Scout Cookies. More than just stand-out strains in their own right, they’ve earned their place for their contribution to cannabis genetics as parent strains or experimental siblings. Sorting through all these ingenious strains was no simple task, but we’ve broken down our yearly round-ups, so you can identify the world’s very best strains.
Best Weed Strains 2021
1. Wedding Cake
This groundbreaking Indica-dominant strain is related to fellow legends Triangle Kush and Animal Mints. The result is an exceptionally balanced and potent offering that's taken home numerous accolades over the past several years, making it the best strain for 2021.
Growing
Wedding Cake is easily grown indoors in soil or hydroponic environments, although a little experience goes a long way. Some knowledge of pruning and training methods, in particular, makes all the difference in producing Wedding Cake's luscious yields. This is because it exposes the stems to much-needed light during the flowering phase. If you're growing outdoors, warm and dry Mediterranean-like climates are best, although some humidity is not usually an issue.
Smell, taste and effect
Wedding Cake is a heavy hitter with a sweet yet earthy and spiced aroma. The flavor is like no other cake you’ve tasted, with sweet layers of berry and citrus coupled with a funky tang. This is all complemented by a creamy mouth-feel. The effects are potent and relaxing, delivering a full body and mind high that'll ease you into wonderland. Its high-quality calming credentials make it a go-to for those treating insomnia and chronic pain.
2. Sunset Sherbet
Indica-leaning heavyweight Sunset Sherbet is a descendant of the much-loved masterpiece, Girl Scout Cookies. Guaranteed to transport you to the laid-back world of California's Bay Area, it's a potent strain that's beloved for its candy-colored flowers and mouth-watering taste.
Growing
This versatile strain is easy to grow in indoor, outdoor or greenhouse environments. It boasts a high resilience to common pests and mold, requiring very little maintenance overall. A warm and dry environment is necessary, particularly if you're growing outdoors. Keep the humidity low and engage with setups like SOG for quick and easy results. Sunset Sherbet is fine for beginners to grow, but some skill goes a long way in producing its highly resinous buds.
Smell, taste and effect
Sunset Sherbet's aroma is typically lemon candy-like, with layers of earthiness and forest flavors. To taste, you'll get the same citrus profile with lashings of forest fruit. Sunset Sherbet delivers a balanced high that's more cerebral and creative than its Indica genetics may indicate. It delivers a powerful and positive full-body high that's long-lasting and inspirational. As such, it's ideal in the treatment of fatigue and stress.
3. Island Sweet Skunk
This exceptionally skunky strain hardens back to the classic weed strains of the 1970s. It's a Sativa masterclass that originates from crossing Skunk #1 with Sweet Pink Grapefruit, delivering the best of both worlds and an energetic, cerebral high.
Growing
Island Sweet Skunks will suit indoor and outdoor growers, and is comparatively easy to grow if compared to other Sativas. Still, some experience and plenty of space are recommended for superior yields. It boasts a good resistance to common mold and pests, but does require some pruning and branch support, particularly when flowering. Outdoor growers require warm and dry climates, although the occasional rainy spell shouldn't be an issue.
Smell, taste and effect
As you might expect, this is a fully-loaded skunk strain with notes of citrus, pine and tangy grapefruit on the nose and tongue. It delivers an exceptional Sativa high that's marked by an energetic buzz and uplifting effects. Beloved as a wake and bake strain, it’s also well suited to the treatment of muscle pain and anxiety symptoms.
4. CBG Citrus Nectar
This exceptional CBG plant is a must-try for CBD fans. In tune with current trends for non-psychoactive weed experiences, it delivers a smooth and calming sensation that has been associated with reduced inflammation and other therapeutic effects.
Growing
CBG Citrus Nectar requires little experience to master, making it an ideal plant for beginners. What's more, it's fairly compact and well suited to both indoor and outdoor environments. However, she thrives best in warm, sunny and Mediterranean-like conditions, so bring things indoors if your climate doesn’t suit her. She benefits from good-quality organic nutrients and a sharp observation of pH levels.
Smell, taste and effect
CBG Citrus Nectar possesses a captivating flavor profile of tropical fruits and sweet citrus. These delectable flavors go perfectly with the strain's soothing effects. This is a strain that won't get you high, but will instead help calm and relax. The presence of CBG may help in the treatment of chronic pain, depression and insomnia. It’s particularly effective when extracted as an oil.
5. Berner’s Cookies
Berner's Cookies is a truly exceptional, contemporary strain that ticks all the boxes for high-THC enthusiasts. A pleasure to grow and a true party favorite to smoke, just remember that a little goes a long way with this Girl Scout Cookie's sibling.
Growing
Berner's Cookies is fairly easy to grow, but some experience with Sativa strains is recommended. Suited to indoor, outdoor and greenhouse environments, she's fairly compact and manageable despite her genetics. Just watch your ventilation as the pungent aromas can quickly fill the room during flowering. Warm and dry conditions are best if you want to yield the plump, resin-rich buds she’s renowned for.
Smell, taste and effect
Berner's Cookies is rich, fruity, creamy and earthy. Expect punchy and dank herbal notes with a Kush-like flavor and hints of vanilla. This special and rare strain provides a creeping high that's creative, uplifting and talkative - the perfect social option. Consumer use this strain both to concentrate and inspire, making it particularly useful in the treatment of fatigue or anxiety.
Best Weed Strains 2020
1. Godfather OG
At the top of many weed strain lists, Godfather OG is a potent and relaxing option that’s won countless awards. Surprisingly easy to grow, it was one of the world's most sought-after strains, from SoCal to London, in 2020.
Growing
Godfather OG is a dream to grow and highly resistant to everyday pests and mold. Beginners looking for a legendary strain will find Godfather OG an ideal option. Fairly compact and responsive to training methods, it suits indoor, outdoor or greenhouse setups. For best results, prune the bushy branches to allow light to penetrate the stems. If you decide to grow outdoors, remember that dry and sunny climates with low humidity are ideal.
Smell, taste and effect
Godfather OG is one pungent strain, delivering layers of dank earth, pine and sweet grape. The flavor is similar, with notes of herbs and spice. This potent strain is like a big relaxing blanket, sedating the body and mind with a soothing buzz. As such, it's a go-to option for those treating insomnia, stress and chronic pain.
2. Sirius Black
This exceptional, award-winning strain dons the colors of the noted Harry Potter character, Sirius Black. First conceived in the 1980s, it grows a seductive range of deep dark leaves with purple and indigo hues. An Indica-dominant hybrid, it can be especially potent with THC levels topping 25%.
Growing
Sirius Black is fairly easy to grow, although beginners may want to opt for a strain with less maintenance. That’s because regular pruning is required to allow light to reach the stems and buds. Ideally grow in warm, dry conditions, it is suited for indoor, outdoor and greenhouse environments. It responds particularly well to ScrOG training methods, which can also help to control its dense branches.
Smell, taste and effect
Renowned for its rich terpene profile, Sirius Black boasts a deliciously fruity, berry-like flavor profile of sour cherries and sweet grape. The strain is noted for its euphoric and relaxing properties that aren't either sedating. In fact, some experience a buzzy and creative energy that's perfect for social situations. Medicinal users, in particular, use this strain to help combat stress, pain and inflammation.
3. Chiquita Banana
This stand-out strain is highly acclaimed for its potency and rich yellow color profile. A sibling of the world-renowned OG Kush, this prestigious strain delivers a big THC kick loaded with luscious sweet flavors.
Growing
Chiquita Banana is an excellent strain for beginners to work with and a delight for experienced cultivators too. Resilient, robust and forgiving, its high resistance to mold and mildew make it an excellent cannabis garden staple. It thrives outdoors where it can really run wild and produce big yields. If you don't live in a dry, warm climate, don't sweat; Chiquita Banana adapts well to indoor environments too.
Smell, taste and effect
Chiquita Banana boasts a rich and ripe banana flavor profile with layers of peppery spice and earth. Don't let its cinnamon banana loaf scent fool you, this is one potent strain, delivering a balanced full-body buzz that's both energetic and relaxing. Its creeping and long-lasting effects are particularly favored by those treating pain or stress conditions.
4. Cinderella 99
This highly acclaimed Sativa-dominant strain is related to the beloved Shiva Skunk and Jack Herer. It deserves its place on the Sativa awards table thanks to its ease of growth and thoroughly balanced high.
Growing
Cinderella 99 is among the best Sativa strains for beginners to cope with. Provide her with plenty of space, and you’ll reap excellent rewards with very little maintenance. You can prune this varietal or employ high-yield training techniques like SOG or ScrOG. While she grows the tallest outdoors, indoor environments are fine too. Just ensure the temperature stays above 20 °C for the best results.
Smell, taste and effect
Cinderella 99's flavor profile is truly magical with aromas of skunk, earth and pine. The taste is similarly complex, with layers of sweet citrus and tropical fruit juice. This strain is best known for its energetic and cerebral high that's noted for its concentrating effects. As such, it has great medicinal application for sufferers with ADHD, fatigue and depression.
5. Tangie
Superior to Tangerine Dream in many ways, Tangie updates that former classic for the current era. It has won numerous awards as an exceptional example of Californian Sativas and boasts a mouth-watering flavor profile to boot.
Growing
Tangie is suitable for all growing levels and can be cultivated indoors, outdoors or in greenhouses. Indeed, this highly praised strain is particularly suited to ScrOG training, through which you can reap significant, resinous harvests. If you're growing outdoors, you'll need a warm climate reminiscent of southern California, with plenty of light and temperatures exceeding 20 °C.
Smell, taste and effect
Tangie is noted for its juicy orange flavors and underlying spiciness. Let the musky and ripe skunk aromas begin your journey. As for the high, Tangie is a bold and stimulating strain that's noted for its creative and euphoric qualities. Many medicinal users gravitate towards Tangie in the soothing treatment of insomnia and chronic pain.
Best Weed Strains 2019
- Super Silver Haze
- Blue Dream
- Trainwreck
- Bruce Banner #3
- Sour Diesel
1. Super Silver Haze
Super Silver Haze is a 90s classic that flourished through 2019. Considered among the top Sativa strains out there, it has won countless awards over the decades and become a staple of dispensaries and seed banks.
Growing
Super Silver Haze is recommended for experts up for a challenge. Although resistant to mold, she requires a knowledge of nutrition and pH conditions to flourish. As such, some experience goes a long way in getting the most out of this Sativa strain. Perfectly attainable indoors and outdoors, you can grow her in a greenhouse if your climate is too temperate, but you still want to achieve expert yields and growth over 200 cm.
Smell, taste and effect
Super Silver Haze is incredibly spicy and pungent, with notes of diesel and garden herbs. There are hints of citrus on the tongue, but this is an old-school flavor of skunk and sour lemon. The high you get from this is long-lasting and uplifting, making it a perfect wake and bake or inspiration-seeking strain. Medicinal users see great result when treating fatigue and appetite loss.
2. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a Californian classic that conjures up images of surfing, VW minivans and Woodstock, 1969. Boasting a sweet, sticky flavor and a cerebral high, it remains a classic Sativa for the 21st century.
Growing
Blue Dream is easy to grow and perfectly suited for indoor, outdoor and greenhouse setups. Outdoors, she'll grow exceptionally tall, easily pushing 300 cm in optimal conditions. She requires plenty of sunlight and warm, dry environments, so bring things indoors if your climate is too mild. While fine for beginners, Blue Dream is notoriously thirsty, so keep your eyes on her water and nutrient intake.
Smell, taste and effect
Blue Dream's name derives from its mouth-watering blueberry aromas. This intensely fruity strain has notes of grape and citrus to all undercut by sharp wood spice and floral notes. In a high THC strain, you can expect a stimulating full-body high that lingers. This highly sought strain is praised for its cerebral stimulation which can be helpful when treating fatigue, nausea and depression.
3. Trainwreck
Trainwreck does what few other Sativa-dominant strains do; it allows its Indica elements to shine as well. Powerful and punchy, this modern Northern Californian classic is a must-try for lovers of all things THC.
Growing
Trainwreck benefits from some prior experience and know-how. Able to grow indoors, outdoors or in dedicated greenhouses, it adapts well to training techniques like ScrOG for greater yields. Maintenance of the leaves and branches as it grows is essential if you want your buds to develop evenly. This is a strain that’s limited by climate, so be sure to bring things indoors if you’re in a mild or wet country.
Smell, taste and effect
Trainwreck has a delightful aroma of sharp citrus and spicy pine and sandalwood. The taste is similarly fruity with a tart and zingy pepper-like tang. This is a strain that comes on strong like a rollercoaster, bringing a blast of euphoria and opening the mind. Ideal for those in search of creativity, patients also use this strain to combat ADHD and PTSD.
4. Bruce Banner
This marvel of a hybrid strain is both super potent and well-balanced. Derived from OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel, it boasts rich and rewarding flavors that are well worth seeking out.
Growing
Bruce Banner is a versatile plant that can be planted indoors or outdoors. Its slight resistance to mold means that you have to watch humidity when growing and offer regular check-ups of its leaves. It's particularly renowned for its short growing season, which can be adapted to maintain a more compact growing profile indoors. It really flourishes outdoors in warm and dry Mediterranean-like conditions where you can reap significant harvests.
Smell, taste and effect
Bruce Banner possesses rich and sweet flavors undercut by peaty and earthy diesel. Just like the Hulk, the effects come on quick and strong, delivering a big burst of euphoria before mellowing out. Ideal for creative or social situations, this strain is recommended only for those with a good level of THC tolerance. Otherwise, take things slow and small.
5. Sour Diesel
Renowned for its exceptional high quality, Sour Diesel has been a favorite among Sativa aficionados since the 1990s. With stable and reliable genetics, she's among the best hybrid strains out there for home growing.
Growing
Sour Diesel is perfectly suited for both novices and more seasoned growers. She prefers dry and warm outdoor climates with low humidity, where she can push 300 cm easily. She'll also adapt very well to indoor growing setups, where growers have seen great success applying the ScrOG technique. Keep your growing environment clean and dry for the best results, and be sure to provide her with plenty of space!
Smell, taste and effect
Sour Diesel's renowned flavor profile contains plenty of diesel-like aromas, particularly in harvests loaded with THC. These are balanced by herbal, fruity and earthy notes too. This strain is renowned for its dreamy and cerebral qualities that come on quick and remain energizing for quite a while. Medicinal users opt for Sour Diesel in the treatment of pain and stress conditions.
Best Weed Strains 2018
1. Green Crack
Green Crack (or Green Crush to those less fond of the name) is a truly memorable descendant of Skunk #1 that kept many people going through 2018. Potent and invigorating, it's a strain that's ideal for those seeking a truly buzzing and upbeat high.
Growing
Straight forward to grow and with a short flowering period, Green Crack can be tackled by new and experienced growers alike. Just be sure to provide an adequate amount of space, as she can grow up to 200 cm indoors. While outdoor growers will see greater yields, the climate is everything. Green Crack requires warm and sunny environments with little rain or temperature fluctuations. As such, it’s particularly suited to greenhouse conditions and training techniques for optimal yields.
Smell, taste and effect
Green Crack boasts a powerful earthy aroma loaded with woodsy forest floor notes. To taste, you'll find curious notes of tropical fruits like mango alongside the typical sour lemon. As the name may suggest, this is a big, cerebral strain that provides an electrifying mental buzz that continues for hours. It's particularly popular for the treatment of fatigue and mental conditions.
2. Chemdawg
Chemdawg, like all top strains, is shrouded in mystery. It's the parent strain of many big hitters, from Sour Diesel to OG Kush. It remains just as relevant today as when it was first introduced, placing Colorado — where it originated — at the center of the US cannabis growing scene.
Growing
Chemdawg is one for experienced hands and ardent hobbyists. It's particularly responsive to training techniques like SOG and ScrOG. While fine grown indoors or outdoors, the strain benefits from a close eye. That's because Chemdawg is slightly susceptible to mold and mildew, making controlled indoor environments more favorable for optimal health. For even bigger yields, a greenhouse lets this monster reach epic proportions of up to 250 cm.
Smell, taste and effect
Chemdawg is the king of diesel aromas, boasting a pleasant THC-loaded fuel flavor with lashings of pine and citrus. The high is worthy of any hall of fame, providing a potent and euphoric experience that strikes a fine balance between relaxation and stimulation. It's a particular favorite for parties or concerts, but it's also suited for medicinal use. Here, it has success in combatting symptoms of stress, anxiety and pain.
3. Ghost Train Haze
This dynamic Sativa-dominant strain was once among the most potent options out there. While new strains have overtaken this, it remains an exceptionally balanced high-THC strain that provides a heavy-hitting cerebral sensation.
Growing
Ghost Train Haze does best in experienced hands. While there’s nothing stopping beginners from cultivating a fine plant, this strain is a joy to train and crop. She requires warm temperatures above 20 °C for best success and thrives in Mediterranean-like conditions. Not sunny or warm enough? She does find indoors and in greenhouses too. In fact, she’s a favorite among hydroponic growers utilizing techniques like ScrOG to produce dense and crystal-covered resinous buds, something of a rarity among Sativa strains.
Smell, taste and effect
Ghost Train Haze is a pungent and sour strain with funky floral notes and a sweet kick of tangy lemon. The Sativa qualities dominate the high, which is cerebral and energetic. Many advocates lower the dosage as a wake and bake strain to aid creativity. As such, this is a fine strain for those treating fatigue among other chronic conditions.
4. Purple Kush
Purple Kush is among the world's most treasured Indica strains. Powerful, purple and fairly easy to grow, no wonder it has become a noted favorite among hobbyist growers. This legendary option emerged from California and is related to two ancient Asian species.
Growing
Purple Kush is a resilient and hardy strain that's well suited for novice growers. While capable of growing indoors or outdoors, many have exceptional results indoors with high-quality soil or hydroponics. This strain is particularly noted for its fantastic response to low-stress training techniques to improve yields. Low humidity and significant light exposure are key to great success.
Smell, taste and effect
Purple Kush is a true connoisseur’s strain, boasting traditional notes of grape juice and wood spice. These fruity notes are backed by an organic earthiness. The effects are the ultimate in relaxation. Enjoy a long-lasting, blissful euphoria that comforts the mind and body. These soothing qualities make it a go-to strain for patients treating symptom of chronic pain, insomnia and stress.
5. Lithium OG Kush
An astounding variation of the beloved Master Kush, this unique strain holds a special place for its aphrodisiac uses. An Indica-leaning hybrid strain, it's far greater than the sum of its genetic parts, providing a balanced and soothing end-of-day high.
Growing
Lithium OG Kush is a popular and easy to grow strain, even for complete beginners. While this strain thrives in warm and dry outdoor conditions reminiscent of Southern California, it does very well indoors too where you can manage its environment. Many growers have great success applying training methods like SOG to boost yields and make the most of space. You can even trim and crop this plant to keep it compact in a small apartment setting.
Smell, taste and effect
Lithium OG Kush's aroma and flavor are reminiscent of Sour Diesel. Expect kerosene aromas and undertones of citrus. Lemon and grapefruit are also present in the taste. It delivers a long-lasting euphoria that spreads across the whole body. Perfect for those combatting mood disorders, it's an uplifting strain that soothes and relaxes the mind.
Best Weed Strains 2017
1. Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies quickly became one of the world's most popular strains. The parent of many new and innovative cultivars, it's renowned both for its cookie dough flavor and impressive THC content. Highly sought and widely praised, it was the stand-out strain of 2017.
Growing
Girl Scout Cookies is a true delight to grow, boasting a hardy growing profile that's suitable for beginners and advanced growers alike. While popularly grown outdoors in warm, Mediterranean-like conditions, she fares well in temperate environments too. For greater control in milder climates, take things indoors, where you can implement growing techniques to boost yields. SOG and ScrOG are particularly effective at generating the plant's famed crystal-laced buds.
Smell, taste and effect
Girl Scout Cookies is like opening an oven to a tray of freshly baked mint cookies. You'll discover dank earthy notes underneath its aromatic and sweet flavors. The high is legendary, delivering a heavy euphoria with wave upon wave of relaxation. Affecting the whole body, it has become a favorite among patients managing stress and day-to-day anxieties.
2. Purple Haze
This iconic Sativa-dominant strain is named after the psychedelic of Jimi Hendrix. Hardening back to glory days yet firmly modern in genetics and THC content, it's a high-energy strain that remains a go-to for Sativa fans.
Growing
Purple Haze is a robust and forgiving strain that's suited for beginners. Resistant to mold, she thrives in warmer climates but will cope just fine in temperate summers too. To keep things in check, you can also cultivate this psychedelic strain indoors. Many growers have great success with hydroponic setups and organic soils, but even simple one-pot growing is fine.
Smell, taste and effect
With a heavy Haze-like aroma, Purple Haze offers a perfect blend of sweet fruit, spice and earth. Typically, grape-like in flavor, she's a pleasure to smoke and offers a big blast of creative energy. These long-lasting and uplifting cerebral effects are recommended in the treatment of fatigue and depression.
3. OG Kush
OG Kush deserves its place in the all-time hall of fame. A certified 90s classic, its influence can be found in countless West Coast strains. It's world-renowned for its dank flavors and balanced high.
Growing
OG Kush is a versatile plant that's favored among hobby growers for its adaptability and high yields. While some experience is recommended, it won't be challenging as long as the conditions are right. This is a plant that thrives in warm and sunny climates with low humidity. When growing indoors, consider a hydroponic setup for more potent results. A keen eye for mildew and mites is needed to avoid infestations, particularly during the flowering phase.
Smell, taste and effect
This aromatic and deeply earthy strain boasts notes of skunk, spice and lemon. All of this is balanced by an underlying petroleum flavor, like a diesel engine in a rich pine forest. The high is remarkably balanced, offering a great blend of energizing and relaxing effects. This is one of the world's most uplifting strains, delivering a strong and long-lasting euphoria that settles into full-body relaxation. Patients with chronic pain turn to OG Kush for its therapeutic benefits.
4. White Widow
No greatest strains list would be complete without White Widow, one of the most recognizable options on any cannabis menu. Born in the Netherlands, it became a 1990s legend that has won countless awards for its ease of growth and exceptional high.
Growing
White Widow is widely regarded as one of the best "houseplant" strains. Easy to grow and adapt to indoor environments, she'll rarely grow higher than 100 cm. More experienced growers can utilize effective training methods like ScrOG and SOG to boost this plant's potent and resinous crystal-covered buds. She's even hardy enough to grow through temperate summers, although warmer conditions will see much better results.
Smell, taste and effect
White Widow is recognized by its sweet and sour aroma. To taste, it's an earthy blend of grass, pine and wood spice, balanced by an underlying sweetness. Its buds should be an indication of its potency, which is both powerful and long-lasting. Expect an immediate euphoria and energetic buzz which settles into a calming, sociable feeling. Favored among parties for its uplifting and talkative qualities, it's also advantageous in the treatment of symptoms of chronic pain and depression, as well as PTSD.
5. Black Jack
Just to look at, Black Jack is a mesmerizing strain with its purple tinges and sticky, trichome encrusted buds. Somewhat overlooked despite its many medicinal advocates, Black Jack is a pleasure to grow and boats a potent yet balanced high.
Growing
Blac kJack is an easy-grow strain that beginners will quickly get the hang of. While suited to both indoor and outdoor growing environments, it's more popularly grown indoors or in greenhouses where conditions can be controlled. That's because she requires plenty of sunlight with mild, not cold, nighttime temperatures, to aid the development of its super-rich buds. It's an ideal starter plant for new growers looking to experiment with training methods like SOG and ScrOG.
Smell, taste and effect
Black Jack is surprisingly citrus-like despite its dark appearance, offering a delightful flavor profile of lemon, pine and earth. Like a fine incense, its taste is matched by long-lasting euphoric effects that are both spacy and uplifting. Its high THC is ideal for tolerant users looking to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression. In fact, its longevity is particularly favored in mitigating insomnia and fatigue.
Best Weed Strains 2016
1. Gorilla Glue #4
It was all about potency in 2016 when this one topped the charts. A strong favorite among American and British growers, it is renowned for its richly resinous buds that are as sticky as Super Glue. It has won numerous awards since it first emerged and has become a staple of the home-grow scene.
Growing
This highly potent strain is suitable for beginner growers, making it an ideal choice among THC lovers. Convenient, forgiving and robust, it's a no-nonsense strain that will grow well in just about any soil system. Many growers often favor hydroponics, where it grows quick and strong. It does, however, grow bushy, so some pruning techniques are required to allow the light to reach its stems. Its short flowering time also makes it ideal in temperate summers. Still, we mostly recommend growing this enjoyable strain outdoors in warmer, drier climates. Otherwise, indoors is perfect.
Smell, taste and effect
Gorilla Glue 4 is noted for its strong skunk-like aroma that can cloud the room. You'll also discover pleasant notes of earth and pine, like a rich evergreen forest after a downpour. Gorilla Glue 4's effects are legendary, providing both heavily euphoric and relaxing qualities. Be careful with the dosage, or you'll find yourself too content to move. These potent and hard-hitting effects are very well suited to serious medical conditions.
2. Zkittlez
So-named for its candy-like flavors and colors, this remarkable strain has grown to become among the most popular Indicas among enthusiasts. It began taking home awards and accolades within months of being launched – an indication of its impressive and legendary status.
Growing
While fairly robust, Zkittlez really benefits from some growing experience. With that said, she grows well indoors and outdoors, and in many soil or hydroponic environments. Outdoors growers see greater yields and heights, but hot, sunny climates are best, making indoor growing more suitable worldwide. To control its colors and develop rich purple hues, drop the temperature for a few hours every night with the lights.
Smell, taste and effect
Zkittlez is renowned for its sweet and tropical flavors that are loaded with juicy fruit notes like berries and citrus. The effects are intensely relaxing, affecting the body and focusing the mind. It's a particularly popular end-of-day strain thanks to its comforting and soothing qualities. As such, it’s particularly effective at managing stress and anxiety.
3. Gelato
Sweet and delicious Gelato took the world by storm when it first emerged. Carefully balancing candy-like sweetness with a powerhouse THC profile, it's among the best medical strains out there. While it leans into the Indica characteristics, there's a stimulating cerebral energy there too.
Growing
Gelato is fairly easy to grow and works well in both indoor and outdoor environments. Medium-built, stout and potentially bushy, Gelato benefits from some trimming to create space between the branches. When it comes to growing conditions, think sunny Southern California. If your climate is more temperate, it's best to grow this exceptional strain indoors, where you can apply successful training methods like SOG for massive yields.
Smell, taste and effect
As the name suggests, Gelato carries aromas of citrus, mint and fruit. There's a creamy mouthfeel to that's balanced by elements of organic earth. Consumers love this strain for its euphoric high, which is followed by waves of intense relaxation. These effects come on quickly when smoked, making it ideal among patients with chronic pain and inflammation. While it does relax, it can also stimulate and motivate in lower doses.
4. ACDC
ACDC is among the top CBD strains and is a vital option for those taking a break from THC. Ideal for medicinal users, it's a relieving and soothing option that is highly thought of among connoisseurs. It can trace its origins from Cannatonic, one of the early CBD-dominant options.
Growing
ACDC requires some knowledge to grow as she is somewhat prone to mold and pests. Keep a watchful eye on her and ensure your humidity levels are low for the best results. You can grow this strain both indoors and outdoors, although most opt to keep things protected indoors. She can grow tall fairly quickly, so be sure to prune and crop to the desired size as required.
Smell, taste and effect
ACDC leans into the juicy citrus side of things like a ripe lemonade. There's plenty of aromatic and incense-like qualities there, too, including pine and woodsy aromas. As for the effects, this is a mellow experience without any psychoactive aspects. It's perfect for those with a low THC tolerance or in the treatment of stress and inflammation. Even better, you're never at risk of feeling overwhelmed or stuck to the couch, making it an ideal daytime strain.
5. Jack Herer
As can be expected for a strain named after an American cannabis legend, Jack Herer is a true show-stopper of a Sativa strain. Aside from the numerous official medals it has garnered throughout the years, it's a strain that's praised by growing enthusiasts.
Growing
Jack Herer is well-loved among home growers thanks to its adaptability and experimental potential. You can train, crop and cultivate this plant in countless ways. Just be advised that this is a plant that thrives best in Mediterranean conditions. If your climate is more temperate, it's best to cultivate Jack Herer indoors or in greenhouses. Jack Herer's also rather partial to high-quality nutrients - get it right and the harvests are phenomenal.
Smell, taste and effect
Jack Herer's beloved flavors include typical Sativa notes like lemon, skunk and pine. The deep, earthy flavors give way to a blissful high from head to toe. This is a potent but creative strain hat's noted for its energetic, clear-headed properties. As a medical strain, patients have great success treating symptoms of anxiety, chronic pain and ADHD.