20 Different Strains of Cannabis and Their Effects

Curious about the world of cannabis and the different types of weed strains out there? Each strain of cannabis comes with its unique blend of effects on the body and mind, resulting in a wide range of experiences. From the euphoric and uplifting properties of sativa-dominant strains to the calming, soothing effects of indica-dominant ones, different marijuana strains can cause varying effects. Let’s take a closer look at 20 popular strains of cannabis and their effects, so that you can find your perfect match.

Intro to the Cannabis Plant

The cannabis plant has a rich history that spans thousands of years and countless cultures. The use of cannabis for both its recreational purposes and health purposes is well-documented throughout history.

Cannabis belongs to the Cannabaceae family and typically comes in two primary species: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. These two species are distinguished by their physical characteristics and the different effects they have on users. 

Sativa plants tend to be tall and thin with narrow leaves, while indica plants are shorter and bushier with broad leaves. Sativa strains generally produce more uplifting and cerebral effects, while indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative properties.

The cannabis plant is also highly valued for its numerous compounds, including cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis use, while CBD is non-intoxicating and is used to support overall wellness. 

Understanding the complexities of the cannabis plant can enhance appreciation for its diverse uses and potential benefits. Let’s take a closer look at different strains of cannabis and their effects. 

Cannabis sativa vs. Cannabis indica Strains

Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are the two main species of the cannabis plant, each offering a unique set of effects and benefits to the user. Understanding the differences between these two species can help individuals choose the strain that best meets their needs. Effects of cannabis plants are typically characterized by indica, sativa, and hybrid.

Cannabis sativa strains tend to originate from warm climates with long growing seasons, such as Central America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. These plants are taller and thinner with narrow leaves, and they take longer to mature than their indica counterparts. 

Sativa strains are often associated with uplifting, cerebral effects, making them ideal for daytime use. They can stimulate creativity and productivity, making them popular among artists, musicians, and those who need to stay focused while managing pain or other health issues.

On the other hand, Cannabis indica strains hail from cooler climates with short growing seasons like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. These plants are shorter, bushier, and have broader leaves. 

They mature faster than sativa plants and are known for their physically sedating effects. Indica strains are often used at night due to their relaxing properties, which can help with sleep and relaxation. 

It's important to note, however, that the effects of different strains of weed can vary widely due to factors such as the plant's chemical composition, the consumer's tolerance, sensitivity and previous cannabis experiences.

Hybrid strains—which combine genetics from both indica and sativa plants—can also provide a balance of effects, offering a mix of the characteristics found in certain strains of both sativa and indica strains.

In addition to Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica plants, Cannabis ruderalis is a lesser-known species of cannabis that differs significantly from its more popular counterparts. Originating from regions with harsh climates such as Russia and Central Asia, ruderalis plants are typically smaller and hardier, capable of surviving in challenging environments.

Unlike sativa and indica plants, which rely on photoperiods (light and dark cycles) to flower, ruderalis strains are auto-flowering, meaning they transition from the vegetative phase to the flowering phase based on age rather than changes in light. While ruderalis strains are not commonly sought after for medical and recreational purposes due to their low THC content, they are often crossbred with sativa and indica strains to create hybrids that can flourish in a wider range of climates and have auto-flowering traits.

Different Cannabis Strains That Are Popular in 2024

As we delve deeper into different types of weed strains, it's crucial to understand that not all strains are created equal. Each strain has very specific characteristics and a unique genetic profile that influences its effects, aroma, flavor, and growth characteristics. Let's take a closer look at different cannabis strains that have gained popularity over the last few years.

Banana Kush

Banana Kush is a popular strain known for its distinct fruity flavor and relaxing effects. Its genetics are predominantly indica, contributing to its reputation for supporting relaxation and sleepiness. The strain boasts dense buds with a rich green hue, often covered in a layer of crystalline trichomes.

Its terpene profile includes myrcene and caryophyllene, which contribute to its characteristic aroma of fresh bananas mixed with earthy undertones. Many users report feeling talkative, creative, and relaxed after using Banana Kush, making it a favored choice for social settings or winding down after a long day.

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights cannabis strain is renowned for its potent effects that primarily induce feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. This strain's genetics are predominantly indica, which contributes to its reputation as a "two-hit and quit" variety. This means its effects can be felt strongly after just a couple of hits.

Aesthetically, Northern Lights often boasts dense, resinous buds with a lush green hue. Its terpene profile includes myrcene and caryophyllene, which contribute to its earthy aroma with hints of citrus. Many users also report experiencing a sense of euphoria, along with joint and muscle support, underlining Northern Lights' popularity among medical marijuana patients. 

OG Kush

A legendary strain with a name that's recognized even outside of cannabis circles, OG Kush is celebrated for its euphoric and relaxing effects. This strain predominantly leans toward indica genetics, providing users with a sense of calm and relaxation that can help with occasional stress. The buds of OG Kush are typically dense and covered in a layer of crystal trichomes, presenting a visually appealing green color.

The strain's terpene profile includes limonene and myrcene, contributing to its unique aroma and flavor. Users often describe the smell and taste of OG Kush as a mix of earthy pine and sour lemon with woody undertones. This blend of flavors and aromas, along with its potent effects, contributes to OG Kush's popularity among cannabis enthusiasts.

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies, often abbreviated as GSC, is a well-known indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain. It's a crossbreed of OG Kush and Durban Poison, both reputable strains in their own right. 

GSC is recognized for its high THC levels and uplifting effects, making it popular among users seeking a sense of euphoria and relaxation. Its unique terpene profile contributes to its spicy, earthy aromas, setting it apart from other strains. 

Furthermore, it's often associated with potential health benefits such as aiding sleeplessness, appetite, and supporting a sense of happiness. 

Alaskan Thunderfuck

Alaskan Thunderfuck, also known as ATF, is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain known for its potent and unique effects. It's renowned for initially delivering a robust sativa-type high, characterized by spacey, euphoric feelings that gradually transition into a relaxed state. 

ATF is a mix of genetics, including the sweet fruitiness of banana and orange and the earthy skunk of pine and diesel, making it a favorite among more experienced users. Its terpene profile contributes to these diverse aromas, setting it apart from other strains. The strain is also known for its high THC levels, typically ranging between 16%-23%.

Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake is an indica-dominant hybrid strain renowned for its powerful and multifaceted effects. This strain carries a rich and tangy flavor profile with undertones of earthy pepper, making it a treat for the palate. It's known to induce relaxing and euphoric effects that calm both the body and mind, making it particularly helpful to support occasional stress management.

The genetic makeup of Wedding Cake combines the robust traits of its parent strains, which are Cherry Pie and Girl Scout Cookies. This blend results in a high THC content, which may prove beneficial in managing bodily comfort. 

The strain is visually striking as well, characterized by its dense, green buds covered in crystalline trichomes. Its terpene profile contributes to its unique aroma, offering a blend of sweet, fruity notes mixed with a hint of spiciness.

Biscotti

Biscotti is a potent hybrid strain known for its balanced effects and impressive lineage. It's a cross between three well-regarded strains, Gelato #25, Girl Scout Cookies, and South Florida OG. This stellar genetic background results in a strain that delivers both physical relaxation and cerebral excitement, making it a favorite among users seeking a well-rounded experience.

Biscotti boasts a sweet, nutty flavor profile that's as inviting as it is complex, thanks to its rich terpene blend. Users often report feelings of euphoria and clarity, accompanied by a relaxing body buzz that can help maintain a good mood.

The strain is also visually appealing, with dense, green buds covered in trichomes. Its aroma carries the same sweet, nutty notes as its flavor, rounded out by subtle hints of spice.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid that offers a balanced high, pairing cerebral stimulation with full-body relaxation. This strain has a notable THC content of 18%, contributing to its potent effects such as heightened focus and clarity, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a head-high without feeling overly lethargic.

The genetic background of Blue Dream is as intriguing as its effects, boasting a lineage that combines the best traits of its parent strains. Its buds are dense and often covered in crystal trichomes, adding to its visual appeal. 

As for its terpene profile, Blue Dream carries a sweet and berry-like aroma, sometimes peppered with a hint of spice. This unique blend of scents complements its equally complex flavor profile, making it a treat for both the nose and palate.

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a pure sativa strain known for its energizing and uplifting effects. It's renowned for cutting through fatigue, providing a stimulating and clear-headed high that's perfect for those needing a boost during busy days or to spark creativity.

Genetically, Durban Poison traces its roots back to the South African port city of Durban. It's recognized by its dense, chunky buds covered in a thick layer of trichomes, signaling its high THC content. The terpene profile of Durban Poison is unique, with a dominance of terpinolene, myrcene, and pinene, contributing to its signature aroma. 

This strain is known for its earthy and piney scent, with hints of sweet, spicy, and herbal undertones. Interestingly, unlike many other strains, Durban Poison is reported to lack appetite-enhancing properties, making it a popular choice among those who wish to avoid the typical 'munchies' associated with cannabis use.

Gelato

Gelato, also known as Larry Bird or Gelato #42, is a popular hybrid strain with an indica dominance. Its genetic lineage traces back to the flavorful and potent parent strains of Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. Known for its beautiful appearance, Gelato often boasts vibrant green buds with rich purple hues and a generous dusting of crystal trichomes.

The terpene profile of Gelato typically includes caryophyllene, limonene, and humulene, contributing to its complex flavor and aroma. Users often describe the smell and taste of Gelato as sweet, citrusy, and earthy, with hints of lavender and berries. 

When it comes to effects, Gelato is praised for inducing a sense of euphoria and relaxation. It's often reported to enhance mood, help with social situations, and even increase focus, making it a favorite among those seeking both mental uplift and physical relaxation. However, as with all strains, effects can vary by individual and the amount consumed.

Acapulco Gold

Acapulco Gold is a renowned sativa-dominant strain that originates from the areas around Acapulco, Mexico. Its genetic makeup is mostly sativa, making it a favorite for its cerebral high and energizing effects. In terms of appearance, Acapulco Gold is known for its gold-like resinous sheen (hence the name) with buds that are dense and cone-shaped.

The terpene profile of Acapulco Gold commonly includes caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, which contribute to its unique aromatic and flavor profile. It is often described as having a pungent smell, with notes of toffee and cheese. 

The taste is similarly complex, featuring earthy and sweet flavors that delight the palate. As for effects, users report an uplifted mood, increased creativity, and a sense of euphoria.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel, often abbreviated to Sour D, is a fast-acting and energizing sativa-dominant strain known for its pungent diesel-like aroma. This strain has a unique flavor profile that combines aromatic notes of citrus and herbal undertones, largely due to its terpene profile which includes caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene. 

In terms of effects, Sour D is celebrated for its dreamy cerebral impact, offering a burst of creative energy and uplifting euphoria, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a potent pick-me-up.

Sour Diesel is characterized by its pale green buds that are covered in crystal trichomes, with orange hairs peeking through.

Runtz

Runtz is a hybrid cannabis strain celebrated for its euphoric and uplifting effects. Known for a balanced blend of indica and sativa, Runtz provides a soothing yet energizing high that can potentially aid in maintaining a balanced mood. Its genetics are often traced back to two popular strains, Gelato and Zkittlez, which contribute to its unique flavor profile.

Runtz is recognized for its vibrant and dense buds, richly coated with sticky resin and sprinkled with an array of colors from greens to purples. The strain's terpene profile includes caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, lending it a sweet and fruity aroma reminiscent of the candy it's named after. This combination of effects, aroma, and appearance makes Runtz a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts.

Chemdawg

Chemdawg is a potent hybrid strain known for its distinctive sharp diesel aroma and balanced effects. The strain's exact genetic lineage is a mystery, but it's believed to be a cross of Thai and Nepalese sativa strains. Notably, Chemdawg has been used as a parent strain for several popular hybrids, including Sour Diesel and OG Kush.

When it comes to appearance, Chemdawg stands out with its dense, medium-sized buds that are covered in sticky resin and silvery trichomes. The strain's terpene profile is dominated by caryophyllene and myrcene, which contribute to its spicy, earthy aroma with hints of diesel and fruit. 

Users often report feeling euphoric, uplifted, and creative after consuming Chemdawg, making it a popular choice for those seeking support for focus and mood. 

Purple Kush

Purple Kush is a potent indica strain known for its deeply relaxing effects. It's a cross between Hindu Kush and Purple Afghan, resulting in a strain that is often considered one of the most powerful indicas out there. 

The appearance of Purple Kush is as striking as its effects, characterized by vibrant violet and lavender flowers and foliage. Primary terpenes in Purple Kush include myrcene and caryophyllene, which contribute to its soothing and calming effects. 

The aroma is subtly earthy and spicy, with sweet undertones reminiscent of berries and grapes, offering an alluring sensory experience that complements its potential wellness benefits.

Skunk #1

Skunk #1 is a renowned hybrid cannabis strain, widely recognized for its balanced effects that can be both energetic and creative, while also supporting a healthy state of mind. Its genetics are a sophisticated mix, primarily tracing back to Afghan, Acapulco Gold, and Colombian Gold strains. 

The appearance of Skunk #1 is marked by its large, dense buds with a rich green hue, often interspersed with streaks of purple and coated with a generous layer of trichomes. Its terpene profile includes myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, which contribute to Skunk #1's characteristic pungent, skunky aroma, undercut with hints of sweet fruitiness. Despite its strong smell, the strain also offers a sweet taste, making it an enjoyable experience for users.

Haze

Haze is a legendary sativa-dominant strain, known for its uplifting and creative effects. This strain has a rich history, with genetics tracing back to landrace strains, delivering a potent psychoactive effect. However, it's important to note that excessive consumption of Haze can lead to paranoia, dry mouth, and even dizziness.

The appearance of Haze is characterized by its dense buds, often covered in a rich layer of trichomes, reflecting its high potency. The terpene profile of Haze includes myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, which contribute to its distinct aroma. This aroma is typically earthy and sweet, with hints of spice that make it recognizable amongst cannabis enthusiasts. Despite its strong smell, Haze also offers a sweet taste, making it an enjoyable experience for users.

Hindu Kush

Hindu Kush is a pure indica cannabis strain renowned for its deeply tranquilizing effects, which stem from its origins in the mountain range between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Its distinctive appearance is characterized by dense, forest-green buds with a thick coating of crystal trichomes, reflecting its potent genetic makeup.

The strain has a unique terpene profile, with pinene and limonene being prominent, enhancing the potency of THC in CB1 receptor activation. This contributes to its noted properties such as muscle support, relaxation, and sleepiness. The aroma of Hindu Kush is as unique as its effects, boasting a complex scent with notes of sweet and earthy sandalwood, accentuated by fresh pine.

Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express is a sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain, known for its uplifting and energetic effects that stimulate creativity and happiness. Its parent plants are the strains Trainwreck and Hawaiian, contributing to its unique genetic makeup. The strain boasts a vibrant appearance with dense, dark green buds that are often tinged with purple and covered in sticky resin.

Its terpene profile is predominantly made up of caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Pineapple Express has a distinct tropical aroma, with notes of pineapple and citrus blending with a subtle earthy undertone, making it as appealing to the senses as it is beneficial for its effects.

Strawberry Cough

Strawberry Cough is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain recognized for its uplifting and energizing effects. This strain is particularly appreciated for its potential for occasional stress management, making it a favorite among users seeking mood enhancement.

Its genetics are somewhat of a mystery, but it's known for its bright green buds covered in red hairs, giving it an appearance reminiscent of a strawberry field. The strain's terpene profile includes myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, which contribute to its many health benefits. As the name suggests, Strawberry Cough boasts a sweet, berry-flavored aroma that is as delightful as its vibrant appearance and potent effects.

Different Flavors of Weed Strains for Different Experiences

Different strains of cannabis offer a variety of experiences, largely due to the unique combination of terpenes, cannabinoids, and THC percentage in each strain. The THC percentage plays a crucial role in defining the potency and effects of a strain, with higher percentages often resulting in stronger psychoactive effects. Moreover, the unique flavors and aromas, ranging from sweet and fruity to earthy and pine-like, are influenced by the strain's terpene profile. Thus, the interplay of THC percentage, terpene profile, and other cannabinoids defines the overall experience of each weed strain. While experimenting with different strains of marijuana is fun, it should be done responsibly and in a safe place.