What Makes a Marijuana Strain Popular?
Cannabis strains become incredibly popular if they have specific qualities that make them unique from other strains on the market and often because they provide a strong effect. The majority of the five most popular strains we’ve selected are sativa strains. Sativas are known to provide an uplifting and energetic quality, compared to indica strains, which tend to be more calming and sedative.
All of these strains are used for their medicinal properties, but are also used recreationally. We consider these classic marijuana strains, often recognized by name.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is one of the most well-known strains of marijuana. Blue Dream, which originated in California, is a sativa-dominant hybrid that’s a cross of Blueberry Indica and Sativa Haze. Blue Dream is known for its high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), with percentages ranging from 17–24% and low levels of both cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG).
Blue Dream is known to cause full body relaxation while also being mentally invigorating. It’s known to produce a gentle and calm high without heavily sedative effects. Blue Dream is very popular with medical marijuana patients for daytime relief of pain, depression and nausea. This sativa-dominant hybrid is also praised for keeping anxiety at bay, making it a clear winner for many.
Jack Herer
Jack Herer is another sativa-dominant hybrid that’s a cross of Haze, Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk. Originally hailing from the Netherlands, it has several different phenotypes that each have unique effects. Jack Herer, which is touted for its medicinal properties, is known to produce happy and clear-headed effects that promote creativity.
All of the Jack Herer phenotypes are known for their quality, potency and high levels of THC. THC levels can range from 18–23% with low levels of CBD and CBG. Jack Herer presents high levels of limonene, which is a terpene known to fight depression. It’s a great marijuana strain for stress, depression, pain, fatigue and headaches.
Cannatonic
Cannatonic is known as one of the leading medical marijuana strains. It’s also known for its relatively low THC content—below 6%—and high CBD content— about 6–17%. Cannatonic is a hybrid strain that comes from a cross of MK Ultra and G13 Haze. It produces mellow effects that don’t bring on a strong high, but rather provides very relaxing effects. Cannatonic has great pain-relieving qualities; it works to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, anxiety and migraines.
Cannatonic produces happy and uplifting feelings without high levels of psychoactivity. Due to its low levels of THC and higher levels of CBD, it’s considered a borderline strain because it usually doesn’t produce psychoactive effects. However, it still may cause some patients to feel high if they’re particularly sensitive. Cannatonic’s balance of THC and CBD makes it a good choice for people who need strong pain relief without a strong high.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a sativa strain that’s known for its energizing and intense cerebral effects. It’s known to provide long-lasting relief for people who experience stress and pain. Sour Diesel is known for its high levels of THC, which range from 19–25%. The strain provides uplifting and happy effects known to fight off stress and fatigue to allow people to power through their day. This particular strain is another top choice for medical marijuana patients because of its steady and long-lasting effects that provide relief all day long.
OG Kush
OG Kush is one of the most well-known marijuana strains on the market. This slightly sativa-dominant hybrid is known for its high levels of THC, which can reach up to 26%. It’s known to produce extreme happiness and euphoria, as well as relaxed and calming effects. OG Kush has fairly high levels of psychoactivity, but it also has great medical benefits.
Medical marijuana patients have found OG Kush to be very helpful with migraines and stress-related problems. It also has had some success helping people with pain and insomnia. OG Kush has fairly high levels of limonene and linalool, which are both terpenes that help fight against depression.
