What are the best strains of weed? While it’s not easy to make a definitive list out of many hundreds of options, there are plenty of strains that are classics for a reason.
If you need a little help choosing the best weed strains, start with this guide to the most popular strains in New York, then stop into The Plant to give them a try.
Understanding cannabis cultivars
A cannabis cultivar is the same thing as a strain: they’re different words for describing different varietals, or kinds, of cannabis.
A varietal is a plant term for different varieties of the same plant. Think about apples and tomatoes — how many different kinds do you see in the grocery store? They may look and taste different, some may be better for snacking, and others may be better for cooking and baking. And yet, they come from the same plant.
It’s the same for cannabis: the same plant appears in different forms. These differences can be in the color of the plant or flowers, the aroma of the buds, and the effects of the flower. We call these differences “strains” or “cultivars,” and there are many hundreds of them.
How are strains created?
Creating new cannabis strains is an art that cultivators have been perfecting for decades.
New strains are created by breeding existing ones together. Growers will often combine plants to find an optimal combination of potency, color, scent, or different cannabinoids. This process is very similar to breeding other plants: two plants are crossed together and allowed to grow.
Oftentimes, a grower will breed several plants of the same combination to let the genetics play out and select the most successful one. That’s how you get strains like GG4 or Triangle Mints #23 – the number in the name refers to the plant number the breeder selected as the best one.
Sativa vs. Indica vs. hybrid strains
Sativa, indica, and hybrid are some of the most common terms you’ll hear related to cannabis flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, and other products in a dispensary. They’re used to try to give an indication of how you may feel when you try consume these products. But what do they actually mean?
Indica and sativa are biological terms that classify two types of plants: cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. While both are cannabis plants, sativa and indica plants are original to different areas of the world, which is why they look different. The phenotype (observable characteristics of the plant) are different, but the genotype (the genetic makeup) is not that different. Hybrids are simply cannabis plants that descend from two or more strains.
Historically, cannabis indica and sativa plants had more separation. Plant appearance, cannabinoid content, terpene content, and use cases were quite distinct. However, when Prohibition came into play and cannabis consumption was driven underground, the sativa and indica distinction lost its original meaning. Instead, they were used to describe effects. That’s where you get the common adage that sativa is energizing while Indica will put you in-da-couch.
But that’s not necessarily true today. Most cannabis strains on the market are the result of years of careful breeding and cross-selection, with generations of interbreeding between indica and sativa plants. Most strains are a hybrid, and there are very few true “indica” or “sativa” strains. Plus, it’s what is inside that counts: the plant’s physical appearance does not reflect the cannabinoids and terpenes they contain.
Pay more attention to the potency of the strain, the cannabinoids, and the terpene profile. That’s where you’ll learn the most about how a strain will affect you.
The 14 most popular strains in New York
Alaskan Thunderfu*k
This legendary strain was born and bred in Alaska from an unknown lineage. Expect large, frosty buds with a strong aroma of pine, lemon, and skunkiness. The high is relaxing but can be intense for new consumers, as this strain is quite potent. Munchies are common, as is an unexpected nap.
- Average THC content: 25%
- Average CBD content: 0.5%
- Top terpenes: myrcene, limonene
Amnesia Haze
First popularized in the infamous coffee shops of Amsterdam, Amnesia Haze isn’t, as the name suggests, intensely sedating. Instead, this citrusy strain is a balanced hybrid that delivers an uplifting high that starts in your head and settles into your body, perfect for daytime.
- Average THC content: 23%
- Average CBD content: 0%
- Top terpenes: myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, ocimene
- Buy Amnesia Haze at The Plant
Blue Dream
The sweet scent of Blue Dream will follow you into your dreams. This sativa-dominant strain is a hybrid with a moderate potency level of around 20% on average, making it approachable for both new and experienced consumers. You may feel uplifting effects in your mind and relaxation in your body, but Blue Dream walks the line without dipping into sedation. It’s a true “all day” strain.
- Average THC content: 20%
- Average CBD content: 0.5%
- Top terpenes: myrcene, beta-caryophyllene
- Buy Blue Dream at The Plant
Blueberry
This classic American indica strain won High Times’ Best Indica back in 2000, and it’s been popular ever since. Expect intensely fruity aromas when you open the packaging as well as the flavor of blueberries while puffing. This strain has relaxing effects that are ideal for helping you quiet a busy mind at night.
- Average THC content: 21%
- Average CBD content: 0.5%
- Top terpenes: myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, pinene
- Buy Blueberry at The Plant
Garlicane
One of the most popular strains in New York, Garlicane doesn’t hold back. This Indica-dominant hybrid hits hard from the first hit and will help you let go of even the most stressful day. Expect a burst of euphoria and a sense of deep relaxation. If you’re new to cannabis, take this strain one hit at a time.
- Average THC content: 23%
- Average CBD content: 0%
- Top terpenes: beta-caryophyllene, pinene
Glitter Bomb
This novel strain takes its name from the abundance of glistening trichomes on the flower, giving the dark flowers a glistening appearance. Expect a rich aroma of blueberry and gas and some seriously sticky-icky buds. This strain is hybrid but has the classic creeping indica effects that may leave you napping on the couch.
- Average THC content: 23%
- Average CBD content: 0%
- Top terpenes: myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool
Jack Herer
If there’s a top strains list, you can bet Jack Herer is on it. Jack boasts large nugs with bright pops of orange and an unusual terpene dominance: terpinolene. This iconic strain is the best of both worlds: a richly potent flower, a burst of euphoria, and lasting elevation without being sedated, perfect for any time of day.
- Average THC content: 23%
- Average CBD content: 0%
- Top terpenes: pinene, beta-caryophyllene, terpinolene
- Buy Jack Herer at The Plant
Larry Burger
With two indica parent strains, Larry Burger packs a punch. The potency is clear from the trichome structure on the buds, caked with goodness. A complex floral, earthy, yet skunky aroma greets you when you open the bag. Some batches test more than 30% THC, but most are in the high 20s. Either way, clear your afternoon – you won’t be doing much after trying this.
- Average THC content: 28%
- Average CBD content: 0%
- Top terpenes: myrcene, pinene
- Buy Larry Burger at The Plant
Lemon Mints
This Indica-dominant strain is high in limonene, a terpene known for being energizing, but the cannabinoid profile of Lemon Mints counters that. It has a fresh lemon scent leading to the aroma, but other terpenes like caryophyllene provide an earthy depth. It’s potent, above 20%, but only just above 20%. Lemon Mints is the perfect flower for ending a long day or enjoying a lazy weekend afternoon.
- Average THC content: 22%
- Average CBD content: 0%
- Top terpenes: limonene, beta-caryophyllene, myrcene
Lilac Diesel
A relatively new strain, Lilac Diesel is the balanced hybrid of four parent strains. It has a pine-forward aroma that carries into the flavor with a hit of fruit at the end. The moderate potency and balance of terpenes create a functional yet elevated high experience.
- Average THC content: 20%
- Average CBD content: 0.1%
- Top terpenes: pinene, terpinolene, beta-caryophyllene
- Buy Lilac Diesel at The Plant
MAC
Short for Miracle Alien Cookies, MAC is a balanced hybrid strain that leads with a floral yet earthy smell that is sometimes reminiscent of garlic. It has strong flavors and is known to have a creeping effect that starts out heady and euphoric.
- Average THC content: 23%
- Average CBD content: 0
- Top terpenes: limonene, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene
- Buy MAC at The Plant
Pineapple Express
This strain may have been made famous by Hollywood, but there’s a good reason for its popularity. It’s aromatic and flavorful, with notes of fruit and citrus. Pineapple Express is beloved for its uplifting buzz and energy boost that’s perfect for starting the day, getting things done, or diving into a creative project.
- Average THC content: 23%
- Average CBD content: 0%
- Top terpenes: beta-caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene
- Buy Pineapple Express at The Plant
Sour Diesel
With Sour Diesel, it’s all in your head — the high, that is. This gassy, iconic New York strain is famous for its incredibly strong aroma and dreamy cerebral high that comes on quickly. The skunkiness is legendary and you can taste it in the smoke. Sour D is quite potent, so take it one hit at a time.
- Average THC content: 27%
- Average CBD content: 0%
- Top terpenes: myrcene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene
- Buy Sour Diesel at The Plant
White Widow
White Widow is a balanced hybrid strain known around the world for its uplifting effects. The nugs are resinous and glistening with trichomes, while the scent is earthy and woodsy. Not the most potent strain on the list, White Widow is known to be stimulating and energizing, ideal for socialization and creative pursuits.
- Average THC content: 20%
- Average CBD content: 0%
- Top terpenes: beta-caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene
Finding your favorite strain
The abundance of varieties in cannabis flower is one of the most beautiful parts of the plant. You can have tried-and-true strains and still find something exciting and new at the dispensary counter. Ready to find your next favorite strain? Visit The Plant, your one-stop shop for cannabis in Westchester County, and see what we have in stock.
