The Top 100 Cannabis Strains of the 2020s

From classic heirlooms to modern designer hybrids, these 100 strains have dominated U.S. cannabis culture in the 2020s (January 2020 to May 2025).

Blue Dream.

The strains below are ranked by a blend of popularity, sales, reviews, awards, and consumer sentiment. Each entry notes the strain’s type (indica, sativa, or hybrid) and a bit on what makes it special.

• Blue Dream (Hybrid) – A legendary cross between Blueberry and Haze, this hybrid delivers sweet berry flavors and balanced effects. Beloved for its upbeat yet relaxing high, this sativa-leaning classic topped sales charts nationwide well into the 2020s.

• OG Kush (Hybrid) – An indica-leaning hybrid famous for its earthy pine-and-fuel aroma and heavy euphoria. OG Kush’s potent full-body buzz made it a West Coast staple and the genetic backbone of countless modern strains.

• Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) (Hybrid) – A dessert-like hybrid (OG Kush × Durban Poison) with a sweet, minty chocolate flavor and knockout potency. GSC won multiple Cannabis Cups and became a 2010s icon for its blissful, creative head high and relaxing body melt.

• Wedding Cake (Hybrid) – A luxe Triangle Kush × Animal Mints hybrid named Leafly’s Strain of the Year 2019 for its rich vanilla cake aroma and balanced high. This indica-dominant strain delivers dense, frosty buds that calm the mind and body in equal measure.

• Gelato (Hybrid) – A pungent Sunset Sherbet × Thin Mint GSC hybrid that tastes like creamy berries and citrus. Gelato offers a euphoric yet clear-headed high and vibrant purple buds, sparking a wave of dessert-themed strains across the US.

• Sour Diesel (Sativa) – The archetypal sativa known for its piercing diesel-fuel aroma and energizing effects. “Sour D” delivers a fast-acting, dreamy cerebral rush that boosts mood and creativity, remaining a go-to daytime strain for decades.

• Pineapple Express (Hybrid) – A Trainwreck × Hawaiian cross made famous by pop culture, featuring tropical pineapple and mango aromas. This sativa-leaning hybrid hits with a happy, light-hearted high and smooth focus, making it a favorite for daytime vibes.

• Granddaddy Purple (GDP) (Indica) – A California classic indica (Purple Urkle × Big Bud) with deep purple buds and a sweet grape flavor. GDP’s potent body-high can cradle you into couch-lock, earning it a lasting reputation for stress relief and insomnia help.

Grandaddy Purple.

• Gorilla Glue #4 (GG4) (Hybrid) – A super-sticky hybrid (Chem’s Sister × Sour Dubb × Chocolate Diesel) famed for ultra-resinous buds that “glue” scissors. GG4 won multiple Cannabis Cups and delivers a euphoric rush followed by crushing full-body relaxation that can floor even veteran smokers.

• Ice Cream Cake (Indica) – A sedating Wedding Cake × Gelato #33 hybrid that scooped multiple Emerald Cup wins. True to its name, it exudes sugary vanilla cream flavors. ICC’s gorgeous frosty buds and knockout tranquilizing effects made it a top-selling evening strain in the early 2020s.

• Apple Fritter (Hybrid) – A potent Sour Apple × Animal Cookies hybrid that smells of sweet baked apples and diesel. Apple Fritter rose quickly in 2020s menus for its blissful head high and relaxing body buzz – strong yet functional, with dessert-like flavors that consumers adore.

• MAC (Miracle Alien Cookies) (Hybrid) – An instant connoisseur favorite combining Alien Cookies × Starfighter genetics. MAC’s dense buds drip with resin and citrusy, musky terpenes. It’s cherished for a soaring, blissful euphoria paired with cozy physical relaxation – perfect for winding down creatively.

• Purple Punch (Indica) – Granddaddy Purple × Larry OG come together in this fruity knockout. Purple Punch emits a Kool-Aid grape sweetness and delivers a soothing, happy high without heavy sedation. It became a popular dessert strain for unwinding, known for its candy flavor and stress-melting body effects.

• Durban Poison (Sativa) – A pure South African sativa landrace with a spicy, sweet anise aroma. Beloved for its clear-headed, energizing buzz, Durban Poison is a daytime classic that sparks creativity and focus without couch-lock. Despite its vintage, it remained a staple in 2020s dispensaries for a pure uplifting high.

• Runtz (Hybrid) – A candy-sweet Gelato × Zkittlez hybrid that became a viral sensation in 2020. Runtz’s rainbow-colored buds and tropical fruit flavor took the nation by storm, delivering a balanced euphoria that’s both social and relaxing.

Runtz.

• Biscotti (Hybrid) – An indica-leaning Gelato × Sour Tangie cross with a rich, cookie dough and gas terpene profile. Biscotti’s dense, trichome-laden buds hit with a relaxing body buzz and focused cerebral high. Its decadent dessert aroma and potent, couch-friendly effects kept it in high demand at dispensaries.

• Northern Lights (Indica) – A legendary pure indica (Afghani × Thai) with a sweet pine scent, known to induce deep relaxation and contentment. Northern Lights dominated the ’90s and still shines as a go-to bedtime strain, easing pain and stress with a heavy, tranquil body high.

• White Widow (Hybrid) – The iconic balanced hybrid from the Netherlands (Brazilian Sativa × South Indian Indica) famed for its blanketing white resin. White Widow offers a clear, cerebral elevation and mild body relaxation. Its smooth, euphoric effects made it a global favorite and a coffee-shop classic that persisted into the 2020s.

• Chemdawg (Hybrid) – A storied diesel powerhouse with a pungent chemical-pine odor and intensely cerebral high. Chemdawg’s origin is mythic, but it’s credited as the parent of Sour Diesel and OG Kush. Known for a creative, dreamy buzz, Chemdawg remained popular for its raw potency and as the genetic spark for so many top strains.

• Jack Herer (Sativa) – A spicy pine-scented sativa-dominant hybrid honoring the famed cannabis activist. Jack Herer (Haze × Northern Lights × Shiva Skunk) delivers an upbeat, clear-headed high that boosts creativity without heavy comedown. This multiple High Times Cup winner stayed in demand for providing functional, day-brightening effects.

• Strawberry Cough (Sativa) – A sweet strawberry-smelling sativa that often lives up to its name with thick, cough-inducing smoke. Renowned for an uplifting, talkative buzz, it leaves users giggly and at ease. Strawberry Cough’s unique berry flavor and anxiety-relieving yet focused high cemented its cult status through the 2020s.

• Super Lemon Haze (Sativa) – A zesty, lemon candy sativa (Lemon Skunk × Super Silver Haze) that twice won the Cannabis Cup. It’s revered for an energetic, creative high and bright citrus flavor. A quintessential “wake and bake” strain, Super Lemon Haze stayed popular for delivering sunshine in plant form – all tangy aroma and electric effects.

• AK-47 (Hybrid) – A mellow but potent blend of Colombian, Mexican, Thai, and Afghani genetics, named boldly but known for a balanced head and body high. AK-47 gives a long-lasting euphoria that’s creative and social, yet relaxing. It became a timeless crowd-pleaser for providing relief without too much sedation.

AK-47.

• Purple Kush (Indica) – A pure indica from Oakland (Hindu Kush × Purple Afghani) with deep purple hues and a rich grape/earthy aroma. It imparts a blissful, heavy body high that can knock out pain and insomnia. A 2000s West Coast favorite, Purple Kush maintained its following among those seeking a classic “in-da-couch” Kush experience.

• Blue Cheese (Indica) – A funky UK Cheese × Blueberry hybrid emanating a sharp, savory cheese odor with sweet berry undertones. This indica delivers a calming physical stone and mild euphoria, making it popular for evening use. Blue Cheese’s unique flavor and reliable relaxation kept it on many connoisseur menus.

• Cherry Pie (Hybrid) – A flavorful indica-leaning hybrid (Granddaddy Purple × Durban Poison) that smells of tart cherries and baked goods. Cherry Pie produces a cheerful euphoria and full-body calm without total couch-lock. Its gorgeous orange hair-laced buds and dessert-like taste made it a consistent seller among indica lovers.

• Do-Si-Dos (Indica) – A pungent offspring of GSC and Face Off OG, famed for its glittering trichomes and minty-sweet, earthy aroma. Do-Si-Dos hits hard with a stoney, numbing body high and tranquilizing euphoria. It swept through the market around 2020, even earning Leafly’s Strain of the Year 2021 for its standout potency and flavor.

• Mimosa (Hybrid) – A bright Purple Punch × Clementine hybrid that smells exactly like its namesake brunch drink. Bursting with orange-citrus flavors, Mimosa gives an upbeat, bubbly cerebral high alongside a relaxed undertone. It became a morning favorite for many, offering mood elevation without heavy effects – like a pick-me-up in bud form.

• Zkittlez (Hybrid) – A candy-flavored indica-leaning strain (Grape Ape × Grapefruit) that took top honors at multiple cannabis competitions. Zkittlez releases a burst of tropical fruit sweetness, delivering a smooth, mellow high and body relaxation. Its unique “taste the rainbow” terpene profile made it a parent of many sought-after crosses (like Runtz) and a staple for flavor chasers.

• Lemon Cherry Gelato (Hybrid) – A trendy Sunset Sherbet × GSC cross that exploded in popularity on both coasts by 2024. True to its name, it packs bold citrus and black-cherry flavors. This strain’s gorgeous purple-green buds give a euphoric, tingly high that’s equal parts relaxing and uplifting, making it 2025’s #1 strain in markets like New York.

• Green Crack (Sativa) – A fruity, fast-hitting sativa originally bred by Cecil C. (skunk lineage) and supposedly named by Snoop Dogg for its stimulating buzz. Green Crack delivers a sharp, focus-enhancing cerebral high that’s great for daytime productivity. Its mango-citrus flavor and reliable energy boost kept it hugely popular on West Coast shelves.

• Tangie (Sativa) – A modern revival of 1990s classic Tangerine Dream (California Orange × Skunk hybrid) that’s bursting with sweet tangerine aromas. Tangie’s refreshing citrus flavor and euphoric yet clear-headed high made it an instant hit among terpene lovers. It won multiple awards and spawned many orange-tasting progeny, solidifying its place in the citrus strain hall of fame.

• Cereal Milk (Hybrid) – A coveted Cookies brand hybrid (Y Life × Snowman) named for its sugary-sweet, milky aroma reminiscent of leftover cereal milk. This balanced hybrid marries a relaxing body buzz with a joyful, mind-lifting effect. With its dessert-like flavor and potent yet cozy high, Cereal Milk became one of the most sought-after boutique strains of the early ’20s.

• London Pound Cake (Hybrid) – A potent indica-leaning hybrid from Cookies Fam (Sunset Sherbet lineage) known for its dense, frosty buds and lemony cake batter aroma. London Pound Cake delivers a heavy-hitting relaxation coupled with a surprisingly clear head. Its luxurious flavor and strong, lasting effects kept it in rotation as a premium top-shelf selection.

• GMO Cookies (Garlic Cookies) (Indica) – A Chemdawg × GSC cross with an unmistakable savory stench – think garlic, onion, and skunk. Despite the wild aroma, GMO won over fans with its powerful, sedative high and unique flavor. Often testing 25%+ THC, it’s a couch-locking strain that gained cult status among those seeking potent relief and funky terpenes.

• LSD (Hybrid) – An indica-dominant cross of Skunk #1 × Mazar named for its mind-altering potency. LSD carries a dank earthy sweetness and delivers a trippy, euphoric mental buzz coupled with a heavy body stone. Its high THC levels and psychedelic tilt made it a favorite for experienced smokers craving intensity.

• Candyland (Hybrid) – A glittering sativa-leaning treat (Granddaddy Purple × Platinum GSC) with sweet sugary flavors. Candyland’s gorgeous gold and purple buds produce a stimulating, creative high that’s great for social activities or artistic endeavors. It won a 2012 Cannabis Cup and remained a popular daytime delight thanks to its bright effects and candy-like taste.

• Fruity Pebbles OG (Hybrid) – A rare Indica-leaning mix of Green Ribbon, Granddaddy Purple, and Tahoe Alien also known as FPOG. It boasts a tropical berry cereal aroma and a smooth smoke. Fruity Pebbles OG’s balanced, euphoric high and nostalgic flavor made it a hit among flavor chasers, though its limited releases kept it somewhat elusive and boutique.

Fruity Pebbles OG.

• Godfather OG (Indica) – An extremely potent OG Kush variant (often Bubba Kush × LA Confidential) that High Times once dubbed “the world’s strongest strain.” It has a sweet, earthy grape profile and delivers a crushing sedative high. Frequently testing over 30% THC, Godfather OG developed a reputation as the don of couch-lock, favored by those with high tolerance or serious insomnia.

• Bruce Banner (Hybrid) – A powerhouse named after the Hulk’s alter ego, bred from OG Kush × Strawberry Diesel. Bruce Banner packs a sweet, diesel aroma and hits with an intense, creative euphoria before easing into a relaxing stone. Notably high in THC, it topped potency charts around 2014 and remained popular for its knock-out strength balanced by an uplifting kick.

• Bubba Kush (Indica) – A classic indica with disputed lineage (possibly an Afghani Kush pheno), known for its coffee-chocolate flavor and tranquil effects. Bubba Kush provides a dreamy, long-lasting body high that’s superb for evening relaxation. A staple of the medical cannabis era, its reliable potency and soothing nature kept it relevant in the rec market as well.

• Ghost Train Haze (Sativa) – A renowned super-sativa (Nevil’s Wreck × Ghost OG) once billed as one of the strongest on Earth. It exudes citrus and floral notes and produces a riveting, psychedelic head high that can overwhelm novices. Despite its intensity, enthusiasts sought out Ghost Train Haze throughout the 2020s for its rush of creativity and energy – approached with caution!

• White Fire OG (WiFi OG) (Hybrid) – A potent hybrid of Fire OG × The White, popular among OG aficionados for its heavy resin and sour, earthy aroma. WiFi OG’s effects strike a balance: deeply relaxing physically while keeping the mind somewhat clear and uplifted. Its frosty, bright green buds and knockout THC levels made it a frequent flyer on dispensary top-shelf lists.

• Strawberry Banana (Hybrid) – A fruity indica-leaning cross of Crockett’s Banana Kush × Bubblegum, often called Strawnana. It inherited a candied tropical berry flavor and delivers a happy, mellow high with gentle body effects. Frequently winning concentrate awards for its abundant resin, Strawberry Banana remained a beloved strain for flavor connoisseurs and chill evenings.

• Trainwreck (Hybrid) – A racy California sativa-hybrid (Mexican and Thai sativas crossed with Afghani) known for its intense rush and creative buzz. Trainwreck hits hard and fast, blending citrus-pine scents with a euphoric head high and warm body glow. A staple in Northern California for decades, it kept pulling into stations across the country for those seeking a potent, old-school sativa experience.

Trainwreck.

• Sunset Sherbet (Hybrid) – A successor to GSC, this Indica-leaning hybrid (GSC × Pink Panties) serves up a creamy sherbet and berries flavor. Sunset Sherbet has a calming yet euphoric high: it relaxes the body while keeping the mind uplifted. As the mellow “sunset” to the Gelato lineage, it stayed in demand for its dessert taste and stress-relieving, blissed-out effects.

• Death Star (Indica) – A potent cross of Sour Diesel × Sensi Star, originating in the Midwest. Death Star gives off a skunky sweet aroma with diesel undertones. Its effects are deeply relaxing and spacey – a creeping body high coupled with an unfocused, dreamy head buzz. Popular among Star Wars fans and indica lovers alike, it’s known to vanquish pain and insomnia with ease.

• Pineapple Kush (Hybrid) – An indica-dominant Pineapple × Master Kush blend that merges tropical sweetness with an earthy, hashy backbone. Pineapple Kush produces a relaxing, happy high that’s not too overwhelming, making it a nice afternoon or early-evening choice. While not as famous as Pineapple Express, it maintained a quiet popularity for those seeking a smoother pineapple flavor with calming effects.

• White Rhino (Indica) – A heavyweight indica (White Widow × Afghani) noted for its horn-like pointed buds and high resin content. White Rhino has a skunky, hashy aroma and hits with a crushing sedative force, ideal for pain or sleeplessness. A prize-winner from the late ’90s, it continued to charge through the 2020s as a reliable choice for patients and anyone after a serious sedative strain.

• Purple Urkle (Indica) – A classic California purple strain (likely a select Mendocino Purps phenotype) known for its grape soda smell and deeply calming effects. With dense purple buds and a sweet, skunky taste, Purple Urkle has been melting stress since the ’80s. It maintained a nostalgic appeal and could still be found in West Coast dispensaries, delivering old-school relaxation and vibrant purple looks.

• Jealousy (Hybrid) – A Gelato 41 × Sherbert cross bred by Seed Junky, crowned Leafly’s Strain of the Year 2022 for its meteoric rise. Jealousy offers dense, trichome-rich buds with a creamy gelato funk and notes of gas. Its effects are euphoric yet balanced – a potent high that relaxes without knocking you out – making it a favorite new-school hybrid across the country.

• Permanent Marker (Hybrid) – This 2023 debutante (Gelato × Sherb BX) made waves for its unusual sharpie-like odor and powerful effects. An indica-leaning hybrid, Permanent Marker blends floral, chemical, and fuel aromas. It delivers a soaring cerebral euphoria and deep physical relaxation – so distinctive that it was crowned Strain of the Year 2023 by multiple cannabis outlets.

• Super Boof (Hybrid) – A funky fresh hybrid (Black Cherry Punch × Tropicana Cookies) that rocketed to fame in 2024. Super Boof’s chunky buds give off sweet cherry-citrus aromas with a gassy twist. The high is social and upbeat, sparking creativity and laughter before gently easing into relaxation – no “boof” here, only top-tier vibes.

• Zoap (Hybrid) – Uniquely named for its soapy-clean scent, Zoap is a rare (Rainbow Sherbert × Pink Guava) hybrid hyped by Cookies and DEO Farms. Its buds are a colorful showcase of pinks and purples, exuding notes of Dove soap, candy, and tropical fruit. With a smooth, calming high that’s creative and clear-headed, Zoap became an in-demand exotic strain for those seeking unusual flavors in 2023–2024.

• RS-11 (Rainbow Sherbert #11) (Hybrid) – A coveted phenotype of Sunset Sherbet × Pink Guava (from the Sherbinski/DEO lineage) known for its eye-catching pastel buds and lush terpene profile. RS-11 wafts a fruity, floral aroma with hints of apricot and candy. The effects come on happy and relaxed yet focused, making it great for socializing or creative tasks. It surged in popularity in 2022–2025 as boutique growers dropped their exclusive cuts of this strain.

• Cap Junky (Hybrid) – An exceptionally potent hybrid from Capulator (Alien Cookies × Kush Mints #11). Cap Junky flowers are absolutely drenched in resin, reeking of funky fruit, mint, and diesel. This strain hits hard “between the eyes,” delivering a powerful cerebral buzz and deeply relaxing body effect. Though relatively new, its strength and exotic terpene profile quickly earned it clout among hardcore cannabis aficionados.

• Gary Payton (Hybrid) – A limited-edition Cookies strain named after the NBA legend, bred by Powerzzzup (The Y × Snowman). Gary Payton is an evenly balanced hybrid revered for its doughy, dank aroma and strong, long-lasting high. It combines cerebral euphoria with soothing body effects, often testing over 20–25% THC. First dropping in 2019, its all-star name recognition and quality made it a staple in many legal markets by the 2020s.

• GUMBO (Indica) – A buzzworthy New York strain/brand co-founded by ex-NBA player Allen Iverson and partners, Gumbo swept through NYC’s scene in 2023–24. It’s an indica with mysterious genetics, celebrated for a sweet, musky aroma and heavy, couch-locking high. Gumbo gained cultural traction through music and celebrity endorsements, exemplifying the marriage of branding and bud that defined the 2020s cannabis era.

• Oreoz (Indica) – A Cookies and Cream × Secret Weapon hybrid that took dessert strains to new heights around 2021–2022. Oreoz carries a pungent sweet-and-gassy aroma with vanilla undertones, like a funky Oreo cookie. It delivers a powerfully relaxing, sedative high – great for nighttime or seasoned users. A consistent top strain in search trends, Oreoz became a darling of the Instagram era for its looks and potency.

• Tropicana Cookies (Sativa) – An upbeat cross of Girl Scout Cookies × Tangie that became a breakout “tropical” strain of the early 2020s. Tropicana Cookies showcases deep purple buds and a loud orange citrus aroma with cookie dough hints. The high is cerebrally stimulating and happy – fantastic for creative mornings or social afternoons. Its distinct flavor and energizing effects made it a modern sativa favorite from coast to coast.

Tropicana Cookies.

• Banana Cream Cake (Hybrid) – A newer indica-leaning hybrid combining Banana OG × Cookies and Cream. True to its lineage, it offers a sweet banana bread flavor with creamy, nutty notes. The effects are deeply calming without being incapacitating – a warm, mellow body high ideal for unwinding. Debuting on popular strain lists in 2024, Banana Cream Cake won fans seeking a dessert strain that isn’t overly sedative.

• Headband (Hybrid) – An iconic OG Kush × Sour Diesel cross named for the pressure “halo” it creates around the head. Headband’s smooth smoke carries lemon and fuel notes. The high is long-lasting and relaxing, easing pain and stress while providing a gentle creative uplift. A West Coast medical staple since the 2000s, Headband continued to be cherished in the 2020s as a go-to hybrid for all-day relief.

• Grease Monkey (Hybrid) – A sticky Cookies & Cream × GG4 hybrid that oozes skunky, vanilla-gasoline aromas. Grease Monkey is known for a heavy, tranquilizing high that starts euphoric then eases into deep relaxation – perfect for evening chill-outs. Its high THC levels and couch-lock effects made it a favorite among indica lovers, while its sweet and savory flavor kept terpene enthusiasts intrigued.

• Peanut Butter Breath (Hybrid) – A boutique hybrid (Dosidos × Mendo Breath) that blew up around 2018–2020 for its nutty, earthy aroma and ultra-smooth smoke. PBB (as it’s nicknamed) offers a balanced high that leans sedating – users report a relaxed body and mellow mind, often with snack cravings triggered (true to the name!). Its unique flavor profile and strong yet functional effects solidified its popularity among the connoisseur crowd.

• Kush Mints (Hybrid) – A trendy Bubba Kush × Animal Mints hybrid that swept through menus by 2021. Kush Mints carries a refreshingly minty, almost menthol flavor layered over a cookie sweetness. The high packs the potency of its Kush heritage with an added happy euphoria, making users feel relaxed but uplifted. This strain also proved influential—its genetics spawned many hits, earning it some “Strain of the Year” accolades in regional circles.

• Maui Wowie (Sativa) – A vintage Hawaiian sativa that still garners love for its bright tropical pineapple flavor and motivating high. Originating in the 1970s, Maui Wowie delivers an energetic, carefree buzz that’s perfect for beach vibes or creative projects. It remained a nostalgic favorite in the 2020s, especially in vacation markets, as a light and blissful classic.

• Amnesia Haze (Sativa) – A two-time Cannabis Cup winning sativa (Afghani Hawaiian × Laos × Jamaican) popularized in Amsterdam, which found renewed U.S. interest. Amnesia Haze presents lemony, floral flavors and a soaring, psychedelic cerebral high. True to its name, it can be disorienting in large doses, but its mood-elevating, stress-crushing qualities kept it in demand for sativa aficionados seeking a creative spark.

• Blueberry (Indica) – The legendary indica bred by DJ Short in the ’70s that won the 2000 Cannabis Cup, known for its unmistakable fresh blueberry smell and sweet berry taste. Blueberry produces a soothing, long-lasting indica high that calms the mind and relaxes the body. Though an old-school strain, its rich flavor and blissful effects maintain a presence – often as a parent in hybrids or on menus for those seeking a reliable, flavorful indica experience.

• Acapulco Gold (Sativa) – A storied landrace sativa from Mexico’s Pacific coast, romanticized since the 1960s as the gold standard of cannabis. Acapulco Gold features golden-amber buds and a toffee, earthy aroma. It delivers an energetic, clear-headed high and upbeat mood lift. While pure Acapulco Gold became rarer in the 2020s, the name still draws interest, symbolizing a euphoric, get-things-done high that many modern hybrids strive to emulate.

• LA Confidential (Indica) – A hard-hitting pure indica (OG LA Affie × Afghani) from Los Angeles that won accolades in the mid-2000s. LA Confidential’s dense, pine-scented buds deliver a fast-acting sedative blow – a dreamy, narcotic high that relieves pain and knocks you out. It remained an underground favorite for those seeking a classic Southern California couch-lock strain with Hollywood pedigree.

• Golden Goat (Hybrid) – A happy accident from Kansas that crossed Island Sweet Skunk × Hawaiian Romulan, creating a sativa-leaning hybrid cherished in Colorado and beyond. Golden Goat has a bright, sweet-and-sour tropical fragrance and balanced effects. It starts with an uplifting, creative buzz and gently transitions into relaxation. Consistently in Colorado’s top strains, it’s loved for its unique flavor and well-rounded high that’s potent but not overwhelming.

• Lilac Diesel (Hybrid) – A newer craft hybrid (Silver Lemon Haze × NYC Diesel × Cherry Pie × Super Skunk) bred by Ethos Genetics, notable for its complex genetics and gorgeous look. Lilac Diesel has striking purple-lilac hues and a floral, petrol, and berry aroma. Its effects strike a fine balance: mentally stimulating yet physically at ease. It snuck into some top-10 sales lists in states like Colorado in 2023, proving that novel flavor profiles still catch fire in the modern market.

• Grape Ape (Indica) – A flavorful indica (Mendocino Purps × Skunk × Afghani) that gained fame in the late 2000s for its bold grape candy taste and hefty body high. Grape Ape produces compact, purple-frosted buds and a tranquilizing, stress-relieving effect. It became a favorite for those who love Granddaddy Purple-type strains – delivering similar grape flavors and sedative effects – and maintained a steady presence for purple lovers.

• Skunk #1 (Hybrid) – The 1970s hybrid that revolutionized cannabis breeding (Afghani × Colombian × Acapulco Gold), giving rise to the “skunk” family. Skunk #1’s pungent dead-spray skunk aroma and reliable, giggly high made it a foundational strain in Amsterdam and U.S. grows. By the 2020s, pure Skunk #1 was less common, but its genetics live in countless strains. When found, it offers a balanced, sociable high that can turn any session into a laughter-filled throwback.

• Afghan Kush (Indica) – A pure indica landrace hailing from Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush mountains, often simply known as “Afghani.” It has an earthy, hashy aroma and typically small, chunky resinous buds. Famed for centuries of use in hash-making, Afghan Kush delivers a deeply sedating and narcotic high – fantastic for pain, insomnia, and appetite stimulation. Its strong genetics underlie many modern indicas, and it remained available in 2020s dispensaries for those seeking a no-frills, old-world heavy indica.

• Banana Kush (Hybrid) – A California-born indica-dominant hybrid (Ghost OG × Skunk Haze) known for its unmistakable overripe banana smell and flavor. Banana Kush gives a hazy, happy euphoria and a relaxed body sensation that can sharpen appetite and conversation. Around since the late 2000s, it stayed on menus thanks to its dessert-like taste and mellow, stress-relieving high that doesn’t knock you out completely.

• Bubble Gum (Hybrid) – A nostalgic balanced hybrid originally from Indiana, then further developed in Holland, famous for its sweet, pink bubblegum fragrance. Bubble Gum produces upbeat, euphoric effects alongside gentle relaxation. It won multiple Cannabis Cups in the ’90s and remained a beloved strain for its flavor – a frequent choice for mixing into new hybrids or for those chasing that distinctive bubblegum terpene profile.

• Cookies and Cream (Hybrid) – A delectable Starfighter × Girl Scout Cookies hybrid that won the 2014 Cannabis Cup. Cookies and Cream offers a sweet, vanilla cookie taste and well-rounded effects: a blissful head high and soothing body feel without heavy sedation. This strain’s dessert-like appeal and potency (often ~20% THC) kept it popular into the late 2010s and 2020s, and it’s notable as a parent of strains like Oreoz and Grease Monkey.

• SFV OG (Hybrid) – Short for San Fernando Valley OG Kush, this is a distinct OG Kush phenotype that gained its own fame. SFV OG has a strong lemon-pine cleaner aroma and lighter, airier buds than other OGs. Its effects are uplifting and euphoric at first, settling into classic OG relaxation. Often used in breeding, SFV OG also stood on its own as a SoCal favorite – great for those who wanted OG Kush’s benefits (stress and pain relief) with a bit more heady clarity.

• Lamb’s Bread (Sativa) – Also called “Lamb’s Breath,” this uplifting Jamaican sativa landrace is rumored to have been a favorite of Bob Marley. Lamb’s Bread typically has bright green buds and a cheese-like, woody aroma. The high is joyous, creative, and energetic, ideal for daytime exploration. While pure landraces are rare in modern dispensaries, Lamb’s Bread survived in some form on niche menus, carrying the Rastafarian spirit of a clear, elevating smoke that connects one with irie vibes.

• Super Silver Haze (Sativa) – A three-time Cannabis Cup champion from the late ’90s (Skunk × Northern Lights × Haze) that cemented the Haze family’s legacy. Super Silver Haze combines skunky, citrusy aromas with a galvanizing cerebral high – it’s intensely energizing and long-lasting. Although overshadowed by newer hazes like Amnesia in some markets, SSH maintained a devoted following among those who need a strong jolt of daytime euphoria and don’t mind a bit of heart-race with their creative buzz.

• Dutch Treat (Hybrid) – A cherished Amsterdam import (exact lineage unclear, possibly Northern Lights × Haze) that became a top strain in the Pacific Northwest. Dutch Treat has dense, sticky buds smelling of sweet fruit, pine, and eucalyptus. The effects hit quickly with a blissful, stress-melting head high followed by a cozy body calm. Consistently one of the best-sellers in Washington state’s early recreational era, it remained a regional classic for its delicious aroma and balanced high.

• Forbidden Fruit (Indica) – A stunning Cali creation (Cherry Pie × Tangie) that offers a symphony of flavor: loud tropical grapefruit, sweet cherry, and deep pine. The buds are typically dark purple and green, as gorgeous as its smell. Forbidden Fruit delivers a smooth, tranquilizing indica high without an extreme couch-lock, making it a sumptuous evening treat. Its exotic terpene profile kept it in demand among flavor chasers well into the 2020s.

• Gushers (Hybrid) – An indica-leaning Gelato #41 × Triangle Kush hybrid named for its explosively sweet, fruity flavor. Gushers came out of the Cookies camp around 2018 and quickly found fans due to its candy-like aroma and strong, relaxing high. The strain produces a tingly euphoria that can relieve tension while keeping the mind mildly stimulated. Though not as ubiquitous as Runtz, Gushers solidified itself as a sought-after Cookies variety for those who love dessert strains with a bit of OG gas kick.

• Gelonade (Hybrid) – A sativa-dominant star (Lemon Tree × Gelato #41) that won the High Times Cannabis Cup in 2018 for Best Sativa. Gelonade combines zesty lemon and sweet sherbet aromas into a flavor powerhouse. Its effects are uplifting, talkative, and creativity-fueling, making it a perfect daytime or party strain. As a progeny of the famous Gelato line, Gelonade gained recognition beyond California for its unique mix of potency and bright, flavorful sativa effects.

• Harlequin (Hybrid) – A CBD-rich sativa-dominant strain (Colombian Gold × Thai × Swiss Landrace) that became a staple for medicinal users. Harlequin typically has a CBD:THC ratio around 5:2, offering clear-minded relaxation and relief with minimal psychoactivity. It has an earthy, mango flavor and delivers gentle effects – a slight mood lift and physical ease without a heavy high. In an era of THC obsession, Harlequin held its ground as a therapeutic strain for anxiety, inflammation, and those seeking functionality with their cannabis.

Harlequin.

• Charlotte’s Web (Sativa) – A groundbreaking high-CBD strain (technically hemp) bred by Colorado’s Stanley Brothers and named after a young epilepsy patient, Charlotte Figi. Charlotte’s Web contains very low THC and around 15% CBD, providing medical benefits without a buzz. It gained international fame in the 2010s for treating pediatric seizure disorders and spurred interest in CBD wellness. While not used for recreation, its cultural impact and continued medical use earn it a spot among the era’s most important strains.

• Master Kush (Indica) – A classic heavy indica from Amsterdam (rumored Hindu Kush × Skunk) originally known as High-Rise, which won the Cannabis Cup twice in the ’90s. Master Kush offers a subtle citrus and incense scent and a powerful full-body stone. It numbs stress, pain, and insomnia with ease, often inducing a blissful fog of relaxation. This strain stayed relevant for those seeking a step above your basic Kush – it’s potent yet smooth, and old-school smokers often swear by its enduring quality.

• Alaskan Thunderfuck (Sativa) – Also called ATF or Matanuska Thunderfuck, this legendary sativa originates from Alaska’s Matanuska Valley (possibly a Northern California × Russian ruderalis × Afghani cross). ATF carries a pungent mix of skunk, diesel and mentholated pine odors. It strikes with a heady, euphoric high that can border on racy, accompanied by a subtle body warmth. The outrageous name and strong effects kept ATF’s reputation alive, and occasionally a cut would surface in dispensaries for those seeking a piece of cannabis lore and an energetic ride.

• 9 Pound Hammer (Indica) – An aptly named indica (Gooberry × Jack the Ripper × Hell’s Angel OG) that wields a near-lethal punch of sedation. Bred by JinxProof in the 2010s, 9 Pound Hammer smells of sweet grape and lime and hits with a profoundly relaxing high that can easily knock you out. Its dense, trichome-rich buds often test high in myrcene, contributing to couch-lock effects. This strain became a favorite for patients seeking strong pain relief or insomnia help, and it maintained a niche following among those who like their indicas as heavy as a hammer.

• MK Ultra (Indica) – A notorious indica cross of G13 × OG Kush, named after the CIA’s mind-control program due to its powerful, mind-numbing high. MK Ultra won the 2003 Cannabis Cup and remains known for its hypnotic effects and almost hash-like flavor. It emits a mix of earthy, woodsy, and chemical scents. Once smoked, a hazy euphoria and heavy relaxation set in quickly, often leading to an early bedtime. Consistently ranked among the strongest indicas, MK Ultra held its place for consumers who wanted a true one-hit-and-sit experience.

• Berry White (Hybrid) – A harmonious hybrid marrying two legends: Blueberry and White Widow. Berry White inherits a sweet berry and floral aroma from Blueberry and the crystal-coated potency of White Widow. The high is profoundly balanced – a happy, giggly head buzz coupled with a calming, tension-free body feel. As a result, Berry White is known to elevate mood while keeping you grounded. It enjoyed moderate popularity as a feel-good strain perfect for lighthearted relaxation without overwhelming sedation.

• White Russian (Hybrid) – A once celebrated hybrid (White Widow × AK-47) that was crowned the High Times Cup champion in 1996. White Russian showcases the best of its parents: frosty, resinous buds from White Widow and a potent cerebral lift from AK-47. It has a sharp, skunky-earth aroma with hints of citrus. The effects come on as a clear, intense euphoria that can enhance creativity, eventually easing into a relaxed state. White Russian’s trophy-winning pedigree and reliably strong high kept it on the menu for enthusiasts appreciating a bit of cannabis history.

• Lemon Tree (Hybrid) – An award-winning strain (Lemon Skunk × Sour Diesel) that became a clandestine West Coast favorite for its incredibly bright lemon zest smell. Lemon Tree’s balanced hybrid effects start with a gleeful, heady rush (courtesy of the Diesel) and taper into a mellow, tension-relieving buzz. The strain gained notoriety after clinching a 2014 Seattle Cannabis Cup and remained sought after for its unique terpenes – it truly smells like a grove of lemons – and a feel-good high that’s potent but not too edgy.

• Georgia Pie (Hybrid) – A scrumptious creation from Seed Junky and Berner’s Cookies, Georgia Pie (Gelati × Kush Mints) is known for its intense aroma of fresh-baked peach cobbler. The buds are dense and iced-out, reeking of sweet fruit and doughy gas. Its effects strike a balance: a warm, blissful head high and relaxing body comfort that can ease you into a grin. First hitting markets in 2020, Georgia Pie quickly became a fan favorite for its rare flavor alone, proving that in the 2020s a unique terpene profile can launch a strain to stardom.

• Stardawg (Hybrid) – A potent Chemdawg 4 × Tres Dawg hybrid named for its sparkling trichomes and pungent chem/fuel odor. Stardawg emerged around 2011 and for years was a backbone of East Coast and UK cannabis scenes, thanks to its high yield and knock-out high. It offers a buzzy, uplifting cerebral effect paired with a deep muscle relaxation – a true mind-and-body experience. With strong diesel and pine flavors, Stardawg remained popular with those who love classic Chemdawg genetics but want an extra punch; it’s a strain that reliably turns the dial up to eleven on potency and aroma.

• Kosher Kush (Indica) – The first commercial strain blessed by a Rabbi (so the legend goes) and a High Times Cup winner for Best Indica in 2010 and 2011. Originating from Los Angeles, Kosher Kush has a rich earthy pine and spice aroma with a hint of sweetness. Its effects are profoundly relaxing and euphoric, often inducing sleep and a case of the munchies. Known as one of the most powerful OG Kush-related strains, it routinely tests at very high THC levels. In the 2020s, Kosher Kush continued to be revered for its potency and was a go-to for those seeking solace from severe stress or pain.

• Chernobyl (Hybrid) – A sativa-dominant hybrid (Trainwreck × Jack the Ripper × Trinity) bred by TGA/Subcool, named after its intense, frosty explosion of trichomes. Chernobyl carries a unique lime sherbet smell – sweet and citrusy. The high is famously long-lasting, providing an uplifting, dreamy cerebral buzz and mild body relaxation. It gained a loyal following for its mood-brightening effects, often described as hazy and happy. While not as hyped as the dessert or gelato strains, Chernobyl held its own as a reliable daytime smoke with a distinctive flavor and a cool name that enthusiasts remember.

• Mango (Indica) – A classic fruity indica that’s been around since the 1960s (refined by Nirvana Seeds in the ’90s). Mango is renowned for its oversized buds and deliciously tropical, sweet scent reminiscent of ripe mangoes. It delivers a deeply relaxing and giggly high that can quickly erase anxiety and physical tension. In moderate doses it’s sociable, but higher amounts tend to lull one into a peaceful slumber. Mango’s memorable flavor and cozy effects meant it still cropped up on dispensary menus, appealing especially to old-school tokers and flavor seekers who appreciate its smooth, sweet smoke.

• Agent Orange (Hybrid) – A citrus powerhouse (Orange Velvet × Jack the Ripper) that carries the name of a chemical but the heart of fresh oranges. Bred by TGA Genetics, Agent Orange’s buds emit a strong scent of freshly squeezed OJ with an herbal twist. The high is a balanced head and body experience: it starts with a euphoric, heady rush (thanks to the Jack Herer influence) and fades into a relaxed, upbeat mood with mild physical relief. Though its name raised eyebrows, the vibrant aroma and pleasant, clear high of Agent Orange made it a flavorful footnote of the 2010s that still appealed to fans of orangey strains in the 2020s.