Cannabis is first and foremost a plant, and as with any other gardening industry, there are countless variations on that plant’s genetics to choose from. Additionally, through the naming of different marijuana strains, growers and producers get a unique opportunity to express their inner creativity. After all, in today’s marijuana market, a clever or funny strain name does all the work of an actual branding campaign.
Know of a strain that we missed? Submit your knowledge to the open-source cannabis dictionary!
Blue Dream
One of the more popular strains, Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant hybrid with roots in Northern California. It is a cross of the Haze and Blueberry and is most known for its ability to provide full-body relaxation and symptom relief without heavy sedative effects. In fact, most users claim it provides a gradual, calm euphoria that isn’t too disorienting. As a result, it’s often used by patients seeking relief from depression, pain, and nausea.
“Most of my friends who use medical cannabis swear by Blue Dream.”
Diesel
A specific Sativa genetic that smells of diesel fuel, hence the name. Diesel is popular among consumers for its visible trichomes and uplifting effects. It is a root genetic for many popular Sativa-leaning hybrid strains, such as Sour Diesel and Cheesel, that are popular among medical patients for stress-relieving and energizing properties.
“Let me know when you get more Diesel in stock, I love the fuel terpenes.”
Fire
While it can be used to describe strong, high-quality cannabis positively, Fire is also the name of a specific Indica-dominant strain. It earned its name from its appearance. The little red hairs growing all over the nuggets give it the look of being ablaze. It’s perfect for unwinding after a stressful day, although it may be too strong for those not familiar with Indicas.
“As a big fan of indicas, I can’t recommend Fire enough!”
Green Crack
An energizing Sativa strain popular for its powerfully energetic effects. While the name implies that it’s similar to other uppers, it’s likely not as unhealthy (or illegal). It’s a great choice for people seeking relief from fatigue, stress, or depression. The name has met some controversy in recent years because some advocates believe it perpetuates a negative image of cannabis, so it’s not uncommon to see it go by other names, such as “Green Kush.”
.”I’ve incorporated Green Crack into my strain rotation, and it gives me a great boost of energy during the day.”
Haze
A Sativa-dominant variety of cannabis first grown in Santa Cruz, CA during the 1960s. Its high-energy, buzzy properties make it a popular choice when shopping for hybrids, and as such, you’ll find many strains on the market bearing the Haze name. Haze is perfect for consumers looking for a refreshing, cerebral high that may also help manage pain, stress, and depression if used medicinally.
“I don’t even bother with other hybrid cannabis since I tried out the Haze lineage.”
Jack Herer
A commonly grown and available cannabis strain named after legendary cannabis activist, author, and entrepreneur of the same name. The strain itself is a clear-headed, energizing Sativa with a citrus and pine aroma. Jack Herer is perfect for patients seeking relief from nausea, social anxiety, and lethargy. It’s also great for getting in the right creative mood for a project.
“With that crisp clear high, Jack Herer is the only sativa I’ll ever need.”
KGB
An especially potent Indica-dominant hybrid. While its name seems like a reference to the Russian investigation force, it actually stands for “Killer Green Buds.” Its strong sedative effects make it a great choice for experienced smokers seeking something relaxing for nighttime use.
Kush
This term is used generally to refer to cannabis, but it can more specifically to refer to a subset of Indicas that originate in the Middle East and Northwestern India. The most famous of these is OG Kush, which is widely available at most dispensaries. Kush tends to be deep green with hints of purple throughout, and it usually has a sedative effect.
“I ran out of good kush, so I’ve got to stop by the dispensary after work.”
OG Kush
One of the most commonly available strains of kush, OG Kush is a powerful and heavy indica-leaning hybrid. It is a Southern California phenotype of a cannabis plant that was first cultivated in Florida in the early ’90s. It’s a parent to some hybrid strains that are well-known in their own right, like GSC and Bubba Kush.
“Do you think the phenotype “OG” in OG Kush means ‘Original Gangster’ or ‘Ocean-Grown’?”
Purps
Strains of cannabis that feature purple hues in their flower buds. The color comes from the flavonoid anthocyanin, which utilizes its color in nature to attract insects and increase pollination. Many consumers believe the purple color is a sign of quality or potency, though this is difficult to confirm.
“I picked up a gram of purps just because I think the bud color is pretty.”
Sour Diesel
An original cannabis strain dating back to the 1990s with uplifting and focused Sativa-dominant effects. The name comes from the gassy aroma and flavor that the buds give off while flowering. When breeding new genetics, Sour Diesel crossed with OG Kush leads to the classic phenotype Chem Dawg. Though origins of this beloved marijuana are unknown, all signs point to the East Coast where the black market still demands Diesel strains.
“That Sour Diesel has such an earthy flavor, but what I love most is the way I clean my whole house after smoking a bowl of it.”
Trainwreck
A cannabis phenotype that inspires immense uplifting, creative, and almost caffeinated effects. The lineage of Trainwreck dates back to Thai Sativa, Mexican Sativa, and Afghani Indica. Bright green flowers of Trainwreck tend to grow in a spearlike structure with sticky, trichome covered buds.
“When my to-do list gets too long I pick up a Trainwreck pre-roll and roll up my sleeves.”
White Rhino
An old school marijuana strain known for heavy yields and heavier effects. White Rhino is considered an indica-dominant hybrid that is ideal for someone with anxiety, insomnia, or nausea. It grows light green almost fuzzy-looking buds in a spear-like structure. This older genetic isn’t commonly grown in the recreational market, but it can be found in lots of back genetics like Blackberry Rhino.
“White Rhino is an indica I love to smoke for a good night’s sleep!”
White Widow
A cannabis strain that is known for promoting a go-to attitude that is ready to tackle a to-do list. This sativa-dominant hybrid grows buds with a green-brown hue and earthy aroma with a lemon undertone. Many who smoke or vape White Widow report feelings of euphoria and rich bouts of energy.
“If we are going to do this whole group project tonight we’ll need to buy a slice of White Widow first.”
Learn More About Growing Cannabis
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