popular strains

The 10 Most Popular Marijuana Strains to Start 2018

As we march into 2018, here’s a look at the most popular marijuana strains on the  market.

In the U.S. marijuana is now legal in eight states for recreational use, and dozens for medical purposes. Using data collected by Leafly, below is a list of the top 10 most popular marijuana strains for the start of 2018.

Anyone who has consumed cannabis for any amount of time will likely find Blue Dream’s placement on this list unsurprising (especially those in states with legal marijuana stores). This sativa-dominant strain has remained one of the most popular for years, and is a mainstay in almost all marijuana stores and dispensaries. The popularity of this strain – a cross between the indica-dominant Blueberry strain and the sativa-dominant Haze strain – is well earned, with it’s smooth, uplifting high, and it’s delicious blueberry-tinged taste and smell.

Sour Diesel is another long-term mainstay of the cannabis world. With Super Skunk and Chemdawg lineage, this strain is best known for its strong diesel-like smell, and potent, energetic high.

This hybrid – a cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison – has bursted onto the scene in recent years. With it’s excellent taste and smell, and its powerful high, this relative newcomer has quickly become more popular than legendary strains like OG Kush and White Widow.

Despite an unfortunate name Green Crack is a growingly popular and respected strain. It has an extremely energetic high and powerful body buzz, and its sweet, ofttimes citrusy flavor and smell make it stand out from the crowd.

OG Kush is known the world around. The classic combo of Hindu Kush and Chemdawg has an earthy and piney flavor, and has one of the most sought after marijuana strains for years.

As far as indica-dominant strains go, Granddaddy Purple is one of the most vaunted. An excellent mix of Big Bud and Purple Urkle, this strain has a sweet, often berry-like flavor. Most people know this strain for its dense, kiefy nuggets.

Jack Herer – named after the legendary activist and author – is a sativa-dominant cross between Northern Lights and Shiva Skunk. It has a piney smell and flavor with a backdrop of citrus, and a smooth, even high.

White Widow’s popularity is due to its energetic, uplifting and powerful high; its uniquely earthy flavor and smell also help it stand out. This strain is a mix between South American Sativa and South Indian Indica.

Gorilla Glue #4 has shot into prominence over the past few years. It won the 2014 Los Angeles and Michigan Cannabis Cups, as well as the High Times Jamaican Cannabis World Cup. Given its status as a balanced and tasty hybrid, it’s likely to remain popular for years to come.

Bubba Kush is a powerful indica-dominant strain that has remained popular for years, and doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.

Most Popular Indica Marijuana Strains So Far in 2017

Here’s a look at the 10 most popular indica-dominant marijuana strains so far in 2017.

indica
Purple Kush. (Photo: StrainSpot.com)

Although sativa strains have been all the rage in recent years, indica strains still (and will always) have their place in the cannabis world. Known for their intense pain relieving effects, indica strains are excellent for those wanting to relax and relieve some stress (or depression or anxiety); they’re also great for those wanting to get some sleep, or those who simply like a powerful high.

That said, below are the top 10 most popular indica marijuana strains so far this year, using data compiled by Leafly:

A genius mix of Big Bud and Purple Urkle, Granddaddy Purple is easily one of the best indicas on the market. The strain has a sweet, berry-like flavor, and dense, kiefy nuggets. The high is incredibly potent and relaxing.

Bubba Kush is known for its enjoyably strong and subduing effects, that result in almost instant relaxation. The strain has a pine-like flavor with tasty notes of chocolate and coffee. Bubba Kush owes much of its lineage to OG Kush, which itself is one of the most legendary marijuana strains around.

According to Leafly: Northern Lights stands among the most famous strains of all time, a pure indica cherished for its resinous buds, fast flowering, and resilience during growth. Itself a descendant of indigenous Afghani and Thai landrace strains, Northern Lights has given rise to famous hybrids like Shiva Skunk and Super Silver Haze.”

Although it’s been around for a while now, Blue Cheese is easily the newcomer on this list of legendary strains. Blue Cheese is a mix of Blueberry with U.K. Cheese. It has a sweet and savory taste and smell of berry and blue cheese, giving it one of the most unique flavors of any marijuana strain available.

Fans of Purple Kush will be less-than-surprised to see it on this list. The years-long mainstay is a cross between Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani ; the results are a powerful, long-lasting high that rushes throughout the head and body. Unless you don’t like indicas (or cannabis in general), it’s almost impossible to not fall in love with Purple Kush.