40+ Outstanding Weed Strains from Indica to Sativa

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of weed strains in existence that provide different effects. Since cannabis is easy to breed, new strains are created daily.  

Despite all of these different strains, there are only two main categories of cannabis: Indica and Sativa. Hybrid strains are made up of the many variations of Indica and Sativa bred together. 

This article shares all about the best strains in each category, their effects, what they’re good for, and more. 

So, if you’re ready, let’s get down to business.

What Does “Strains of Weed” Mean?

The strains of weed meaning is very simple. As a botanical term, “strain” can be described as a plant’s offspring. In the cannabis industry, strain is associated with appearance, chemical profile, botanical lineage, and accompanying effects. 

Researchers started distinguishing strains for the first time in the 18th century. Today, there are over 700 known strains of cannabis that can be divided into two groups: Indica and Sativa plus hybrids.

Now, let’s get into more detail.

Weed Strains Guide

As mentioned above, the strains can be divided into Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains. It’s important to say that since most strains have a different genetic background, you’ll probably have a hard time finding a full Sativa or Indica strain. 

In other words, most strains are Sativa or Indica dominant.

As per hybrid strains, they contain the properties of Indica and Sativa, given that most of them are created by crossing Sativa-dominant and Indica-dominant strains.

Most Famous Indica Strains

To start off, Cannabis Indica gives you more of a relaxed body high. People gravitate towards an Indica strain when they want to relax before bed or spend a night in.

As previously stated, very rarely is a strain ever 100% Sativa or Indica, i.e., the following strains are Indica-dominant. 

Here are some of the most popular strains of cannabis Indica:

Northern Lights

The world-famous Northern Lights is one of the best strains of all time. It takes effect throughout the body by relaxing muscles and sending your mind into a sweet euphoria. 

Often used for:

• Muscle relaxation
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Stress

Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush has gained popularity for its heavy tranquilizing effects. It boasts sweet hashish flavors with notes of chocolate and coffee. Bubba Kush helps ease muscle pain and destroy stress. 

Often used for:

• Relaxation
• Stress
• Depression

Blue Mystic

Blue Mystic stems from unknown genetics, but it definitely contains some Blueberry and possibly some Skunk or Northern Lights. It has a distinctive blueberry aroma, but its potency is relatively subtle compared to other marijuana strains. 

Often used for:

• Relaxation
• Stress 
• Depression
• Lack of Appetite

Pineapple Kush

Pineapple Kush smells and subtly tastes like pineapple, hence the name. This strain is derived from Pineapple and Master Kush. The buzz is commonly described as cerebral, with a light body sensation.

Often used for:

• Relaxation
• Stress
• Depression

Fat Banana

Experienced smokers only! This strain can reach 25%+ THC content – just a few puffs is enough to get you high. Fat Banana is one of the leading medical marijuana strains. The high is felt primarily in the body. The strain is great for relieving pain.

Often used for:

• Pain
• Relaxation
• Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety

Hindu Kush

The Hindu Kush is a pure Indica strain. With a subtly sweet and earthy sandalwood aroma, this strain induces a deep calm that can bring relief to those using medicinal cannabis. 

Often used for:

• Pain
• Nausea
• Stress 

Afghani 

Originating in the mountains of Afghanistan, this sedative strain is perfect for many medicinal uses. It will give you a high primarily felt in the body. It’s one of the weed strains cherished by breeders because it’s easy to grow and can resist nearly anything. 

Often used for:

• Insomnia 
• Euphoria
• Relaxation
• Pain
• Stress
• Depression

Girl Scout Cookies

GSC (also known as Girl Scout Cookies) is an OG Kush and Durban Poison hybrid. With a sweet and earthy aroma, you’ll be swept into a full-body relaxation.

Often used for:

• Pain
• Nausea
• Appetite Loss

Master Kush

This heavy Indica strain provides ultimate feelings of relaxation, along with sleepiness. 

Often used for:

• Insomnia 
• Anxiety
• Migraines

Granddaddy Purple

GDP is one of the most popular strains of weed Indica in California due to its exotic aroma that can be described as a mix between sweet and citrusy. Plus, its average THC level amounts to 21%. 

Often used for:

• Pain
• Stress
• Insomnia
• Appetite loss 
• Muscle spasms

Blue Cheese

Here’s one interesting Indica strain that all cheese lovers must try. As the name suggests, the Blue Cheese strain has a cheesy aroma (a bit sour like Parmesan or Gouda) combined with blueberry. 

Growers will also like this strain because it’s naturally resistant to mold.

Often used for:

• Anxiety
• Chronic pain
• Depression
• Lack of appetite

Zkittlez 

When it comes to weed strains, the more unique they are, the more we love them. This rare strain is not recommended for newbies since it contains 25% THC. Its aroma can be described as a mix between fruity, sweet, and sour.  

Often used for:

• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Pain

Slurricane 

This strain produces its relaxing properties at a slow pace. It’s often used by medical marijuana patients for insomnia treatments. Regarding the flavor, expect to get hit by a sweet taste of grape and sugary berries. 

According to the weed strains chart, this is a heavy-hitting strain that can contain up to 28% THC. 

Often used for:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Pain

Forbidden Fruit

You know the saying that forbidden fruit is the sweetest fruit, well, the same goes with this strain. Its flavor can be described as smooth and fresh with a pinch of sweet lemony taste accented by pine and berries.

Often used for:

• Chronic pain
• Chronic stress
• Insomnia
• Migraines

Black Diamond

This is another rare strain that you simply must try. It has a juicy blackberry flavor, like red wine, and it can cause unstoppable giggles. So we recommend using it with friends. 

Often used for:

• Depression
• Sleep
• Stress

Most Preferred Sativa Strains

Cannabis Sativa provides a more energizing head-high. Unlike Indica, people choose Sativa-dominant strains when socializing or working on creative projects.   

The most popular strains of cannabis Sativa are:

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is a Sativa-dominant strain named after its pungent, diesel-like aroma and energizing effects. Stress, pain, and depression fade away in long-lasting relief, making this strain a top choice among medical patients. 

Often used for:

• Euphoria
• Stress
• Pain
• Relaxation

Lemon Haze

Lemon Haze has been named one of the best Sativa strains. It smells like fresh peeled lemon slices and it tastes similarly. The buds appear to be green and yellow with amber hairs, giving it the recognizable yellow tint. 

Often used for:

• Depression
• Stress
• Pain

Green Crack

Green Crack promotes sharp energy and focus, inducing an invigorating mental buzz that keeps you going throughout the day. It’s one of the few strains of weed that’s great for daytime – it helps fight fatigue, stress, and depression. 

Often used for:

• Euphoria 
• Focus
• Pain
• Depression

Durban Poison

This Sativa strain has gained popularity for its sweet smell and uplifting effects. It’s the ideal strain to help you stay productive during a busy day. It can also spark creativity. Breeders often name it the best Sativa to grow indoors.

Often used for:

• Euphoria
• Focus
• Creativity

Strawberry Cough

Strawberry Cough is a Sativa blend with a unique strawberry scent. The cerebral, uplifting effects provide a lovely euphoria. It’s a common strain for managing social anxiety and balancing yourself out during elevated stress. 

Often used for:

• Anxiety
• Stress

Maui Wowie

Another of the most popular cannabis strains is Maui Wowie. It’s just as uplifting as it sounds! The tropical flavors and stress-relieving qualities will send you to the shores of Hawaii. It boasts sweet pineapple flavors and high-energy euphoria effects. 

Often used for:

• Euphoria
• Energy
• Creativity

Jack Herer

The 55% Sativa-dominant Jack Herer combines a Haze hybrid with a Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk cross. There have been several variations of this strain, each with its own unique effects. However, it’s typically described as blissful, clear-headed, and creative.

Often used for:

• Creativity
• Focus
• Pain 

White Widow

White Widow has easily made our list of top 10 weed strains in the Sativa category for many reasons. It greets you with a burst of euphoria and energy. Instead of putting you to sleep, it stimulates conversation and creativity, making it a great strain for social situations. 

Often used for:

• Creativity
• Social Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• PTSD

Super Silver Haze

This strain promotes uplifting effects and an energetic high that’s long-lasting. At the same time, it’s very relaxing and is a good all-in-one strain. One of the intriguing weed strains you’ll definitely enjoy.

Often used for:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Lack of Appetite
• Nausea

Headband

This strain could be called unique because users report they feel a slight pressure around the crown of their head (as if they were wearing a headband). It promotes long-lasting relaxational effects.

Often used for:

• Pain Relief
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress

Amnesia Haze

When comparing weed strains, Amnesia Haze would not be the grower’s first choice since its cultivation is challenging to say the least. 

However, stoners will enjoy its earthy notes combined with citrus and lemon and its energizing and uplifting effects that will bring a smile even to the grumpiest faces.

Often used for:

• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Lack of appetite

Ghost Train Haze

All aboard the ghost train, a pretty atypical Sativa strain on our list of strains. Its buds are dense and covered in white, crystal-capped trichomes. 

While this is a great medicinal strain with a citrusy and floral aroma, people prone to anxiety should avoid it because it’s a heavy hitter. 

Often used for:

• Pain 
• Depression
• Appetite loss 

Harlequin 

This is a Sativa strain that has a high percentage of CBD and a low percentage of THC. As such, it provides clear-headed effects. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this is one of the best Sativa strains for joint pain treatment.  

In terms of flavors, it ranges from earthy to sweet.

Often used for:

• Pain
• Muscle spasms
• Migraines

Clementine

Most stoners prefer Clementine for its citrus aroma and sweet taste. On top of that, this strain offers both uplifting and relaxing effects. And let’s not forget that its THC level ranges from 17% to 19%.

Often used for:

• Depression
• Chronic fatigue
• Migraine
• Nausea

Moby Dick

As a cross of Haze and White Widow, Moby Dick offers highly energizing effects and a buzzing high. In fact, this is one of the most potent cannabis strains you can get. Plus, it contains THCV, which produces psychoactive effects.

Often used for:

• Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety

Awesome Hybrid Strains

Hybrid strains are made from breeding Indica and Sativa together. Each hybrid strain has different chemotypes and different effects. 

It’s impossible to keep up with all of the hybrids in existence – breeders create new versions every day. However, there are a few combinations that cannabis enthusiasts love.  

The most popular hybrid strains are:

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant cross between Blueberry (Indica) and Haze (Sativa). The high THC content easily provides full-body relaxation. It’s one of the best strains for anxiety and stress relief as it doesn’t have heavy sedative effects. 

Often used for:

• Daytime use
• Anxiety
• Pain
• Stress

Banana Kush

Banana Kush is a combination of Ghost OG and Skunk Haze. True to its name, this Indica-dominant hybrid tastes and smells like bananas. It provides a mellow high with a relaxed, euphoric feeling. 

Often used for:

• Stress 
• Depression
• Anxiety

Pineapple Express

Sounds familiar? This is one of the most popular weed strains – it even has a movie about it! Pineapple Express is a cross of Trainwreck and Hawaiian strains. It tastes woodsy and slightly like pineapple. 

Pineapple Express provides a long-lasting energetic buzz (often used by writers to get the creative juices flowing). 

Often used for:

• Creativity 
• Euphoria
• Focus

Grape Ape

Grape Ape is one of the many purple weed strains. This Indica-dominant strain crosses Mendocino Purps, Skunk, and Afghani. It even smells like grapes! People love its relaxational effect. 

It’s purple because the dense buds have a high amount of anthocyanins in their leaves, which are natural pigments that darken as the strain reaches maturity. 

Often used for:

• Pain
• Stress
• Anxiety 

Purple Haze

Purple Haze belongs to marijuana strains that descended from Purple Thai and Haze. This vibrant, purple-colored strain provides high-energy activation and awakens creativity.  

Often used for:

• Creativity 
• Stress
• Depression
• Headaches

Runtz 

Runtz is a rare hybrid made by crossing Zkittlez and Gelato. It’s a popular strain due to its candy flavor. Moreover, stoners love it because its effects are euphoric, uplifting, and, most importantly, long-lasting.

Often used for:

• Insomnia
• Chronic pain 
• Appetite loss

Mimosa

This strain has garnered praise as one of the best marijuana strains for its outstanding fruit punch, citrus aroma, and pleasurable mid-level buzz. Mimosa is a cross of Clementine and Purple Punch. 

It contains a respectable percentage of the terpenes limonene and beta-caryophyllene.

Often used for:

• Creativity
• Relaxation
• Focus 

Tahoe OG

Since this strain is strong and fast-acting, don’t use it if you’re planning to leave the house. It provides an extremely lazy, heavy body sensation. Tahoe OG embodies all of the typical Indica effects with an added euphoric, Sativa-like kick. It features an earthy lemon taste.

Often used for:

• Stress
• Pain
• Insomnia

Gorilla Glue

This strain will literally glue you to the couch! Cannabis enthusiasts place it among the best weed strains because of its intense relaxing qualities. 

Often used for:

• Pain
• Anxiety
• Depression

Chemdawg

Chemdog is known for its distinct scent, similar to diesel. It tends to be very potent. Depending on growing conditions, this strain tends to have THC levels between 15%–20%. Therefore, expect a very cerebral experience with a heavy-bodied feeling. 

Often used for:

• Depression 
• Relaxation
• Euphoria
• Stress
• Pain

Stardawg

This is a 90% Sativa-dominant hybrid and a cross between Chemdog 4 and Tres Dawg. In short, these strains of weed will give you a big boost of energy, so it’s best not to try it before bed. 

Often used for:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Anxiety disorders

Ice

This careful creation was tested thousands of times before finally combining Skunk #1, Afghani, Northern Lights, and Shiva genetics into one potent strain. Most report Ice as having a very heavy Indica-type buzz, while some variations can present a more uplifting Sativa-like effect.

Often used for:

• Euphoria
• Relaxation 
• Stress

Gelato

Next on our hybrid strains list, we have Gelato, aka Larry Bird, a crossing of Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. Due to its balance of Sativa and Indica, you’ll end up feeling both euphoric and relaxed. 

Plus, you’ll love its sweet citrus flavor. 

Often used for:

• Chronic pain
• Cramps
• Inflammation
• Muscle spasms

Sundae Driver

Chocolate enthusiasts, rejoice because we have a treat for you. Sundae Driver is one of the tastiest weed strains you’ll ever try. It’s made by crossing Grape Pie and FPOG, and it tastes better than the stuff from Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

Often used for:

• Chronic stress
• Anxiety 
• Insomnia

Wedding Crasher

Since the strain is made from a cross between Wedding Cake and Purple Punch, expect to get a mix of smooth vanilla flavor and sweet grape notes. As per effects, this strain provides creative energy and focus as well as mental clarity.

Often used for:

• Depression
• Chronic stress
• Mood swings

Best Weed Strains for Focus

If you’re having problems focusing, try using the following strains:

• Green Crack
• Jack Herer
• Durban Poison
• ACDC
• Harlequin
• Super Lemon Haze

Best Strains for Depression 

If you’re struggling with depression, you might consider trying out one of the following strains:

• Blue Dream
• Sour Diesel
• GSC
• OG Kush
• Grandaddy Purple
• Northern Lights
• Bubba Kush
• AK–47

Best Weed Strains for Creativity

Writers, musicians, filmmakers, painters, art enthusiasts, and other creative individuals, did you know that certain strains can help you overcome creative blocks? 

If you’re one of the people who need a little motivation before “getting down to business,” you might consider some of the following strains. Who knows, they might help you create a masterpiece (if that happens, don’t forget to thank us):

• White Widow
• Blue Dream
• GSC
• Headband
• Chemdog
• LSD
• Agent Orange

Best Weed Strains for Pain

Many people praise marijuana for its anti-inflammatory properties, while the bad boy, THC, is people’s favorite ally in the fight against pain. 

If you’re suffering from chronic pain, joint pain, or stiff muscles, you should consider using one of the following strains:

• Blue Dream
• Sour Diesel
• GSC
• Green Crack
• OG Kush
• Grandaddy Purple
• Pineapple Express
• AK–47
• Northern Lights
• Grape Ape

Reggie, Beasters, and Different Types of Loud Weed 

Marijuana types can be classified as reggie, beasters, and loud (or dank). 

Reggie (or low-quality weed) is something most beginners use since it’s cheap. It can be characterized as dull, brown, or murky green. 

Thankfully, you won’t find reggie in states which legalized recreational marijuana. 

Beasters are better than reggie, but compared to loud, they contain a smaller concentration of trichomes and are less aromatic and flavorful. 

Loud (also known as dank) refers to potent and high-quality strains. While there can be different types of loud weed, like Pink Lemonade, Space Monkey, and Mimosa, they all have one thing in common — high potency and strong odor. 

Depending on the strain, loud weed can be bright green or dark green. It can also have orange, purple, or red hues. In addition, loud weed doesn’t contain stems or seeds, and it usually has higher THC levels, ranging between 25% and 30%.

You won’t have any problems distinguishing loud from reggie weed. Loud is much brighter in color, it’s more potent, and it crumbles more easily. 

Narrowing It Down

With so many different types of weed, it can be hard to narrow down which strains to try. Our advice? Just get out there and try some that sound intriguing (we mean the effects, not the name)! 

You can read about all the different options and the differences. Still, your best bet will be to experience them yourself since there are so many. 

The main decision you’ll need to make is choosing between Indica and Sativa. After this, we’d recommend experimenting as much as you can! Everyone has different preferences and favorites when it comes to cannabis. 

Also, while using the top weed strains, do be careful about the THC content. Marijuana can stay in your system longer than you realize. Sensitive tests can trace THC in your body even months after you smoked a joint.

The Final Takeaway

To sum up, there are hundreds of strains to try out, and new breeds are being invented daily. Since everyone has different preferences and experiences regarding cannabis, we recommend trying as many different strains as you can to figure out what you like best. 

We wish you the very best of luck in finding your perfect strain!  

FAQs

About the Author

Laurice Wardini

I’m Laurice, freelance writer and weed enthusiast. After smoking weed for years, I fell in love with CBD for my anxiety and pain. I’m constantly amazed by how it benefits my body without the negative effects of marijuana. CBD lets me stay completely sober while targeting my worst symptoms, which I’m grateful for every day!

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