8 Best Strains of All Time

by James Han

Experts estimate there are more than 700 strains of marijuana, each with its own unique biochemical makeup that includes THC, CBD, terpenes, flavonoids and other potent plant compounds that give each strain the aroma and tasting notes you love. With so many options to choose from, it was no easy task for us to put together this list of the best strains of all time.

We looked at the history, social impact, genetic influence and other aspects of our favorite strains before narrowing the pool down to the following eight. No two weed roundups look alike, certainly, and there’s a lot of subjectivity behind what makes the cut on any best-of cannabis list — but take this as a recommendation for you to start widely exploring strains, especially ones you’ve never heard of. Without further ado, the best strains of all time, in no particular order…

1. Super Silver Haze

Super Silver Haze is a legendary sativa with a name that sounds like it belongs to a comic book superhero. This cross of Skunk, Northern Lights and Haze was bred by Green House Seeds and soared to acclaim in the late ‘90s when it became the first (and to this day, only) strain to win back-to-back-to-back first-place prizes at the High Times Cannabis Cup in ‘97, ‘98 and ‘99. Smoking this beautiful, sticky strain will leave you with an energetic, uplifting body high that lasts for hours, helping you completely unwind from skyrocketing stress and mellowing out those live-wire nerves into a feeling of euphoric ahhhhh.

Parent strains: Skunk, Northern Lights, Haze
Type: Sativa
Sativa-to-indica ratio: 80% to 20%
Cannabinoids: 18% THC, 1% CBG
Terpenes: Terpinolene, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene
Tasting notes: Citrus, earthy, sweet
Feelings: Creative, happy, uplifted, energized, euphoric

Pro tip: Find Super Silver Haze in Over the Rainbow, our uplifting sativa triple-strain blend.

2. Sour Diesel

This popular East Coast sativa strain is derived from Chemdawg 91 and Super Skunk, and boasts effects ranging from cerebral to dreamy to energizing. Though its origins aren’t 100% clear, some sources say that Sour Diesel (also known as Sour D) originated with a man known as “Weasel” in Staten Island, New York, in the nineties before exploding in popularity. If you’re a newbie to cannabis, take heed: Sour D is strong, so prepare for hysterical laughing and a bad case of the munchies. The trajectory of your high will kind of look like a roller coaster’s arc: a surge of flurried thoughts and boosted creativity followed by a gradual descent into calm, sleepy-eyed relaxation.

Parent strains: Chemdawg 91, Super Skunk
Type: Sativa
Sativa-to-indica ratio: 90% to 10%
Cannabinoids: 18% THC
Terpenes: Beta-caryophyllene, d-limonene, myrcene, beta-pinene, linalool, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol, camphene
Tasting notes: Diesel, earthy, pungent
Feelings: Creative, happy, uplifted, energized, euphoric

3. Sweet Tangie

Tangie is a cross between California Orange and Skunk-1, made by DNA Genetics in Amsterdam. As its name suggests, this sativa blend emits a wonderful tangerine aroma not unlike the popular Tangerine Dream strain (which isn’t really genetically related to Tangie at all). There’s not a lot of historical importance to Tangie — it hasn’t yet attained “legendary” status, though it’s incredibly popular abroad. But its sweet and refreshing natural citrus taste and perfect ratio of sativa to indica yield a pleasant rush of creativity and happiness with some full-body relaxation to keep you grounded just the right amount.

Parent strains: California Orange, Skunk-1
Type: Sativa
Sativa-to-indica ratio: 70% to 30%
Cannabinoids: 17% THC, 1% CBG
Terpenes: Beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, pinene, limonene, linalool
Tasting notes: Citrus, orange, sweet
Feelings: Creative, happy, uplifted, energized, euphoric

Pro tip: Find Sweet Tangie in Over the Rainbow, our uplifting sativa triple-strain blend.

4. OG Kush

OG Kush is one of the best-loved strains of all time, with a huge impact on numerous West Coast strains. Its origins are shrouded in mystery (DNA Genetics, which sells OG Kush seeds, claims that it is a bag seed from a Grateful Dead show), though rumor has it that this famous hybrid was cultivated in Florida in the ‘90s from a cross between Chemdawg, Lemon Thai and Hindu Kush. It’s not just OG Kush’s distinct lemon-diesel-and-pine aroma and relaxing effects on both body and mind that make it so popular. When the strain was brought to California in 1996, it became the progenitor of many different famous strains and now has wide-ranging phenotypic expressions, including SFV OG Kush and Rascal’s OG Kush, the parent strains of Hell’s Fire OG.

Parent strains: Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, Hindu Kush
Type: Hybrid
Sativa-to-indica ratio: 55% to 45% (though some tests say 25% to 75%)
Cannabinoids: 18% THC, 1% CBG
Terpenes: Myrcene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene, pinene
Tasting notes: Earthy, pine, woody, lemon
Feelings: Creative, body high, euphoric, happy, hungry

5. Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a pure strain that was one of the first to emerge from South Africa. Brought back to the U.S. in the ‘70s by Ed Rosenthal, an American cannabis activist, Durban Poison has become a beloved staple of cannabis connoisseurs looking to experience a powerful head high. Taking it before a busy day or activity — whether it’s before a batch of errands or a creative painting session — can give you the creativity and vitality you need to stay productive and on track.

Parent strains: N/A
Type: Sativa
Sativa-to-indica ratio: 95% to 5%
Cannabinoids: 17% THC, 1% CBG
Terpenes: Terpinolene, humulene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, myrcene
Tasting notes: Citrus, herbal, pine, sweet
Feelings: Creative, happy, uplifted, energized, euphoric

6. G13

G13, also known as “Government Strain 1,” is the first and only known strain that was cultivated by Uncle Sam himself. Though plenty of myths surround this indica’s history, the vague consensus seems to be that various government agencies bred G13 at the country’s only legal cannabis research facility at the University of Mississippi along with plenty of other hybrids from a huge stash of best-in-class strains from around the world. A cutting of G13 was snuck into Holland in the late ‘80s, where it took off and became the mother of many strains we use today.

Parent strains: Unknown
Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Sativa-to-indica ratio: 30% to 70%
Cannabinoids: 18%THC, 1% CBG
Terpenes: Terpinolene, beta-caryophyllene, myrcene
Tasting notes: Pine, woody, sweet
Feelings: Euphoric, happy, relaxed, sleepy

7. Blueberry Bomb

Blueberry Bomb was created by Palomer Craft Cannabis by crossing the Blueberry and Afghani strains. Its explosion of fruity and sour tasting notes has made it an iconic favorite of many breeders and cannabis users alike, and it’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day or even pair with dinner or dessert. Though the exact ratio of sativa to indica in this hybrid varies depending on where you look, the fact is that it’s indica-dominant and has just the right amount to help your body and mind relax from the stresses of the day.

Parent strains: Blueberry, Afghani
Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Sativa-to-indica ratio: 30% to 70% (though some tests say 45 to 55)
Cannabinoids: 19% THC, 1% CBG
Terpenes: Myrcene, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, pinene
Tasting notes: Berry, blueberry, citrus, sour, sweet
Feelings: Body high, euphoric, happy, tingly, uplifted, relaxed

Pro tip: Find Blueberry Bomb in Houdini, our relaxing indica triple-strain blend.

8. Hell’s Fire OG

This cross of Rascal’s OG Kush and SFV OG Kush is a rare, evenly balanced hybrid strain that will leave you rooted and relaxed. Though the start of your experience may activate your imagination and leave you with swells of euphoria, you’ll start to feel yourself melt away into a peaceful state of deep relaxation that can help soothe discomforts and slow down your mind.

Parent strains: Rascal’s OG Kush, SFV OG Kush
Type: Hybrid
Sativa-to-indica ratio: 50% to 50%
Cannabinoids: 17% THC, 1% CBG
Terpenes: Beta-caryophyllene, myrcene
Tasting notes: Diesel, lemon, sour, spicy, woody, herbal
Feelings: Euphoric, happy, relaxed, sleepy, uplifted

Pro tip: Find Hell’s Fire OG in Phantom, our balancing triple-strain CBD blend.

How To Enjoy the Best Strains of All Time

While sampling the best strains of all time individually is a great way to become familiar with the intricacies of their effects, why not enjoy them in blends that unlock new ways to explore these classic strains? With Mistifi’s line of premium cannabis vape pens, you’ll get the chance to enjoy such popular strains as Hell’s Fire OG, Blueberry Bomb and more as pure extra virgin cannabis oils thoughtfully paired with other aromatic strains to yield a completely original and harmonious experience. To learn more about our unrivalled extraction technology, cannabis lifestyle tips and more, check out our blog.

James Han is a writer, editor and content strategist based in Los Angeles. When he’s not deep in a Google Doc, you can find him reading, watching films and taking long walks.

References:

MedicalNewsToday – What Are the Most Popular Strains of Cannabis?

AllBud – Super Silver Haze Strain

Leafly – Super Silver Haze

Thrillist – Everything You Need to Know About the Sour Diesel Weed Strain

AllBud – Sour Diesel Train

Leafly – Sour Diesel

AllBud – Tangie

Leafly – Tangie

Leafly – OG Kush

AllBud – OG Kush

Cannabis Now – OG Kush