The cannabis industry is quickly growing, with billions of dollars being added to it every single year, and this is in the USA alone. Although the United States is a very interesting case study to look at as far as cannabis legality is concerned, things are moving in the right direction.
The federal government in the USA has legalised hemp for use, and many different individual state governments are fully legalising both medical and recreational cannabis for all adults.
Although there may be some conflicts between federal and state governments, the legal status of cannabis does seem to be heading in the right direction. So, for those people living in the United States, what cannabis strains do they consume?
This is exactly what we’re here to discuss today: what the top ten cannabis strains in America are. Please note that we’ll be focusing on THC-heavy cannabis strains, because this is the main psychoactive substance that produces the “high” that people want.
Is Cannabis Legal in America?
Just to avoid any legal issues, what you need to know is that technically speaking, marijuana is not legal at the federal level in the United States. According to the U.S. federal government, particularly the 2018 Farm Bill, at a federal level, only hemp is legal, with hemp being defined as cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
However, there are many different states in the USA, with Colorado, New York, and California being just some of them, which have all individually legalised cannabis for recreational use, for anybody over the legal age.
This means that so long as you reside in a state where cannabis is legal for use, you will not run into any legal issues whatsoever, as long as you stay within the confines of the legal market!
The Top 10 Best Cannabis Strains in America
Let’s now take a look at the top 10 best cannabis strains in America, the most popular cannabis strains that are consumed on a regular basis by cannabis beginners and experts alike across the United States.
1. Granddaddy Purple
If you’re looking for a great nighttime cannabis strain that will help relieve anxiety and put you to sleep, Granddaddy Purple is a fan favourite across the board, and one of the number one cannabis strains in the USA. It’s got a great flavour profile, an interesting appearance, and amazing relaxing effects.
Genetics
Granddaddy Purple is a fairly potent indica strain, which means that it’s not only great for nighttime use, but for helping you achieve a much more relaxed state in general. This is a pure indica strain, so you can expect the effects to be quite sedating.
As for its genetics, this is a mix between Skunk, Mendo Purps, and Afghan. Mendo Purps is an indica-leaning hybrid with fairly high THC levels, with Skunk being another indica-leaning hybrid with a moderate to high THC content. The aroma that you get with Granddaddy Purple comes mainly from the Skunk genetics.
Potency – THC Content
What many people will appreciate about this strain is that it features a fairly moderate THC level of 17%. For the record, 17% is not overly high, although it should still be strong enough for a seasoned cannabis connoisseur to achieve a strong high with a few puffs of it.
It’s certainly ideal for beginners, because its relatively low potency means that a beginner can start slow and increase consumption as needed. In the grand scheme of things, this is a moderately strong indica that should be ideal for most experienced levels.
Appearance
As you can probably guess by the name of it, Granddaddy Purple has quite an interesting appearance, characterised mainly by a lot of purple sugar leaves and accents. In fact, these buds are almost more purple than they are green or orange, but of course, you get plenty of both of those colours as well. In terms of shape, these buds tend to be fairly rounded and compact in nature.
Flavour and Aroma
As for the flavour profile here, what you get are hints of berry and grape, along with skunk and general sweetness. This is one of the skunkier, sweeter, and more potent-smelling strains out there, something that you could smell from great distances.
Effects
The effects of Granddaddy Purple are very relaxing and sedating, which is mainly because it is a moderately potent indica strain.
It should provide you with a good deal of physical relaxation, kind of like you are melting into your couch, but without being so strong that it might cause paranoia or other such symptoms.
It also provides some cerebral effects, such as euphoria, mental relaxation, and happiness. Many people use this strain in an attempt to treat issues such as insomnia, stress, and pain.
2. Northern Lights
Next on the list we have Northern Lights, another very popular and moderately potent indica cannabis strain that is made by crossing two other very popular varieties. Let’s take a closer look.
Genetics
Interesting to note is that in terms of genetics, the Northern Lights cannabis strain is made out of two different landrace strains: Thai and Afghan landrace strains. The Thai landrace strain is a sativa, whereas the Afghan landrace strain is an indica. Both of these feature moderate potency levels, and they both lend both of their effects and flavours to the Northern Lights strain, as you’ll see further below.
Potency – THC Content
The Northern Lights marijuana strain generally has a THC level ranging between 17% and 20%. This means that it is moderately potent, and in some cases can be very potent, depending on the exact plant in question.
A potency level of 18% on average should be more than enough to get both beginners and seasoned cannabis experts to where they are going with ease. On that note, it’s also known for containing a little bit of CBG, a non-psychoactive yet beneficial cannabinoid that some cannabis strains contain.
Appearance
The appearance of the Northern Lights strain is quite unassuming. When first looking at it, you might not think that it’s anything special. It features spade-shaped nugs that feature a variety of green hues and tones, ranging from light green all the way to the darkest of greens, almost black in some cases. It also has a good deal of orange pistils located around the outside, along with some white crystals for an added bonus.
Flavour and Aroma
If you are looking for a cannabis strain that is both spicy and sweet, then Northern Lights is certainly a good one to check out. It’s pungent, spicy, sweet, and very distinguishable from other strains. Its spicy sweetness leaves an interesting feeling in your throat.
Effects
As for its overall effects, Northern Lights is a relatively classic indica strain. This means that the majority of the high should be focused on your body, particularly in terms of making you feel a bit tingly, heavy, and bodily sedated. You should also notice a good deal of pain relief.
At the same time, Northern Lights also produces a bit of the cerebral high, making you feel mentally relaxed and euphoric. Due to its potent sedative properties, it’s a great option for helping to treat insomnia and pain.
3. Bruce Banner
Here we have Bruce Banner, which is effectively the first hybrid cannabis strain on the list, one that also features very high THC levels, along with other beneficial cannabinoids that you might be able to reap the benefits from. Let’s take a closer look at the Bruce Banner cannabis strain.
Genetics
In terms of its genetics, Bruce Banner is very interesting, because it is a result of a cross between two other extremely popular cannabis strains: Strawberry Diesel and OG Kush. OG Kush is a hybrid cannabis strain with roughly 18% THC, and it also happens to be a cross between other popular strains, including Hindu Kush, Lemon Thai, and Chemdawg.
We then have Strawberry Diesel, which is a cross between Strawberry Cough and NYC Diesel, a fairly potent hybrid strain with up to 19% THC. The Bruce Banner strain gets both its effects and its flavour profile from all of these strains.
Potency – THC Content
What many people enjoy about the Bruce Banner cannabis strain is that this potent hybrid features around 21% THC. Realistically, it may feature anywhere between 20% and 23% THC, therefore making it one of the more potent cannabis strains on our list so far today.
Due to its relatively high potency, we recommend that beginners start off really slow with it, with no more than just a few puffs.
It’s more than strong enough to shoot you to the moon and back without having to consume too much of it, something that people with higher tolerance levels should also be able to appreciate.
Appearance
The Bruce Banner cannabis strain features some of the densest and hardest nugs that you’ve ever come across. They’re so hard that you can barely squeeze them in between your fingers.
As for the appearance, these buds tend to be covered in white trichomes on the exterior, which is where all of that THC is contained. You then also get a good mix of orange pistils, purple sugar leaves, and many hues of green, all spread out across an unevenly shaped spade-like bud.
Flavour and Aroma
Many people enjoy the Bruce Banner cannabis strain due to its interesting flavour profile. What you get here are extremely sweet undertones, kind of like candy, along with a strong and pungent hit of diesel or fuel. It’s almost like consuming strawberry-flavoured diesel, but in a much more enjoyable manner.
Effects
Thanks to its hybrid nature, you can expect the Bruce Banner strain to produce both a mental and physical high. Mentally, it should be somewhat uplifting, and relaxing, and should most likely make you feel a bit giggly, talkative, and social.
However, these sativa effects will quickly give way to the indica side of things, and you’ll start feeling quite hungry, sedated, and tired. It’s a good strain if you need something for the midafternoon that will allow you to easily transition to the nighttime.
4. Durban Poison
Next, we have Durban Poison, which is at this point the only pure landrace strain on the list today. This means that as far as pure genetics goes, this is one of the purest strains in the world, and it’s one of the reasons why it is so popular in the United States.
Genetics
Durban Poison is a pure landrace strain that comes from the South African port city of Durban. It has spent many years, if not centuries, growing in this area of the world, and has remained unchanged in all of those years. This is not a cross between various other strains, but is in fact a pure cannabis landrace strain, which means that it’s remained unaltered for a great amount of time.
Potency – THC Content
Durban Poison features a moderate THC content of 19%. 19% THC is more than enough for any beginner, and just a couple of puffs should be suitable to make you feel a noticeable high. However, 19% THC should also be enough for those with higher tolerance levels, although you might need to take a few more puffs. Generally speaking, 19% THC is considered quite moderate, and should therefore be ideal for most.
Appearance
If we are talking about boring and unassuming-looking strains of cannabis, Durban Poison is certainly up there. Luckily, although it doesn’t look like anything special, its effects and flavours are often sought-after. That said, what you get here are some fluffy and light buds that are irregularly shaped and contain a variety of greens, along with a few orange pistils along the outside, and a light coating of white crystally trichomes.
Flavour and Aroma
What many people note about the Durban Poison strain is that it’s just extremely sweet. It might feature hints of fuel, pine, herbs, and sage, but generally speaking, sweetness is what most people get out of it.
Effects
Seeing as Durban Poison is a pure sativa strain, you can expect its effects to be quite uplifting and energising. Durban Poison is a great daytime strain that works well for people who want to feel a noticeable high, but don’t want to get far too tired.
Here, you’ll feel mentally stimulated yet relaxed, euphoric, and most likely a lot happier, more talkative, giggly, and social. This makes Durban Poison a great daytime strain for people who want to get high, but still enjoy the rest of their day.
5. Banana Kush
If a potent cannabis strain is what you are looking for, something with very high THC levels, then Banana Kush is certainly something worth checking out, and it’s these high THC levels that make it a fan favourite in America.
Genetics
The genetics of the Banana Kush strain are quite interesting, as it is a cross between a Ghost OG and a Skunk Haze. Ghost OG is a hybrid cannabis strain that leans towards the indica side of things, with a THC level of roughly 19%.
It is closely related to regular OG Kush. We then have Skunk Haze, which is a weak and low THC hybrid that is made by crossing Haze and Skunk.
The result is an indica-leaning hybrid cannabis strain, Banana Kush, with fruity flavours and high THC levels. For one reason or another, although the parent strains aren’t overly potent, the result, Banana Kush, certainly is.
Potency – THC Content
Banana Kush contains an average of 22% THC, although this may range anywhere between 20% and 24% THC, therefore making it one of the stronger cannabis strains enjoyed in the United States.
What people need to know here is that at the higher end of the spectrum, the THC level with Banana Kush can be very high, which means that beginners do need to take care.
One or two puffs are more than enough for any beginner to achieve a strong and long-lasting high. It also happens to contain a bit of CBG.
Appearance
Many people enjoy the Banana Kush strain for its appearance, as it features elongated and spade-shaped buds. These buds are quite light in colour, mainly light green, although there are many orange pistils as accents. You also get a very thick and dense coating of white trichomes, which is where that high concentration of THC is contained.
Flavour and Aroma
As for the flavour and aroma, you can rightfully assume that this strain is very sweet. Many people say that it closely resembles a fresh bushel of bananas. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then this is certainly a strain worth checking out.
Effects
Due to its hybrid nature, you can expect the effects of the Banana Kush strain to be quite varied. Some people feel the mental side of things much more, as the sativa side may take over and make you feel much more uplifted, euphoric, and energetic.
However, many people report that this strain makes them feel quite sleepy and relaxes their body, which would imply that the indica side takes hold, particularly after the first hour of consuming it.
6. Girl Scout Cookies
If we are talking about some of the most famous and popular cannabis strains in the USA and the whole world, then we can’t possibly ignore Girl Scout Cookies. This is a staple in virtually every legal dispensary across the country.
Genetics
Girl Scout Cookies is indica-dominant, and it has a bit of sativa genetics, although the effects are notably more from the indica side. Girl Scout Cookies is a cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison.
As you might be able to guess, both OG Kush and Durban Poison are indica-leaning, with Durban Poison being more indica than anything else. What you therefore get is a moderate to highly potent cannabis strain that leads towards the indica side of things.
Potency – THC Content
Girl Scout Cookies is an ideal cannabis strain for both beginners and seasoned cannabis connoisseurs alike, as it features a relatively moderate potency level of 19%.
Although, depending on the exact plant, Girl Scout Cookies may contain anywhere between 18% and 21% THC. It’s certainly not the weakest of cannabis strains, but also not the strongest. Let’s not forget that it also contains moderate to low levels of both CBG and CBD.
Appearance
Girl Scout Cookies features one of the most interesting appearances as far as cannabis buds are concerned, as it has some extremely bright and vibrant green colours. Not only is it very green, but it also features a lot of purple sugar hairs, orange pistils, and white trichomes, all spread out across an unevenly and irregularly shaped bud.
Flavour and Aroma
Girl Scout Cookies is one of the bolder and more flavourful cannabis strains found in America. It’s quite sweet, as the name implies, and features bold notes of lemon, sweet cherries, and mints. If you didn’t know any better, you might just think that it’s a dessert.
Effects
Although this is an indica-dominant hybrid, the sativa genetics come out first, and your first few puffs of Girl Scout Cookies will make you feel mentally relaxed, giggly, and extremely euphoric.
However, this soon gives way to the indica side of things, which makes you feel hungry, stress-free, sedated, and heavy.
If you’re looking for an afternoon strain that will allow you to transition from work to some relaxation, then it’s certainly a strain worth checking out.
7. Gorilla Glue
Next on the list is Gorilla Glue, also known as CG4. This is a relatively potent indica-dominant strain that is ideal if you need something that’s going to glue you to the couch.
Genetics
In terms of genetics, Gorilla Glue is a cross between Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel. These are all very interesting and popular strains in their own right, with some being indica-dominant and some being sativa-dominant, and all of them containing fairly high THC levels. The result of crossing all three of these strains together is Gorilla Glue, a very complex cannabis strain with both a flavour profile and effects that many people greatly enjoy.
Potency – THC Content
With an average THC level of roughly 20%, Gorilla Glue is a favourite cannabis strain among many, particularly among seasoned cannabis experts. At times it may contain up to 25% THC, depending on the exact strain in question. If you happen to get your hands on one of the more potent varieties, we recommend exercising a bit of caution, because those high THC levels can hit quite hard.
Appearance
Gorilla Glue features very long, elongated, and irregularly shaped buds. They’re generally longer than they are wide, and also quite light, airy, and fluffy. As for the colours, it doesn’t look like anything special, because you just get a lot of light and muted green, along with some white trichomes and orange pistils. Although it might not look like anything overly special, its effects and flavours are what people go for here.
Flavour and Aroma
Gorilla Glue has many different flavours which come from its three different parent strains, and overall, what you can expect here are a variety of sour and earthy aromas that are extremely pungent. There is also a distinct undertone of pine trees.
Effects
If you are looking for a cannabis strain that can help relieve pain, anxiety, and stress, then you’re in the right place. This cannabis strain is well known for hitting the head quite hard and producing a euphoric and enjoyable cerebral head high.
It will make you forget about your troubles, and due to its indica dominance, you can also expect it to melt away your bodily pains. People also use this strain because it’s sedating and ideal for nighttime consumption.
8. Purple Haze
If you’re looking for a low-potency cannabis strain, something that is ideal for daytime use, then Purple Haze is a perfect one to consider, one of the more popular cannabis strains in America.
Genetics
In terms of its genetics, Purple Haze is a near-pure sativa. It is a mix of Haze and Purple Thai, both of which are sativa-dominant strains. They both also happen to be quite earthy and sweet, and don’t have all that much THC. This combines to create what we know as Purple Haze–a low-potency sativa cannabis strain with enjoyable daytime effects.
Potency – THC Content
As mentioned above, Purple Haze doesn’t have all that much THC, usually around 16%. Although, it may contain anywhere between 14% and 18% THC, depending on the exact specimen.
Furthermore, this relatively low THC level makes Purple Haze an ideal cannabis strain for beginners and for those who have a low THC tolerance, as well as those who just don’t want to get all that high.
Appearance
The appearance of the Purple Haze strain, as you might be able to guess, is quite purple. These buds are very hard, dense, and irregularly shaped. They feature many different purple sugar hairs that give it its classic appearance, along with orange pistils for accents, as well as a light coating of white trichomes.
Flavour and Aroma
In terms of the overall flavour and aroma, what you get here are earthy and sweet flavours with undertones of very sharp spice and berries. Furthermore, some people also note tasting grapes and lavender.
Effects
Due to this being a relatively low-potency sativa, many people will enjoy it for its light cerebral effect. It should make you feel a little bit uplifted, euphoric, giggly, talkative, and energetic. Many people take this strain in an attempt to increase their creative output. Many people also enjoy this strain because it’s really not known for making you feel very tired or sedated, therefore making it ideal for daytime use.
9. Wedding Cake
Here we have Wedding Cake, an indica-dominant hybrid strain with high THC levels, and this is effectively one of the most potent cannabis strains on the list today. Due to its high potency, Wedding Cake is one of the top cannabis strains in America at this time.
Genetics
Wedding Cake is a very interesting combination of two separate strains: Triangle Kush and Animal Mints. Triangle Kush is an indica cannabis strain that originates from Florida, one that features relatively high THC levels. We then have Animal Mints, a hybrid cannabis strain that is also indica-dominant, although it has relatively low THC levels. With that said, it’s surprising that Wedding Cake has as much THC as it does.
Potency – THC Content
Wedding Cake features an overall potency of roughly 24%, but may range anywhere between 22% and 26%. In terms of THC content, this effectively takes the cake (pun intended), making it the most potent strain on our list today.
Therefore, we recommend that this strain be used by seasoned and experienced cannabis consumers who have relatively high tolerance levels. If you are a beginner with a low tolerance level, only take one or two small puffs, because that should be more than enough.
Appearance
Wedding Cake features a very interesting appearance, a very elongated and irregular shape, almost like a spade or even a maple leaf. Furthermore, it’s extremely colourful, with notes of orange, green, purple, and much more. In fact, as far as colours are concerned, this is one of the more visually diverse cannabis strains found in the U.S.
Flavour and Aroma
As you might be able to guess by the name of it, Wedding Cake has a fairly sweet aroma. However, it’s also tangy and rich, with notes of pepper and earth. Many people also note hints of vanilla. It’s like a spicy, peppery yet sweet wedding cake–an interesting flavour profile no doubt.
Effects
This is a hybrid cannabis strain, but remember that it contains very high THC levels. Due to this, you can expect it to begin with a strong cerebral high that has you feeling creative, giggly, and talkative. However, about an hour into your journey, you should be feeling much more mentally and physically relaxed and sedated.
The indica side of things should quickly take over and have you sinking into your couch, but not before you go see what snacks you have in your fridge. Many people use this strain in an attempt to treat symptoms related to depression and stress.
10. White Widow
Last but not least, we have White Widow, a low-potency hybrid strain that is perfect for beginners to get started with when first venturing into the world of cannabis.
Genetics
White Widow is a hybrid cannabis strain that is a cross between a South Indian indica landrace and a Brazilian sativa landrace, with the result being a 60% sativa-dominant cannabis strain.
Potency – THC Content
In terms of the overall THC content, this is one of the lower potency strains on the list, coming in at an average of 15% THC. Although, depending on the exact strain in question, it may contain anywhere between 13% and 17% THC. Whatever way you look at it however, this is a very low potency strain, which should make it more than ideal for beginners.
Appearance
The appearance of White Widow is very interesting, because it contains a lot of orange pistils, which are those orange hairs on the outside. The result is that these buds look almost more orange than they do green, and we don’t have many white trichomes either. The buds themselves are quite elongated and not very dense.
Flavour and Aroma
White Widow has quite the interesting flavour profile, as it features hints of earth, herbs, spice, and wood. It’s definitely one of the more natural-tasting cannabis strains out there.
Effects
Seeing as White Widow is not very potent and because it is sativa dominant, it’s an ideal daytime strain for those who want to feel a noticeable high, but don’t want to be put to bed.
This strain produces a strong yet manageable euphoric head high that will leave you feeling uplifted and creative all day long. Many people love this strain because although it is ideal for treating symptoms associated with pain, stress, and anxiety, it doesn’t result in feeling sedated.
How to Choose the Right Cannabis Strain
If you want to choose the right cannabis strain for you, there are many different factors to consider. Whenever you are choosing a cannabis strain, consider its potency, effects, genetics and lineage, flavour, and reviews. You can always check out this awesome guide on how to choose the best cannabis strain for an in-depth tutorial on exactly how to do so.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different popular cannabis strains in America. Whether we are talking about low-potency sativas or high-potency indica strains, the bottom line is that Americans absolutely love their cannabis, and this is something that won’t change in the years to come. In fact, the cannabis industry only appears to be growing, which means that there will always be more great strains for you to check out.
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