California, often known as the Golden State, is where many people would consider to be the home of both medical and recreational cannabis reform in America. We’re here to explore the top 10 cannabis strains in California.

After all, it was the first state to pass medical marijuana laws, and the state itself has always been a great advocate for this fantastic herb. Ever since cannabis became legal in California, it has truly exploded in popularity, with the market growing in size every year.

It’s estimated that the legal cannabis market in California in 2022 was worth USD 2.2 billion, and is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 12.2% between 2023 and 2030. 

Seeing as cannabis is so popular in Cali, you can expect that some cannabis strains are more popular than others, and these are what we are here to find out today, specifically those with THC. After all, people want to get high, so it’s the potent THC strains that we’re after! 

Let’s get right to it and take a closer look at the top ten cannabis strains in California. 

Is Cannabis Legal in California?

Interesting to note is that California was the first state in the USA to pass a medical cannabis law in 1996, known as the Compassionate Use Act. 

California also happened to be one of the first states in the USA to pass a law legalising the recreational use of cannabis, in 2018 to be precise. 

In short, yes, both medical and recreational cannabis are 100% legal in the state of California as long as you are of age.

Top 10 Cannabis Strains in California

Let’s now take a look at the most popular cannabis strains in Cali.

1. The Bird

One of the most popular strains of cannabis in Cali at this time is known as The Bird. This is a very new strain of cannabis that has only been around since 2023, thanks to Sensi Seeds and the Humboldt Seed Co.’s collaboration. Let’s find out what it’s all about.

Genetics

The Bird is a hybrid cannabis strain that is indica-leaning, about 70% indica. It is a combination of OG Kush, Gelato #33, and Humboldt Dream. OG Kush is an indica-leaning hybrid strain with roughly 18% THC, and a strong flavour of skunk, fuel, and spice.

Gelato #33 is another hybrid cannabis strain, one with roughly 20% THC, and flavours resembling vanilla, citrus, and pepper.

Finally, we have Humboldt Dream, a combination of Blue Dream and Purple Panty Popper, a fairly potent indica. The result is an indica-dominant strain, The Bird, with effects mostly from the indica side of things, along with moderate to high THC levels.

Potency – THC Content

The Bird contains on average anywhere between 17% and 19% THC, which is not overly potent. 

Most people would say that it is moderately potent, and therefore ideal for beginners, and for those people looking for a light high. 

A cannabis strain with 17% potency should produce a notable high, although not so strong that beginners may start feeling paranoid or anxious.

Appearance

Although this strain may take on various appearances, its most common appearance is characterised by elongated nugs that are irregular in shape, complete with many green, purple, and orange hues, along with a healthy helping of white pistils on the exterior. It’s definitely one of the more orange and brighter buds out there.

Flavour and Aroma

In terms of the flavour and aroma you can expect, the dominant flavours here include skunk, gasoline, citrus, and diesel. It’s a very potent and pungent strain that will most certainly hit every last taste bud in your mouth.

Effects

Seeing as this is a relatively classic indica-dominant strain, you can expect The Bird to produce a sensation of sedation, heaviness, and tingling in the limbs. It should make you feel somewhat tired, hungry, and relaxed, both physically and mentally.

It’s not overly potent, so while it does produce a bit of a cerebral high, in terms of making you feel euphoric and mentally relaxed, it should not make you feel too high or paranoid. It’s a rather perfect afternoon or nighttime strain for people who need to relax.

2. Wedding Cheesecake

Wedding Cheesecake is another indica-dominant hybrid, with this one also being around 70% indica, just like the previous one we looked at. The interesting part about the Wedding Cheesecake strain is not only that it has a fantastic flavour, but also that it’s a cross between some of the most potent and popular cannabis strains known to mankind.

Genetics

In terms of genetics, as we said, this is an indica-dominant strain. Interestingly enough, it’s a cross between five different strains, with the result being a potent indica with a high THC level. 

The five strains that went into creating this one include OG Kush, Purple Urkle, Granddaddy Purps, Big Bud, and Hindu Kush. 

Without explaining each and every single strain here, let’s just say that the vast majority of them are indica-dominant and fairly high in THC, which explains the potent nature of the Wedding Cheesecake strain.

Potency – THC Content

The Wedding Cheesecake strain is one of the more potent ones on our list today, as Californians really seem to love their THC. 

This strain comes in at anywhere between 23% and 26% THC. Thanks to this, a little bit goes a very long way, and even the most seasoned of cannabis connoisseurs will only need a few puffs to get where they’re going. It’s a very potent strain and caution is recommended.

Appearance

Wedding Cheesecake features a fairly interesting appearance, with a defining characteristic being that the buds are extremely large and forest green, combined with undertones of purple, very thick orange pistils, and a dense coating of crystal-white trichomes that have a purple tint to them. It’s certainly quite the mesmerising strain of cannabis to look at.

Flavour and Aroma

As you might be able to gather from the name of it, Wedding Cheesecake has a very fruity and sweet flavour. At first, you’re going to taste creamy, fruity, and sweet cheesecake, and on the exhale, you’re going to get a bit of skunk as well. It’s quite a potent strain no doubt.

Effects

Seeing as this is an indica-dominant strain, while you can expect a bit of a cerebral high, mainly as far as intense mental euphoria and creativity are concerned, this will soon give way to the intense indica side of things. 

Remember, not only is this an indica, but also very high in THC. This means that you will feel extremely relaxed, heavy, and sedated, to the point where you might just raid your fridge of all snacks before passing out. It’s a classic indica in this sense, and it’s perfect for nighttime use, as well as for people who need some help sleeping or assistance with pain.

3. Girl Scout Cookies

We then have GSC or Girl Scout Cookies, yet another indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain that has exploded in popularity in California and elsewhere. Girl Scout Cookies also happens to be one of the few strains on the list that has won a variety of awards in the past.

Genetics

In terms of its genetics, Girl Scout Cookies is made out of two other popular strains, F1 Durban and OG Kush. F1 Durban is actually a sativa strain that contains around 19% THC, and it’s known for having flavours akin to berries and honey. We then have OG Kush, a hybrid strain made by crossing a variety of other cannabis strains, with the result being a relatively moderate 18% THC.

Potency – THC Content

Something that you might like about Girl Scout Cookies is the fact that it is very potent, with an average THC content of roughly 25%, although this may range as high as 27%. As you can tell from its potency, Girl Scout Cookies is definitely not for the faint of heart.

Even just one or two puffs off of a joint will leave you feeling as high as you ever have, and this is even the case if you are a seasoned veteran. Beginners should therefore exercise a good deal of caution with it.

Appearance

Girl Scout Cookies has quite an interesting appearance, as the buds tend to be fairly elongated yet rectangular in shape, but also light and fluffy, as opposed to being dense and compact. 

These buds are usually also very green in nature, complete with many hues of both dark and light green, peppered with a few orange hairs, a whole lot of purple sugar leaves, and finally, a ton of white trichomes where all of that THC is contained. It’s most certainly one of the more beautiful-looking types of cannabis out there.

Flavour and Aroma

Thanks to all of those beautiful terpenes contained in this strain, mainly caryophyllene and myrcene, you can expect Girl Scout Cookies to have a variety of flavours including spice and herbs, sweetness, and mint. Many people say that it does indeed taste like a minty Girl Scout Cookie.

Effects

Although this is an indica-dominant strain, consumers will also feel the sativa side of things, especially thanks to that very high THC level. In the beginning, you should expect to feel a strong cerebral high, characterised by intense euphoria, creativity, happiness, and feelings of being talkative.

However, this uplifting feeling soon gives way to the indica effects, characterised by extreme sedation, heaviness, and hunger. It’s a great strain for appetite loss, nausea, chronic pain, insomnia, and more. If you like a combination of sativa and indica, Girl Scout Cookies is always a great way to go.

4. Biscotti

Not to be confused with the delicious Italian confectionery, Biscotti is another cannabis strain that we would like to cover today, and yes, it is also indica-dominant. Although, it’s not quite as potent as some of the others on our list today.

Genetics

The Biscotti cannabis strain is an indica-dominant hybrid made by crossing two very special strains, Sour Florida OG and Gelato 25. 

First, we have Florida OG, which is also an indica-dominant hybrid strain made by crossing Hindu Kush, Lemon Thai, and Chemdawg, resulting in a moderately potent strain with around 22% THC. 

We then have Gelato, a combination of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbet, the result being a flavourful yet fairly mild cannabis strain with an even balance between indica and sativa.

Potency – THC Content

What many people like about the Biscotti strain is its moderate potency, which comes in at roughly 20%. Twenty percent is right in the middle of things. Beginners might consider it fairly strong whereas seasoned cannabis veterans might consider it somewhat weak. The point here is that it sits neatly in the middle, and should therefore be ideal for most experience levels.

Appearance

The appearance of the Biscotti strain is unassuming yet beautiful. The buds are elongated in nature, not round, and they’re also light and fluffy. 

What defines the Biscotti strain in terms of appearance is that it is very light. The green hues are extremely light, and the buds are peppered with white THC-filled trichomes, along with a select few purple sugar hairs and orange pistils.

Flavour and Aroma

Thanks to the various terpenes contained in this strain, mainly caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, you can expect it to have flavours akin to vanilla, diesel, and honey. Most people would agree that it is quite the enjoyable strain as far as the flavour and aroma are concerned.

Effects

Here we have another one of these strains which although it is indica-dominant, you will first feel the cerebral, uplifting, and creative buzz from the sativa side of things. 

That uplifting and creative nature then gives way to the indica effects, characterised by feeling a strong body buzz, almost like your whole body is vibrating, combined with both mental and bodily relaxation, a feeling of hunger, and most likely the desire to go take a nap. 

It’s also a good strain to help deal with some issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress.

5. Watermelon

Although one of the more mysterious strains on the list, mainly due to having unknown parents, Watermelon is becoming extremely popular in California, and one of the main reasons for it is due to its very high THC content.

Genetics

What we do know about the Watermelon cannabis strain is that it is an indica cannabis strain, which means that you can expect all of the classic indica effects from it. However, what we don’t know about it is what its parents are. The breeders of the Watermelon strain did everything they could to keep lineage information under wraps, so this remains a complete mystery.

Potency – THC Content

Something that we do know about the Watermelon cannabis strain is that it is very potent, exceedingly so. Depending on the exact specimen in question, it may contain anywhere between 23% and 30% THC, therefore effectively making it the strongest strain on the list so far. 

Due to its extreme potency, just a couple puffs of it will get you sky high, but be aware that too much might make you feel a little bit paranoid, so beginners need to start very slowly. It’s one of the strongest and most psychoactive strains out there at this time.

Appearance

Watermelon is another one of these cannabis strains that really doesn’t look like anything special. It features rounded yet bumpy nugs, which are quite dense and compact in nature. 

As for the colouration, these buds feature a combination of various hues of brown and green, combined with some amber pistils, a few purplish sugar hairs, and a light dusting of white crystals.

Flavour and Aroma

As the name suggests, you can expect the watermelon strain to be very fruity, almost like a watermelon that has ripened for too long, combined with grapes, and even undertones of hashish.

Effects

This is a pure indica cannabis strain, and therefore you can expect it to produce a very strong body high. You’ll most likely feel like your limbs are very heavy and almost tingling, and you’ll probably feel like you’re sinking right into your couch. 

You’re not going to want to get up except to go to the fridge for a snack, but you’ll probably want to go for a nap. This is a classic indica strain with a strong body high, and it’s more than likely to put you to sleep after about an hour.

6. Mazar x Blueberry

Funny enough Mazar x Blueberry doesn’t really have its own name, as it is a combination of the two weed strains mentioned in the name, but it seems that nobody ever decided to give it its own original name. Either way, it’s another highly popular cannabis strain in California.

Genetics

Mazar x Blueberry is a mostly indica cannabis strain with very high THC levels. It is made by crossing Mazar I Sharif with Blueberry. 

Mazar is a fairly weak indica cannabis strain, one that usually doesn’t exceed 15% in terms of THC, although it may at times have high levels of CBD. It has flavours akin to sage, tobacco, and spices. 

We then have Blueberry, an indica strain of cannabis known for being moderately potent, usually with THC levels around 17% to 20%, along with very sweet flavours reminiscent of blueberries.

Potency – THC Content

Interesting to note is that although both of the parent strains are not overly potent, Mazar x Blueberry may contain anywhere from 22% to 25% THC, therefore making it quite strong. 

Although beginners should do fine with it, only a few puffs are needed to achieve a notable high. If you smoke too much of this strain, it may result in feelings of paranoia and anxiety, which is due to its high THC content.

Appearance

Mazar x Blueberry features almost a triangular shape, almost like a rounded Christmas tree that starts wide at the bottom and narrows towards a tip at the top. It is extremely green in colour, vibrant or forest bright green, combined with a healthy helping of orange pistils. It may not look like anything much due to its lack of white trichomes along the outside, although it is still quite potent.

Flavour and Aroma

Thanks to its parent strains, you can expect this one to be fairly earthy and sweet, and have flavours reminiscent of berries.

Effects

This is a classic indica strain, so you can expect the effects to be reminiscent of that. Expect to feel bodily sedated, physically heavy, and like your limbs are tingling, to the point where you might just sink right into your couch. 

It should sedate your body and make you feel very relaxed, but more than that, it will also relax you mentally. Although it creates sensations of euphoria and happiness, mental relaxation and overall calmness are what you can expect from this strain.

7. Mimosa

Mimosa, not to be confused with a delicious alcoholic drink, is yet another strain of cannabis that appears to be extremely popular in the state of California, and yes, it might have something to do with its relation to alcohol, at least as far as the name itself is concerned.

Genetics

In terms of its genetics, Mimosa, otherwise known as Purple Mimosa, is a fairly evenly balanced hybrid cannabis strain, a cross between Purple Punch and Clementine. 

First, we have Purple Punch, an indica-dominant strain made by crossing Granddaddy Purple with Larry OG, the result being a strain with around 18% THC.

We then have Clementine, a sativa-dominant cannabis strain made by crossing Lemon Skunk and Tangie, with the result also being a strain with roughly 18% THC.

Potency – THC Content

Mimosa features a THC level of anywhere between 19% and 21%, therefore making it moderately potent. It’s certainly not the most potent strain in the world, and most people would say that it’s ideal for beginners, especially because it’s known for helping with symptoms such as depression, stress, and anxiety. 

Seasoned cannabis connoisseurs may consume a good deal of it without feeling too high, which some people may enjoy. Also remember that it contains roughly 1% CBG, a non-psychoactive yet beneficial cannabinoid.

Appearance

The appearance of the Mimosa cannabis strain is very special, as it has so many purple sugar leaves that it looks almost more purple than it does green. If that weren’t enough, it also has extremely thick and dense orange pistils that make it one of the most colourful buds around. 

Between the purple and orange, there are more of these colours than there are green, of which there is only a limited amount. What little green there is, is covered by white trichomes.

Flavour and Aroma

Thanks to the various terpenes contained in this strain, and as you might be able to tell by the name of it, the flavour here is very citrus-forward, with both orange and grapefruit being dominant flavours.

Effects

If consumed in small quantities, you’re likely to feel the sativa side of things more, as you should end up feeling quite uplifted, motivated, creative, and level-headed. However, these sativa effects quickly wear off or are skipped in total, particularly if you consume higher quantities. 

With large quantities of the Mimosa strain, you’ll likely end up feeling very relaxed, sleepy, and hungry. It also happens to be a fairly good choice for people suffering from issues such as stress and depression.

8. Apple Fritter

Next on the list, we have one of the coolest-looking strains around, Apple Fritter, which not only looks cool, but is also exceedingly potent.

Genetics

Apple Fritter is a hybrid cannabis strain, one that is evenly balanced between sativa and indica. It is a combination of Animal Cookies and Sour Apple.  Animal Cookies is a hybrid cannabis strain that is made by crossing Girl Scout Cookies with Fire OG, and it contains roughly 19% THC. We then have Sour Apple, otherwise known as Sour Apple Diesel, which is a combination of Cinderella 99 and Sour Diesel, a hybrid strain with roughly 18% THC.

Potency – THC Content

In terms of overall potency as far as cannabis strains are concerned, you can expect this strain to contain anywhere between 23% and 25% THC, which as you might recognise is quite potent. 

It’s more than strong enough for any beginner to get extremely high from just one or two puffs, and it’s certainly strong enough for even the most experienced of cannabis connoisseurs to still get a good buzz going. 

However, thanks to the very high THC level, be careful, because it may result in feelings of paranoia.

Appearance

This is a very cool-looking strain, as the buds kind of look like maple leaves, in terms of having various points and irregularities. However, the really interesting part is that the vast majority of these buds are dark purple in colour, almost black, which looks really interesting when combined with the bright orange pistils and the snow-white trichomes peppering the outside.

Flavour and Aroma

The flavour and aroma here are very interesting, as you can expect this strain to be both earthy and sweet, with a hint of apple, cheese, and pastry.

Effects

Many people enjoy the Apple Fritter strain because you can expect the effects to come from both the indica and the sativa side. You can expect to feel a pronounced cerebral high, characterised by feeling uplifted, creative, giggly, and talkative. 

You also shouldn’t feel overly tired, at least not at first. However, you will certainly feel the indica side of things, as you should start feeling a bit heavy, tingly, and extremely relaxed. It’s one of the few cannabis strains with almost 50/50 evenly balanced effects.

9. Cereal Milk

Cereal Milk always makes for a good snack after you get stoned, and in this case, it also makes for a great way to get stoned, one of the more popular cannabis strains in the state of California.

Genetics

Cereal Milk is an evenly balanced hybrid cannabis strain made by crossing Snowman with Y Life. Snowman is a relatively potent hybrid cannabis strain, one made by crossing Girl Scout Cookies with an unknown strain, the result being a 23% THC level. We then have Y Life, a hybrid cannabis strain with moderate THC levels and flavours reminiscent of skunk, blueberries, and tropical fruits.

Potency – THC Content

Cereal Milk makes for a great strain for beginners as it is not overly potent. It contains roughly 18% THC, therefore keeping it on the lower end of the spectrum. 

It’s rather perfect for those who have a low THC tolerance, or just don’t want to get too high. It’s also ideal for people who may suffer from paranoia or anxiety due to higher levels of THC.

Appearance

The Cereal Milk cannabis strain features elongated buds that are very green in colour. They contain various hues of green, all the way from the lightest of greens to the darkest of greens. 

This strain also contains a good deal of orange pistils, as well as a select few white trichomes where that moderate THC level is contained.

Flavour and Aroma

Here we have a strain with some interesting flavours, with a sweet milkiness and sugary cereal flavours being at the forefront, combined with a hint of butter and vanilla.

Effects

Seeing as this is a somewhat evenly balanced hybrid, you can expect the effects to be reminiscent of this. The high starts out as being quite creative and uplifting, and it may make you feel a bit talkative and giggly. 

This is then followed by the indica side of things taking over, as you will likely feel a strong body high characterised by sedation and heaviness. Overall, it’s quite the calming and relaxing strain.

10. Maui Waui

Last but not least, we have Maui Waui, AKA Maui Wowie, the only pure sativa strain on the list today, making it ideal for daytime use.

Genetics

Maui Waui has some really interesting genetics, but it’s also very mysterious. We know that one of the parent strains is Hawaiian, another popular and fruity sativa, but the other parent strain remains a mystery.

Potency – THC Content

Maui Waui is moderately potent at roughly 19% THC. It’s therefore certainly not the strongest strain around, and more than ideal for beginners who want to try something that isn’t too potent, making it one of the most popular cannabis strains in Cali.

Appearance

In terms of the overall appearance, the Maui Waui buds are fairly light and airy in nature, and they combine various hues of orange and green, to form some unassuming yet beautiful-looking buds. They might not look like anything special, but people really seem to like the high that they produce.

Flavour and Aroma

If you like tropical and fruity flavours, particularly mango and pineapple, then you should really love this strain.

Effects

This is a classic sativa, which means that it is extremely creative and uplifting in nature. You should only feel a cerebral high from these buds, characterised by feeling talkative, giggly, and just really energetic in general. It’s certainly one of the best, if not the number one strain on the list as far as daytime use is concerned.

How to Choose the Right Cannabis Strain

To choose the right cannabis strain, there are several factors you need to consider. The main factors include THC content and the type of strain. 

Remember that the more THC cannabis strains have, the higher you will feel, and exactly how you feel will depend on whether it is an indica, sativa, or a hybrid between the two. 

There are other factors to consider as well, all of which are listed in this nifty guide on how to choose the best cannabis strain for you. 

And if you happen to be travelling outside of California and into the other states, check out the ten most popular cannabis strains across America.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many popular cannabis strains in the Golden State, and interestingly enough, most of them appear to be indica cannabis strains. With that being said, Cali is extremely diverse in terms of the different types of cannabis you can find there, so the world truly is your oyster. Whether you want an indica, a sativa, or anything in between, you’ll be sure to find it in California.