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Most Popular Cannabis Strains in California

This post is part of our Best Dispensaries Around the Bay Area series, sponsored by Project Cannabis.

There’s no question, California is a mecca for marijuana.  This progressive state embraces a vibrant cannabis culture, offering a diverse array of strains to explore. Dispensaries throughout California provide a rich tapestry of options catering to various preferences. From creative hybrids to relaxing indicas, the cannabis scene reflects a nuanced understanding of individual tastes. The statewide weed culture prioritizes innovation, ensuring enthusiasts can discover unique and tailored strains, contributing to the dynamic and evolving cannabis landscape across California. But what are the most popular cannabis strains in California? Get ready to get your ganja on because we’re going to tell you.

What Are Cannabis Strains?

When we talk about strains, what people are describing is the different types and varieties of weed derived from the cannabis plant. Different weed variations result from diverse combinations of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, as well as terpenes. You might be familiar with the most popular cannabis strains in California which are mainly broken into two types: indicas and sativas. There are also hybrids which are a blend. Indicas may promote relaxation. Alternatively, sativas offer tend to provide energizing effects. And as you might assume, hybrids tend to be a mix of both. Users choose strains based on desired outcomes, making cannabis a diverse and personalized experience. So, now that you know – are you ready to blow through the most popular strains in California? Let’s roll this beautiful bud footage!

How to Choose the Best Weed Strains for You

Selecting the ideal California weed strains involves understanding what you want and what types can produce your desired effects. Observe which cannabinoids you consume and pay attention to THC and CBD content levels because these will impact your overall experience. You may also want to take into account your level of experience and tolerance to weed, as well as any medical conditions you might have. 

Start by experimenting with the most popular cannabis strains in California and figure out what works best for you. Consider different aspects of the experience such as aroma, flavor, different ways to consume, and of course – how you feel while enjoying some of the best weed strains on the planet. 

Most Popular Marijuana Strains In California

Thanks to our ideal climate for growing cannabis, there are tons of California weed strains on the market. We are blessed to have so many incredible strains grown on our soil. Despite all being grown in the same state, California strains possess many diverse properties, flavors, textures, appearances, and effects. Check out these California weed names and learn a bit more about their THC content, what high they produce, and what you can expect from the flavors and aromas

Lemon Cherry Gelato

This is a hybrid and it has earned a good reputation as one of the best strains for anxiety.  The name says it all in terms of flavor and fragrance.  This strain has about 25% THC, and is lauded for its euphoric effects. 

Apple Fritter

This is a sweet hybrid, with a 50-50 split of indica and sativa.  It’s favored for that balance, and users report they have a stable, but mellow high when using Apple Fritter.

Cereal Milk

A hybrid with sweet tones, you’ll love how this is a long-lasting, balanced, heady high while it also relaxes the body. It’s praised for its invigorating effects.

Wedding Cake

An indica-dominant hybrid known for calming effects and appetite stimulation.  It’s a mix of Animal Mint strains and Triangle Kush strains.  Users say they appreciate the sticky, sweet flavor, and stimulating effects.  Get the full guide about the wedding cake strain here.

GMO

Also known as Garlic Cookies, this is a popular strain among Californians for it’s uplifting effects and heady highs.  It’s a cross between the also popular Chemdawg and Girl Scout Cookies strain.

Kush

Kush is a top rated strain created by mating Purple Kush and Sour Diesel. Due to its relaxing effects and high indica percentage, it is often smoked or consumed in the evening, helping to unwind and relax. It’s earthy, fruity, piney, and potent, and most importantly it’s a top-grade strain to be reckoned with. Kush contains anywhere from 20-24% THC and has somewhat of a sour, tangy smell. Insomniacs and high anxiety folks will dig this strain.

Purple Punch

What do you get when you combine Larry OG with Granddaddy Purple? A whole lotta punch! Purple Punch has sedative properties and promotes feelings of peace and serenity. It is fairly sweet to the taste and smell, possessing a blueberry and grape aroma that resembles vanilla, herbs, and a hint of sourness. Sitting at around 18-20% THC, this 80% indica, 20% sativa strain is sure to soothe and help send you off into a peaceful sleep. 

Pineapple

Not to be confused with Pineapple Express, Pineapple–also known as Pineapple OG and Super Bud is a hybrid that serves as a strong mood booster and promoter of happiness. The tropical flavors paired with a skunky and diesel aroma are key indicators of this distinct flower. It is a 50/50 indica dominant that tends to take on more sativa traits, resulting in an uplifting yet relaxed state of mind. THC levels for Pineapple rest between 15-25%. Although the exact origin is unknown, many believe Pineapple is among the California strains.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is a brilliant cross between Chemdawg and Super Skunk.This sativa-dominant hybrid strain is among the top marijuana strains, known for its fast-acting, enlivening effects. The flavor of Sour Diesel is pretty punchy–and as the name alludes to it the aroma is slightly similar to the smell of diesel. When consuming Sour Diesel, not only will you feel a wave of euphoria wash over you, but you’ll also feel your energy levels rise and the heightened urge to create. This upper is popular for its ability to bring on the giggles.

Biscotti

Known for its potency and calming effects, this high THC marijuana strain is one best in the books for relaxation, providing the ultimate chill. This tasty cross between Gelato #25 and Girl Scout Cookies contain a whopping 25% THC. Not only will it get you stoned but it also tastes phenomenal–almost like a sugar cookie. Because it is 80% indica, 20% sativa, prepare to have a comfortable space to lounge before consuming as it can also lead to sleepiness. The aroma 

Biscotti offers a cerebral high that provides the perfect cross between creative, calm, and slightly buzzed. This strain is known to be a more jarring transition into the high, so start small when consuming, especially if your tolerance is low. 

Ice Cream Cake

A delicious indica-dominant blend between two of the most renowned weed strains out there–Wedding Cake and Gelato #33–Ice Cream Cake takes the cake for providing a high that sends you into couch lock mode, but not so much that you feel ready for bed. If you have nothing on your agenda and are itching for tranquility, this zesty yet sweet vanilla sugar strain is sure to do the trick. Ice Cream Cake is one of the top California weed strains out there, with extremely high THC levels–anywhere from 20-27%.

Sherbert

Powerful and potent, Sherbert OG or Sunset Sherbert is the drug of choice if you’re wanting full body effects, tension release, and to feel relaxed yet uplifted simultaneously. This indica-dominant hybrid is a cross between Girl Scout Cookies and Pink Panties, 85% indica, 15% sativa, with THC levels of 18%. The subtle flavor profile is sweet, peppery, and creamy, and the aroma is somewhat skunky mixed with berry citrus. Sherbert puts you in a state of deep relaxation and may help ease inflammation. And can help balance out mood.

Blue Dream

Another weed strain that originated in California, and one of the most praised, Blue Dream is a fast-acting, mid-range sativa-dominant hybrid created by cross pollinating Blueberry and Haze. THC levels of Blue Dream lie between 18-22% so it is not overly potent, and it provides a well-balanced high. People love Blue Dream for its ability to boost motivation and increase focus, igniting that creative spark to get the job done. Blue Dream’s aroma and taste is reported to resemble sweet berries–like a dream.

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookie is an indica-dominant hybrid with a rich terpene profile, containing 60% indica, and 40% sativa, and around 19% THC. Girl Scout Cookies has become wildly popular due to its flavor combination and potent effects, working to reduce inflammation and leave consumers feeling delighted and stress free. Great for patients with anxiety, mood disorders, and those who experience nausea. Can also increase appetite. Notable flavors of the strain include mint, lemon citrus, and sweet cherry. 

Mimosa

A cross between Clemnetine and Purple Punch–doesn’t that already sound exotic and worth a try? Mimosa is around 70% sativa, making it the perfect sativa-dominant hybrid for an uplifting, energizing high with slightly euphoric effects. This smooth cannabis strain will have you feeling social and ready to mingle, perfect to enjoy in social settings. Much like an actual mimosa, the flavor profile of this strain is deliciously sweet and tangy. 

Strawberry Cough

Strawberry Fields mixed with Haze makes for a potent strain referred to as Strawberry Cough. This skunky berry strain is a sativa-dominant hybrid containing around 20-25% THC content. It’s no surprise Strawberry Fields won best flower in the Cannabis Cup in 2013, because of its ability to produce euphoric sensations that have you smiling the whole high. Strawberry Cough is also a fabulous stress-reducer and mood booster.

If you are interested in experimenting with the eclectic array of California bred strains, THC-SD features a huge selection of flower, edibles, drinkables, topicals, and tinctures with strains all across the board!

Get the Best Weed Strains in California

Discover the finest marijuana strains in California with Project Cannabis in San Francisco! Whether you need to escape from a tough workweek or need a good night’s sleep – Proj Can will set you up and cover all your ganja needs. Their friendly budtenders know their stuff backward and forwards – so they’re prepared to answer any of your questions. They also have a huge selection, and we can almost guarantee you won’t walk out of this dispensary without a high-quality, effective weed purchase.

Conclusion

Exploring California’s premier marijuana strains is an ongoing quest that extends beyond the list of favorites we mentioned here. There are a ton of different varieties from which to try, and California is the best place to go for superior quality. Blow through different flavor profiles and robust strains – it’s a key part of knowing what you like and what works for you. We hope you have a smokin’ good time finding strains that resonate with your vibe in the vibrant cannabis scene of the Golden State.

Note: The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or another qualified health professional before making any changes to your treatment or if you have any concerns about your mental health. Do not ignore or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read here.

Media credits: Conceptual images of the best weed strains in California in this article are copyright of LaJolla.com.