As cannabis legalization continues to sweep the nation, more and more people are trying weed for the first time. And before marijuana was legalized, most individuals had no idea that weed has a diverse number of strains.
There were two types of cannabis available to the typical person: cheap and good. While consumers may have seen a variation in the batches they purchased, they could only buy what their "plug" had.
The modern marijuana purchasing process is far from the prohibition era. Dispensaries and smoke shops provide a variety of strains, ranging from sleepy to active, and with a variety of flavor profiles.
People who are unfamiliar with the concept of legalized cannabis and designer strains may be confused by the connoisseur element of cannabis breeding and genetics.
And with so many different strains of cannabis available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. That's why we've put together a list of the 12 most popular weed strains right now.
Marijuana Strain Definition
Before we get into the 12 most popular weed strains, let's first take a look at what exactly constitutes a marijuana strain. By definition, a strain is a species' genetic variety. Plant strains are different varieties of the same species with common ancestry.
A cannabis strain is simply a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant that has been bred for specific characteristics. These characteristics can include anything from the plant's physical appearance to its euphoric effects. Each marijuana strain has its own unique set of properties, so it's important to do your research before trying a new one.
Types of Marijuana Strains
Now that you know what a marijuana strain is let's look at the three main types of strains: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid.
Indica strains: are known for their relaxing and soothing effects. These strains are typically used to help people with chronic pain, anxiety, or sleep problems. Indica plants are short and stocky, with huge, packed buds that are sticky due to the high resin content. An indica plant's leaves are typically small, plump, and close together. Earth, pine, pepper, berries, bananas, lavender, and hops are among the flavors found in Indica strains.
Sativa Strains: These types of marijuana strains are known for their energizing and euphoric effects. These strains are often used to treat depression, fatigue, ADHD, and other mental disorders. Sativa plants are tall and thin, with long branches and sparse buds. The leaves are usually large and thin, with a pointed tip. Colors can vary from light green to dark purple. Citrus, pine, mint, sweet fruits, and flowers are common flavors in Sativa strains.
Hybrid Strains: They are a mix of Indica and Sativa strains. They provide the best of both worlds, with euphoric effects and pain relief. Hybrid strains can be Sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant, or balanced 50/50. They come in all shapes and sizes and with a variety of flavors.
12 Most Popular Weed Strains
It's finally time to list the most popular strains in DC! Let's go:
Jet Fuel
This Sativa-dominant hybrid strain is known for its euphoric and energetic effects. Jet Fuel is a cross between Aspen OG and High Country Diesel strains. It has a sweet, piney flavor with hints of diesel fuel. This strain is often used to treat anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
SFV OG
SFV OG is an acronym for "San Francisco Valley OG" Kush. It is an Indica-dominant hybrid and a phenotype of the OG Kush strain. It has a piney, earthy flavor with euphoric effects.
This dank bud has a 17-22 % THC content on average and mostly Indica effects. Users describe the SFV OG high as having an almost rapid onset of relaxing and sleepy effects that leave you feeling fairly couch-bound with a light, pain-relieving pressure in mind and body.
These effects are accompanied by a sense of delight and elevation, which are countered by the profound indica effects. Because of these powerful effects, SFV OG is an excellent choice for people suffering from mild to moderate depression, persistent pain from accident or disease, muscular spasms, and stress.
Gary Payton
This Indica-dominant hybrid was created in honor of NBA all-star Gary Payton. It is a cross between the strains They and Snowman. This strain has a sweet, spicy flavor and euphoric effects. It is often used to treat pain, anxiety, and stress.
Ice Cream Cake
Ice Cream Cake is a hybrid strain, Indica dominant, is a cross between the strains Gelato 33 and Wedding Cake. It has a sweet, nutty flavor with a creamy aroma. This strain is often used to treat anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
Runtz
Runtz is a well-balanced hybrid strain (50 percent Indica, 50 percent Sativa) produced by crossing the legendary Zkittlez and Gelato strains. Runtz is a wonderful fruity taste with tropical citrus and tart berries abounding, named after the classic candy.
The scent is very similar, but with a stinging spicy pineapple flavor that intensifies when the small sticky nugs are broken apart and burned. After a few minutes, the Runtz high bursts forth, first hitting your head with a soothing lift then spreading its tingly tendrils throughout the rest of your body.
Girl Scout Cookies
This Indica-dominant hybrid is a cross between the strains OG Kush and Durban Poison. It has a cherry lemon flavor with an intense nutty aroma. It's known for its cerebral effects.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel, also known as "Sour Deez'' or "Sour D", is a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain that is well known for its euphoric effects. It is a cross between the Mass super skunk and Chemdawg 91 strains.
This strain is often used to treat anxiety, sadness, and chronic fatigue in medical patients. Despite the presence of Indicia, sour Diesel is not the greatest strain for insomnia and other similar conditions because of the stimulating and vibrant head high it produces. Because of the effervescent properties of this strain, many individuals choose to smoke sour diesel first thing in the morning to get a head start.
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue is a hybrid strain is a cross between the strains Sour Diesel and Chocolate Diesel. It has a chocolatey flavor with hints of coffee. You'll definitely feel a body high with this one.
Sundae Driver
Sundae Driver is a hybrid strain that is a cross between the Fruity Pebbles and Grape Pie strains. The high from Sundae Driver is just as good as the flavor, with a relaxing and elevated feeling that will have you kicking back in no time. Sundae Driver is frequently used to treat chronic stress or anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, depression, and chronic pain. It has a moderate 14-16 % of THC potency.
Biscotti
This hybrid strain is a cross between the strains Gelato #25 and Girl Scout Cookies. It has a sweet, nutty flavor with euphoric effects. When smoked, you will experience a giggly body high.
White Widow
White Widow is a classic cannabis strain that has been around for decades. This strain is known for its euphoric effects and tends to be very potent. It is a 60:40 strain (Brazil Sativa X South Indian Indica). If you're looking for a strain that will give you a strong high, White Widow is a good choice.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights is another classic cannabis strain that is popular among first-time users. Northern Lights is a pure Indica strain that is an inbred descendant of the original Afghani landrace strains. This strain produces mellow, euphoric effects and is often used to help relieve stress and anxiety. Northern Lights is an Indica-dominant hybrid that was bred in the Pacific Northwest. It has a sweet, woody aroma and produces potent euphoric effects.
Want to know the best Indica Strains of 2024? Check out our Official List of The 13 Best Indica Strains.
Where can I get the Most Popular Strains in Washington DC?
If you want to get the best marijuana strains in Washington, look no further than Top Level DC. In our stores, we offer the best cannabis strains, and they can be obtained hassle-free and fast, in ways that you will love. This explains why our weed is top-rated and highly recognized as a customer favorite across the district. Check out what strains we currently have in stock. PS: Our gift menu is changing constantly so make sure to order your free flower gifts before they’re sold out.
Shop online or call us today at (202) 740-6670 to place your order. Enjoy in-store shopping or get easy curbside pickup! For DC dispensary hours, please check our website. Also, follow us on Instagram to learn more about buying weed in Washington DC with our 420-friendly and Initiative 71-compliant gifts.
* All our marijuana gifts are subject to availability. To see what products and strains we currently have in stock, please check our website *
* This information is obtained from our audience and should not be considered a replacement for expert medical guidance. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional prior to considering the use of cannabis for any medical purposes.