Whether you're new to cannabis or consider yourself a connoisseur, if there's one thing that everyone who has an affinity for marijuana knows, it's how much different strains can influence your experience and how personal these preferences can be.
Like all industries, the cannabis world is changing and modernizing. As a result, we're constantly learning new ways to partake in smoking, vaping, and ingesting marijuana, which helps us become more educated consumers. Keeping up with the latest trends can help you improve your experience with weed consumption and offer you further insight into the strains and styles you enjoy.
If you're ready to dive into the biggest 2023 cannabis trends to get an idea of what this year has in store for cannabis users, you're in luck. This article will provide an overview of the ten most popular cannabis strains of 2023 and what makes each of these strains unique.
Criteria for Selection
There are hundreds of cannabis strains in the world today, and with crossbreeding and other growing techniques, these numbers continue to increase. In addition, because the enjoyment of cannabis is so subjective, what one person deems their favorite strain, another might not enjoy it at all.
For these reasons, you may wonder what goes into selecting a list of the top ten cannabis strains in a given year and whether or not a list like this holds any value to you.
Although it's unlikely that you will find each of these ten strains on your personal list of favorites, the winners of this list were selected with great care and are reflective of the modern cannabis consumer landscape. This means no matter your taste, at least one of the strains on this list should appeal to you.
Market trends and consumer preferences were the primary factors considered when compiling this list of winners. Secondary characteristics that were taken into consideration include:
- Potency
- Popularity
- Unique strain features
In addition, this list represents a healthy variety of cannabis strains that reflects the reality of consumer preferences. These cannabis strains encompass a broad array of characteristics, from indica-dominant hybrids to sativa strains, with unique chemical compositions and physical characteristics that offer a healthy assortment of THC contents, terpenes, and trichomes.
Top 10 Most Popular Cannabis Strains in 2023
Below is a list of the ten most popular cannabis strains in 2023.
Blue Dream
A sativa-dominant hybrid, Blue Dream is a cannabis strain that is a cross of Blueberry and Haze.
Blue Dream Characteristics
THC content: 17-24%
How it makes you feel: Creative, euphoric, relaxed
Terpenes: Linalool, beta caryophyllene, alpha humulene
Medical benefits: Relief from pain; aids in relieving depression and anxiety
Why We Chose It
Blue Dream is a cult classic in the weed world, and if you've been a cannabis consumer for a while, there's a good chance you've come across this strain. But its continued popularity and consistent positive effects made it necessary to include it on our list of the most popular cannabis strains.
Blue Dream offers that perfect blend of body and head high but doesn't zap your energy. If you're looking for a mood-boosting cannabis strain that you can smoke in practically every setting, look no further.
OG Kush
An indica-dominant hybrid, OG Kush is a cannabis strain that is a cross of Chem Dawg and Hindu Kush.
OG Kush Characteristics
THC content: 19-25%
How it makes you feel: Euphoric, relaxed, body high
Terpenes: Linalool, myrcene
Medical benefits: Relief from pain; aids in relieving depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms
Why We Chose It
If you're looking for a great summertime weed, OG Kush is the strain for you. Although this strain is indica-dominant, it doesn't give you that "can't get off the couch" feeling that some people associate with indica strains.
Instead, OG Kush offers a balanced head and body high that leaves you feeling both physically and mentally relaxed. So whether you're heading out for a day on the river or going for a mellow hike through the woods, OG Kush is the perfect nature companion and is sure to improve your experience.
Sour Diesel
A sativa strain, Sour Diesel is a cannabis strain that is most likely a cross of Chemdawg 91 and Super Skunk.
Sour Diesel Characteristics
THC content: 26%
How it makes you feel: Euphoric, creative, introspective
Terpenes: caryophyllene, myrcene, limonene
Medical benefits: Relief from pain; aids in relieving depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms
Why We Chose It
Looking to smoke a little weed but have a dinner you need to attend later? Sour Diesel is up to the task! This fruity-smelling cannabis strain acts like a true sativa and delivers a calm yet joyful head and body high.
It's the perfect strain when you want to have a little fun without having brain fog for the rest of the day.
Gorilla Glue #4
An indica-dominant hybrid, Gorilla Glue #4 is a cannabis strain that is a cross of Chem's Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel.
Gorilla Glue #4 Characteristics
THC content: 18-32%
How it makes you feel: Euphoric, body high, energized
Terpenes: Limonene, alpha humulene, beta caryphyllene
Medical benefits: Aids in relieving depression, anxiety, and stress
Why We Chose It
Not for the faint of heart, Gorilla Glue #4 is a true indica-dominant hybrid that will help you relax and improve your mood. If you're not used to high-THC weeds, take it easy, but if you get the amount right, this strain promises to melt away the stress of the day.
Girl Scout Cookies
An indica-dominant hybrid, Girl Scout Cookies is a cannabis strain that is a cross of OG Kush and Durban Poison.
Girl Scout Cookies Characteristics
THC content: Up to 28%
How it makes you feel: Euphoric, relaxed, creative
Terpenes: Limonene, pinene, caryophyllene, linalool, myrcene
Medical benefits: Aids in relieving depression, anxiety, and stress
Why We Chose It
The perfect blend of happy and relaxing, Girl Scout Cookies makes you want to eat a whole box of its namesake (let the munchies commence). With much of the same euphoria you get from OG Kush, Girl Scout Cookies takes the body high just one step further.
Wedding Cake
An indica-dominant hybrid, Wedding Cake is a cross of Triangle Kush and Animal Mints.
Wedding Cake Characteristics
THC content: 23-25%
How it makes you feel: Euphoric, happy, relaxed
Terpenes: Limonene, humulene, myrcene, caryophyllene
Medical benefits: Aids in relieving depression and anxiety
Why We Chose It
Wedding Cake is a favorite amongst the experienced, indica-loving crowd. However, if you're looking for a beginner-friendly strain to bust out at a party, you'd be better off sticking to Blue Dream or Jack Herer.
If you're a seasoned smoker looking to take the edge off after a hard day's work, grab some takeout, and throw on your favorite comfort show, then make sure to grab Wedding Cake next time you hit up the dispensaries.
Jack Herer
A sativa-dominant hybrid, Jack Herer is believed to be a cross of a Haze, Northern Lights #5, and Shiva Skunk.
Jack Herer Characteristics
THC content: 20-22%
How it makes you feel: Body high, creative, energized
Terpenes: Terpinolene, pinene, caryophyllene
Medical benefits: Aids in relieving depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and ADHD
Why We Chose It
Jack Herer is a classic for a reason. Beloved by beginners and seasoned smokers alike, this sativa-dominant hybrid delivers some of the best highs around.
If you've been putting off a project or need to do some spring cleaning, it's time to roll up your sleeves and some Jack Herer. This classic strain will leave you feeling energized enough to handle life and high enough to enjoy even the most mundane tasks.
Northern Lights
An indica strain, Northern Lights most likely descended from Thai and Afghani Landrace strains.
Northern Lights Characteristics
THC content: 16-21%
How it makes you feel: Euphoric, happy, relaxed
Terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, beta-caryophyllene
Medical benefits: Aids in relieving depression, chronic pain, and insomnia
Why We Chose It
The only true indica on our list, Northern Lights gives the same sense of euphoric calm as laying out under the stars. If relaxation were a cannabis strain, it would be Northern Lights.
So whether you're curling up with your favorite book or busting out your knitting needles, reach for Northern Lights when you need to take the edge off and start winding down.
Green Crack
A sativa-dominant hybrid, Green Crack is the result of inbreeding the cannabis strain Skunk #1.
Green Crack Characteristics
THC content: 15-25%
How it makes you feel: Energized, happy, focused
Terpenes: Linalool, alpha pinene, beta myrcene
Medical benefits: Aids in relieving anxiety, stress, and chronic pain
Why We Chose It
Perhaps not the best choice if you're getting ready for bed but definitely a winner if you're ramping up, Green Crack is a potent and enjoyable cannabis strain.
Like Sour Diesel, this sativa-forward strain offers all the benefits of feeling high without the notable drawback of feeling fuzzy once you come back down.
White Widow
A sativa-dominant hybrid, White Widow is a cross of a Brazil sativa and a South Indian indica.
White Widow Characteristics
THC content: 18-25%
How it makes you feel: Euphoric, energized, creative
Terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene
Medical benefits: Aids in relieving insomnia, depression, and chronic pain
Why We Chose It
Last but certainly not least, White Widow made it on the list of the most popular cannabis strains of 2023 thanks to its unparalleled ability to boost your mood and improve virtually any setting you find yourself in.
If you're looking for a cannabis strain to bring along to a party and share with friends, White Widow should top your list. This sativa-dominant hybrid will make you feel happy, chatty, and ready for whatever your day brings.
Bonus Cannabis Tips and Recommendations
Now that you know the most popular strains to try, it's time to get smoking! Knowing which strains you like the best can help you consistently have a positive experience with cannabis.
For example, if you know that a specific strain tends to make you sleepy and relaxed, you can smoke or consume edibles made with that strain around bedtime or when you plan to hang out at home.
Conversely, if you're going to socialize or attend a concert, you might choose to avoid strains you know make you tired and instead gravitate towards upbeat sativa-heavy strains that get you in the mood to party.
Furthermore, once you start honing in on the strains you like, you might start to see similarities between them. For example, do they all have a high THC content? Are they typically hybrids? Are there particular growers you gravitate towards? Focusing on your experiences with specific cannabis strains can give you powerful information about your preferences.
Consider these helpful tips to improve your cannabis consumption experience.
Try it alone first: If you're prone to paranoia, you're not alone. There's nothing worse than getting too high and feeling like you have an audience for it. If you tend to get social anxiety when you smoke, you're not sure how a particular strain will affect you, or you're still in the early stages of your cannabis journey, try new strains by yourself or with your closest people first. Then, if you have a good time, you'll feel more confident trying it again in a less "safe" feeling setting.
Try it again: Having an amazing time the first time you try a specific strain always feels like a win. You know those experiences where you can't stop giggling, and you ask your friend, "what kind of weed is this?" so you can go home and buy more? That's the dream. But it's ok if it's not always like that. Getting to know how a certain strain makes you feel in different settings can help you identify your favorites. Consistency is key, so look for a strain that makes you feel good, no matter where you are or who you're with.
Start small: Getting high is fun. Getting too high isn't. So before you graduate to enormous bong rips when you try out a new strain, take it easy. One bad experience may be enough to put you off forever, but wishing you had more is the beginning of a magical relationship.
Know your preferred intake method: Some people love edibles, and others hate them. The same goes for virtually every method of enjoying cannabis, so it's crucial to know how you enjoy it. For example, if you're used to smoking joints, you may have a completely different experience than if you were to smoke the same strain in a bong or take a dab. Therefore, knowing your preferred method of intake is essential to having a good time.
Make friends with your local budtender: Having an industry expert who can give you information on different strains can make all the difference in the world. Think of them as a sommelier, but with weed instead of wine. If you're partial to certain strains, they may get to know the kind of high you like and be able to make recommendations on new strains for you to try based on your preferences.
Be cautious when taking edibles: If you're an experienced cannabis consumer, you've probably already learned this the hard way, but for those of you who are new to the community, tune in. Edibles can go from super fun to super overwhelming, super quick. Not only that, but edibles take significantly longer to activate than smoking, so beware of falling into the "I don't feel anything yet" trap. Instead, give it time, start small, and work your way up.
The more you learn about different cannabis strains and how they make you feel, the more information you'll have that can inform you when you like to partake, what you like to partake, and how you like to partake. No two people have the same preferences, and understanding what you like about different strains will be a personal journey.
The above list of the top cannabis strains is an excellent place to start, but if you feel like ten choices just aren't enough, check out our top three runner-ups:
Lemon Cherry Gelato: An indica-dominant hybrid strain that gives you the perfect blend of calm and delight.
Goofiez: It's all in the name! Goofiez is a potent hybrid strain that leaves you silly and smiling.
Pineapple Fruz: A sativa that smokes like an indica, Pineapple Fruz is the perfect choice when you want to stay in bed all day and binge your favorite show.
Conclusion
The cannabis strains selected in this article were compiled to provide cannabis consumer education on some of the most popular cannabis strains currently available, based on consumer enjoyment potency, and more.
While smoking weed can be a safe and fun activity, consuming responsibly and complying with local intake regulations is essential to your safety and the safety of others.
Everyone's opinions matter when it comes to cannabis, and the more you share your experience with specific strains, the more you can help others have a good time. So try these top ten cannabis strains of 2023 and let others know what you think!