There are hundreds of cannabis strains in existence today, and many of these are variations on the classics that you have grown to know and love. Leading the pack in this huge sea of strains are ten cultivars that have made a name for themselves and represent innovation in cannabis breeding. Whether old classics or new-school superstars, these strains have that "je ne sais quoi" that makes stoners gravitate from all parts of the globe to sample their buds.

Today, we’re focusing on ten of the most sought-after and highly regarded cannabis strains. If you’ve tried them, you know why they made it on this list. But if you haven’t, now would be the time to do so!

Northern Lights

Strains offering a heavy dose of relaxation are always going to be sought after by a certain camp of cannabis users. And Northern Lights is arguably one of the most effective at soothing the body and preparing users for sleep, and certainly one of the most iconic. This almost 100% indica is the result of combining Afghan and Thai cultivars in what would become one of the most desirable genetic matchups in weed history. Bearing a medium–high THC content and an array of sweet, spicy, and earthy terpenes, Northern Lights exhibits a pleasant euphoria before getting to work on easing the muscles.

Blue Dream

The offspring of the soothing Blueberry and the creativity-inducing Haze, Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant juggernaut whose popularity has not waned since its introduction in the early 2000s. Boasting a genuinely unique high—one that gets the ideas flowing before ending with a happy, dreamy effect—this strain is a go-to for all sorts of cannabis users. With THC levels hovering around 20%, the cultivar is enough to satisfy veteran smokers and completely stone novices. Regarding its flavour, upon the first few tokes, you’ll notice hints of blueberry and subtle sweetness mingle with some spicy undertones—diverse and delicious.

Girl Scout Cookies

OG Kush and Durban Poison are two classics in their own right. Breed these two together, and you get a powerful, bliss-inducing strain—Girl Scout Cookies. Furthermore, her bold “baked good” flavour, which has since become the benchmark for many other strains, makes GSC one of the most beloved strains in existence today. Following a period of euphoria, the first few hits of GSC will leave your body in a complete state of looseness, in the best way possible. You’ll continue to feel a palpable sense of contentment, along with the urge to consume every bag of chips in sight. As for the flavour, Girl Scout Cookies exhibits a refreshing minty, earthy taste along with hints of vanilla and a mild sweetness.

White Widow

Any herb lover who’s been in the game for a while will be familiar with White Widow. As a staple of Dutch coffeeshops since the 1990s, its presence can still be felt in the modern era. As its name may imply, White Widow’s buds become absolutely covered in crystalline resin come harvest time, making it a flavourful, potent strain that is also great for extracts. A secret mix of South Indian indica and Brazilian sativa landrace genetics gives White Widow an energising, motivating high that can be enjoyed solo or with others. Her flavour is spicy, piney, and overall a bit “savoury”, making her a unique strain indeed.

Acapulco Gold

Upon mentioning Acapulco Gold, you’ll likely get two reactions; one along the lines of “exceptional strain”, and another like “where can I get some?”. This one is hard to come by these days, and can be considered a true icon of the cannabis world. This well-loved sativa is as good as advertised, eliciting feelings of motivation and a sudden boost of energy. Hailing from the southern tip of Mexico, it is deemed one of the best strains ever created. A few hits of Acapulco Gold will give you a bit of a stoned feeling in the head, but you’ll also feel a noticeable body high that can incapacitate if you’re not careful. Acapulco Gold is known for its coffee and honey flavour combo. It also exhibits a woody note that separates it from other strains.

Amnesia

An offspring of the stimulating Cinderella 99 and the famous Jack Herer, Amnesia delivers an uplifting sensation that you would want to last for days! Another Dutch coffeeshop classic, Amnesia averages at 19% THC—but don’t underestimate her power. If you’re smoking this strain for the first time, be sure to do so in moderation. Following a surging euphoria, effects become more introspective and creative. As for its flavours and aroma, Amnesia has a spicy and herbal scent along with an earthy taste that makes it something out of the ordinary. One thing’s for sure; no one forgets Amnesia.

Sour Diesel

If you prefer a pungent kick from your cannabis strain, you’ll likely get a kick out of Sour Diesel. You can thank its parent strains for this particular trait—Chemdawg and Super Skunk, both of which are known for their dynamic aroma and robust potency. But what most people love about this sativa is its “clean”, uplifting effect. In a matter of minutes, you’ll feel its cerebral stimulation kick in alongside a sudden jolt of energy. True to its name, this strain has a diesel-like and skunky aroma, which is in no way off-putting. Call it a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll only get with Sour Diesel.

Pineapple Express

You may associate this strain with the stoner film of the same title, and that’s okay. This sativa-dominant hybrid, an offspring of Hawaiian and Trainwreck, is familiar to almost all cannabis lovers. If you’ve been to a weed shop, you’ve likely come across it in some form or another. As you’d expect from a sativa, this one will keep your cerebral senses heightened. You will feel a change in consciousness, but you’ll nonetheless have the alertness to perform important tasks. It’s the strain of choice for those who love to toke during the day and early evening. True to its name, Pineapple Express bears hints of pineapple and mango flavours. It’s a tropical treat that will make you feel like it’s summer all year round.

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is a sativa to its core. If you’re looking for a strain that will provide a much-needed boost during those slow, dull moments of the day, this is the one to choose. With its South African origins, Durban Poison features moderate levels of THC, which means it’s suitable for staying productive and getting those creative juices flowing. After a few tokes, you’ll feel a sudden rush of energy that can be a great companion if you want to explore the outdoors and be amongst nature. Durban Poison has a distinct spicy and herbal taste along with pine and sage aromas, which makes the smoking experience itself a pleasant pick-me-up.

Trainwreck

Last, but not certainly not least, we have Trainwreck. This one is a heavy-hitter, but don’t be intimidated by the name. Soon after inhaling, you’ll experience a sudden wave of alertness that’ll leave you wanting to begin a creative endeavour posthaste. Trainwreck is a product of crossing an Afghan indica with Thai and Mexican sativas. That explains its seemingly contrasting effects; but once you try it, you’ll see what the buzz is all about (pun intended). After the first few hits, Trainwreck will leave your taste buds with hints of pine and lemon. It also has a noticeable spicy and herbal hint that tops it off perfectly.

Try These Sought-After Strains Today!

For those who haven’t experienced all of the strains on this list, consider making a checklist to try each one and see what all the fuss is about. Along the way, you may just find a new favourite strain, or at least gain a new appreciation for old classics. Either way, you get a unique and pleasant experience with each one!