CBD hemp flower is gaining popularity among those looking for the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis without the “high” that is typically associated with marijuana. But to maximize your CBD flower experience, you’ll want to choose the high CBD strains that best fit your needs.
Strains are the different varieties of hemp flower with creative names like ACDC, Elektra, and Sour Space Candy. Each individual strain has a unique appearance, smell and taste. Most importantly, they each have distinct cannabinoid and terpene profiles that produce unique effects. Strains that are sativa-dominant tend to be more energizing while indica-dominant strains are typically more sedating.
We’ve listed below the 10 most popular hemp flower strains based on input from members of our CBD Hemp Flower Users Group on Facebook. The reported effects of each strain are based on the experiences of these users. Your experience may vary since cannabis affects each individual differently. It’s common for users to experiment with different strains until they find their favorites.
We also show the dominant terpenes that are commonly found in each strain. The type and levels of terpenes do vary by vendor and batch. So we highly recommend that you review the third party lab reports of specific products to view the levels of cannabinoids and terpenes that you are most interested in.
1. Sour Space Candy
Sour Space Candy is a sativa-dominant strain and a cross between the Sour Tsnuami and Early Resin Berry strains. The buds are typically green with a bit of purple. Not surprisingly given its name, it has a very aromatic and pungent aroma with hints of citrus, tropical fruit, and candy. When describing its taste, users refer to candied apples, sweet cherry, and earthy tones.
The total CBD percentage is typically in the 15-19% range.
Dominant terpene: Myrcene (relaxing, anti-inflammatory)
Other material terpenes: Beta-caryophyllene (anti-inflammatory), pinene (anti-inflammatory) and terpinolene (relaxing)
Effects reported by users: a happy and uplifted but mellow feeling. It’s popular with users looking for relief from stress, pain, or insomnia.
2. Hawaiian Haze
Hawaiian Haze is a sativa-dominant strain and a cross between DC Haze and Early Resin Berry. The buds are known for their thin, delicate leaves and light green color. Known for its earthy citrus aroma and smooth, floral taste.
The total CBD percentage is typically in the 18-22% range. This makes it one of the higher CBD strains available.
Dominant terpene: Myrcene (sedating, relaxing)
Other material terpenes: Beta-caryophyllene (anti-inflammatory), phytol (anti-insomnia), and pinene (anti-inflammatory)
Effects reported by users: energetic and chatty in smaller amounts and mellow or sleepy in higher amounts. Popular choice for moderate sedation with an uplifting mood and relief from stress or pain.
3. Lifter
Lifter is a sativa-dominant strain and a cross between Suver Haze and Early Resin Berry. It’s a favorite of many because of an exceptional taste and appearance. The buds are high in trichomes so are typically frosty and dark green with splashes of purple. Lifter buds have a dominant earthy aroma with fruity undertones and a subtle sweetness.
The total CBD percentage is typically in the 12-18% range.
Dominant terpene: Myrcene (sedating, relaxing)
Other material terpenes: Beta-caryophyllene (anti-inflammatory), humulene (anti-inflammatory), and pinene (anti-inflammatory)
Effects reported by users: gentle cerebral focus and energy with an ongoing body relaxation for relief of anxiety and pain.
4. Special Sauce
Special Sauce is the most popular indica-dominant strain and a cross between the original Special Sauce strain and Early Rosin Berry. It typically contains over 15 different cannabinoids and terpenes, making it one of the most diverse strain profiles. It’s known for a strong, sweet pine aroma with a hint of earthy berry. The taste is smooth, sweet and musky.
The total CBD percentage is typically in the 16-19% range.
Dominant terpene: Myrcene (sedating, relaxing)
Other material terpenes: Pinene (anti-inflammatory), humulene (anti-inflammatory), and Beta-caryophyllene (anti-inflammatory)
Effects reported by users: full body effect that is quick to help relieve anxiety and soothe body aches. Popular as a sleep aid or for relaxation at the end of a long day.
5. Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush is another classic indica-dominant strain. It’s a cross between the original (pre-1998) Bubba Kush strain and an unknown CBD mother. It has an earthy aroma with hint of wood and citrus. Its unique taste is a combination of wintergreen and sweet grass.
The total CBD percentage is typically in the 11-17% range.
Dominant terpene: Beta-caryophyllene (anti-inflammatory)
Other material terpenes: Humulene (anti-inflammatory) and limonene (anti-anxiety)
Effects reported by users: balanced effect between mind and body. Best for a relaxing and mellow mood. Popular nighttime strain for relief from anxiety, stress, or pain.
6. Suver Haze
Suver Haze is a sativa-dominant strain originated in Oregon. It’s a cross between the Suver #8 and Early Resin Berry strains. It’s known for being very aromatic with floral notes and hints of exotic fruit. The taste is described as an earthy citrus with woodsy notes.
The total CBD percentage is typically on the high end and in the 16-22% range.
Dominant terpene: Myrcene (sedating, relaxing)
Other material terpenes: Humulene (anti-inflammatory), beta-caryophyllene (anti-inflammatory) and limonene (anti-anxiety)
Effects reported by users: described as strong and good for relaxing. Some users say that it is a good nighttime strain as a sleep aid whereas others have found it to be better for daytime relaxation.
7. Elektra
Elektra is a sativa-dominant strain that is a cross breed between ACDC and Early Resin Berry. Its nuggets are usually dense with a bright green color. The aroma is described as piney with a fruity sweetness. It has a unique taste of citrus fruits and chocolate with earthy tones.
The total CBD percentage is typically in the 13-18% range.
Dominant terpene: Myrcene (sedating, relaxing)
Other material terpenes: Beta-caryophyllene (anti-inflammatory) and pinene (anti-inflammatory)
Effects reported by users: mellow body sensation, relaxation and mood enhancement. Many say that it’s a good strain for relief from anxiety and pain and for sleep.
8. Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a classic sativa-dominant strain that is a combination of 2 legendary strains, Chemdog 91 and Super Skunk. True to its heritage, it has a pungent, skunky smell that is intertwined with diesel-like gasoline. It also has a unique and potent taste of skunk with waves of sour citrus.
The total CBD percentage is typically in the 16-20% range.
Dominant terpene: Myrcene (sedating, relaxing)
Other material terpenes: Limonene (anti-anxiety)
Effects reported by users: known for its fast-acting effects that leave uses feeling energized and happy. Users also say it helps with stress reduction and pain relief.
9. ACDC
ACDC is a well-known high CBD strain that is sativa-leaning and descended from the Cannatonic strain of cannabis. Its aroma is an earthy sweetness with hints of juicy citrus. The taste is described as woodsy and piney with a sweet tang.
The total CBD percentage is typically in the 15-20% range.
Dominant terpene: Myrcene (sedating, relaxing)
Other material terpenes: Beta-caryophyllene (anti-inflammatory) and pinene (anti-inflammatory)
Effects reported by users: uplifting and happy mood that can help clear away stress and tension. Users also say ACDC gives them a strong sense of calm and heightened concentration.
10. Blueberry Pie
Blueberry Pie is a relative newcomer that has quickly become the favorite of many users. It is an indica-dominant strain that was cross bred from the Girl Scout Cookies and Blue Dream strains. Its unique terpene profile results in an aroma of cinnamon, orange and flowers. The smooth taste is what you would expect from a strain called Blueberry Pie – an earthy taste of sweet berries with hints of vanilla and nuts.
The total CBD percentage is typically in the 18-20% range.
Dominant terpene: Beta-caryophyllene (anti-inflammatory)
Other material terpenes: Myrcene (sedating, relaxing), humulene (anti-inflammatory) and bisabolol (anti-inflammatory)
Effects reported by users: popular nighttime strain to help promote sleep and relaxation. Users also mention that it’s a useful strain for relief from anxiety and body pain.