These stalwarts are in high-demand across the country

Canadians can buy more types of cannabis — or strains, as they’re more commonly known — than ever before.

But what’s in a strain name? Previously, the unregulated market provided the illusion of choice and variety, but it was difficult to know if the name on the jar was actually linked to any consistent genetic profile of a “cultivar” (the weed nerd word for strain).

As cannabis genetics continue to make their way from the underground to the regulated market, weed consumers are busy discovering strains online from retailers and cannabis reviews sites.

Here are some of the most-searched strains of 2020 — and the brands cultivating them in Canada now.

This indica-dominant hybrid strain with medium THC potency by DNA Genetics combines Tangie and Banana Sherbert to create what “should be sparkly, crystally, citrusy, and it should have a tropical hint to it,” according to Lake City Cannabis director Ryan Roch. Leafly reviewers give Aurora’s phenotype a solid three stars, while Lift.co reviewers are a little more generous at 3.5 stars out of five.

Banana Split by Aurora, starting at $8.94/g

Some cannabis connoisseurs insist they smell blueberry flavours on this popular, near-legendary status indica cannabis strain. It won big in 2000 in the Best Indica category at the High Times Cannabis Cup, and it tends to pack a potent THC punch.

“I feel like I’m wearing a hat. But I’m definitely not wearing a hat,” writes one reviewer on Leafly.

If Blueberry is near-legendary, then its spawn, California native Blue Dream, is certified: the sativa-dominant hybrid could be the single most popular strain in North America. A fave among both new and expert-level consumers, “it’s a really soft high that eases into you,” writes one reviewer about Canna Farms’ version on Lift.co. “I found it made me feel more on the positive side, which I always prefer.”

If you’re in the mood for something that will mellow your mood but keep your wits about you, then Cannatonic is perfect. It’s a mix of about six per cent THC and 17 per cent CBD depending on the phenotype, and it’s a hybrid strain sometimes known as “CBD Queen.” It also won a 2008 High Times Amsterdam Cannabis Cup in the sativa category.

This mostly indica dominant strain is made by Seedsman and is approximately 80 per cent indica and 20 per cent sativa. If you’re looking to frighten people away then this odd bundle of aromas is just right: fruity and sweet — with a hint of garlic! The bud is said to be a derivative of White Widow and Skunk #1.

No, unfortunately, it’s not the ice cream, but it’s just as delicious. This strain is a cross between U.K. Cheese and Space Queen. It’s got a fruity, sweet and cheesy aroma, heavy on the cheese (and FYI, it’s not an easy smell to hide). It can be, however, a great mood elevator for experienced consumers, with about 18 per cent THC and 0.5 per cent CBD.

One of the strongest strains out there, Gelato is known for its big flavour. It’s got a sweet taste with notes of blueberry and orange. It’s a hybrid strain made by Cookie Fam Genetics in California. The bud induces a powerful feeling of euphoria and can be very relaxing. So light up and enjoy a careful blend of about 20 per cent THC and 0.1 per cent CBD.

Ice Qwest by Qwest (actually a mix of Gelato 33 + Wedding Cake), $24.95 for two pre-rolls

Most cultivators call this one GSC for short, on account of a lawsuit from the Girl Scout organization over the name of the weed strain. It’s a mostly indica cultivar with up to 28 per cent THC — a sure bet for a hard hit. It’s a cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison.

A mix between Hawaiian landrace, Purple Skunk and God, this strain was made by Canada’s BC Bud Depot. In 2004, it won a High Times Cannabis Cup award for best Indica strain. God Bud has a sedative-like effect, and is available in a CBD-rich version available from 4-10 per cent CBD.

The offspring of Sour Dubb and Chem Sister, Gorilla Glue has been cross-bred with Chocolate Diesel, and is named for the buds’ sticky quality. It has potent levels of THC, often coming in at 24 to 26 per cent. In 2015, a 25.8 per cent THC-variety won a Cannabis Cup award in San Francisco.

This strain has won multiple awards – and for good reason. Granddaddy Purple has a grape and berry aroma with a complex terpene profile that makes for an interesting trip. The bud has a THC potency of 17 to 24 per cent, and has a sedative effect. This is a good strain to grow in smaller spaces, but can be difficult for beginner growers, as it’s a more demanding plant.

Green Kush was renamed Green Crack by Snoop Dogg himself, and after that, it gained a lot of fans. It’s a buzzy sativa strain that in 2017 Rolling Stone likened to a “strong cup of coffee.” It tends to be a higher THC strain, so use it in moderation. It also offers some tropical flavours and smells, settling heavily on mango.

This is a THC-rich cross between Northern Lights and Afghani that likely comes from Thailand. It’s got spicy notes with a woodsy aroma, and has won some awards for it’s stellar high.

A winner of many Cannabis Cup awards, Kosher Kush is a phenotype of Jew Gold, a strain with india genetics. It’s got 23 per cent THC with a varied terpene profile that is perfect for those looking to get a good night’s sleep.

The effects of this strain are both relaxing and invigorating and just a little bit psychedelic. It’s ideal for people looking for a pain reliever and those who suffer from insomnia, and contains about 17 per cent THC. L.A. Confidential has also won a bunch of awards, like the 2006 and 2008 High Times Cannabis Cup.

Though its origins are unknown, Northern Lights is sometimes comprised of an Afghani indica and a Thai sativa. The strain is preferred by novice home growers because it tends to be mould- and disease-resistant.

Light up and enjoy a peppery, perfume-heavy bud that’s a hybrid, but heavy on the indica. It’s about 15-18 per cent THC and less than one per cent CBD. It can produce a happy, sleepy feeling, and can leave you with a feeling of euphoria.

Also known as East Coast Sour Diesel or Sour D, this bud smells like gasoline, and has gained a big following in more experienced users. But be warned: its harsh smoke can be unpleasant for new consumers. It’s potent, with a THC content of 20-25 per cent, and can be good for relieving stress, anxiety, depression and used as a pain reliever.

White Rhino is a White Widow (see below) cross that grows in sweet, bright, floral buds. It’s made three second-place finishes in contests – for the 1996 High Times Cannabis Cup, the ‘05 Champions Cup and the ‘07 Spannabis Cannabis Champions. The bud yields a narcotic effect coming in at around 20 per cent THC, and the high lasts.

One of the most popular strains, White Widow gets its name from its crystal-white buds. It comes from the Green House Seed Company in Amsterdam, and has won its fair share of awards. The crystal resin on the buds make it a very potent strain — about 19 per cent THC and just 0.1 per cent CBD. The high tends to last a while, and can help to curb your stress.

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