The most important cannabis strains at a glance
Cannabis is a versatile plant with hundreds of varieties, each with unique effects, flavors and medicinal properties. The varieties can be roughly divided into three categories: Indica, Sativa and Hybrid. In this article, we present the best-known and most influential cannabis strains, ranked according to their genetic dominance.
1. northern lights (indica)
Origin: Afghanistan, Thailand
Effect: Deeply relaxing, calming, sedative
Typical for: Pain relief, sleep disorders, stress
Aroma/taste: Sweetish, earthy, slightly spicy
Northern Lights is one of the most famous indica strains ever. It is known for its fast flowering time, high resin production and its strong, physically relaxing effect.
2. white widow (hybrid, indica-dominant)
Origin: Brazilian Sativa × South Indian Indica
Effect: Euphoric, relaxing, mentally clear
Typical for: Creativity, social interaction, pain relief
Aroma/flavor: Spicy, earthy, slightly sweetish
White Widow has become popular worldwide, especially in coffee shops in Amsterdam. It offers a balanced effect with mental clarity and physical calm.
3. amnesia haze (sativa-dominant)
Origin: Jamaica, Southeast Asian landraces
Effect: Energetic, creative, euphoric
Typical for: Depression, fatigue, loss of appetite
Aroma/taste: Citrusy, spicy, herbal
This strain is particularly popular among daytime users looking for a boost of energy and mental activity. The high THC content ensures an intense, long-lasting effect.
4th OG Kush (hybrid, slightly indica-dominant)
Origin: California
Effect: Relaxing, euphoric, slightly sedative
Typical for: Anxiety disorders, migraines, stress
Aroma/taste: Earthy, lemony, pine-like
OG Kush is one of the most iconic strains from the West Coast of the USA. Its genetic lineage is complex, but its unmistakable aroma and powerful effect make it a legend.
5. jack herer (sativa-dominant)
Origin: Haze × Northern Lights #5 × Shiva Skunk
Effect: Clear head, motivating, focused
Typical for: Concentration, creative work, ADHD
Aroma/flavor: Spicy, lemony, with a hint of pine
Named after the well-known cannabis activist Jack Herer, this strain offers a sativa-typical, clear and creative effect with a hint of physical relaxation.
6. blueberry (indica-dominant)
Origin: Afghani Indica × Thai Sativa
Effect: Strongly relaxing, mood-enhancing
Typical for: Insomnia, anxiety, muscle tension
Aroma/taste: Sweetish, berry-like, fruity
Blueberry is an award-winning strain that is characterized by its fruity aroma and intense physical relaxation – ideal for evening hours.
7th Durban Poison (Sativa)
Origin: South Africa
Effect: Awake, clear, energetic
Typical for: Daily use, productivity, creative tasks
Aroma/taste: Sweetish, licorice-like, spicy
This pure sativa is known for its productivity-enhancing effects without heavy physical fatigue – ideal for the daytime.
8th Girl Scout Cookies (hybrid, slightly indica-dominant)
Origin: OG Kush × Durban Poison
Effect: Euphoric, relaxing, physically pleasant
Typical for: Pain, loss of appetite, mood swings
Aroma/taste: Sweet, minty, slightly spicy
GSC combines the best characteristics of both parent varieties and is popular with recreational and medical users worldwide.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cannabis strain depends heavily on the desired effects. While indica strains are characterized by their relaxing and physically calming properties, sativa strains offer stimulating and creative effects. Hybrids combine both and offer a wide range of applications. Anyone who wants to consume cannabis – medically or recreationally – should therefore consciously consider the properties of the respective varieties.