Top 50 Cannabis Strains of 2023: 100’s More Reviewed

Here at High Yields, we strive to provide you with the most current and in-depth information regarding the world of cannabis strains. If you’re looking for a new favorite marijuana strain, we’d like to help you narrow down your search!

Following a brief explanation of what distinguishes each type of cannabis plant, we will present in-depth reviews of 100+ of the most popular and well-loved weed strains on the market. The rest, well, is up to you!

If you’re looking for cannabis product reviews, we have those too!

Indica Strains

Origin:

The origin of Indica cannabis strains can be traced back to the 18th century. In 1785, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck published a description of a second of two species of Cannabis, which he named Cannabis Indica. Lamarck based his description of the newly named species on plant specimens he collected in India.

It is believed that Indica plants were first used for their medicinal properties in ancient India. They were used to treat a variety of ailments, including pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Cannabis Indica is native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. The plants have adapted to the often harsh, dry, and turbulent climate of the Hindu Kush mountains.

Over time, Indica weed strains were spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and North America.

Plant description:

Indica plants are short and stocky with bushy greenery and chunky leaves that grow wide and broad and are usually darker in color than those of the Sativa subspecies, and they have a distinct pungent aroma. The leaves are arranged in a pattern of five to seven leaflets, which are toothed and serrated along the edges. The plant grows to an average height of three to five feet, although some strains can grow up to eight feet tall in optimal growing conditions. They generally grow faster than sativa, and each plant tends to produce more buds.

The stem of the Cannabis Indica plant is woody and fibrous, and it is covered with a thick layer of resin that contains psychoactive compounds such as THC and CBD. The resin is secreted from glands that are concentrated in the flowers and leaves of the plant, giving them a sticky and aromatic texture.

The flowers of the Cannabis Indica plant are dense and compact, and they are usually grouped into tight clusters known as buds. The buds are covered with a layer of trichomes, which are small, hair-like structures that contain the plant’s psychoactive compounds. The flowers of the plant range in color from light green to dark purple, depending on the strain and growing conditions.

Typical CBD to THC ratio:

Indica marijuana strains typically have a higher CBD to THC ratio than Sativa strains, with CBD levels ranging from 5% to 20% and THC levels ranging from 0.5% to 12%. The CBD to THC ratio in Indica strains can vary from 1:1 to 20:1, with some strains having almost no THC at all.

Commonly associated effects of use:

One of the most commonly reported effects of Indica strains is relaxation, which can be attributed to the presence of the terpene myrcene. Myrcene has been shown to have sedative effects and can help to promote feelings of calm and relaxation.

Indica strains are also known for their pain-relieving properties, which can be attributed to the high levels of CBD and other cannabinoids found in these strains. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation. It may also reduce nausea, soothe pain, and increase appetite.

Daytime or night time use:

In general, Indica weed strains are considered better suited for nighttime use due to their sedative effects. The relaxation and calming properties of Indica strains can help to promote restful sleep and reduce symptoms of insomnia. Additionally, the pain-relieving properties of Indica strains can be beneficial for individuals who suffer from chronic pain and may have difficulty sleeping as a result.

Sativa Strains

Origin:

Cannabis Sativa is a plant species within the Cannabaceae family whose origin is believed to be in Central Asia, with the plant growing naturally in regions such as the Himalayas, the Hindu Kush mountain range, and the Caspian Sea.

The earliest recorded use of Cannabis Sativa dates back to ancient China, where it was used for medicinal purposes and as a source of fiber for clothing and paper. The plant later spread to other parts of Asia, including India, where it was used for religious and spiritual purposes.

Cannabis Sativa was introduced to Europe in the early 16th century, where it was primarily used for its fiber and oil. The plant was also used for medicinal purposes, with doctors and apothecaries prescribing Cannabis Sativa for a range of ailments.

The use of Cannabis Sativa spread to the Americas during the 17th century, with the plant being brought to North America by European colonizers.

Plant description:

The plant is characterized by its tall, slender structure and narrow leaves that are long and pointed. The Cannabis Sativa plant can grow up to 20 feet in height, with a single plant capable of producing hundreds of seeds. The stem of the plant is fibrous and contains a high concentration of psychoactive compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The stem is also covered in a sticky resin that contains these compounds.

The leaves of Sativa weed strains are thin and long, with a serrated edge. The leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern along the stem and can range in color from light green to dark green. The flowers of the plant are small and grow in clusters at the top of the plant. The marijuana flowers are typically yellow-green in color and are covered in a sticky resin that contains the psychoactive compounds.

Typical CBD to THC ratio:

The ratio of CBD to THC in Sativa strains can vary widely depending on the specific strain and growing conditions. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound that has been shown to have a range of therapeutic properties, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and is responsible for the plant’s euphoric and intoxicating effects.

Sativa strains typically have a lower CBD to THC ratio than Indica strains, with CBD levels ranging from 0.1% to 5% and THC levels ranging from 5% to 20%. The CBD to THC ratio in Sativa strains can vary from 1:20 to 1:5, with some strains having almost no CBD at all.

Commonly associated effects of use:  

Sativa weed strains are known for their energizing and uplifting effects, which can be attributed to their high THC content and relatively low CBD content. The use of Cannabis Sativa can produce a range of physical and mental effects, including euphoria, creativity, increased focus, and reduced fatigue.

One of the most commonly reported effects of Sativa strains is a sense of euphoria and well-being. The high THC content of Sativa strains can produce a sense of happiness and positivity, which can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

These strains are also known for their creativity-enhancing effects, which can be attributed to the plant’s ability to increase focus and mental clarity. Many artists and musicians have reported using Cannabis Sativa to enhance their creativity and improve their artistic output.

In addition to its mental effects, Sativa strains can also produce physical effects such as increased energy and reduced fatigue. These effects can be beneficial for individuals who suffer from conditions such as chronic fatigue or low energy levels.

Daytime or night time use:

In general, Cannabis Sativa strains are considered better suited for daytime use due to their energizing and uplifting effects. The high THC content of Sativa strains can produce a sense of euphoria and creativity, which can be beneficial for individuals seeking a boost in energy and focus during the day.

Hybrid Strains

Origin:

Cannabis hybrid strains are a result of crossbreeding Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica plants. The origin of hybrid strains can be traced back to the early 20th century when botanists and growers began experimenting with cross breeding different cannabis strains to create new and unique varieties.

The first recorded hybrid strain was developed in the 1970s by a California-based grower named Ed Rosenthal. Rosenthal crossed a Cannabis Sativa strain from Mexico with a Cannabis Indica strain from Afghanistan, resulting in a hybrid strain that combined the energizing effects of Sativa with the relaxing effects of Indica.

Since then, hybrid strains have become increasingly popular, with growers and breeders developing new varieties by crossbreeding different strains to create unique combinations of psychoactive compounds and terpenes.

The development of hybrid strains has been driven by a desire to create strains with specific effects and characteristics. For example, some hybrid strains are bred to produce higher levels of CBD, while others are bred for their high THC content.

Plant description:

Cannabis hybrid strains are created by crossbreeding Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica plants, resulting in a hybrid plant that combines the characteristics of both parent strains. 

Hybrid strains can have a range of physical characteristics, including plant height, leaf structure, and flower color. The hybridization process can result in plants that are shorter and more bushy than Sativa plants, with wider leaves that are more like Indica plants. The flowers of hybrid strains can also vary in color, ranging from light green to dark purple.

The structure of hybrid plants can also vary, with some strains producing dense, compact buds and others producing looser, more airy buds. The density and size of the buds can also be influenced by the growing conditions, including the amount of light and nutrients the plant receives.

Typical CBD to THC ratio:

The ratio of CBD to THC in hybrid strains can vary widely depending on the specific combination of parent strains and growing conditions.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound that has been shown to have a range of therapeutic properties, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis and is responsible for the plant’s euphoric and intoxicating effects.

Hybrid marijuana strains can have a range of CBD to THC ratios, with some strains having equal amounts of both compounds and others having a higher concentration of one or the other. Some hybrid strains are bred to produce high levels of THC, while others are bred for their high CBD content.

Commonly associated effects of use:

The effects of hybrid cannabis strains can vary widely depending on the specific combination of parent strains and the ratio of psychoactive compounds.

Some commonly associated effects of using cannabis hybrid strain plants include a sense of relaxation, increased focus, and a boost in mood. The balanced combination of Sativa and Indica strains in hybrid marijuana can produce a range of effects, including both the energizing and uplifting effects of Sativa and the relaxing and sedative effects of Indica.

Hybrid weed strains can also produce a range of physical effects, such as increased appetite, dry mouth, and red eyes. These effects can be temporary and usually subside after a few hours.

Daytime or night time use:

Cannabis hybrid plants are often considered to be versatile and can be used both during the daytime and nighttime. Hybrid strains can produce a balanced combination of the energizing and uplifting effects of Sativa and the relaxing and sedative effects of Indica, making them suitable for a wide range of activities and moods.

During the daytime, hybrid strains with a higher Sativa content and lower Indica content can be used to provide a boost in energy and focus, while still providing some relaxation and pain relief. Hybrid strains with a balanced CBD to THC ratio may also be suitable for daytime use, as they can provide relief for conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, and inflammation without producing strong psychoactive effects.

In contrast, hybrid strains with a higher Indica content and lower Sativa content may be more suitable for night time use, as they can provide a sense of relaxation and sedation, which can be helpful for promoting sleep and reducing anxiety.