The 10 Best-Tasting Cannabis Strains
Researching the best-tasting strains of marijuana was a bit of a challenge. There are a lot of flavors to choose from. For Cannabis connoisseurs looking to grow a strain with a rich aroma and complex flavor profile, here’s a list of the best-tasting strains.
Researching the best-tasting strains of marijuana was a bit of a challenge. There are a lot of flavors to choose from, and there are also a lot of flavor varieties. Taste aside, ILGM also considered how easy it is to grow the strain and the strain’s yield. For Cannabis connoisseurs looking to grow a strain with a rich aroma and complex flavor profile, here’s a list of the best-tasting strains.
How does Cannabis get its flavor?
Cannabis gets its flavor from active compounds found in the plant’s trichomes, consisting mainly of terpenes with some traces of flavonoids. These compounds give the strain’s buds a distinct taste and smell. Some you are likely familiar with, like the cannabinoids THC and CBD. While CBD doesn’t have a unique scent or taste, THC does, which is where Cannabis gets its dank smell.
Other active compounds alter the smell and taste of Cannabis, such as terpenes – an aromatic compound responsible for giving cannabis buds their unique set of flavors and aroma. Terpenes can also change the plant’s color, so there are Cannabis strains with uniquely colored buds and leaves like Zkittlez, which, just like the brand of candy that inspired the strain’s name, has colorful purple buds with orange hairs.
Flavonoid, a less-known compound in Cannabis, is another active compound that affects buds’ flavor, scent, and color, much like terpenes. The difference between the two, though, is that there are fewer flavonoids than terpenes, so they’re not widely known in the Cannabis community. However, as unimportant as they may seem, flavonoids can help enhance the taste and smell of the buds by promoting good flavor development.
What are terpenes, and how do they affect Cannabis flavor?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in most plants. They serve as both a way to attract pollinators and deter predators. In Cannabis, terpenes add a layer of flavor to a strain’s buds. It combines terpenes like myrcene, limonene, alpha-pinene, and many more. Because of this, Cannabis has a wide range of flavors.
It’s believed terpenes attract pollinators using sweet scents, such as in the case of flowers and some herbs. In other cases, plants developed terpenes to ward off predators by having a foul, bitter, or spicy taste to them when consumed. When it comes to Cannabis, it’s no different. Terpenes give a strain its unique flavor profile and signature aroma, which is strange considering marijuana plants haven’t evolved to attract pollinators like bees.
Even more bizarre is that marijuana plants have high concentrations of terpenes. Where does marijuana get its skunky smell? The terpene myrcene gives the plants their unique skunky odor. Other terpenes found in Cannabis also have a unique taste and flavor. A few examples are:
- Alpha-pinene, which gives off a piney scent
- Limonene has a strong, citrusy fragrance of lemon
- Beta-caryophyllene has a spicy smell similar to black pepper
These terpenes, along with others, combine to give our favorite strains their distinct flavor.
What is the best-tasting sativa?
The best-tasting sativa strain is Durban Poison, a landrace Cannabis strain with the same name as the city where it’s cultivated. Durban Poison is known for having a flavor that combines the sweetness of candied lemons and the licorice-like taste of anise. Continue reading to find out what the top 10 best tasting marijuana strains are.
Strawberry cough
Strawberry Cough is a sativa-dominant strain known for its sweet smell of ripe strawberries and skunky aftertaste, which explains the cough it leaves users after smoking it.
Strawberry Cough feminized seeds
Strawberry Cough seeds delivers a fruity sweetness and a clear-headed high. This sativa-dominant strain truly smells and tastes like strawberries.
Nevertheless, many consider Strawberry Cough one of the best-tasting weed strains due to its strawberry flavor and the creeping, mellow high paired with it. When cultivating this strain, Strawberry Cough is the perfect one for novices. It is easy to grow and yields a fair amount despite being a sativa.
Strawberry Cough cultivar profile
Plant type | 20% indica 80% sativa |
THC | Up to 18% |
CBD | Insignificant amounts |
Difficulty | Easy |
Climate | Indoors | Temperate |
Plant size | Tall |
Vegetative stage | 4 to 8 weeks |
Flowering time | 9 to 10 weeks |
Yields | 14 to 17 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Berry | Skunky | Sweet |
Terpenes | Caryophyllene | Myrcene | Alpha-Pinene | Ocimene | Carene |
Blueberry
Another fruity-tasting strain is Blueberry. Blue Dream, Blue Cheese, and Blue Cookies developed this appropriately named strain. After one toke, the taste of sweet berries that this indica was named after is undeniable. Beyond its fruity taste and aroma, Blueberry also has a hint of earthy pine, complimenting the sweet, initial scent.
Blueberry feminized seeds
Blueberry marijuana seeds may be known for its tantalizing aroma and flavor, but trust us, this strain is more than its terpenes. Although technically a hybrid, Blueberry is a powerful indica that delivers a euphoric high.
However, Blueberry is one of the best-tasting indica strains because there is more to its taste than fresh blueberries. A hint of vanilla mixes in with the sweet berry flavor.
Blueberry cultivar profile
Plant type | 80% indica 20% sativa |
THC | Up to 16% |
CBD | Insignificant amounts |
Difficulty | Easy |
Climate | Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean |
Plant size | Compact |
Vegetative stage | 3 to 4 weeks |
Flowering time | 7 to 10 weeks |
Yields | 5 to 15 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Berry | Earthy | Fruity | Pine | Sweet |
Effects | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Sleepy |
Awards | Cannabis Cup Winner |
Terpenes | Caryophyllene | Myrcene | Alpha-Pinene | Beta-Pinene | Linalool |
Blue Dream
Blue Dream also deserves a spot on this list of the best-tasting strains. Outside of its sweet aroma reminiscent of its parent Blueberry, this hybrid also offers pine and spice hints to balance things out.
Blue Dream feminized seeds
Without a doubt, Blue Dream seeds are one of the most popular marijuana strains in the U.S. Blue Dream gives that 'Cool West Coast Vibe' high sativa-dominant hybrids are known for.
Blue Dream’s long-lasting effects, paired with its unique taste, make it one of the best-tasting Cannabis strains, and it is popular with seasoned and new growers. It’s a great daytime strain for those who need a calm high with a clear mind.
Blue Dream cultivar profile
Plant type | 20% indica 80% sativa |
THC | Up to 21% |
CBD | Up to 2% |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Climate | Indoors | Temperate | Mediterranean |
Plant size | Tall |
Vegetative stage | 4 to 8 weeks |
Flowering time | 9 to 12 weeks |
Yields | 21 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Berry | Earthy | Herbal | Sweet | Vanilla |
Terpenes | D-Limonene | Myrcene | Beta-Pinene | Alpha-Pinene | Linalool |
Tangie
Tangie is a citrusy strain that’s easy to identify once experienced. As its name implies, the buds from this strain give off a rich smell of fresh tangerines with just a hint of skunk.
Tangie feminized seeds
Tangie is an award-winning sativa-dominant hybrid strain with coveted genetics. Tangie's high THC content ranges from 15 to 20%, making it ideal for both experienced and beginner Cannabis lovers.
The taste matches the smell and more than earns its place as one of the best tasting Cannabis strains. In terms of potency, this strain has THC levels between 19-22%, which means a euphoric and energizing high right away.
Tangie cultivar profile
Plant type | 30% indica 70% sativa |
THC | Up to 20% |
CBD | Insignificant amounts |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Climate | Indoors | Mediterranean | Mold Resistant |
Plant size | Tall |
Vegetative stage | 3 to 4 weeks |
Flowering time | 8 to 9 weeks |
Yields | 8 to 15 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Tangerine | Lavender | Sweet | Citrus |
Effects | Euphoric | Happy | Energizing | Creative |
Terpenes | Valencene | Caryophyllene | Myrcene | D-Limonene | Carene |
Super Lemon Haze
Super Lemon Haze is another citrusy strain. With the flavor of lemon candies, its sweet and zesty taste comes through strongly. A refreshing aroma lingers, like the uplifting and energizing high from smoking its buds.
Super Lemon Haze feminized seeds
Among the various strains of marijuana, Super Lemon Haze has held its own in the marijuana market for years. The Cannabis Cup winner has earned worldwide popularity that has not wavered despite the creation of new strains.
The scent isn’t one-note. Hints of earthiness and pine linger once the citrus taste wears off. For this reason, Super Lemon Haze has a spot in this list of the best-tasting weed strains.
Super Lemon Haze cultivar profile
Plant type | 20% indica 80% sativa |
THC | Up to 22% |
CBD | Insignificant amounts |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Climate | Indoors | Mediterranean | Mold Resistant |
Plant size | Tall |
Vegetative stage | 4 to 8 weeks |
Flowering time | 9 to 10 weeks |
Yields | 21 to 25 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Citrus | Herbal | Sweet |
Terpenes | Caryophyllene | Terpinolene | Myrcene | Humulene | Carene |
Pineapple Haze
Pineapple Haze gives an unforgettable set of flavors and scents as it combines sweet, tropical fruit flavors with hints of earthy pine. Outside of hints of pine, there’s a subtle floral smell buried in a bit of skunkiness.
Pineapple Haze feminized seeds
The Pineapple Haze strain delivers the cerebral high of the Haze strain, combined with the tropical fruitiness of the Pineapple strain.
And while its flavor profile can be complicated, the effects are anything but. Pineapple Haze simply boosts energy and a slight body buzz to start the day.
Pineapple Haze cultivar profile
Plant type | 30% indica 70% sativa |
THC | Up to 19% |
CBD | Insignificant amount |
Climate | Indoors | Mediterranean |
Plant size | Tall |
Vegetative stage | 4 to 8 weeks |
Flowering time | 10 to 12 weeks |
Yields | 19 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Citrus | Fruity | Sweet |
Terpenes | D-Limonene | Beta-Pinene | Terpinolene | Linalool | Myrcene |
Bubblegum
Sweet, tropical strains, like Bubblegum, are one of the best-tasting weed strains you can grow. Everything about this strain is sweet, even the high that it provides. It boasts a creamy-flavored candy taste with a fruity undertone.
Bubblegum feminized seeds
Bubblegum seeds grow the perfect blend of 50% sativa and 50% indica. This feminized plant is famous for its sweet smell and powerful high. It contains a medium level of CBD, and a whopping 17% THC.
Bubblegum is known to give a well-balanced and euphoric high that combines with pain-relieving effects, making it a new favorite strain. And despite its sedative qualities, Bubblegum is still a great daytime smoke, especially when soothing morning headaches or muscle spasms.
Bubblegum cultivar profile
Plant type | 50% indica 50% sativa |
THC | Up to 17% |
CBD | Insignificant amount |
Difficulty | Easy |
Climate | Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean |
Plant size | Compact |
Flowers | 8 to 9 weeks |
Yields | 14 to 16 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Berry | Earthy | Fruity | Sweet |
Effects | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Uplifted |
Awards | Cannabis Cup | Spannabis Champions Cup | Expo Grow |
Terpenes | Terpineol | Linalool | Geraniol | Carene | Myrcene |
Durban Poison
Durban Poison is a famous landrace strain from South Africa. Named after the city where it’s cultivated, Durban Poison is known for its black, licorice smell and cerebral buzz.
Durban Poison feminized seeds
Durban Poison is a pure sativa named after its city of origin: Durban, South Africa. Despite its name, it is a delightful strain that gives the user energy, joy, and creativity.
When toked, a strong pine taste fades smoothly into a subtle earthy scent and taste. This strain provides an energizing and uplifting buzz. However, despite the potent high, the mind will remain clear-headed.
Durban Poison cultivar profile
Plant type | 100% sativa |
THC | Up to 20% |
CBD | Insignificant amount |
Difficulty | Easy |
Climate | Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean |
Plant size | Compact |
Vegetative stage | 4 to 8 weeks |
Flowering time | 7 to 9 weeks |
Yields | 14 to 18 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Cheese | Citrus | Earthy | Fruity | Skunky | Sweet |
Effects | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Sleepy | Uplifted |
Terpenes | Humulene | Terpinolene | Myrcene | D-Limonene | Ocimene |
Super Silver Haze
Super Silver Haze buds are highly aromatic. They fill the room with the scent of lemon with hints of spicy and floral notes. Moving past the mouthwatering scent, savor the earthy and citrus flavor.
Super Silver Haze feminized seeds
Super Silver Haze feminized is a sativa-dominant hybrid good for a maximum all-day high. Super Silver Haze seeds grow a herb that offers a mellow yet potent high that lifts the mood.
Like many sativas on this list, Super Silver Haze provides an upbeat and energizing high. However, in terms of growing, it’s best left to more seasoned growers since it requires a heavily controlled environment with lots of light.
Super Silver Haze cultivar profile
Plant type | 10% indica 90% sativa |
THC | Up to 18% |
CBD | Insignificant amounts |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Climate | Indoors | Temperate | Mold Resistant |
Plant size | Tall |
Flowers | 9 weeks |
Yields | 19 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Earthy | Herbal | Lemon | Skunk |
Effects | Creative | Energetic | Euphoric | Happy | Uplifted |
Terpenes | Caryophyllene | Carene | Myrcene | D-Limonene | Terpinolene |
Zkittlez
No list of the best-tasting weed is complete without Zkittlez. The colorful buds and leaves aren’t just for show. Zkittlez is as sweet as it appears. Taste the fruity, tropical candy it’s named after with a single toke. Zkittlez packs a strong flavor punch, but it also boasts a high THC level of 23%.
Zkittlez feminized seeds
One puff of this flavorful strain, and you'll understand why Zkittlez is named after the fruity rainbow candy. Those who try it, say they aren't just tasting the rainbow, they're seeing it as well.
Despite that, it offers a relaxed and balanced high that mainly takes the shape of a pleasant cerebral buzz. At the end of the day, though, Zkittlez earned its place here as one of the best tasting indica strains to experience.
Zkittlez cultivar profile
Plant type | 70% indica 30% sativa |
THC | Up to 23% |
CBD | Insignificant amounts |
Difficulty | Easy to grow |
Climate | Indoors | Temperate | Mediterranean | Steppe | Continental | Mold Resistant |
Plant size | Average |
Vegetative stage | 3 to 4 weeks |
Flowering time | 8 to 9 weeks |
Yields | 13 to 17 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Fruity | Pepper |
Effects | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Uplifted | Sleepy |
Terpenes | D-Limonene | Humulene | Valencene | Beta-Pinene | Myrcene |
Conclusion
Are you ready to grow some tasty weed? The good news is all of these strains are available to purchase in my online store.
Want to make any strain more flavorful? Boosting your trichome production while growing helps improve flavor and aroma.
Happy growing,
Robert