The Most Popular Cannabis Strains of All Time

Blue Dream.

From classics born in the 1990s to modern award-winners of the 2020s, these strains have dominated dispensary menus and captured consumer loyalty across decades. Drawing on data from state-level cannabis sales, the research firm Headset, the cannabis review site Leafly, and opinions provided by our readers, we’ve compiled 30 of the most popular cannabis strains of all time.

Sativa-dominant hybridLineage: Blueberry × HazeBlue Dream offers a sweet berry aroma and a balanced high that delivers gentle cerebral stimulation alongside soothing full-body relaxation. This California-born strain rose to legendary popularity, consistently ranking as one of the top-selling strains in the U.S. market. Beloved by novice and veteran consumers alike, Blue Dream’s versatile effect profile—euphoric and creative without heavy sedation—makes it a go-to daytime strain for easing stress and pain while staying functional.

Indica-leaning hybridLineage: Hindu Kush × Unknown California strainOG Kush carries an earthy pine and diesel aroma that has become iconic on the West Coast. Its effects are notably powerful—users report a hard-hitting euphoria followed by heavy full-body relaxation. OG Kush’s potent stress-relieving high and “classic Kush” flavor spawned countless famous descendants, cementing its status as a foundational strain in modern cannabis genetics.

HybridLineage: OG Kush × Durban PoisonGSC inherited a sweet, doughy aroma with hints of mint and chocolate alongside subtle fuel notes. It delivers a one-two punch of effects: a blissful, creative head high followed by deep physical relaxation. Debuting in the early 2010s, GSC quickly dominated cannabis cups and dispensary menus nationwide. Its unique flavor and potent high spawned an entire “Cookies” family of strains.

Indica-dominant hybridLineage: Triangle Kush × Animal MintsWedding Cake exudes vanilla cake sweetness with peppery undertones. The smoke is smooth and sugary, leading to a balanced high: uplifting euphoria at first, then settling into relaxing, full-body calm. Wedding Cake’s indulgent flavor and potency earned it Strain of the Year in 2019 and it remains a consumer favorite.

HybridLineage: Sunset Sherbet × Thin Mint GSCGelato inherited a sweet sherbet and berry aroma layered with creamy vanilla and a hint of diesel. Its effects come on quickly as a wave of euphoria and creativity, then mellow into a soothing body buzz without knocking you out. With vibrant purple-tinged buds and decadent flavor, Gelato became a trendsetter and has since parented many new exotic hybrids.

SativaLineage: Chemdawg × Super SkunkSour Diesel’s smell is sharp and diesel-like, and it delivers an energizing, fast-acting high that many describe as dreamy, creative, and cerebral. Consumers often reach for Sour Diesel as a daytime strain to combat stress or fatigue. Decades after its debut, it still ranks among the most sought-after sativas.

Sativa-leaning hybridLineage: Trainwreck × HawaiianPineapple Express bursts with tropical aromas of fresh mango and pineapple. It produces a smooth, happy high—users report feeling upbeat, creative, and clear-headed. Its feel-good, sunny buzz and recognizable name made it a favorite for daytime use, delivering paradise in plant form.

IndicaLineage: Purple Urkle × Big BudGDP is famous for its grape and berry aroma and deep purple buds. The effects are profoundly relaxing and sedative—a fusion of cerebral euphoria and physical tranquility that can easily lead to couch-lock. Often used in the evenings, it remains in demand for its ability to ease pain, insomnia, and stress.

HybridLineage: Chem’s Sister × Sour Dubb × Chocolate DieselGG4 has a multi-layered aroma of earth, pine, and sour chocolate. Its effects start with a euphoric head rush, then glue the user to the couch in a state of heavy-bodied relaxation. A Cannabis Cup winner, GG4 is revered for its high potency and stickiness.

Indica-dominant hybridLineage: Wedding Cake × Gelato #33Ice Cream Cake gives off sweet vanilla frosting and creamy dough aromas. It provides a deeply relaxing experience that often leads to couch-lock or sleep. With frosty, trichome-laden buds and delicious flavor, it’s a modern classic indica.

HybridLineage: Sour Apple × Animal CookiesApple Fritter exudes a tart apple pastry aroma and delivers a heady buzz of euphoria followed by a relaxed body stone. Despite its strength, it remains uplifting and sociable at moderate doses, with a flavor reminiscent of apple pie.

HybridLineage: Alien Cookies × Starfighter × ColombianMAC blends citrus, floral, and earthy notes into a rich terpene profile. Consumers laud it for blissful, creative effects: uplifting, happy head high paired with relaxing body vibes. It’s a connoisseur favorite for flavor and frosty appearance.

Indica-dominant hybridLineage: Granddaddy Purple × Larry OGPurple Punch smells like grape Kool-Aid and blueberry muffins. The effects are happy and stress-free, with relaxing body effects that don’t lead to extreme sedation in low doses. A favorite for calming anxiety and pain.

SativaLineage: South African landraceDurban Poison boasts a spicy, earthy aroma with sweet anise. It delivers an energetic cerebral high great for creative work. As one of the few 100% sativas widely available, it’s often called the “espresso” of cannabis.

HybridLineage: Zkittlez × GelatoRuntz inherits an incredibly sweet, candy-like aroma. Its effects balance euphoria and uplifting vibes with a cozy, calming relaxation. Thanks to social media buzz and awards, Runtz is one of the top strains of the 2020s.

Indica-leaning hybridLineage: Gelato × Sour TangieBiscotti offers rich bakery-like aromas with diesel and citrus. It’s known for a hazy, blissful head high and warm, relaxing body buzz. A top choice for those who enjoy sweet dessert strains with sedative effects.

IndicaLineage: Afghani × ThaiNorthern Lights has a sweet, piney scent with earthy notes. It provides a deeply soothing body high ideal for pain, tension, and insomnia. A foundational strain for many modern indicas.

HybridLineage: Brazilian sativa × South Indian indicaWhite Widow features crystal-coated buds and pungent, earthy aroma. It yields a bright, euphoric high and mild relaxation. A Cannabis Cup winner, it became a global classic known for trichome production and balance.

HybridLineage: UnknownChemdawg has a sharp diesel fuel aroma and delivers a cerebral buzz with relaxed body effects. Its potent and long-lasting high, along with its role in creating OG Kush and Sour Diesel, make it a legend.

Sativa-dominant hybridLineage: Haze × Northern Lights #5 × Shiva SkunkJack Herer delivers spicy pine and citrus flavors with an uplifting, clear-headed high. Named after a cannabis activist, it remains a popular daytime strain for focus and creativity.

Sativa-dominant hybridLineage: Mexican × Thai × AfghaniTrainwreck delivers a hard-hitting cerebral rush followed by a mellow body relaxation. With a spicy pine and lemon scent, it’s long been a go-to for pain, stress, and anxiety—especially among consumers who want intensity with balance.

SativaLineage: Haze × Strawberry phenotypeStrawberry Cough features a sweet strawberry aroma and smooth smoke. It provides an uplifting, clear-headed buzz ideal for socializing or creative pursuits, known for easing anxiety and stress.

Sativa-dominant hybridLineage: Lemon Skunk × Super Silver HazeSuper Lemon Haze offers lemony sweetness with energetic, focused effects. Ideal for daytime use, it’s a Cannabis Cup winner and a favorite for productivity and mood enhancement.

HybridLineage: Colombian × Mexican × Thai × AfghaniAK-47 delivers sour-sweet skunk and a euphoric buzz with light relaxation. It’s long-lasting and sociable, ideal for creative or social sessions. An award-winning strain with balanced effects.

IndicaLineage: Hindu KushPurple Kush has sweet grape and earthy aromas. It induces profoundly relaxing effects and is widely used for pain and sleep. Its vivid purple color and sedative effects made it an indica staple.

Indica hybridLineage: UK Cheese × BlueberryBlue Cheese blends pungent cheese odor with sweet blueberry notes. It delivers deep relaxation and mild euphoria, popular for nighttime relief of anxiety and pain.

Indica-leaning hybridLineage: Durban Poison × Granddaddy PurpleCherry Pie has a sweet and sour cherry aroma. It provides cerebral euphoria followed by soothing body effects. It’s a favorite for stress and appetite stimulation.

Indica-dominant hybridLineage: Girl Scout Cookies × OG Kush phenotypeDo-Si-Dos has a sweet minty fragrance with earthy undertones. It offers deep relaxation and blissful effects, often used in the evening for pain or insomnia.

Sativa-leaning hybridLineage: Purple Punch × ClementineMimosa features citrus aromas and energizing effects. It’s known for boosting mood and focus, ideal for daytime use. Tangy and motivational, it’s become a modern daytime favorite.

Indica-leaning hybridLineage: Grape Ape × GrapefruitZkittlez smells like tropical candy and provides a mellow body high with light euphoria. It’s popular for its flavor and gentle effects, a go-to for social or evening use.

HybridLineage: Sunset Sherbet × Girl Scout CookiesLemon Cherry Gelato delivers bold citrus and cherry sweetness with creamy gas. Its effects include uplifting euphoria and relaxed calm. It’s one of the most in-demand modern exotics.

Sativa-dominant hybridLineage: Tangie × Girl Scout CookiesTropicana Cookies stands out for its bold orange-citrus aroma and purple-tinged buds. Its effects are mood-boosting and clear-headed, making it a favorite for managing stress or starting creative projects. The vibrant flavor and energetic high keep it in heavy rotation.

Indica-dominant hybridLineage: Girl Scout Cookies × ChemdawgGMO has a unique aroma that combines garlic, diesel, and earth. The effects are intensely relaxing, with a euphoric head high followed by deep sedation. It’s favored by experienced users for nighttime use and chronic pain relief.

IndicaLineage: Mendocino Purps × Skunk × AfghaniGrape Ape is cherished for its deep purple buds and sweet grape flavor. The high is relaxing and sedating, often leading to sleep. It’s a go-to for easing anxiety, muscle tension, and insomnia.

SativaLineage: Hawaiian landraceMaui Wowie is a classic tropical sativa with a sweet pineapple aroma and energizing effects. First popularized in the 1970s, it remains a staple for its uplifting high, light body buzz, and ability to enhance creativity and mood without heaviness.

Sativa-dominant hybridLineage: Colombian Gold × Thai × Swiss × NepaliHarlequin is one of the most recognized high-CBD strains. It offers clear-headed, functional effects with minimal intoxication, making it a favorite for those treating inflammation, anxiety, or pain while staying alert.

SativaLineage: Chocolate Thai × Cannalope HazeChocolope has a rich, coffee-like aroma and a focused, energizing high. Popular in the 2000s and 2010s, it’s widely used as a wake-and-bake strain and a mood enhancer thanks to its uplifting mental effects.

Sativa-dominant hybridLineage: Skunk #1 × Northern Lights × HazeThis award-winning strain produces an energetic, long-lasting high with a spicy, citrus-forward flavor. It remains one of the most popular hazes on the market and is often used for daytime energy and stress relief.