Cannabis has garnered widespread acclaim for its diverse therapeutic abilities. While marijuana’s medicinal properties could only be mentioned in hushed tones a few years ago, the plant now dominates many alternative wellness discussions worldwide.
Mounting evidence suggests cannabis may help with pain, inflammation, stress, and insomnia. Some people also administer weed extracts to manage nausea, seizures, and even chronic metabolic disorders like diabetes.
Another exciting thing about cannabis is that it exists in multiple strains.
Also known as cultivars, strains derive from the distinct cannabis species. Some are purely indica-based, some purely sativa-based, while others possess both indica and sativa genetics.
Different cannabis strains also have distinct cannabinoid profiles. While some cultivars are notably high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), others abound in cannabidiol (CBD).
CBD-high strains are especially popular with medical cannabis users. These cultivars deliver cannabidiol’s healing benefits while inducing mild euphoria due to their minimal THC potencies.
But if you’re new to cannabis, you’re probably wondering - what is the best CBD strain?
Fortunately, there are dozens of options at your disposal. Here’s a look at some.
1. ACDC
ACDC plants yield one of the best CBD flowers.
Developed by renowned Californian physician Dr. William Courtney, this cultivar quickly piqued the interest of cannabis enthusiasts for its high CBD levels.
Courtney created ACDC from Cannatonic seeds supplied to him by Spanish cannabis brand Resin Seeds. This resulted in a variant with unique genotypic and phenotypic traits.
Freshly harvested ACDC buds provide around 14% CBD and trace amounts of THC. The strain’s low tetrahydrocannabinol levels make it an excellent pick if you’re averse to THC’s mind-altering properties.
2. Lifter
Lifter may be relatively new. But it’s already giving classic cannabis strains stiff competition for its high CBD content.
The strain was created by crossing Early Resin Berry (ERB) with Suver Haze.
According to the original breeder - Oregon CBD - Lifter has an average CBD content of 16% with minimal THC potency. The strain delivers a balance of uplifting and calming effects, properties that largely derive from its unique cannabinoid profile.
Lifter causes full body relaxation without inducing sedation. A cheesy aroma with gassy notes crowns the experience, helping you savor each dose.
3. Remedy
This strain’s name is a nod to its potent therapeutic properties.
Developed by crossing Afghan Skunk with Cannatonic, Remedy is one of the high CBD strains you should add to your wellness regimen this year. Each flower provides around 14% CBD and negligible THC.
Remedy has a layered scent that borders on lemon and pine. The hybrid’s distinct aroma comes from its dominant terpenes - limonene and pinene.
But while Remedy is low in tetrahydrocannabinol, it can be significantly high in tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a cannabinoid that exists as an inactive precursor to tetrahydrocannabinol. THCA differs from THC in that it’s non-psychoactive.
4. Charlotte’s Web
Charlotte’s Web is a CBD-rich cannabis hybrid developed in Colorado by the Stanley Brothers. It derives its name from Charlotte Figi, a young girl with Dravet syndrome who took cannabis to manage seizures.
While Figi passed on in April 2020, aged only 13 years, she helped mainstream CBD usage in treating epilepsy. It was only fair to immortalize her legacy by naming a cannabis strain after her.
The Charlotte’s Web boasts a CBD concentration of about 13%, with a THC potency staggering around 1%,
5. Harle-Tsu
Harle-Tsu may not be the easiest word to roll off your tongue. But that doesn’t make it any less desirable. In fact, this might well be one of the most potent CBD-high strains you’ll ever come across.
Most Harle-Tsu varieties have a CBD content of 13% at harvest. However, some laboratory tests have detected over 20% CBD. Harle-Tsu isn’t only rich in cannabidiol. It’s also incredibly low in tetrahydrocannabinol, with 0.5% - 1% being the most commonly detected range.
Harle-Tsu emerged as the best CBD flower during the 2014 Emerald Cup, a nod to its unparalleled efficacy. And on to its apparently mysterious name, Harle-Tsu is merely a shortened version of the strain’s parents. The hybrid was originally developed by the Southern Humboldt Seed Collective by crossing Harlequin with Sour Tsunami.
6. Ringo’s Gift
Ringo’s Gift is another potent CBD-rich strain by Southern Humboldt Seed Collective. Named in honor of renowned cannabis activist Lawrence Ringo, this cultivar is a descendant of Harle-Tsu and ACDC. It has a CBD concentration between 13% and 20%, with <1% THC.
Ringo’s Gift yields arguably the best hemp flower for depression, thanks to its superior cannabidiol potency. Coupled with its other therapeutic benefits, it’s evident why this strain is a top choice for thousands of cannabis enthusiasts seeking an alternative remedy for stress and anxiety.
7. Cherry Wine
Savor the serenading taste of fresh wine by indulging in Cherry Wine. Cherry Wine has a delectable cherry-like flavor profile, with floral undertones.
The strain’s CBD content averages 17%, which explains why some cannabis enthusiasts have labeled it the strongest CBD flower yet.
Cherry Wine was created in 2015 by Colorado-based breeder Bodhi Urban. Its lineage comprises Charlotte’s Cherries and The Wife, two well-known CBD cultivars.
8. Sour Tsunami
If you prefer a more pungent CBD strain with gassy hints, Sour Tsunami might suit you better.
Also created by the Southern Humboldt Seed Collective, this strain contains 10 - 11% cannabidiol and 6 - 7% tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s the result of crossing Sour Diesel and NYC Diesel.
Sour Tsunami may be higher in THC than most strains on this list.
But if user reviews are anything to go by, that’s no deal-breaker. The strain induces physical relaxation without dampening your concentration.
9. Electra
Electra descended from ACDC and Early Resin Berry, both famous CBD-high cultivars. The strain derives its name from its potent, electrifying aroma, which stands in contrast to its mellowing effects.
Fresh Electra flowers contain up to 20% CBD, making them exceptionally soothing.
Looking for the best CBD strain for sleep?
Your search may pretty much end with Electra.
10. Fast Eddy
Many CBD strains derive from two distinct parents. However, some, like Fast Eddy, have a more nuanced genetic lineage.
Fast Eddy is one of the numerous hybrids by Royal Queen Seeds. It emerged from crossing Cheese, Juanita la Lagrimosa, and unidentified ruderalis hybrids.
This created a highly resilient, autoflowering hybrid that produces up to 15% CBD and about 7% THC or less. True to its name, Fast Eddy is both a rapid-acting and fast-growing hybrid. The strain can reach harvest in just nine weeks.
11. Harlequin
Harlequin is undoubtedly one of the most iconic CBD-high strains. Created by David Collective, this hybrid typically tests with 16% CBD and 4 - 7% THC.
The Harlequin strain delivers balanced euphoria that begins with a mild cerebral boost before transitioning to full relaxation. Expect uplifting effects, enhanced mental clarity, and relief from stress and anxiety.
Harlequin’s parents remain a well-guarded secret. The original developers reportedly created the strain by hybridizing landrace cultivars from Thailand, Nepal, Colombia, and Switzerland.
12. Candida (CD-1)
Don’t let the name mislead you! This strain has no connection with the eponymous parasitic fungus. On the contrary, the name derives from the Latin word that means “bright light” - a tribute to the strain’s brightening effects.
Considered one of the most potent hemp flower strains, Candida boasts a CBD potency of 20% and less than 1% THC levels. It delivers almost no psychoactive effects.
Medical Marijuana Genetics is credited for creating Candida by meticulously crossing ACDC with certain Harlequin variants.
13. Sour Space Candy
‘Sour’ and ‘candy’ seldom appear in the same sentence. Unless, of course, we’re referencing this iconic CBD-based strain created by Oregon CBD after crossing Sour Tsunami with Early Resin Berry.
The name “Sour Space Candy” reflects this strain’s sour and candy-like aroma. It also borrows from one of its parents - Sour Tsunami. Sour Space Candy tests for up to 17% CBD and about 1% THC. It’s another top recommendation for users who’re averse to THC’s psychedelic high.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
14. Sweet Pure CBD
Sweet Pure CBD delivers precisely what its name implies - high cannabidiol content and a sweet, punchy aroma.
At harvest, this strain packs 8% - 15% CBD and 0.4% - 1% THC. Subsequent curing can increase the CBD levels significantly, nearly giving the strain an “isolate” status.
Sweet Pure CBD is also one of the best indoor hemp flowers. In well-controlled greenhouses, single plants can easily produce 400–500g/m². That’s a fair tradeoff for the strain’s relatively longer maturation time.
15. Valentine X
Valentine X is essentially an ACDC phenotype. Therefore, it shares most genetic traits with other ACDC variants.
The strain has an average CBD potency of 14%. THC levels are super low, with tests typically picking trace amounts of the mind-altering compound.
The name Valentine X is a tribute to the patron saint of epilepsy - Saint Valentine. However, this strain provides more therapeutic benefits than managing epileptic seizures. Use it for nighttime relaxation, daytime lazing about, and even chronic pain management.
16. Suzy Q
Suzy Q has an average CBD potency of 10% - 15%, with some lab tests detecting up to 25%. Due to its high CBD concentration, this might just be the best hemp flower for pain.
Higher CBD potency also translates to longer duration of effects. If you’re looking for a cannabis hybrid for managing chronic pain or anxiety, Suzy Q might be what you need.
The strain’s negligible THC amount eliminates all concerns of intoxication, making it perfect for consuming anytime.
17. Stephen Hawking Kush
Stephen Hawking Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid renowned for its blend of uplifting and soothing properties. The strain typically tests for 5% CBD and 5% THC.
While its CBD concentration is notably lower than that of many hemp strains, Stephen Hawking Kush provides balanced effects as an equalizer.
Stephen Hawking Kush was originally bred by Alphakronik Genes in recognition of the celebrated physicist. It descended from two renowned weed strains with high CBD content, namely Harle-Tsu and Sin City Kush.
18. Tatanka Pure CBD
Here’s another indica-dominant strain with remarkable CBD levels.
Tatanka Pure CBD flowers test for up to 14% cannabidiol. Its tetrahydrocannabinol content staggers around 0.25%, which is well within the legally allowable levels of 0.3%.
Tatanka Pure CBD is one of those hemp flowers that require no heavy processing to regulate their cannabinoid profiles. Thanks to the plant’s lower THC potency, you can consume, distribute, or sell it without looking over your shoulder for law enforcement.
The strain was created by Royal Queen Seeds by crossing Medical CBD and Elixir Vitae. Its name is an honor to Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake, the Hunkpapa Lakota warrior and medicine man who led his tribe to defeat the US Army during the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876.
19. Medikit
Looking to unlock the health benefits of CBD without THC’s intoxication?
Why not check out Medikit, a cannabis hybrid originally developed by crossing a Californian Harlequin with certain Latin American CBD varieties.
Medikit is notably effective against stress and anxiety. You can also administer the strain for pain, inflammation, and sleep deprivation.
Although a hybrid with a near 50/50 indica/sativa composition, Medikit boasts CBD levels up to 20% and THC content around 1%. The strain also stands out for its layered aroma profile, with sweet and fruity hints.
20. Pennywise
The name ‘Pennywise’ may sound imported from a financial thesaurus. However, the importance of cultivating a saving culture (much as it’s highly recommended) wasn’t the true inspiration behind this strain’s name.
Rather, Pennywise is a reference to the malevolent alien from Stephen King’s novel “It.’ And contrary to the villainous character it’s named after, Pennywise is unlikely to kill you. It’s the strain’s potent effects that inspired its association with the shape-shifting antagonist.
Pennywise has an average CBD percentage of 12%-15% and a THC concentration of 8%-15%. While the strain’s CBD potency is evidently higher, it’s significantly rich in THC too. That combination allows it to deliver a potent high that balances mental alertness with relaxation.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Wrap Up
Choosing the right cannabis strain can help predict the plant’s therapeutic efficacy and psychedelic effects. If you’re looking for the best CBD flowers, you can accelerate your search by sampling from the above list.
However, note that CBD strains aren’t entirely THC-free. Even cultivars meticulously developed to contain the highest cannabidiol potency will still have considerable tetrahydrocannabinol levels.
Therefore, it’s important to manage your expectations even while shopping for CBD-based strains.
It’s also worth noting that the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol in CBD flower isn’t necessarily a turn-off. Even if you’re averse to THC’s psychedelic properties, studies have shown that administering CBD with THC delivers compounded medical benefits via the famous entourage effect.
Whichever strain tickles your fancy, exercise mindful dosing to minimize any undesirable reactions. The conventional wisdom is to start low and work your way up incrementally.
