When searching for what creates the best CBD strains you should pay attention to the hemp quality, lineage, terpenes, consumer reviews, and cannabinoid profile. If feeling good is nature’s medicine, it makes sense that natural products could be a smart health-conscious decision. The best can come down to what meets your individual needs. Terpenes are an excellent way to find exactly what qualities you’d like. They are essential in providing the smell and flavor of cannabis. Take a look at the taste, smell, and cannabinoid content of each strain to learn why these are the best and which one would work best for you.
New strains are being discovered every day since the legalization of CBD. Likewise, cannabinoid content is becoming much more versatile for those looking for more exotic hemp strains. Unlike its intoxicating sister marijuana, CBD hemp flowers are non-psychoactive. People seek out these top ten CBD hemp strains for their non-intoxicating natural benefits.
How We Put This List Together?
We compiled this CBD flower guide by carefully evaluating each strain with thorough testing and analysis. We examined each flavor to better understand the experience it offers. No single factor determines a strain’s superiority; it’s important to consider their terpenes, effects, and content.
Top 10 Best CBD Strains
Lifter
Lifter is a well-known hemp flower that is highly sought out because of its high CBD content. This flower contains over 18% CBD. The green buds contain brown undertones and high trichomes. They also have a vertically stretched look, giving Lifter a wisp-like appearance.
This strain has a light focus on the cerebral system. True to its name, it may help with the consumer’s mood. Many people have reported that it increases the sense of relaxation. For this reason, it is often used throughout the day for continuous effect. Its sweet, fruity taste contradicts the earthy aroma. Lifter CBD hemp flowers have less than 0.3% THC, meaning you get CBD benefits without the high.
Hawaiian Haze
Hawaiian Haze is largely a Sativa strain that produces some high-quality effects. This strain of hemp flower usually has a ratio of CBD 1.513% to THC .678%, although our select breed measures upwards of 18% cannabidiol and less than 0.3% THC. When held up to the light, it can give off a frosty appearance. The leaves vary in shades of green, ranging from light to dark teal with the occasional purple.
This is the perfect product for those who desire high CBD content. It has a sharp aroma that starts out smelling like pineapple and citrus but then delivers sudden earthy and floral notes. It also produces a smooth floral taste. The high content of CBD means it may provide the relaxing effects and potential health advantages people are often seeking. If you’re looking for the tropical relaxation you deserve, this would be one of the best to try.
Skywalker OG
This potent strain is an Indica dominant hybrid with 85% Indica and 15% Sativa. Its intense aroma resembles that of spicy herbs with a hint of jet fuel. Its dense, round, and bright green buds with burnt orange hairs are peppered with a layer of trichomes. Skywalker OG tends to be stickier and aromatic. Users have reported strong bodily effects, making it an excellent option if you experience soreness or have trouble sleeping at night. Skywalker OG’s 20.9% CBD to 0.13% THC makes it an excellent go-to when you are in need of a full-body aid.
Sour Space Candy
Sour Tsunami and Early Resin Berry were crossed to create the Sativa-dominant Sour Space Candy strain. Our premium cut of this strain boasts over 20% CBD to 0.06% THC. These buds are dense and multicolored with purple, orange, and green hues. Much like the name, Sour Space Candy tastes like sour candy and releases scents of citrus and tropical fruits. Users report a positive and energetic feeling when using this hemp strain.
Sour Space Candy’s leisurely benefits make this a strain you could use as your aid in relaxation after a long day at work. It is great for assisting with mood and soreness.
Harle-Tsu
This high CBD hybrid is a cross between Sour Tsunami and Harlequin. The Harle-Tsu was bred at the Southern Humboldt Seed Collective by the late Lawrence Ringo. It has a short and bushy appearance and is rich in the terpenes myrcene and humulene.
This strain contains 20 times more CBD than it does THC, meaning that it may ease discomforts and provide relief without psychoactive effects.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is a Sativa-dominant strain also known as Sour D. The THC dominant version of this strain is believed to have been produced in the ’90s. True to its name, Sour Diesel has a strong aroma similar to that of diesel. Chemdawg 91 and Super Skunk are thought to be the parent strains. Both are considered extremely potent. The flavor is infused with a bit of fruit citrus with a mostly earthy taste.
Farm Bill compliant Sour Diesel hemp flower has a classic look of shaded green sugary leaves and slightly pink/orange pistils. Sour Diesel nuggets tend to be frosty and contain tiny, shiny crystals that signify potency. Expect the smell to linger a while after enjoying this pungent strain. It’s popular for its mental stimulation rather than physical. Sour Diesel is considered to be versatile and multi-purposed for those looking for a positive impact on the mind and mood stimulation.
Sour Tsunami
This CBD strain was also created by the activist Lawrence Ringo, who combined Sour Diesel and NYC Diesel to create Sour Tsunami. Its purple-tinged leaves stand out on the dark green buds. The musky diesel smell has sweet undertones. Sour Tsunami is trending in the Pacific Northwest, especially in California.
With 11% CBD content, Sour Tsunami is a well-balanced strain known for its distinctive smell and wellness benefits. Sour Tsunami may assist in easing higher levels of discomfort and aid with more severe soreness. Overall, it is definitely a strain to try if you seek more natural relief.
Purple Gas
Purple gas is a hybrid cross between the BAOx and Therapy strains. This CBD-dominant strain comes in at 18.68% and 0.00% THC, which is not recognized in the LOQ (limit of quantitation).
The earthy and piney flavor profile contains a hint of citrus. The purple buds are dense and provide smooth, clear-headed effects, perfect for daytime or evening. The ultra-smooth hemp is a favorite for increasing wellness without affecting the mind.
Cherry Wine
This strain is an interesting hybrid. Cherry Wine is a high CBD strain cross between Wife and Charlotte’s Cherries. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be glad to hear Cherry Wine tastes exactly like its name, with a touch of pine. On the other hand, the aroma consists of spicy blueberries, black pepper, and sharp cheddar cheese.
This high CBD strain is a popular choice among CBD enthusiasts because of the rich terpene profile. The terpene profile consists of cherry floral frame layered and pine skunk undertones. The ratio is 7.68% CBD to 0.25% THC.
Harlequin
Harlequin was first bred by Mr. Green from the House of David Collective. Harlequin’s buds are dense, round, and are a vibrant, lush green. The rusty-orange pistils feature sprinkled amber trichomes that resemble ants. The initial wood and oil scent are soon replaced by sweet, creamy notes of vanilla on the brink of being chalky. The flavor follows a similar path when it leaves a faint sweetness on the tongue.
This strain typically tests around the 5:2 CBD/THC ratio and is one of the most popular strains. It is known for helping consumers manifest clear-headed alertness with mild euphoric sensations. It is a cross between Nepali Indica and two Landrace strains. The Sativa dominant product was created in a Swiss lab and is a cross between Thai and Swiss Sativa Landraces and then pollinated with a Columbian Gold Male.
Are all CBD Strains Legal?
Over the past decade, the legalization of CBD has taken some great strides. Cannabis has also gone through a lot of changes as a whole. In the past, maximizing the THC content was the focus. But, the hemp market has changed. CBD flower is rapidly becoming even more popular than marijuana.
CBD flowers do contain low THC levels, but not enough to get you high. The minuscule amount of THC found in hemp works together with the other cannabinoids in cannabis to provide the best benefit. When all the cannabinoids in cannabis work together to produce the best advantages it is called the “entourage effect.”
Unfortunately, not all CBD-rich cannabis strains are legal. Some strains have high levels of both CBD and THC, making them only legal for possession in states that have legalized recreational marijuana or medical marijuana. Make sure you go with trustworthy brands and pay attention that you only purchase flower that is Farm Bill compliant or legal in your area.
The 2018 Farm Bill states that hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% are not marijuana, and can be legally sold nationwide. There are few exceptions, such as Epidiolex, which is a patented pharmaceutical form of isolate CBD approved for childhood epilepsy.
What Are the Benefits of Smoking CBD Flower?
There are many benefits to smoking CBD hemp flower. Besides the fact that you are smoking flower and can cater to your personal preference when it comes to flavor, aroma, and type of strain, flower has many benefits to your overall well-being! It’s CBD, duh!
It’s the most traditional way of enjoying hemp and CBD in its rawest form. You can enjoy it with friends or at home after a long week. The natural smoke and aromas serve to provide the most relaxing, calming experience you could have! It’s also one of the fastest ways to feel the therapeutic benefits of our amazing hemp CBD flower strains!
Do Different CBD Strains Have Different Effects?
There is no product out there like CBD flower. Each CBD strain affects the body differently. Hybrid strains may target certain parts of the body and have varying levels of impact. CBD’s primary goal is to provide relaxing effects without intoxicating the body. Depending on the user, dosage, CBD, and THC content, the effects can vary from a mood enhancer to physical relief aid.
A strain that is higher in CBD will offer more potent effects when it comes to cannabidiol. These strains are associated with improved mood, eased soreness, and may be applied towards general wellness.
Indica CBD Strains
Cannabis Indica is native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. These plants are short and stocky, with bushy greenery and chunky leaves. Indica plants grow faster than Sativa plants and produce more buds. That’s a good thing for you and me! More buds means more CBD.
Indica plants usually contain higher levels of CBD but not necessarily lower levels of THC. This strain is typically associated with full-body effects, increasing deep relaxation and promoting better sleep. Keep in mind that individual plants produce varying effects, even when they are the same strain. This is all dependent on the plant’s chemical composition and growing technique used.
Are you extra sore from your workout? Or maybe you’ve been on your feet all day at work, don’t worry. Indica has got your back. This cannabis species creates a full-body, calming, and soothing effect. Indica has the potential to increase dopamine, giving you that perfect wave of peace, and relaxing for both the mind and the body, making them great for nighttime use.
Here are a few common effects felt when smoking Indica flower:
- Relaxation
- Euphoria
- Decrease in stomach upset
- Helps relieve physical discomfort
- Promotes better sleep
- Ease of muscle tension
It is important to note that while the type of strain (Sativa, Indica, and hybrid) is important, the effects are mostly based on the plant’s chemical composition, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. While most consumers associate indica strains with “in da couch” due to their sedative qualities, this effect isn’t always present.
Sativa CBD Strains
Alright, let’s switch gears to Sativa. Our tried and true friend helps us get in the zone when we can’t think! That’s right, this strain promotes creativity and focus! How? Well, we did all the research for you. Follow along because there may be a quiz at the end of this section.
Cannabis Sativa is most often found in hot climates with long, sunny days. Sativa can be traced back to originating and thriving in Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and portions of Western Asia. These plants are tall and thin, with finger-like leaves. They can ultimately grow up to 12 feet tall and often take longer to mature than some other types of cannabis.
Sativa typically has lower doses of CBD and higher levels of THC. This is no less effective than Indica because Sativa does not fall short in the relaxation department. Keep in mind that just because there are higher levels of THC found in this plant versus indica, it does not mean that CBD Sativa strains will be intoxicating. While not all Sativa CBD strains will energize you, most consumers report feelings of lightness and euphoria, starting at the head and slowly making their way throughout the body. Many consumers also enjoy Sativa strains due to their ability to sharpen focus and boost creativity. We just smoked a Sativa strain, so if you think what you’re reading is good, you have no idea.
Ready to learn about what other effects Sativa strains will have? Here we go.
- Helps quell nervous thoughts
- Sharpened focus
- Heightened creativity
- Promotes a natural appetite
- Promotes better sleep
- Helps with muscle tension or soreness
Hybrid CBD Strains
“Hybrid strains” kind of sounds like an anamorph, doesn’t it? Half horse, half tiger. Come on, use your imagination! Told you Sativa is supposed to give you a boost of creativity! What happens when you cross Indica and Sativa, though? That’s the real question! Well, we’ve built you up just to bring you down. The results of crossing Sativa and indica aren’t THAT interesting. Kidding! Is this thing on?
Okay, we get it. We’ll keep our day job because we won’t make it in the world of stand-up comedy. Luckily for us, we can merge our day job and our love for stand-up in one! This is the product of that! What’s that? Oh, you want us to get to the point. Alright, well, hybrid strains happen when cannabis growers produce new and unique strains using a combination of parent plants. Yes, all plants have parents giving new meaning to the phrase, “plant mom.”
Hybrids are usually grown on farms of greenhouses from a combination of… you guessed it! Sativa and Indica strains. The appearance of these plants depends on the combination of the parent plants! It’s just like having a human baby! Many hybrid plants are grown to increase the THC percentage. This doesn’t mean that all hybrids are high in THC. Each plant has a unique ratio of the two cannabinoids.
The effects of hybrid strains are difficult to narrow down because this is highly dependent on the dominance of the parent strains. For example, a strain can be “indica dominant” or “Sativa dominant.” Here are a few common effects that consumers have reported.
- Boost in energy followed by moroseness
- Euphoria
- Helps quell nervous thoughts
- Boosts appetite
- Stages of productivity
- Sharp focus followed by a mellow relaxation throughout the body
How Many CBD Strains Are There?
Guess what? No, this isn’t another punchline! Experts say that there are over 700 different strains of cannabis. Told you this time it’d be good! Many cannabis producers crossbreed cannabis plants to develop new strains. These strains all have different terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids.
Hybridization and crossbreeding have made it difficult to tell how much THC is in any given plant by looking at its physical features. Remember when we mentioned what Sativa and indica plants look like? Well, with hybrids, it is hard to tell from height, branching, or leaf appearance. There is no third-party agency that validates what strain name belongs to Sativa, indica, or hybrid. This is why it is important to do research and only purchase flower from reputable CBD brands. Did someone say reputable? Trustworthy? Transparent? Okay, maybe the last two weren’t said. But, hello! We’re right here!
To the exact composition of any cannabis product, including CBD, manufacturers must analyze the product in a lab. Keep in mind that each person who tries a strain of hemp will have a different experience. For example, a consumer who smokes an Indica strain might find it sedating and may chalk it all up to it being sedating solely based on the strain!
Knowing the composition and physiological effects of the hemp plant can help consumers choose the right product for them! Hemp farmers crossbreed both Indica and Sativa plants to be able to highlight certain effects! These strains may have different levels of CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids.
Will You Get High from Smoking CBD?
Certain CBD strains contain very low levels of THC. The negligible amount of THC in CBD hemp flowers are not enough to get you high. Consumers may experience a calming sense of euphoria from CBD, but this should not be confused with a high. CBD is not psychoactive.
For those that are cautious about THC content in CBD flower, Harle-Tsu or Sour Space Candy are a must-try. These high CBD strains contain such low amounts of THC, and so much cannabidiol, that they actually counteract psychoactive alterations.
How to Pick a CBD Strain That’s Right for You.
The first thing to consider when picking the right strain is knowing what you want to feel. Is it your mood that you want to improve, or is your body telling you that it needs relief? Once you’ve taken a look at the different and best CBD strains, you get to choose how you would like to get your dose.
If you’re looking for something beside CBD flowers, there are different cannabidiol products depending on whether you’d like to ingest, apply topically, or sublingually utilize your CBD. Best of all, you’re giving your body one of the best natural remedies for relief.
What to Look for When Shopping for the Best CBD Strains
Listen, until you become a pro like us at many things, including comedy, you can’t just go and purchase popular CBD strains blindly without knowledge on what to look out for. One thing to look out for is size. Size matters! Kidding! See, told you we were funny. When shopping and comparing CBD flower, you want to make sure that you are purchasing from a reputable brand. While graphics, design, and a functioning site are all good things, these are not necessarily important factors for quality. You want to ensure that the company you are shopping from offers extensive information on their CBD products. With all the buzz surrounding CBD, it is easy to sound like a pro on a compound that we are still getting used to. There is accurate information, and then there’s inaccurate information.
While the packaging is a great asset to any brand, no matter what they’re trying to sell, it’s about what’s inside the package that makes a difference. Don’t get carried away with fancy-schmancy packaging. Instead, pay attention to whether the product is as advertised.
Here are a few things to look for when looking for CBD flower online:
- Third-party lab testing (look for COAs)
- Reputable brand with transparency
- Positive customer reviews
- Smell-proof packaging
- Variety
- Price
- Quality (premium & top-shelf)
Why Choose Cheef Botanicals for the Best CBD Strains?
Listen, none of this has to be difficult. All you need to know is that Cheef is by far the only place you should be going to for all your CBD needs. Here’s why. First of all, we use this very same product. Don’t believe us? We’re the ones manufacturing all our CBD products and packaging them! On a daily basis. This is a 24/7 operation.
That being said, our flower is organically grown and cultivated in the best hemp farms in Colorado. It is free of harmful chemicals and solvents that most competitors may claim they are also not using. But remember what we told you. Put your money where your mouth is and show us those Certificates of Analysis! We know we can! Our COAs are obtained through a third-party lab and certify the number of cannabinoids in our CBD products. We’re the real deal!
Final Thoughts
In such a rapidly growing industry, there’s bound to be a CBD strain that meets your specific needs and preferences. It’s our mission to inform you of the best of what’s available and what CBD users have reported. Choose your favorite CBD strain from a trusted source. There are hundreds of strains out there to choose from, and it just depends on what flavors and aromas you’re looking for.
Often, we get caught up in the “type” of strain that flower consists of, but we forget to acknowledge that we are all different. Keep in mind that these strain descriptions and effects are all subjective and cannot encompass everyone’s experience. That’s the beautiful thing about choices! In this case, we have hundreds.
Alright, it seems like we’ve reached the end of our comedic act. Can we ask the audience how we did? Is the consensus still to stick to our day job? Regardless, we’re thankful for CBD flower to take the edge off of a real tough crowd. Till next time!