31 Best Weed Strains of All Time: The Greatest Hits of Cannabis

There’s no shortage of cannabis strains out there. In fact, since weed laws started changing around the world, new strains seem to come to market almost every day. And while they might all have something unique to offer, it’s obvious that some strains punch above the rest, be it in terms of flavour, potency, or genetics.

So, what are the best strains of all time? Below we shine a light on 31 top strains that we think left an undoubtable mark on the weed world. Of course, picking a strain can be very objective, but the varieties you’ll find below garnered massive appeal from people all over the world and continue to stand the test of time. Which one will you be toking on next?

Meet the best weed strains of all time

Ready to learn more about the world’s best weed strains? Below we’ve sorted 31 of the world’s top strains into 3 categories:

• Timeless classics. Strains that have stood the test of time and left a lasting impression on what we think cannabis to smell, taste, and feel like.
• Modern greats. These are newer strains that, despite having a shorter history than some ‘Timeless classics’, are just as popular (or even more so!).
• Hidden gems. These are strains not everyone is familiar with but pack unbelievable traits nonetheless.

12 Timeless classics

1. Skunk #1

Aromas/flavours: Earthy, musky, and very pungent

Effects: Balanced and happy

Genetics: Acapulco Gold, Columbian Gold, and Afghan

Notable offspring: UK Cheese, Jack Herer, Amnesia Haze, Super Skunk, Shiva Skunk

What makes it great: Skunk #1 is often considered the world’s first true hybrid cannabis cultivar. Its improved growing style helped fuel the rise of indoor growing, while its potent aromas, flavours, and effects introduced people to a new dimension of what cannabis could be. Since the 1980s, Skunk #1’s influence on weed shows no signs of stopping.

At Sensi Seeds, we’re extremely proud to have helped preserve the original Skunk #1. Order your regular, feminized, or autoflowering Skunk #1 seeds now to grow this timeless classic at home.

2. OG Kush

Aromas/flavours: Citrus, pine, and fuel   

Effects: Euphoric and relaxing

Genetics: Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and a Pakistani Kush

Notable offspring: GSC, Fire OG, Larry OG

What makes it great: OG Kush took the Californian cannabis scene by storm in the 1990s with its bursting flavours and soothing, yet balanced effects. Though it was originally created in Florida, OG Kush became the legendary strain she is after reaching LA by the hands of breeder Josh D. It became particularly popular among medical cannabis patients, and has birthed countless modern hybrids since.

Sensi Seeds stocks top-shelf OG Kush that you can grow at home. Get your feminized and automatic OG Kush seeds from White Label now.

3. White Widow

Aromas/flavours: Earthy and floral

Effects: A strong euphoric rush that becomes more physical with time

Genetics: Brazilian sativa x South Indian indica

Notable offspring: White Russian,Blue Widow, White Rhino

What makes it great: There are many things that helped make White Widow so famous. On the one hand, there’s her high-profile origins – she’s the creation of Shantibaba, who is one of the co-founders of Green House Seeds and founder of Mr Nice Seeds. Delivering big harvests of fat flowers with a frosty coat of trichomes obviously didn’t hurt her reputation, and neither did her powerful effects – even today, smokers have a hard time finding strains that are as euphoric and physically relaxing as White Widow.

Nowadays, seedbanks from all over offer cheap imitations of White Widow. At Sensi Seeds, however, we’re proud to have helped preserve this all-time favourite. Get your regular, feminized, and autoflowering seeds from White Label here.

4. Hindu Kush

Aromas/flavours: Earth, sandalwood, pine, and slightly sweet

Effects: Deeply relaxing

Genetics: Landrace indica

Notable offspring: Purple Kush, Bubba Kush, OG Kush

What makes it great: Hindu Kush seeds were brought to the West by travellers exploring the Hippie Trail in the 1960s and 1970s. Boasting rich aromas, deeply relaxing effects, and typical indica growth traits (such as a short flowering time) made this strain an instant hit with anyone who got their hands on it.

Sensi Seeds has preserved original Hindu Kush genetics boasting a short stature and flowering time, exceptional potency, and the characteristic physical effects that this strain is known for. Get your regular, feminized, or autoflowering Hindu Kush seeds here.

5. Purple Haze

Aromas/flavours: Sweet and tangy

Effects: Uplifting and energising

Genetics: Purple Thai x Haze

What makes it great: Purple Haze is the quintessential purple weed strain. Descending from original Haze, she’ll leave you feeling energetic, chatty, and creative after a single hit. Moreover, growers love her short flowering time and moderate stature, which helped make her more suitable for indoor cultivation than other Haze varieties.

At Sensi Seeds, we love the look, smell, and effect of this strain. That’s exactly why we’ve held on to the original Purple Haze for years on end. Grow this classic at home with these feminized seeds from White Label now.

6. Northern Lights

Aromas/flavours: Earthy, woody, and piney, with hints of herbs and fruit

Effects: Blissfully relaxing, care-free

Genetics: Thai x Afghan

Notable offspring: Jack Herer, Super Silver Haze, Shiva Skunk

What makes it great: Northern Lights is the crème de la crème of top-shelf indicas. She’s beloved for her characteristic high, which relaxes the mind and soothes the body, leaving you in a blissful state for hours. Growers also love her because of her hardy indica traits that make for a stealthy, high-yielding, and fast crop indoors and outside.

Sensi Seeds has redeveloped Northern Lights, making this beloved specimen available to growers everywhere. In doing so, we also refined her growth traits, making for a plant that’s more robust, vigorous, and capable of producing even bigger yields. Get your regular, feminized, and auto seeds here.

7. Master Kush

Aromas/flavours: Earth, sandalwood, and incense

Effects: Clear-headed, deeply relaxing

Genetics: Indian x Afghan

Notable offspring: Master Yoda, Lemon Kush

What makes it great: Master Kush produces tight flowers absolutely covered in thick, resinous trichomes that lend themselves perfectly to the art of making extractions. Its pungent, slightly spicy aromas and flavours are just as appealing as her soothing physical buzz that leaves the mind almost completely unscathed.

Master Kush is a Sensi Seeds original that continues to attract new fans from all over the globe. If you’re interested in cultivating this frosty indica at home, get your regular, feminized, or automatic seeds from White Label.

8. Jack Herer

Aromas/flavours: Hashy and earthy, with notes of skunk, pine, and fruit

Effects: High energy and cerebral, with underlying physical relaxation

Genetics: Haze x Northern Lights x Shiva Skunk

Notable offspring: Jack The Ripper, Super Jack, Critical Jack

What makes it great: Jack Herer is a hybrid strain loved for its high potency and uplifting effects. In fact, she’s almost as popular as the famous cannabis activist she’s named after! A single toke of her pungent flowers is all it takes to enjoy an almost instant boost of cerebral energy that comes quickly accompanied by waves of deep physical relaxation. Meanwhile, growers also love this strain for its relatively low odour during the growing phase.

Sensi Seeds is proud to be the original creator of Jack Herer. If you’re looking to grow this beloved variety at home, ensure you’re only growing the original with our collection of regular, feminized, and auto seeds.

9. Hash Plant

Aromas/flavours: Sweet, old-school hash with notes of spice

Effects: Deeply stoning

Genetics: Afghan x Northern Lights

Notable offspring: Hashberry, Super Hash

What makes it great: Toke on some Hash Plant and enjoy as the room fills with her old-school aroma. Close your eyes and savour a deeply soothing, almost narcotic-like stone that relaxes every muscle fibre in your body! Thanks to her excellent resin production, this strain is great for making traditional extracts like dry-sift hash! Meanwhile, growers also love Hash Plant’s compact stature and short flowering time.

Though Sensi Seeds created the original Hash Plant many years ago, we’ve since launched a new-and-improved version of the strain that combines original Hash Plant with Northern Lights. Get your regular seeds here to grow real Hash Plant at home.

10. Silver Haze

Aromas/flavours: Earthy and pungent, with hints of wood and spice

Effects: Euphoric, uplifting, and energizing; a quintessential sativa high

Genetics: Original Haze x Northern Lights

Notable offspring: Super Silver Haze

What makes it great: Silver Haze reintroduced the world to psychedelic sativas in the early ’90s. By combining the potent effects of Original Haze with the robust growth traits of Northern Lights, breeders created a strain that delivers a soaring cerebral high in a more compact and faster-flowering package. To this day, her shimmering, resin-coated buds remain an icon of top-shelf sativa weed and continue to impress even the pickiest stoners.

At Sensi Seeds, we’re proud to continue offering the original Silver Haze. Cultivate this classic at home now with our regular or feminized seeds.

11. Afghan Kush

Aromas/flavours: Earthy and woody, with lingering spicy undertones

Effects: Deeply relaxing and sedative; perfect for unwinding

Genetics: Landrace indica from Afghanistan

Notable offspring: OG Kush, Bubba Kush

What makes it great: Hailing from the rugged terrains of Afghanistan, Afghan Kush stems from ancestral plants that are central to age-old traditions – particularly the making of hash. Potent and sedative, this strain is ideal for evening use and embodies what real, old-school indica weed should smell, taste, and feel like. Over time, Afghan Kush inspired the creation of countless modern hybrids, handing down her distinct aromas and effects, as well as compact growth traits and excellent resin production.

Want to grow emblematic indica weed at home? We’re set on helping you do so with our original White Label Afghan Kush regular seeds  – a top pick among geneticists looking for excellent breeding stock!

12. Afghani #1

Aromas/flavours: Rich and earthy with notes of sweet, spicy hash

Effects: Profoundly relaxing, leading to a state of blissful tranquillity

Genetics: Pure Afghan landrace indica

Notable offspring: Northern Lights, Blueberry, Skunk, Blue Dream, Amnesia Haze

What makes it great: Afghani #1 is the epitome of pure indica genetics. Celebrated for its robust growth and copious resin production, this strain has been a cornerstone for breeders and a favourite among growers for decades. Of course, her deeply relaxing effects and classic hash-like aroma make it a go-to choice for lovers of the quintessential indica smoking experience.

At Sensi Seeds, we’re proud to continue supplying the cannabis community with authentic Afghan genetics, descended from seeds personally brought to the Netherlands by our founder, Ben Dronkers, in the 1970s. Grow this iconic variety at home now with our regular, feminized, and autoflowering Afghani #1 seeds.

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8 Modern greats

1. GSC (aka Girl Scout Cookies)

Aromas/flavours: Pine, rich earth, and sweet cookies (with hints of mint, aniseed, fruit, and citrus)

Effects: Balanced, physically relaxing and mentally uplifting

Genetics: OG Kush x F1 Durban (a South African sativa)

Notable offspring: Thin Mint Cookies, Platinum GSC, Gelato, Sunset Sherbet, Wedding Cake, Do-Si-Dos, GMO Cookies

What makes it great: GSC is probably the biggest name in modern cannabis. Created in the San Francisco Bay Area by the Cookies Fam collective, this variety forever changed our conception of the aromas and flavours of cannabis. Its balanced effects also perfectly walk the line between stoning indicas and high-energy sativas, making for a versatile strain that can be enjoyed at any time.

At Sensi Seeds, we recreated this iconic variety from its original lineage by crossing Durban with Hindu Kush and OG Kush, so that European growers can cultivate GSC as well. Pay homage to Cali cannabis history at home with our feminized Girl Scout Cookies seeds.

For even more unique cookie-inspired flavours, check Wedding Cheesecake – our take on the world-famous GSC offspring, Wedding Cake!

2. Gelato

Aromas/flavours: Sweet and fruity, with notes of citrus and mint as well as uniquely creamy undertones

Effects: Euphoric, relaxing, and clear-headed

Genetics: Sunset Sherbet x Thin Mint GSC

Notable offspring: Runtz, Biscotti, Ice Cream Cake, Jealousy, Gelonade

What makes it great: Gelato blew smokers away with its deliciously fruity flavour profile and balanced effects– so much so that, in 2018, Gelato became the first strain to ever be crowned Strain of The Year by Leafly. Created by Mario Guzman (founder of Sherbinskis), there are multiple phenotypes of Gelato, all with unique traits that attract unique users. Some notable ones include Bacio Gelato, Acai Berry Gelato, Gelato #33, and Gelato #41. To this day, breeders all over the world continue to use Gelato to create strains with ever evolving fruity flavours.

While we do not stock the original Gelato, make sure to check out our Gelato #420 feminized and Buttercream Gelato feminized for unique variations of this tried-and-tested modern classic.

3. Blue Dream

Aromas/flavours: Sweet berries and earth

Effects: Physically relaxing with an uplifting cerebral high

Genetics: Blueberry x Haze

Notable offspring: Blue Cookies, Dream Queen, Double Dream, Strawberry Dream

What makes it great: Blue Dream is another true Californian classic. Combining the energizing, creative buzz of Haze with the grounded euphoria of DJ Short’s Blueberry, breeders created a strain for the cannabis history books. Of course, it’s sweet aroma of ripe berries and earthy Haze only add to this strain’s massive appeal and continue to make it a top pick at dispensaries across the US and the world.

4. GG4 (aka Gorilla Glue #4)

Aromas/flavours: Earthy and pungent, with strong notes of pine and diesel

Effects: Deeply relaxing and euphoric – ideal for melting into the couch

Genetics: Chem’s Sister x Sour Dubb x Chocolate Diesel

Notable offspring: GG5 (aka New Glue), Zookies, Glueberry, Gorilla Bomb

What makes it great: Created by Joesy Whales and Lone Watty, GG4 skyrocketed to fame for its intense potency, heavy-handed relaxation, and pungent chemical aroma. Winning multiple cannabis cups only further raised the appeal of this strain, which continues to be a top pick for anyone chasing a blissful night in on the couch!

At Sensi Seeds, we don’t currently stock original GG4 seeds. However, for something similar, consider White Gorilla Haze by White Label or Gorillaz Automatic.

5. Pineapple Express

Aromas/Flavours: Sweet tropical fruit with hints of aromatic cedar wood

Effects: Uplifting and energising, promoting creativity and focus

Genetics: Trainwreck x Hawaiian

Notable offspring: Pineapple Trainwreck, Pineapple Kush, Pineapple Chunk

What makes it great: Where should we start – its sweet tropical fruit terpenes and balanced yet invigorating effects already give you plenty to get excited about. As if that weren’t enough, Pineapple Express’ popularity only increased following the release of the iconic stoner film of the same name. Enjoy this strain in the morning or afternoon to make the most of her stimulating euphoria!

6. Granddaddy Purple (aka GDP)

Aromas/flavours: Sweet berries and grapes with delicate floral undertones

Effects: Deeply relaxing and sedative

Genetics: Purple Urkle x Big Bud

Notable offspring: Purple Punch, Cherry Pie, Forbidden Fruit, Grandaddy Glue

What makes it great: Discovered by Ken Estes in the early 2000s, GDP is an indica-dominant hybrid treasured for its heavy stone, mouthwatering aroma, and eye-catching purple hues. Its deeply soothing physical effects made it particularly popular among medical patients. To this day, GDP’s eye-catching flowers pretty much walk themselves off dispensary shelves! Be sure to try it if you’re a lover of that deep indica buzz.

7. Chemdawg

Aromas/Flavours: Pungent diesel, earthy musk, and fresh pine highlights

Effects: Euphoric, cerebral, creative, and introspective

Genetics: Unknown

Notable offspring: Sour Diesel, Stardawg, GG4, GMO Cookies, Jet Fuel

What makes it great: Despite the fact that Chemdawg’s origin story laid shrouded in mystery for decades, that didn’t stop this gassy strain from quickly becoming one of the most sought-after weed varieties in the world! Now, we know that the strain was discovered by Greg Krzanowski, and we couldn’t be more thankful! Without Chemdawg, weed certainly wouldn’t be what we now know it to be.

8. Rainbow Belts

Aromas/flavours: Tropical fruit and sweet candy with notes of citrus

Effects: Happy and giggly, physically soothing

Genetics: Zkittlez x Moonbow

Notable offspring: Dark Rainbow

What makes it great: Rainbow Belts is a quintessential candy strain. And it’s not hard to see why – it descends from the almighty Zkittlez! Like the candies she’s named after, Rainbow Belts boasts sugary sweet aromas with notes of fruit and citrus – a real delight. Meanwhile, she delivers a happy and giggly high that’s ideal for social situations.

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11 Hidden gems

1. Sensi Skunk

Aromas/flavours: Citrus zest with a distinct sweet undertone

Effects: Very strong and physically relaxing

Genetics: Skunk #1 x Northern Lights

What makes it great: Sensi Skunk, you guessed it, is a unique Skunk hybrid created by our expert breeders. The idea behind this strain was to further improve Skunk #1’s growth traits and infuse it with a fruitier, sweeter aromatic twist. And that’s exactly what you get, along with a deeply soothing physical stone ideal for moments of relaxation and introspection!

Grow this delicious Skunk hybrid at home with our regular, feminized, and autoflowering Sensi Skunk seeds.

2. Shiva Skunk

Aromas/flavours: Musky, with unique notes of citrus and creamy undertones

Effects: Relaxing and physically soothing

Genetics: Skunk #1 x Northern Lights

What makes it great: As one of Sensi Seeds’ most potent skunk varieties, Shiva Skunk took the best qualities of our original Skunk #1 to new heights. Today, this is a beloved strain among experienced smokers looking for the traditional, Skunk body-buzz but slightly different aromas.

Grow Shiva Skunk at home with our regular, feminized, and autoflowering seeds.

3. Early Skunk

Aromas/flavours: Classic dank skunk notes with hints of sweetness

Effects: Physically relaxing and mentally uplifting

Genetics: Early Pearl x Skunk #1

What makes it great: Early Skunk takes all traits you know and love from Skunk #1 and condenses them into a compact, fast, and resilient seed – ideal for outdoor cultivation. Growers (especially those in Northern Europe) love this strain for being capable of delivering an excellent outdoor harvest before the weather turns. And smokers, of course, love her balance of physical and mental effects as well as her classic flavours.

Looking for the perfect addition to your outdoor garden? Don’t doubt – get your regular, feminized, or automatic Early Skunk seeds from Sensi now.

4. Northern Lights #5 x Haze

Aromas/flavours: Spicy and sweet, with notes of citrus, earth, and fresh pine

Effects: Euphoric and cerebral, followed by a creeping body buzz

Genetics: Northern Lights #5 x Haze

What makes it great: Sometimes, a strain says it all with its name. And this is one of them – stemming from a cross of Northern Lights and Haze, this 70% sativa combines the best traits of two timeless cannabis classics. Light her up and you’ll enjoy the chatty, happy, cerebral buzz you’d expect from Haze – you’ll be flying high for hours! Then, kick back as Northern Lights’ stone takes the wheel and soothes every muscle in your body.

Growing Northern Lights #5 x Haze is simple. Get your regular or feminized seeds here now!

5. American Dream

Aromas/flavours: Earthy and skunky, with tropical fruit undertones

Effects: Light, social, and euphoric

Genetics: Afghan, Jamaican, and Hawaiian landraces

What makes it great: American Dream, like the ideology it’s named after, was bred to stand the test of time and serve as a sign of constant progress. Combining landrace genetics from 3 prime regions, the excellent breeding that went into this strain created an indica-dominant varietal with a beautifully balanced high and delicious terps to match.

American Dream is another Sensi Seeds original that we’re extremely proud of. Grow or breed with her at home with our American Dream regular seeds.

6. Jamaican Pearl

Aromas/flavours: Sweet and fruity, with earthy undertones

Effects: Uplifting and positive, yet functional

Genetics: Marley’s Collie x Early Pearl

What makes it great: Jamaican Pearl is rife with sativa flair. Growing these huge plants might not suit every garden, but the high that you get from her delicious, open flowers definitely suits every occasion. Enjoy an uplifting buzz that, in comparison to Haze varieties, is manageable and balanced – perfect for social settings, daytime use, or any time you want to enjoy a light buzz but stay functional.

If you’ve got the space, grow this towering sativa at home with our regular or feminized Jamaican Pearl seeds.

7. Ed Rosenthal Super Bud

Aromas/flavours: Sweet, fruity, and earthy with notable hints of pineapple and citrus

Effects: Full body relaxation coupled with mental euphoria

Genetics: Undisclosed landraces from Africa, Asia, and Central America

What makes it great: Ed Rosenthal Super Bud, like her name suggests, produces massively dense and resinous flowers. Of course, nothing less is to be expected of a strain named after one of the world’s most influential cannabis activists. Besides her visual appeal, this strain is also treasured for its well-balanced high and mouthwatering terpenes inherited from a mix of the world’s best (and most secret) landrace strains!

Jazz up your genetics library with this stellar hybrid, and get Ed Rosenthal Super Bud seeds from Sensi Seeds here.

8. Black Domina

Aromas/flavours: Rich and earthy, with hints of black hashish and blackberry

Effects: Deeply sedative and narcotic, ideal for evening use

Genetics: Northern Lights, Ortega, Hash Plant, and Afghani SA

Notable offspring: Black Jack, Sugar Black Rose, Black Russian

What makes it great: Black Domina has been world-renowned for over 20 years thanks to its almost pure indica genetics and deeply sedative stone. This strain is easy to grow in many setups and delivers fast harvests of dark, frosty flowers that got extremely popular among medical patients in search of deep, restorative sleep. Light up this beast when you’ve got a clear schedule and time to kick up your feet and relax!

If you want to grow Black Domina, don’t settle for anything but the original. Get it from Sensi Seeds in regular or feminized seed form. And if you’re after a CBD-rich alternative, consider trying Satin Black Domina CBD feminized.

9. Cannatonic

Aromas/flavours: Woody and earthy, with notes of fresh pine and citrus

Effects: Mildly uplifting and relaxing, but hardly psychoactive

Genetics: MK Ultra x G13 Haze

Notable offspring: ACDC, Valentine X

What makes it great: Cannatonic is treasured across the globe for its sky-high CBD content. Though it also contains THC and can be slightly psychoactive, its effects are very balanced, producing mental clarity and physical relaxation that’s ideal for daytime use. Of course, with such powerful effects, it’s no wonder this strain continues to be a top-pick among medical patients.

10. Sticky Orange XXL

Aromas/flavours: Pungent floral notes paired with a rare sweetness and earthy undertones

Effects: Long-lasting physical and mental relaxation

Genetics: California indica, Shiva Skunk, Gorilla Glue, and Maple Leaf Indica

What makes it great: Sticky Orange XXL Auto might not be on your radar, but it definitely should be. In fact, it was one of our fastest-selling strains, impressing growers with its compact size, resilience, and large yields. Just 45-50 days after sowing your seeds, this hardy auto can reward you with up to 500 g/m² indoors and 350 g/m² outside! Of course, her delicious flavour (which is sweet, earthy, and slightly spicy all at once) also offers plenty to get excited about.

Add this sticky, delicious cultivar to your genetic arsenal now with our Sticky Orange XXL Automatic seeds.

11. Purple Bud

Aromas/flavours: Earthy with berry undertones, sweetness, and hints of spicy pine

Effects: Uplifting at first, then becomes ever more relaxing

Genetics: (Afghan x Jamaican) x a Double Kush hybrid

What makes it great: Another one of our top-sellers, we simply couldn’t leave Purple Bud off this list. As her name implies, she delivers stunning flowers with tightly stacked calyxes, a frosty layer of resin and, of course, beautiful purple hues. Break apart a Purple Bud flower and your entire room will fill with the delicate aroma of herbs and blueberries. Then, when you light her up, you’ll get to enjoy the same great flavours with earthy, piney, and spicy undertones – a true delight!

Want to grow Purple Bud at home? Get your feminized or autoflowering seeds here.

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From classics to cult favourites

There you have it! A comprehensive list of the best cannabis strains of all time. Which ones have you tried, and which ones are still on your bucket list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.