The hemp market is awash with a healthy variety of products which is obviously a good problem for marijuanauts. Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is now an agricultural commodity. As a result, growers continue to develop hemp-derived products for an ever-expanding clientele base.
But every cannabis user knows not all weed is created the same. How you experience cannabis partly depends on the strain type because some strains are better than others.
Now, whether you are new to hemp or have been using it for a while, we know you want a fun experience. There is no better way to do this than going for the best CBD strains.
This guide reviews some of the best CBD strains worth your hard-earned money. Regardless of what you are going for—potency, flavor, effects—these top-shelf strains are vouched for by cannabis enthusiasts worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- CBD, short for cannabidiol, is nonpsychoactive and the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp.
- CBD strains are generally popular for their soothing and relaxing effects minus the intoxication.
- The potential benefits of CBD flower include pain relief, anti-nausea, relaxation, and better sleep.
- Some of the best CBD strains include Blueberry Kush, Bubba Kush, and Lifter.
A Quick Look at the Best Cannabidiol Strains
Here is a list of select CBD strains and their growers:
- Blueberry Kush Strain by Botany Farms
- Bubba Kush Strain by Elyxr
- Dad Grass CBD Flower by Dad Grass
- Lifter Strain by Timbr
- Secret OG Strain by Secret Nature CBD
- Hawaiian Haze CBD Flower by Avid Hemp CBD
What is Cannabidiol?
Before we review the best CBD strains, let’s quickly examine CBD itself.
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a nonpsychoactive compound naturally existing in hemp. Unlike delta-9-THC, which produces psychoactive effects, CBD is not psychotropic, meaning it does not make users high.
But, thanks to its interaction with the CB receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), it has a broad pharmacological profile. That’s because the ECS plays a huge role in various bodily functions such as mood regulation, appetite control, pain perception, and inflammation signaling.
Due to these appealing attributes, CBD is a special cannabinoid. So, CBD is certainly an ally if you are just starting a journey to better health and wellness. Moreover, it is natural, completely legal, and fairly easy to access.
back to menu ↑How Many CBD Dominant Strains Are There?
Growers put in a lot of effort to develop plants with particular qualities. And owing to CBD’s impressive pharmacological effects, it is understandable why they are particularly keen to breed CBD-rich strains.
These strains typically have high CBD and low THC levels, as provided for in law through the federal Farm Bill that limits hemp’s THC content to 0.3% or less. As such, it is not uncommon to find certain chemovars having higher CBD-to-THC ratios.
CBD-dominant stains typically boast average CBD-to-THC ratios of 13:1. However, strains with even higher CBD-to-THC ratios, like 20:1, are available. Still, the exact number of CBD-dominant strains is hard to say, but you will certainly not fail to find several.
Here, we present our top five CBD-dominant strains. Obviously, there are many more, so these are a head start to get you going.
back to menu ↑What Are the Effects and Uses of Cannabidiol Strains?
So, what makes cannabidiol strains special?
Simply put, cannabidiol strains have several health and wellness-related benefits. While most CBD flowers nowadays are hybrid, the cannabinoid/terpene combo and their lineage bestow unto them different effects.
For the most part, users report a deeply relaxing and satisfying head and body sensation. Still, some strains are energetic, producing a Sativa-like experience, while others enhance mental performance, e.g., by making users more focused.
Terpenes play a big role in the effects of CBD strains. These aromatic chemical compounds give plants them their scents and aromas. Terpene-rich plants like conifers, citrus, and cannabis generally have stronger scents. They also have more potential benefits because terpenes enhance the ‘entourage effect.”
So, knowing what terpenes are in your favorite CBD flower gives you a strong hunch of its expected effects. Generally, people use CBD flower for potential benefits like pain relief, reducing nausea, and relaxation.
back to menu ↑Best Cannabidiol Strains
Let’s now shift focus and look at some of the best cannabidiol strains really making a name for themselves.
back to menu ↑Blueberry Kush Strain
Renowned for its decadent blueberry and grapey flavor with a fruity aftertaste, the Blueberry Kush CBD flower by Botany Farms is undoubtedly top-shelf.
This indica-dominant bud is perfect for relaxing and unwinding after a long day. With a total cannabinoid content of 16.7% and 14.6% of CBD, Blueberry Kush certainly doesn’t disappoint in the effects department.
For its strong head high followed by a heavy body sensation, Blueberry Kush is a popular evening strain. Little wonder medical marijuana patients choose I to help cope with stress and insomnia.
- Balanced CBD content
- Super delicious flavor
- Available in three sizes
- Third-party lab tested
- Perfect for new users
- Balanced potency can be weak for experienced users.
Bubba Kush Strain
Elxyr has a wide selection of CBD strains, but the Bubba Kush strain is excellent.
Also known as ‘BK,’ this indica strain is notorious for its heavy tranquilizing effect. Its sweet, hashish flavor, interspersed with notes of coffee and chocolate, delights the palate on the exhale as deep relaxation engulfs you from head to toe.
With THC levels of 17% and 0% CBD content, Bubba Kush is not your archetypal CBD flower. However, its terpene profile of caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene gives it its characteristic indica effects., i.e., sleepy, hungry, and happy.
The high leaves you clear-headed and able to live in the moment and enjoy life’s little pleasures.
- Available from as little as 3.5 grams up to 1 lb.
- Sweet flavor
- Strong relaxing effects
- Great packaging for longer shelf life
- Bubba Kush contains moderate THC levels (15-17%) and can induce intoxication.
Dad Grass CBD Flower
For premium high-quality flower with a mellow buzz, try Dad Grass’ CBD Hemp flower.
Dad Grass is all about nostalgia, allowing users to experience the mellow blaze of yore when weed was way less potent than it is today. This strain gives you that lazy-day feeling, sitting in your rocking chair by the open window enjoying hit after hit alongside a cold beer.
It gives just the right kind of not-really-faded high with a light, smiley feeling. Everybody experiences cannabis differently, but most marijuanauts say Dad Grass CBD flower gives a mellow, chilled-out feeling similar to drinking a glass of fine wine.
- Available in prerolls
- Delicious kushy taste
- Perfect for beginners owing to its subtle high
- Includes rolling papers and a humidity control pack
- No THC
- No information on cannabinoids or CBD levels
- Only available in ½ oz size
Secret OG Strain
This powerhouse strain has the classic looks and aroma of OG weed strains. The Secret OG weed strain by Secret Nature CBD is known for its strong indica-leaning effects, which induce sedation and relaxation.
Its THC levels average 12-14%, accounting for its hazy and relatively mild cerebral euphoria. The head high gradually gives way to a relaxing body buzz without couch-locking or heavy feelings. Many people use this strain to help with anxiety, inflammation, chronic pain, and stress.
- 100% organic
- Zero additives
- 3rd party lab tested
- No information on CBD levels.
Hawaiian Haze CBD Flower
Avid Hemp CBD’s flowers are super delicious. What’s more, they are available in over four different strains, so you can choose what suits your needs.
We love the Hawaiian Haze CBD strain for its decadent taste. The mixed aroma of citrus and pineapples with floral notes feels great on the exhale. The mouthwatering flavor is complemented by energizing effects that soon give way to calm and relaxation.
With 16% CBD and a rich mix of terpenes, including alpha-pinene, myrcene, and terpinolene, Hawaiian Haze CBD is your gateway to the tropics!
- Comes in a reusable jar
- High CBD content for stronger effects
- Made from locally-grown hemp
- Delicious fruity flavor
- Great packaging for a longer shelf life
- Slightly costlier than similar-sized products
Timbr Lifter Strain
For sativa lovers needing a little pick-me-up to start their day, the Lifter strain by Timbr is a worthy contender for a “breakfast smoke.” This high-grade smokeable flower has a whopping 19% of CBD!
Lifter lives up to its name, which it eponymously gets from its uplifting effects. Users report increased focus, energy, and wakefulness and equally love its unique earthy, woody flavor with citrus undertones.
The terpene-combo of this strain includes guiaol, bisabolol, and nerolidol and accounts for its energetic experience. If you are looking for the perfect “wake and bake” strain to give you the energy and attitude to breeze through your day, this is it!
- High CBD content for stronger effects
- Unique earthy, woody flavor
- Massively energizing
- May overwhelm new users due to the high CBD levels
How We Chose Our List of Best CBD Strains
We checked each strain’s flavor profile to gauge how users would generally respond to it. Then we also triple-checked the dispensaries’ reputation and overall manufacturing standards, i.e., if their flower were organic, were subjected to 3rd party lab tests, and packaging.
back to menu ↑Conclusion
CBD flower has plenty of potential health benefits and effects and gives a similar experience to weed. However, it is 100% legal.
For most users, CBD helps them relax and cope better with pain, stress, anxiety, and even poor sleep. But nothing complements cannabis’ therapeutic benefits more than a great aroma, which is why our selection of the best CBD strains smells awesome!
So, go ahead. Try out these CBD flower strains, and tell us what you think in the comments section!