Top 30 Strains to Try in 2024

Did you know that one of the best things about being a cannabis enthusiast is developing an appreciation for the different strains in which the plant can be cultivated. Each strain offers a unique profile of terpenes which lend themselves to a one-of-a-kind flavor profile, along with dominant effects that are one-of-a-kind. That’s why we’re seeing a higher strain diversity on the market than ever before, and so, in order to help you decide which strains are best for you, we have compiled a list of 30 best strains you can try.

What You Need to Know About Picking Out a Strain

The strain of cannabis is determined by its terpene profile, and each strain contains a multitude of individual terpenes in various levels. Terpenes heavily influence the effects of the product, while allowing you to enjoy a flavor and aroma profile that’s distinctive, since terpenes are the compounds responsible for how cannabis tastes and smells.

There are three types of strains, determined by their terpene profiles, and the categories are:

• Sativa: Sativa strains tend to be more uplifting, motivating, and even energizing, making them great daytime strains.
• Indica: Indica strains are good for evening, because they’re usually more soothing, and produce a stronger body high, which can give you couchlock effects.
• Hybrid: Hybrid strains are the result of crossing a sativa and an indica, or either with another hybrid. The effects tend to be more balanced between the energizing and cerebral vibes of sativa strains, and the calming, body-high effects of indica strains.

Each cannabis enthusiast has their own preferences when it comes to which strains they want, and it takes some experimentation to figure out which ones best match what it is that you want to get out of cannabis.

How Well Do Cannabis Strains Get Along with Cannabinoids?

Cannabis strains naturally produce a variety of cannabinoids, which’re chemical compounds found within the cannabis plant. These cannabinoids, including well-known ones like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), interact with the human body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), affecting various physiological processes.

Different strains of cannabis have different cannabinoid profiles, which means they contain varying concentrations of these compounds. This diversity allows for a range of effects on the user, depending on the specific balance and interaction of these cannabinoids. Some strains might be higher in THC and offer more psychoactive effects, while others might have more CBD and provide more therapeutic benefits without strong psychoactive effects.

The relationship between different cannabinoids within a strain is often complementary. For example, CBD is known to modulate the effects of THC, potentially reducing its anxiety-inducing effects at high doses. Other cannabinoids, like CBG (cannabigerol) or CBN (cannabinol), and various terpenes (aromatic compounds in cannabis) also interact with each other, influencing the plant’s overall effect on an individual, a phenomenon often referred to as the "entourage effect”. This concept suggests that the therapeutic impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts due to the synergistic interactions between cannabinoids and terpenes.

Essentially, cannabinoids within any given cannabis strain generally coexist harmoniously, contributing to the unique characteristics and effects of that strain.

Our Picks for the Best Strains of 2024

Now, let’s get to the fun part. We’re going to cover 30 strains that are absolutely essential to try in 2024, based on what consumers simply can’t stop raving about.

#30: Durban Poison (Sativa)

Durban Poison is a pure sativa strain that has been a staple of the market for ages. With about 24% THC, it has a sweet and earthy flavor, and can make you feel euphoric while boosting creativity and focus, acting as an excellent afternoon cultivar.

Try: CBD Living Hemp CBD Dabz Shatter

#29: KO Blue Orchid (Hybrid)

Vert rare but awesome indeed, KO Blue Orchid is an evenly balanced hybrid. It has blueberry berries with light touches of citrusy mango notes, along with a sensational flowery overtone. The aroma is quite similar, too. Feel settled in just a few minutes after your final hit, initially beginning in the brain with a stimulating sense that activates your focus and increases your sociability.

Try: ATLRx Delta 8 THC 1G Vape Cartridge

#28: Sour Diesel (Sativa)

Behold the legend: Sour Diesel is an all-time classic, with its pungent notes of sour lemon and diesel, and its high that’s energizing beyond belief. Great for feeling dazed and stoned yet stimulated, it’s a staple of the market to this day for a reason.

Try: Nam Delta 8 THC Flower in Sour Diesel

#27: Cherry Cheesecake (Indica)

A 70/30 indica, Cherry Cheesecake really does have amazing notes of funky creaminess and sweet cherries. With roughly 23% THC, it’s got what it takes to give you a nice high, it’s a surprisingly sociable strain for an indica, making you feel creative and uplifted, with a powerful body high that can remove all discomfort. It’s not too couchlock-inducing, as a plus for many.

Try: VIIA Organic Top-Shelf Indoor THCA Flower

#26: Green Crack (Sativa)

If you’re looking for a sativa that really hits you hard and heavy, Green Crack is the way to go. This strain is nothing short of notorious, living up to its name by giving you an insane stimulating effect. Meanwhile, it offers a mango-like flavor profile that really hits the spot, while offering a powerful amount of THC.

Try: Exodus Zooted THCA + THCP + THCB + D6 + HXY10 THC Loud Resin 3.5G Disposable Vape Pen

#25: Medellin (Indica)

Medellin is a strain that isn’t that easy to come by on the market. It’s got about 28% THC, however, so high-potency lovers, take note. This 70/30 indica is extremely uplifting yet extremely calming, and thus, can help you embrace a lazy evening at home. It tastes like lemon and herbal tea, adding to its appeal.

Try: Delta Munchies Delta 8 THC Disposable 2G Vape XL Dart

#24: Majic Mango (Hybrid)

Every bit as tasty as it sounds, Magic Mango is a rare, evenly balanced hybrid strain created through crossing Somango with the infamous AK-47 strain. This tropically-inspired strain bottoms out at 20% THC on average. It’s perfect for those who want to be in a buzzy & blissful state of mind.

Try: Happy Time High Delta 9 + 11-OH-THC Live Rosin Vape Cartridge

#23: Lemon Lights (Hybrid)

Lemon Lights is a slightly indica-leaning hybrid that has notes of fresh lemon and spiciness, while offering a moderately low 17% THC. Still, the ‘high’ feels amazing, helping you unwind after a long day without losing all of your ability to focus on what’s in front of you.

Try: ELYXR Delta 10THC Disposable Vape Pen

#22: Pineapple Express (Sativa)

Pineapple Express is virtually a household name, as it’s dominated the market through generations of cannabis enthusiasts. Its rich pineapple flavor is one thing, but this potent, energizing, and creativity-enhancing strain is easily one of the best choices if you’re going to be partaking with friends, since it leads to lots of chattiness and fits of giggles.

Try: Top Shelf Hemp Co. Live Resin Blends 3 Pack Vape Cartridges

#21: Girl Scout Cookies (Hybrid)

Few strains have shown true staying power like GSC (Girl Scout Cookies), with its powerful 25% THC and balanced high. Its flavor tastes like sugar cookies with hints of vanilla, lemon, mint, and cherries, while the euphoric effects go above and beyond expectations before lulling you into a state of total calm.

Try: Moby Hemp Delta 8 THC Vape Cartridge in Girl Scout Cookies

#20: Berry White (Indica)

We love Berry White, for its sweet berry flavor, along with its ability to lull you into a peaceful state as you tuck under the covers. This is a strain that can get you feeling euphoric beyond your wildest dreams, before you pass out and enjoy sweet dreams. With 19-23% THC, the potency is moderately high.

Try: ELYXR Delta 10 THC Disposable Vape Pen in Berry White

#19: Apple Fritter (Hybrid)

An outstandingly tasty 50/50 strain is Apple Fritter, with a taste of sweet apples and buttery pastry. This high-potency cultivar yields almost 30% THC in some cases, and it can provide a major boost in mood while taking away any negativity or stress. Some people find its body high to be very heavy, so be aware.

Try: Boston Hemp Full Spectrum CBD Sugar Wax Dab

#18: Ultra Violet (Sativa)

Ultra Violet is an extremely rare strain that you’ll want to get your hands on if you’re lucky enough to come across it. This sativa-heavy hybrid has notes of grape and lemon, and around 20% THC. The high can make you feel absolutely blissed-out and hazy, as the cerebral effects are incredibly strong.

Try: Blazed Liquid Diamonds THCA + Delta 9P + THC-JD 5G Disposable Vape Pen

#17: Northern Lights (Indica)

This iconic indica strain has been a staple of the market for decades, and a true, 100% indica cultivar. It’s one of the absolute best bedtime strains, since it can ease the mind and body fast, with 16-21% THC. Its earthy, citrusy, and sweet flavor isn’t the most distinctive, but we do love that it’s a big deal on the medicinal market.

Try: iDELTA8 D8 + D10 + THCP + CBN Premium Obsidian Disposable Vape Pen

#16: Grease Monkey (Indica)

Grease Monkey is a 70/30 indica, roughly, with an ultra-potent 25-27% THC. Its flavor profile is skunky with strong vanilla notes, making it very distinctive, while the ‘high’ can make you feel sleepy and utterly content. It’s a great strain for physical discomfort, too, alleviating the body of tension from head to toe.

Try: TabEASE THCA High Terpene Extract 2G Vape Cartridge

#15: Cannatonic (Hybrid)

A beloved 50/50 cultivar, Cannatonic has a super low 7-8% THC, and a nice dose of CBD along with some CBN for good measure. It can put you in a mellow mood while easing discomfort in the body, and it has a sweet n’ sour flavor profile.

Try: Hi On Nature Delta 8 THC + THCP Live Resin Dabs

#14: Ecto Cooler (Sativa)

This super popular 70/30 hybrid yields a moderate amount of THC, and is a go-to for creativity as it can get those juices flowing, all while boosting mood, focus, and alertness so that you can sit down and finally finish those projects you’ve been putting off. In terms of flavor, you’ll get bright notes of citrus and herbal pine.

Try: Delta Extrax Lights Out THCh + THCjd Live Resin Disposable Vape Pen in Ecto Cooler

#13: Mango Kush (Indica)

Mango Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid with a satisfying mango taste, with earthy hash undertones. It offers a moderate THC level, which is great for beginners, and it can make people feel weightless and giggly, while offering deeply soothing body effects that can alleviate tension.

Try: NAM Hemp CBD Flower Pre-Roll

#12: Suver Haze (Hybrid)

When it comes to hybrids, Suver Haze is one of the most iconic. This 50/50 strain is great for those seeking both stress relief and a boosted mood, and its spicy berry flavor profile is unmistakable.

Try: Pleasant Valley Farmacy Delta 8 THC Infused 5 Pack Pre-Rolls

#11: Granddaddy Purple (Indica)

This strain may not be a hip newcomer, but it’s a legend on the market for a reason. With 27% THC, it’s also super strong, while offering a tasty grape flavor profile. This is a popular bedtime strain, because it can obliterate your body and mind, leaving you sleepy beyond belief.

Try: CBD For the People X2 Uncut Full Spectrum Hemp CBD Wax Vape Cartridge

#10: Strawberry Shortcake (Hybrid)

An easy fan favorite, Strawberry Shortcake is a relatively balanced hybrid with about 18-23% THC. Its flavor of juicy strawberries and sweet cream is good reason alone to try it. But, this uplifting, creativity-boosting strain is great to enjoy solo or with friends, as it won’t ever make you feel too out of it. It’s a great choice for ADHD due to its focus-enhancing effects.

Try: Realize THCA + D8 Diamond Disposable Live Resin Vape Bar

#9: Fruit Punch (Sativa)

Fruit Punch is a sativa-dominant hybrid that’s gotten a lot of hype in the last year, with a flavor profile that’s outstandingly delicious, like its namesake. This 70/30 cultivar has about 25% THC, and produces a lazy high that can have you giggling over nothing for hours on end.

Try: Wild Orchard THCA Diamonds Live Resin .5G Disposable Vape Pen

#8: Blackberry Kush (Indica)

A pure indica, Blackberry Kush is every bit as delicious as it is enormously beneficial, with the ability to ease the worry in your mind and get you into an utterly chill space which could come in handy at nighttime. It’s got about 20% THC, plus a surprising 2% CBN.

Try: Rift Escape Pod Delta 8 THC 3G Mini Disposable Box Device

#7: Candy Man (Sativa)

Then, we’ve got Candy Man, a rare but increasingly popular sativa-dominant hybrid that offers a staggering 28% THC. This strain can get you feeling chatty and giggly, all while offering a warm and tingly body buzz that feels downright pleasurable. It’s also got a dreamy-sweet taste that keeps you coming back for more.

Try: Happy Times High Delta 9 + 11-OH-THC Live Resin Disposable Vape Pen

#6: Orange Creamsicle (Sativa)

Orange Creamsicle is a mouthwatering sativa that tastes like its name, with notes of juicy oranges and creamy vanilla. This uplifting strain can make you feel utter happiness, with a sense of underlying relaxation so that the high never gets too stimulating. It offers a moderate 15-17% THC, so it’s also great for newbies.

Try: Farma Barn THCA Flower

#5: Bubba Kush (Indica)

This is easily one of the most sought-after indicas (80/20) of all time, due to its lights-out effects that can have you couchlocked and in a state of deep, intense bliss for hours. The flavor profile is unique, with notes of chocolate, coffee, and spices, while the 27% THC level is out of this world.

Try: Blue Moon Hemp Delta 8 THC Bubba Kush Pre-Rolls 20 Pack

#4: Milk and Honey (Sativa)

Milk and Honey is a deeply delicious strain that’s super rare, and outstandingly tasty with its creamy and sweet notes. The strain is known to offer some of the most phenomenal mood effects possible, providing a sense of calm ease and contentment for hours at a time.

Try: Pops Premium Clarity Series THCA + D9P + D10 + D8 2G Disposable Vape Pen

#3: Cereal Milk (Hybrid)

Cereal Milk is a 50/50 hybrid with a sweet n’ creamy taste, and about 23% THC. This strain supplies the perfect balance of chill vibes and utter joy, putting you into a state of bliss for both the body & mind without feeling too heavy at any time.

Try: IndaCloud Beast Mode THCA Live Resin Diamonds 6G Disposable Vape Pen

#2: Gushers (Indica)

Gushers is a huge deal on the market right now, and has launched many a spinoff offspring due to its popularity. Its candy-like taste is just the beginning, as this moderately potent strain can give you a stunning body high that’s intensely relaxing, and relax your mind to the point that you can’t think of anything for more than a split second at a time.

Try: Binoid THCA Live Rosin Diamond Wax Dab in Gusherz

#1: Wedding Cake (Hybrid)

Wedding Cake is one of the best-selling strains right now, leaning 60% indica, with 27% THC for a powerful high. This strain is absolutely delicious, with notes of vanilla cake and fruit. This high begins off intensely euphoric and giddy, before knocking out negativity and making you feel delightfully sleepy.

Try: Hemplitude Infiniti Blend Live Rosin 5G Disposable Vape Pen in Wedding Cake

Try These Strains and More at The Calm Leaf Today!

If you’re looking for some strain inspo, we’ve got you with these 30 standout cultivars that are catching lots of attention in 2024. At The Calm Leaf, you can explore these and many, many more, in all kinds of cannabinoids, product types, and more. Check out our catalog today!