Previously, everything cannabis related revolved around THC, but its non-psychoactive sister, CBD has been steadily on the rise thanks to its variety of recreational and medicinal uses. High CBD strains are favored by many for its low key, calming effects that can be just enough to take the edge off, yet still remain clear minded when you have an important presentation at work or are stressed out at home with the kids. Just be mindful of the CBD to THC ratio when choosing the best high CBD strain for your needs since any amount of THC will have at least a little bit of a psychoactive effect. In other words, you may still get a little high (especially with strains that have a 1:1 ratio).
Best high CBD strains
Harlequin
If you medicate regularly, Harlequin is one of the best high CBD strains to grow since it is a large plant that produces massive yields. This hybrid cannabis strain is sativa-dominant and has a CBD to THC ratio around 5:2. The CBD potency level often falls between 7% to 10% CBD. Harlequin is used by creatives since it produces alert, laser-focused effects that are also calming without making you sleepy or tired. Stoners love that this daytime strain allows them to relax, while working and remaining clear headed.
ACDC
If you require a potent punch of CBD, the ACDC strain is one of the strongest out there. Often testing at 20% or more CBD, ACDC is one of the most popular cannabis strains for medical patients trying to find relief. Named after the Australian rock band, this high CBD strain produces a fruity and earth-like aroma with uplifting, happy, and calming effects that also allows you to focus. The ACDC strain is a sativa-dominant hybrid and can be found with as little as 0.42% THC content.
Stephen Hawking Kush
Also shortened to SHK, this indica CBD strain is a unique gem in the CBD world thanks to its celebrated parentage. Named after the late scientific genius, this dry herb may not help you understand the cosmos, but it does promise a prominent berry and mint flavor combined with soothing effects. Medical patients use SHK to aid in pain management and nausea.
Sour Tsunami
As one of the first cannabis strains bred specifically to provide higher CBD content, Sour Tsunami has parented many of the best high CBD strains used today. Famous cannabis cultivator and activist, Lawrence Ringo spent four years crossing Sour Diesel and NYC Diesel to create this amazing medicinal cannabis strain. The sativa-dominant hybrid will have at least a 1:1 ratio, but can get as high as 4:1. It’s used to treat stress, anxiety, inflammation, and pain.
Harle-Tsu
With genetics from two popular cannabis strains already mentioned on this list, Harlequin and Sour Tsunami, this cross created a super powered CBD strain with virtually no THC content. This strain has CBD levels floating around 11% and is favored for its pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. It is also used for stress and anxiety relief. If you want to try growing Harle-Tsu at home, be warned that only about 75% of all seeds will have true CBD characteristics.
Ringo’s Gift
Dedicated to the cannabis activist and CBD trailblazer, Lawrence Ringo, this cannabis strain has some of the highest levels of CBD around. Created by crossing Harle-Tsu and ACDC, the genetics of Ringo’s Gift are unmatched. Available in several different phenotypes and CBD to THC ratios, you’ll need to ask your budtender what ratio the specific harvest has tested at, though some plants reach a ratio as high as 24:1. The earthy flavor and scent is followed by mellow mental effects that help users focus with a soothing body relaxation that isn’t overpowering for daytime use.
Other high CBD strains to try:
- Charlotte’s Web - Sativa with a 20:1 ratio and up
- Cannatonic - Hybrid with anywhere from 5:1 down to a 1:1 ratio
- Hammershark - Hybrid with a 1:1 ratio
- Cherry Wine - 45:1 hybrid with almost no THC
- Pennywise - 1:1 ratio indica strain
- Sweet and Sour Widow - Indica with a 1:1 ratio
Now that you’ve got a list of the best high CBD strains to try the next time you hit the dispensary, don’t forget about the smoking essentials. Visit our online smoke shop to get a new mini bong, dab rig, dry herb vaporizer , vape pen, rolling papers, scorch torch, herb grinder, rolling tray, weed storage container, and more!