Cannabis Cultivars: An A-Z List of Cannabis Strains & Their Effects

Cannabis culture is shifting worldwide, with debates surrounding the benefits of cannabis evolving into a much broader conversation, from pain relief and mental health to creativity and relaxation. On top of this, cannabis cultivation is growing equally diverse, with more growers curating cannabis strains to fit a wide range of criteria and intended use cases and effects.

Today, every cannabis strain has its own flavours and mind/body effects. Some lift your spirits, others help you settle into your evening chill. And as interest mounts about personal cultivation (especially in states where the law allows it) more and more people are starting to look into cannabis seeds and what they’re actually planting.

Want to learn more about the buds in your weed bowl? This A–Z guide offers a quick, easy-to-read snapshot of some of the most popular strains out there, from the legendary favourites to the lesser known hidden gems.d

Amnesia Haze is a potent sativa-dominant hybrid that has become one of the most popular strains amongst growers. It’s a strain that easily transforms a regular day into a sunny, buzzy escapade, which makes it perfect for social situations or creative projects. Its citrusy, earthy taste profile is just the cherry on top of its energising vibe.

But don’t let the playful name deceive you, this strain is no joke. It’s not unusual for first-timers to feel a little overstimulated, so be sure to ease into it. Great for day use, Amnesia Haze offers clarity, motivation, and that type of feel-good tingle that everyone’s after.

Black Domina is a cross of several potent indicas, and it shows, this is the one you call on when you want to check out of life and into your bed. Think pain-busting, deeply relaxing and rich, full, spicy flavours with a hint of peppery sweetness.

It’s especially popular among those who deal with insomnia or chronic pain. One toke and your muscles might just sigh in relief. If you’re after a moody, late-night wind-down strain, Black Domina might just become your new favourite go-to.

The offspring of Blueberry and Haze, the Blue Dream strain has become the talk of the town, and for a good reason too. This strain offers a dreamy combination of heady stimulation and body relaxation, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

It’s ideal for anyone new to cannabis or looking for a reliable all-rounder. The sweet berry aroma is hard not to love, and the effects are smooth, which is why it’s often used to treat stress, depression, and mild aches and pains without knocking you out cold.

True sativa strains like Durban Poison are a rarity these days, and this one’s a gem. Straight out of South Africa, it’s famous  for its energising, clear-headed high, making it an ideal strain to consume in the daytime, or when you’re trying to get stuff done without the jitters. 

Taste-wise, it’s sweet and a little bit spicy, and it’s often used by people suffering from fatigue, anxiety and low mood thanks to the clarity and uplift that it brings. If you’re trying to tick off your to-do list or just want to feel more alive during your day, Durban Poison is a top choice.

Gorilla Glue aka GG4 is a famously sticky strain (hence the name), famous for being a potent hybrid that hits with both barrels. It delivers heavy euphoria and relaxation, often described as a full-body melt. If you’re hoping to get something done after smoking some GG4, chances are you won’t. 

With earthy and piney undertones, GG4 is a go-to for experienced users who are looking to relieve anxiety, pain, and insomnia. Just don’t make any plans, this one’s best loved when you can fully sink into the couch for the rest of the day.

Named in honour of the famous cannabis activist, Jack Herer is a strain that deserves all the praise. It offers up a clear-headed, buzzy sativa high with a touch of mellow body relaxation, perfect for getting things done or having a conversation without feeling strung out.

This strain also has a lovely pine-citrus flavour profile, making it a fresh and tasty option. Whether you’re writing, walking or simply vibing, Jack Herer clears your mind enough to stay focused and smooths out the edges.

Not as popular as some of the others on this list, Kali’s Mystery (sometimes referred to as Kali Mist) makes the cut for its unique effects. A slightly mysterious hybrid (as the Hindu God-inspired name would imply), it leans towards the dichotomy of a relaxed body high with an oddly alert mental effect. 

Users say it’s great for relaxing without falling asleep, almost meditative. If you're into mindfulness, art, or just a chilled out weekend of waking and baking, Kali's Mystery might just scratch your itch.

Old-school and still-beloved, Master Kush provides a hefty indica punch without the excessive brain fog. It’s relaxing but not sedating, which is perfect for those evenings when you want to shut off but still be able to hold a decent conversation that doesn’t annoy everyone else at the table. 

There’s a nice earthy, citrusy flavour with this one, smooth on the exhale. If you’re after a calming experience without completely zoning out, Master Kush has your back.

This citrusy sativa-dominant hybrid has taken off in recent years. As the name implies, Mimosa offers an upbeat, brunchy kind of high, happy, sociable and well-suited for daytime use. 

With its orange and tropical aromas, it’s definitely a go-to for mood boosting and brain clarity. But a fair warning, like its namesake drink, you’ll want to go easy. If you overdo it, you might find yourself more sluggish than you intended. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

If you’re in the market for a hard-hitting sativa dominant strain with a strong brain buzz and energised feeling, Moby Dick is your whale (sorry, we had to). It’s powerful, and we mean powerful, and most definitely not for beginners.

That said, people who’ve used it for a while seem to adore it for the productivity and mental sharpness they seem to get from it. Great for those with creative work to do, or even just a deep cleaning session with loud music and focus mode on.

Northern Lights is legendary for good reason. This pure indica delivers a soothing, sedative high that’s ideal for sleep, pain, and stress relief. It’s one of those strains that feels like a warm, fuzzy blanket wrapped around your body on a chilly winter evening. 

Given its earthy, mildly sweet taste, and its deep body effects, it is generally recommended for night-time use. If you’re looking to turn off all the way, this strain is a go-to classic.

Purple Kush is all about deep relaxation. Another pure indica, it offers a long-lasting body high with minimal mental stimulation, making it perfect for winding down after a long day.

The flavour is full, think grapes and berries with an earthy kick. It’s a go-to for anxiety, insomnia, and anyone looking to turn the world off for a few minutes.

Zesty and zingy, Special Lime Haze is a sativa-dominant strain that gives a refreshing boost of energy and focus. Perfect for mornings or early afternoons when you need a pick-me-up.

It’s fruity and a bit tangy, and it leaves most users feeling creative and extra chatty. If you’re into a weekend wake-and-bake with the crew, this one’s a top candidate for a productive and cheery day.

This hybrid is a rock star and for good reason. White Widow is both euphoric head high with gentle physical relaxation, making it absolutely perfect for casual use or social settings. 

The flavour? Earthy and slightly spicy. The effect? Centred, calm and creatively charged without knocking you out under its weight. It’s also a great option for beginners, thanks to its balanced nature. So, if you’re new to the green game, this one could be your perfect starter strain.

Finally, we have ZKittlez: a sweet, fruity indica-leaning hybrid that’s all about laid back vibes and feel-good times. This strain offers a mellow high with a light head buzz, ideal for evenings when you just want to relax without knocking out.

Its candy-sweet flavour is exactly what you’d expect, and it has been a standby for calming nerves lifting moods. Low-key, tasty, and delightfully peaceful, a solid way to round out any session.

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Knowing your strains can help you elevate your smoking experience, namely by helping you pick the best plant based on the effects and sensations you’re after. And with cannabis seeds becoming more accessible, the ability to curate your own stash is guaranteed to elevate your personal benefits from using cannabis. 

Just remember: know your limits, know your strain, and always check your local laws. With the right knowledge, you can turn a casual interest into a more considered, enjoyable experience, whether you’re lighting up, winding down, or growing your own.