The Most Popular Hybrid Cannabis Strains of 2018

With the ever-changing cannabis market, it can be hard to keep with all the new strains and ways to consume them. It can also be hard to choose when looking at all the options present on the menu (indicas, sativas, hybrids, THC, CBD, oil, shatter, hash and pre rolls) with a line of people behind you. It can all be a bit overwhelming for the uninitiated. As with other things in life, sometimes too many options can be harder to deal with than if you had no choice at all.

Navigating the market to find the perfect strains for you doesn’t have to be difficult. Thankfully, many people are willing to share their experiences with different strains freely and these opinions can be a great resource when looking for something that will work for you. Keeping up with what’s popular right now will give you some confidence when making the decision on what varieties you may like.

Let’s take a look at some new and classic strains that are flying off dispensary shelves in 2018.

Girl Scout Cookies

Hailing from California, this super potent hybrid combines the strongest indica qualities of OG Kush along with the cerebral sativa characteristics of the F1 Durban strain. Girl Scout Cookies’ buds are reminiscent of Thin Mint cookies in flavor: slightly sweet and a bit peppery. Potency of the plants can top out at around 28% THC, and a little under 1% in CBD. The sativa is dominant in this hybrid, producing an energetic and creative high that can last for hours.

Girl Scout Cookies can be used to treat some chronic pain, although higher CBD strains may provide more relief. This strain excels at treating mental stress, anxiety and PTSD due to the extremely high level of THC.

Blue Dream

If you’re looking for an energetic high, then you’ll likely want a sativa or sativa-dominant hybrid. Blue Dream is a cross between the Blueberry indica plant – well known in the medicinal crowd – and the classic Haze sativa. CBD levels are very low in this strain: just enough to provide some mild relaxation without the sedative effects. A lot of flavor of the Blue Dream strain comes from the Blueberry side, with a sweet berry-like aroma and flavor.

Blue Dream is absolutely everywhere right now – and it’s not just the potency to thank for that. This hearty plant produces a ton of bud (some have reported up to 2 pounds per plant using optimum lighting); a grower’s dream. Although this strain is a clone-only hybrid, they’re cheap and widely available.

Skywalker OG

With any awesome strain, they will be cross-bred with anything and everything to find something special. Skywalker OG is an indica-heavy strain with a surprisingly high level of THC. Just like the OG Kush that it descends from, this strain will put you in a relaxed state. Aromas are spicy and earthy with a piney flavor carried down from the OG Kush line.

Users with inflammation and discomfort have noticed an improvement when consuming Skywalker OG flowers or concentrates. It’s great for relaxed social settings too, so consider these nugs if you’re looking to unwind.

Sour Cookies

Anyone that keeps up with cannabis strains should have seen this one coming from a thousand miles away. Sour Cookies is the cross between – you guessed it – the legendary Sour Diesel and the more recently-famous Girl Scout Cookies strains. If you’re a fan of the jet fuel aroma of Sour D, it’s definitely present here – with a slightly sweet aftertaste.

This bud is great for social settings and when you want a more energetic high. In small amounts, Sour Cookies can treat anxiety and fatigue; at higher doses, the potency may become overwhelming for the novice.

Gorilla Glue #4

Another potent child of the Sour Diesel lineage, Gorilla Glue #4 is said to be one of the most potent strains in the world. An accidental hybrid that occurred when a female plant unexpectedly pollinated a nearby neighbor, these plants produce thick, tarry resin that sticks like glue; that’s how it got its name. THC levels have been recorded as high as 32% from some growers. Despite the high THC levels, these nugs do produce sedative effects.

Gorilla Glue is recommended for treatment of mental disorders, especially OCD. Inexperienced users should go easy as this strain packs a punch, though it’s perfect for more seasoned tokers.

Gelato

As a very young strain, Gelato is still a work in progress. Commonly found in shops as dark green and purple nuggets that smell of orange zest and berry, the potency is high in this sativa dominant hybrid. This strain is said to have relaxing effects without the heavy sedation a strong indica would produce. Sufferers of chronic headaches or migraines may find some relief from them when consuming Gelato.

You may have trouble finding seeds or clippings if you’re wanting to grow Gelato yourself. Even if you do get your hands on this rarity, be prepared for a finicky plant. Buds are generally small and sparse on this cultivar; this strain is definitely not recommended for those new to growing cannabis.

Strawberry Cough

An older strain that is enjoying a resurgence of popularity, Strawberry Cough is a leggy sativa dominant hybrid. The story behind this cultivar is fragmented, but they seem to agree on one thing: the dominant traits from this breed originate with the Haze strains. The high is like other THC heavy varieties and comes on strong and fast. The effects of smoking Strawberry Cough are said to be energetic and euphoric with increased focus.

Growing these prized flowers for yourself can be relatively easy. There is some mystery behind the original genetics surrounding the clone-only and seed varieties; you’ll be pleased whichever way you decide to grow it, though. Yield can be average to low, but the quality of the harvest will more than make up for it.

With the momentum behind the recreational and medical cannabis market, it’s practically impossible to predict the next big strain. Leaps and bounds have been made in just the last year: expect a lot to change in the coming months. While popularity generally is a good measurement of quality and experience, you will have to try everything you can to truly know what’s best for you.