The physical and mental effects of vaping, smoking, eating, or applying a cannabis cream have a lot to do with the specific strain. High CBD strains are the most potent for whatever condition they treat.
If you’re unfamiliar with cannabis strains, here’s a quick rundown. A strain of cannabis is determined by a plant’s genetics. The strains below could be used in Canada’s best CBD oil formulations but often smoked or vaped in flower form.
Despite the convenience of using topical CBD creams or popular edibles such as CBD gummies, many prefer flower. The list below is for education purposes and most strains can be found at online dispensaries.
Types of Cannabis Strains: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid.
The indica genetics originate from India, and indica-heavy strains are known to cause extreme relaxation. Sativa strains are known to be more energizing, and they can even boost creativity and productivity levels.
Hybrids are a mix between the two, which means a hybrid strain possesses both indica and sativa characteristics. In addition to the type of strain, marijuana is often characterized by its THC vs CBD levels. Because so many cannabis users are looking for the high effects.
Many cannabis growers focus on cultivating strains that are high in THC levels. But all that is changing now that more cannabis users are more interested in the therapeutic effects of CBD.
There are a few well-known strains that have extremely high CBD levels and virtually no THC. The most famous of these is called Charlotte’s Web. This strain became famous after saving a young girl’s life.
Charlotte Figi was on the verge of death from battling with a seizure disorder called Dravet Syndrome. But after just one dose of this strain, her seizures dramatically decreased.
Information on Highest CBD Strains in Canada
Charlotte’s Web may be the most well-known CBD strain in Canada, but it certainly isn’t the only CBD-heavy strain out there. If you’re hoping to take advantage of the therapeutic effects of cannabidiol, here are a few popular high CBD strains in Canada:
Lifter (Hybrid)
Lifter was born and bred by the Oregon CBD company, so it’s a no-brainer that this hybrid strain is jam-packed with CBD (up to 18%). On the flip side, the THC content is less than .1% for most Lifter crops, meaning the ratio between the two is a whopping 180:1.
Tatanka Pure CBD (Indica)
Tatanka dishes out a heavy dose of CBD and this strain was specifically created by Royal Queen Seeds with anxiety-relief in mind. Named after the leader and medicine man of a Lakota Indian tribe, this indica produces between 9 and 14% CBD with THC that never goes above 0.25%. So on a really good day, your Tatanka Pure CBD could have 56:1 CBD to THC.
Cherry Wine (Hybrid)
With 12% CBD and about 0.3% THC, there’s a lot to love about Cherry Wine, and it’s not just the 40:1 ratio. This uplifting strain gives off strong aromas of sweet cherries and spicy black pepper, and you might even waft hints of cheesy goodness.
Purplematic CBD (Indica)
With 17% CBD and 0.5% THC, this 34:1 CBD-dominant allows you to remain fully functional. Because it has about 90% indica genetics, Purplematic CBD is definitely meant for pain relief and insomnia treatment.
Valentine X (Hybrid)
Valentine X is the perfect 50/50 hybrid for anyone who’s got CBD on the brain. It has a 25:1 CBD to THC content and usually contains around 14% cannabidiol. It has remarkable healing properties, but some people prefer it because it sparks creativity.
Ringo’s Gift (Hybrid)
Ringo’s Gift, yet another hybrid strain, gets its strong CBD genes from Harle-Tsu and ACDC parents. The CBD fluctuates around 11% and the low THC values (it’s a 24:1 CBD to THC ratio) make this the perfect choice for relaxation without the psychoactive high.
Remedy (Indica)
The name “Remedy” says it all. Since this indica hybrid cross between Afghan Skunk and Cannatonic has around 13% CBD with a 21:1 ratio of CBD to THC, it’s the perfect remedy for medical patients seeking relief through cannabidiol.
Joanne’s CBD (Hybrid)
Joanne’s CBD isn’t quite as well known as most high CBD strains, but this 50/50 hybrid has definitely made an impression. Every Joanne’s bud has a solid offering of 15% CBD and about 0.75% THC, giving it a 20:1 balance between the two.
Solomatic CBD (Hybrid)
Solomatic CBD is another strain from Royal Queen Seeds that was specifically created with CBD lovers in mind. It can have up to 21% CBD and never contains more than 1%, consistently giving it a 20:1 ratio. Most cannabis users agree that this is medicinal weed at is finest.
ACDC (Hybrid)
The amount of CBD to THC in ACDC makes it a CBD lover’s ideal strains. ACDC features a 20:1 ratio, meaning there’s 20 times more CBD than THC, and an impressive 14% CBD.
Harle-Tsu (Hybrid)
Harle-Tsu has a virtually non-existent amount of THC, but that doesn’t stop it from reaching an impressive 20% CBD. Let’s say it’s about a 20:1 ratio, giving it very similar effects to other hybrid CBD strains like Solomatic and ACDC.
Charlotte’s Web (Sativa)
Of course, we can’t leave Charlotte’s Web out of this list. This is possibly the most well-known CBD-heavy strain known to man, famous for helping to treat a young epileptic girl named Charlotte. The 13% CBD paired and super low THC content make this a great sativa choice for anyone.
Cannatonic (Hybrid)
Cannatonic is a unique hybrid that produces a mellow, relaxing high thanks to its 10% CBD. Even though the feelings following Cannatonic are somewhat short-lived, this 15:1 strain has a lot going for it, so don’t be surprised if you can’t get enough of the sweet and citrusy Cannatonic flavours.
Sour Space Candy (Hybrid)
Sour Space Candy is another Oregon CBD creation. It’s a blend between Sour Tsunami and Early Resin Berry, two strains that are well-respected for their CBD dominance. The flavors between sweet and sour make this an enticing choice, especially for cannabis smokers, but let’s not forget about what’s most important – the 16% CBD and 15:1 ratio.
Sour Tsunami (Hybrid)
This mix of Sour Diesel and NYC Diesel has redefined the medicinal qualities of cannabis for the better. With less than 1% THC and 12% CBD, Sour Tsunami won’t get you high, but this 12:1 ratio will leave you feeling relaxed, uplifted, and even a bit sleepy.
Harlequin (Sativa)
This is one of the most popular CBD-heavy strains available. The ratio of CBD:THC is 5:2 with testing around 9% cannabidiol, so there’s essentially no risk of experiencing a high. Harlequin’s sativa characteristics make it perfect for boosting alertness.
Stephen Hawking Kush (Indica)
Also known as SHK, Stephen Hawking Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid with strong CBD-heavy genetics. Even though it’s an indica, it won’t leave you feeling couch-locked or comatose. The lab tests almost always result in 10% CBD or higher, and the 5%-ish THC makes this the perfect 2:1 option.
Pennywise (Indica)
Similar to Remedy, Pennywise is another strong CBD indica hybrid. It’s a cross between Harlequin and Jack the Ripper and has a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC with most Pennywise lab tests reaching about 9% for both.
CBD Critical Mass (Indica)
Not to be confused with the original Critical Mass (which has about 18% THC), CBD Critical Mass is a 10% CBD indica strain that’s great for melting away anxiety and stress. The 1:1 ratio is ideal for helping with pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms while also creating a happy high.
Sweet and Sour Widow (Indica)
Sweet and Sour Widow was bred by the CBD Crew, a seed supplier that’s dedicated to providing cannabis growers with quality seeds for CBD-heavy strains. This one is mostly indica with about 8% CBD and a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio.
Royal Highness (Hybrid)
Royal Highness, another CBD strain brought to us by Royal Queen Seeds, has a nearly balanced THC and CBD ratio with cannabidiol values testing at about 8%. It may not be the most potent CBD strain, but it’s certainly well-liked for its sweet-and-fruity, skunky-and-spicy flavour profile.
CBD Blue Shark (Hybrid)
CBD Blue Shark is another 1:1 strain that’s packed with flavors of jasmine, berry, and yummy cheese thanks to its Blue Cheese ancestry. The CBD for this one usually tests at about 6.5%, but some CBD Blue Shark buds contain as much as 10%.
Elektra (Hybrid)
The Elektra hybrid strain is very similar to Sour Space Candy, mostly because they share one of the same parents (Early Resin Berry). If Elektra were a student, she would be getting straight As across the board when it came to CBD. This strain tests at about 16% and creates an energetic (and sometimes talkative) effect.
Canna-Tsu (Hybrid)
The Canna-Tsu strain has a balanced level of THC to CBD, but don’t let this stop you from trying it. Many experts believe that that the 10% CBD cancels out the effects of THC, even with a 1:1 ratio.
CBD Mango Haze (Sativa)
Any strain with “CBD” in the name is sure to have a high CBD content. This is the case for CBD Mango Haze, a 1:1 sativa that is perfect for mood improvement. With a fair 8% CBD, the main perk of Mango Haze is probably its yummy tropical flavour.