How These 7 Strains Became Legendary In Cannabis Culture

There is a plethora of weed strains to choose from on today’s cannabis market, but certain standout strains have become iconic favorites in stoner culture. With so many unique and eclectic strains on the market, these familiar names are classics that any cannabis enthusiast can recognize. While niche local cultivars may be unheard of in other smoking circles, certain special strains have become part of a common language shared by stoners across the map. From experienced consumers to first-time users, and from the west to the east coast, these legendary strains foster a sense of cohesion and connectedness within cannabis culture.

Although popularity can vary depending on geographical locations and individual preferences, these seven popular cannabis strains have achieved their world-class legendary status for a combination of factors, such as potency, desirable effects, and aromas. Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or a newcomer to cannabis, these strains are classics that are essential to be familiar with. Trying new and niche cultivars is an exciting endeavor, but these strains are timeless treasures worth returning to, like a good comfort food or a classic movie. 

Let’s explore the histories of some of the more well-known strains that have withstood the test of time, becoming the strains of legend in cannabis lore.

Blue Dream

• Type: Hybrid
• Cannabinoids: THC 18%-21%
• Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene
• Effects: Calming, uplifted mood, increased focus

Originating in California, Blue Dream emerged in the early 2000s with the crossing of the strains Blueberry and Haze. The treasured sativa-dominant hybrid is celebrated for its happy balance of body/head effects, which are enjoyable for both long-time cannabis enthusiasts and cannabis newcomers alike. Today, Blue Dream is known as one of the most sought-after varieties on the market.

Consumers of Blue Dream typically report experiencing a combination of energy and focus alongside calmness and body relaxation without sedation, making it an excellent strain for mid-day use. With its balance of mood-lifting and bodily soothing effects, Blue Dream can offer benefits to individuals looking to relieve symptoms of anxiety, chronic stress, depression, or pain. The strain is also known to stimulate appetite, and can also be used to alleviate nausea. The strain’s characteristic flavors and aromas are reported to be evocative of fresh, sweet blueberry featuring subtle notes of pine. 

Sour Diesel

• Type: Hybrid
• Cannabinoids: THC 19%-25%
• Dominant Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene
• Effects: Increased energy, uplifted mood, creativity

Sour Diesel, also called “Sour D” and “Sour Deez,” is a 90s-era strain with a mysterious lineage that remains a topic of debate. Some cannabis connoisseurs claim the breed was created from a mix of Chemdawg and Skunk #1, while others would argue that Sour Diesel is a product of crossing a Mexican landrace Sativa with a Chemdawg phenotype. We may never know the true lineage of the Sour Diesel strain, but we do know that its effects are something special that has made this strain stand out among the rest as a legendary strain recognized by cannabis consumers worldwide.

The sativa-dominant hybrid is sought-after for its energetic cerebral high that inspires creative thought and propels productivity. These effects make the strain ideal for addressing symptoms such as depressed mood or issues with focusing. Sour Diesel is an ideal daytime use strain that also makes a great accompaniment to working on creative projects or socializing. The flowers’ potent scents have given this strain its name by featuring pungent aromas of fuel and lemon.

Durban Poison

• Type: Sativa
• Cannabinoids: THC 19%-25%, THCV 1%
• Dominant Terpenes: Terpinolene, Myrcene, Ocimene
• Effects: Mental clarity and focus, increased energy, uplifted mood

The legendary Durban Poison strain has become a standout icon in the cannabis community as a renowned Sativa strain. Originally discovered in the port city of Durban, South Africa by cannabis grower and activist Ed Rosenthal in the 1970s, this landrace strain is a pure sativa that provides a heavy hit with a high level of THC and a blend of terpenes that stimulate the senses. 

Durban Poison is known specifically for producing an energetic, euphoric uplift and cerebral rush that together can provide support to those experiencing depressed mood or trouble focusing, and it is a good strain for users seeking a strain to pair with creative projects or just general productivity. Regarding flavor and aromas, Durban Poison blends a sweet, earthy aroma with hints of citrus.

The Durban Poison strain has also been recognized as having a relatively high concentration of the cannabinoid THCV, which is considered a rare cannabinoid. THCV is a non-psychoactive compound that has shown some indication in animal studies that it could be useful as a potential treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Northern Lights

• Type: Indica
• Cannabinoids: THC 18%-22%
• Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene
• Effects: Relaxing, calming, euphoria, sedation

Considered one of the most famous and sought-after indicas on today’s cannabis market, Northern Lights is a shining example of a strain that has withstood the test of time. The precise origin of Northern Lights remains mysterious, but it is believed to have been bred from a crossing of Afghani and Thai landrace strains in the Pacific Northwest during the 1970s, but the strain was later propagated and perfected in Holland during the 1980s. 

Northern Lights is celebrated for its profound calming and euphoric effects. The strain’s powerful relaxing properties make it an excellent choice for alleviating anxiety and promoting good sleep. At the same time, its dreamy, blissful effects on the mind also contribute to providing relief for individuals experiencing depression. These characteristics also make Northern Lights an ideal strain for easing symptoms associated with pain and stress. The flowers come with spicy and sweet aromas. 

Haze

• Type: Sativa
• Cannabinoids: THC 18%-23%
• Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene
• Effects: Energized, creative, uplifted mood

Known also as “Original Haze,” “OG Haze,” or “Haze OG,” Haze’s original ancestors first took root in Santa Cruz, California during the 1960s. The strain has a diverse genetic heritage combining landrace sativas from Colombia, Thailand, Mexico, and South India. On top of this eclectic background, the strain has also contributed genetics to a countless other cultivars like Super Lemon Haze, Silver Haze, and the perennially popular strains Blue Dream and Jack Herer.

Haze is known for producing an exceptional cerebral high, inducing feelings of increased energy, creativity, and euphoria. This makes Haze ideal for medicinal users treating depressed mood or for any users looking for a strain to add to their next creative project or productive afternoon. Flavors are often described as citrusy with slightly sweet earthy, herbal undertones.

Granddaddy Purple

• Type: Indica
• Cannabinoids: THC 17%-23%
• Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene
• Effects: Relaxing, sedating, stimulates appetite

Nicknamed “Grand Daddy Purp,” “GDP,” or “Granddaddy Purps,” Granddaddy Purple initiated the early 2000s’ “purple” craze that had many cannabis enthusiasts seeking out coveted purple flowers. Bred and popularized by Ken Estes in 2003, this strain is known as a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud. While relatively newer than legacy strains like Northern Lights and Durban Poison, the Granddaddy Purple has established itself in the cannabis lexicon as an iconic indica with potent effects. The strain has even achieved celebrity endorsement as one of Snoop Dogg’s favorites!

Grandaddy Purple has been reported to give users the potent feelings of physical relaxation, sleepiness, and increased appetite, sometimes alongside a euphoric head high. These profound indica effects make Granddaddy Purple a good therapeutic match for consumers affected by pain, insomnia, appetite loss, and chronic stress or tension. The strain is also an ideal choice for users seeking deep relaxation, either after a long day or before going to bed. True to its name, Granddaddy Purple produces dense purple flowers that emit a sweet aroma featuring grape and berry tones.

OG Kush

• Type: Hybrid
• Cannabinoids: THC 20%-25%
• Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene
• Effects: Relaxing, euphoric, stimulates appetite

When it comes to legendary cannabis strains, few strains can outmatch the legacy of OG Kush. While the origin story of this iconic strain is debatable, it is often reported that this strain emerged onto the scene in the 90s when the cultivator transported the first specimens of his new breed—featuring lineages of Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and Hindu Kush—from Florida to Southern California. Whatever the actual story may be, it is undeniable that since then, OG Kush has spawned a vast number of popular cultivars, contributing its sought-after genetics to renowned strains such as Girl Scout Cookies (GSC), Headband, and Fire OG.

OG Kush is an indica-leaning hybrid with relatively high average levels of THC. Users often report feeling happy and relaxed, with some users also experiencing appetite stimulation or sedation as well. This makes OG Kush an ideal strain for addressing the needs of individuals with pain, anxiety, depressed mood, or nausea. Overall, OG Kush is a good strain for experiencing balanced effects, as it typically produces a euphoric head high alongside deep body relaxation. Aromas found in these buds are spicy, herbal, and altogether reminiscent of fuel. 

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of great lesser-known cultivars to choose from on the cannabis market, but certain strains have become legendary for a reason. These strains have captivated users with their unique qualities and effects over many years, becoming iconic favorites embedded in the lore of cannabis culture. While the strains mentioned in this article were selected for their lasting impact on the cannabis community, we couldn’t fit a number of other important breeds that deserve a shoutout, such as White Widow, Headband, Gelato, Maui Wowie, Acapulco Gold, Girl Scout Cookies, Jack Herer, Chemdawg, and Super Silver Haze. As the range of cannabis strains continues to grow, there are many new and emerging breeds to explore that are sure to be enjoyable and exciting, but these seven cannabis classics are simply timeless.