California is the first state in the United States to ever legalize cannabis for both medicinal and recreational purposes. With that being said, a lot of manufacturers have created varying strains to provide different feelings of high to accommodate what people seek. For those venturing into the use of cannabis, there are plenty of strains they can try out. These are the five most popular cannabis strains in California. 

Most popular cannabis strains in California 

Now, of course, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder — so opinions fluctuate wildly. And, the cannabis strains listed below are not for everyone. So always do your homework before you indulge. Some variants may not be suitable for those who are new to the entire cannabis scene. Do proceed with caution and always educate yourself regarding these strains and their dosage. 

1. Runtz (24% average THC level, 50-50 Indica and Sativa) 

First on our list is a hybrid strain that has gained popularity among the community of cannabis users. We have its potency, flavor, and effects on the body and mind to thank for that. 

First off, Runtz is a mix between the Gelato and Zkittles strains, respectively. These two strains are popular on their own, and now that they have been combined to form an entirely new strain, people love it. 

The taste has hints of sweet, fruity flavors, making it easier for people to consume them. Furthermore, this strain’s potency is ideal because it allows users to fully experience the euphoric and calming high without putting them into a vegetative state. 

Do take note though, as this strain is not suitable for newbies. The THC levels are too high and people who are starting out might not be able to handle its effects. Again, the high that people get off of Runtz is powerful, so it is only advisable for those who are used to consuming cannabis. 

Lastly, Runtz can be used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. People who experience anxiety, persistent pain, difficulty sleeping, depression, and appetite loss frequently turn to this strain for relief.

2. Wedding Cake (25%-27% THC level, 60% Indica and 40% Sativa)

Another hybrid-type strain is wedding cake, also referred to as Pink Cookies. Like the Runtz strain, this offers a fruity taste once consumed. Overall, it offers a good balance of flavor and strength. 

A majority of people have shared that a Wedding Cake’s aftertaste is similar to that of vanilla. Moving on to the effects, once consumed, it makes users feel relaxed, calm, and happy. Of course, this goes without saying that it only applies to those who have been consuming cannabis for quite some time. 

Given the high THC level of this particular strain, it may cause several concerning side effects. For instance, with the Wedding Cake strain, users may end up with red eyes and cottonmouth. Then there are cases where the effects are a lot more severe. 

Some experience feelings of dizziness, anxiety, and even paranoia. So, users must proceed with caution. But despite this strain’s side effects, people still want to get a taste of it. 

The Wedding Cake strain is popular for recreational and medicinal use for good reasons. People enjoy the uplifting effect it gives them in times where they want to relax themselves. On the other hand, people who want to treat their anxiety, pain, and depression seek this strain as it has the ability to treat them short-term. 

3. Bubba Kush (18% THC level, 80% Indica and 20% Sativa)

The third Indica-dominant strain on this list is Bubba Kush. Yet another hybrid strain that is combined with Bubble Gum and Kush, it gives users a very calming yet strong feeling of euphoria. 

The effects of this strain specifically have a strong physical impact as opposed to a mental one. Some things to note about this strain are that users will most likely crave food, so it would be best to have snacks on hand. 

As for its taste, it shares a mix of earthy and nutty elements with a dash of sweetness. Arguably, the scent is one of this strain’s biggest strengths. Once users get a whiff of this, they will be reminded of a calming day at a coffee shop. 

This strain is very well-liked because it is regarded as one of the OGs in producing a calming effect for its users. On a side note, it also offers other long-lasting effects on the body as well, such as body buzz, ultra focus, and cerebral stimulation. 

Moreover, users keep coming back to this strain because it is able to help them cope with physical tension and is ideal for those who need a positive diversion from intense pessimistic thoughts and emotions. 

In order to avoid problems, users must be aware of Bubba Kush’s side effects. Individuals that need to be awake during the day to deal with work and other business must not take this as it has a side effect that will make them sleepy. 

Users who have mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as those who are prone to stress, should use this strain with caution as it may have serious side effects when used in high doses. They must always take note of their limits to avoid paranoia, stress, and anxiety. 

4. Girl Scout Cookies (17%-28% THC level, 60% Indica and 40% Sativa)

This hybrid strain is believed to be made up of a combination of OG Kush and other hybrid strains like Durban Poison. Some say that GSC is an offspring of other strains as well, such as OG Kush and Cherry Pie. That being said, the strains that make up GSC are what make it tremendously popular among users. The effects users get off of this strain are something they seek to feel over and over again. 

The scent varies per the description of users. Some say that the aroma is spicy; others say it is sweet, citrus-y, or minty. Simply put, the type of aroma people end up with depends on how they were harvested and cured. 

The flavor of this strain is often reported to be minty or zesty. Apparently, users claim that some GSC batches can taste rather different from time to time, depending on where they got them. Some GSCs taste mintier due to the strong presence of Durban Poison. Meanwhile, the zesty taste comes from the OG Kush strain. 

Onto the effects of this strain, once consumed, users will feel a combination of body-heavy and mental high. It gives a relaxing and uplifting effect, but at the same time, it causes one to be couch-locked. Bearing this in mind, it is not ideal to consume this strain during the day. The best time to consume them is when one has nothing else to do and is seeking a night of relaxation. 

As for side effects, GSC is one of the few strains to have one. Dry mouth is the most common side effect that most users experience. Then there are a few others that experience dry eyes and fatigue. 

The easiest way to treat the side effect of having a dry mouth is to hydrate oneself by drinking refreshments. Of course, water will be the best thing to drink. On a side note, people may opt for orange juice if they want to intensify their high. Orange juice has the ability to increase THC levels and keep the body hydrated at the same time. 

GSC can be used both medically and recreationally, but there are some restrictions that medical cannabis users must abide by to avoid aggravating their condition. 

Here is a guide for medical cannabis users: 

  • For chronic and severe pain it is best to use the highest dose for this strain to take effect (edibles or concentrate would be the best form to take). 
  • Loss of appetite and nausea (edibles, concentrate, or smoking a high dose of GSC is recommended) 
  • Depression, stress, and other mental disorders (smoking the is the most recommended way of consume the strain). Both edibles and concentrates are not recommended for those diagnosed with mental disorders as it may further worsen their conditions. 

5. Mimosa (17%-30% THC level, 70% Sativa and 30% Indica)

The last strain on the list is the only one that is mental-heavy. Mimosa is a hybrid strain made up of Clementine (sativa) and Purple Punch (indica). Since it took off in 2017, it has only grown in popularity from there. Given that when it is consumed, it provides users with a cerebral high thanks to its potent sativa content. 

Coming from a family of citrus strains, Mimosa gives off an orangey scent with a hint of sour notes. To give a better description of its aroma, think of what sweet and sour candies smell like. Some users describe Mimosa as having a floral scent to it as well as earthy tones. 

In terms of its flavor, Mimosa tastes exactly like it smells, making it a treat for anyone that consumes it. 

Once this strain is consumed, the effects it has on people make them happy, energetic, and focused. Basically, people start their days filled with euphoria. Taking this into account, it is better to take them before kicking the day off rather than take them at night. 

Mimosa also causes one to have a bigger appetite than usual. 

Mimosa consumption can have side effects, such as dry mouth and eyes. For those with a low tolerance to THC, the same cannot be said. Why? They are prone to having more complicated side effects such as dizziness, anxiety, and paranoia. 

In regards to medical uses, Mimosa affects medical cannabis users as follows:

  • Stress levels are reduced. 
  • Mood disorders are addressed. 
  • Alleviates joint and muscle pain and headaches. 
  • Energizes individuals diagnosed with chronic fatigue. 
  • Reduces feeling of nausea. 

Overall, this strain is quite strong; therefore, it is not recommended for novices to consume.

We cannot stress enough that whatever works for one, doesn’t work for all. To avoid unpleasant surprises, always do your research and test new strains cautiously!