5 CBD Strains To Know

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of the most well-known and widely studied cannabinoids, second only to its cousin THC. CBD is loved for its calming properties and many potential medicinal benefits, and is often favored over THC by those wary of THC’s psychoactive effects. 

With that increasing popularity has come an increase in high-CBD strains available on the market. We’d like to highlight a few we’ve seen at our lab, and dive into the average chemical makeup of each. 

ACDC

A phenotype of Cannatonic, ACDC usually contains high levels of CBD, earning the nickname “CBD Queen.” With CBDa concentrations around 18%, it also frequently contains trace amounts of CBGa, CBCa, and THCa. 

Beta-Myrcene is typically the terpene with the highest concentration in this strain, followed by beta-pinene and beta-caryophyllene.

Cannatonic 

A cross between MK Ultra and G13 Haze, this hybrid strain is a favorite among medical patients for its mild high. Typically, flower samples we screen of this strain have between 10-20% CBDa concentration – the precursor cannabinoid to CBD – although we’ve seen as high as 24%.

This strain also usually contains low levels of THCa – the precursor cannabinoid to THC – at around 3-6% and trace levels of cannabinoids like CBGa and CBC. 

For terpenes, the highest concentration will usually be beta-myrcene, but low levels of d-limonene, beta-pinene, and beta-caryophyllene can be found as well. 

Charlotte’s Web

This strain was named in honor of Charlotte Figi, a young girl who was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, a form of epilepsy. Figi found great results in using this strain to treat her seizures, and experienced a significant reduction in seizure frequency and severity. 

Originally bred by the Stanley Brothers of Colorado, Charlotte’s Web flower will typically contain high levels of CBDa and low levels of THCa. In samples we’ve screened, the strain tests at about 15% CBDa on average with THCa levels at around 1-6%. You will also find trace amounts of CBGa and CBC.

The highest concentration of terpenes in this strain is usually a mix of linalool and beta-myrcene, although trace amounts of beta-caryophyllene, beta-pinene, and terpinolene are often found too. 

Pennywise

This hybrid strain is a great example of a 1:1 product, with CBDa concentrations at about 13-14% on average and THCa levels around 5%. This Stephen King inspired strain is a cross between Harlequin – another CBD-dominant strain – and Jack The Ripper.

For terpenes, this strain tends to have higher concentrations of limonene, beta-myrcene, and linalool with trace amounts of alpha-pinene and alpha-humulene. 

Shark Shock

Another 1:1 product, Shark Shock has CBDa levels testing usually at around 12-15% on average and THCa concentrations at about 5-8%. This is a common pick among medical patients trying to treat anxiety, as its effects are mostly calming and mellow. 

Other trace cannabinoids that can be found include CBGa, CBN and CBC. 

As far as terpenes go, beta-myrcene, d-limonene, and beta-caryophyllene are the most common in flowers of this strain. 

While the above information is typical of each strain, it is important to keep in mind that cannabinoid and terpene content can differ in strains from plant to plant, as growing conditions can have a significant impact on the plant’s chemical composition. Just because a plant is named a specific strain, does not ensure that it will be composed of that strain’s average chemical makeup and oftentimes, products are even mislabeled with incorrect strain names. 

Whenever searching for a certain cannabinoid in strains, it is always best to ask the provider for test results that list the product’s cannabinoid and terpene concentrations. For more information on the cannabinoids and terpenes mentioned in this blog and their potential benefits, check out The Cannabis Review.