5 Famous California Cannabis Strains

In the ever-expanding lexicon of idolized California cannabis strains, countless cultivars beg to be placed on a pedestal. We narrowed down our list to five of the most influential and highly sought-after Cali strains. Written by Lucas Indrikovs.

In the ever-expanding lexicon of idolized California cannabis strains, countless cultivars beg to be placed on a pedestal. Gelato, Green Crack, Wedding Cake, Granddaddy Purple, and Zkittles are just five strains among thousands that many consider to be their absolute favorites.

It’s become increasingly difficult to compare and contrast the influences that certain California cannabis cultivars have had on the culture, from consumers to breeders and growers alike. With respect to all the esteemed cannabis variations that California has had the pleasure to experience, we narrowed down our list of the most influential and highly sought-after strains to these five due to their impact on the culture, the industry, and the world of cannabis consumption.

Probably the most legendary strain in California cannabis cultural history, the OG Kush strain hit the streets in the 90s thanks to Matt “Bubba” Berger bringing his lovely game-changing plants from Florida to the Golden State. But there are other theories like OG Kush is originally from the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan or that the strain originated in the San Fernando Valley by crossing Chemdawg X Lemon Thai X Pakistani Hindu Kush landrace strains.

Whichever story you choose to believe in, OG Kush has unquestionably become a status symbol in the pantheon of cannabis cultivars. Thanks to the herbal, skunky, sour flavors reminiscent of a rosemary-lemon polenta cake and the giggly, relaxed, cerebral effects it offers to the consumer, OG Kush is legendary with musicians, actors, and cannabis enthusiasts alike.

To claim that OG Kush is the mother of hundreds, if not thousands, of cannabis cultivars since it was introduced to the world in the 90s may sound ridiculous, but in reality, it’s probably an understatement. Tahoe OG , Bubba Kush , SFV OG , Fire OG , Headband , True OG , GSC ! These are just a few of the countless cultivars that OG Kush has helped bring into the world.

Originating in the San Francisco/Bay Area, GSC (aka Girl Scout Cookies) has spread the gospel of cannabis around the globe, becoming a cultural sensation. It is OG Kush’s strongest opponent in the battle for the most legendary cannabis strain. Bred by the infamous Cookies Family , responsible for other beloved cultivars like Cherry Pie and Gelato, the GSC strain is a cross of F1 Durban Poison X OG Kush. F1, usually standing for “first-generation,” is actually a secret cross of Durban Poison and a mystery strain adding to the legend of this fabled cultivar.

The flavors of the GSC strain are the primary causes of the cultivar’s infamy. Tasting almost like a freshly baked kush cookie, your taste buds are smacked from the first drag of GSC with a cherry-lemon nuttiness that has fueled countless munchie marathons for cannabis consumers in the last ten years.

The cerebral euphoria experienced by the consumer hits both the mind and the body with paralyzing effects that lock you in a state of introspection until the tingly body buzz settles into an energized feeling. The GSC cannabis strain has also birthed many cherished cultivars like Do-Si-Dos , Sherbert , Animal Cookies , Gelato , and Thin Mint. GSC and the Cookies Family deserve kudos from every enthusiast that has had the pleasure to experience the fruits of their labor.

Named after the cannabis advocate and author of the groundbreaking opus criticizing the US government’s policy on cannabis, “ The Emperor Wears No Clothes ,” Jack Herer is often described as the father of the West Coast legal cannabis movement. A figure like Jack deserves commemoration and a cannabis strain that stands up to its esteemed namesake.

Bred by Sensi Seeds based out of Amsterdam, the Jack Herer strain has become one of the most celebrated cannabis cultivars in California history. A cross of Haze X Northern Lights #5 X Shiva Skunk, Jack Herer flower carries a reputation for its cerebral, thought-provoking effects that can slow down time and change consumers' perception of the world around them in just one puff.

With Pine-Sol aromas and flavors that bubble up memories of grandma’s sage-infused lemonade, Jack Herer’s spicy floral notes and lemony pine overtones delight the senses. The bright neon emerald buds with chunky orange hairs and golden trichomes have compelled many growers to cultivate their own variations of the seminal Sativa-dominant strain. Lemon Jack , Jackwreck , Jack Diesel, and Jack Flash 5, just to name a few.

Sour Diesel has become synonymous with quality cannabis. Like many 90’s strains, Sour Diesel has no birth certificate making its lineage highly debated. Some claim it is a cross of 91 Chemdawg X Mass Super Skunk; others argue that it's a product of crossing a Mexican landrace Sativa cultivar with a Chemdawg phenotype.

Whatever the true lineage of the Sour Diesel strain may be, the effects are unmatched when pitted against any strain in the cannabis lexicon, which is why it is so revered by cannabis consumers worldwide. The invigorating cerebral high clears the path for your creative neurons and inspires creative thought, making it an ideal daytime smoke.

Sour Diesel can propel productivity , be used for infused recipes like Action Bronson’s Bucatini pasta, and has been heralded on shows like Broad City. Many cultivars are descendants of this legendary strain, like Cannatonic , Super Sour Diesel , and Sour Tangie. Once you’ve tried Sour Diesel flowers , concentrates , and vape carts , you’ll quickly realize what makes this strain so adored by the masses.

Born and raised in beautiful, sunny California, Blue Dream has been a part of cannabis culture for less than 20 years and has already staked its claim as one of the most sought-after strains in canna-history. A cross between DJ Short’s Blueberry X Super Silver Haze, the Blue Dream strain has been a top seller in California and has dominated global markets.

Maybe it’s the immediate energizing lift a consumer experiences that motivates you to deep clean your car and provide you with enough focus actually to finish the job. Maybe it’s the combination of energy, focus, and the resulting body relaxation that makes it a perfect mid-day smoke for productive canna-sseurs. Or perhaps it’s the flavors and aromas evocative of fresh blueberry strudel topped with refreshing vanilla ice cream.

Whatever the reasons may be as to why Blue Dream is so treasured, one thing is for sure. This strain will help you find your happy place within an unpredictable world where a day by the beach, with a bowl of Blue Dream in hand, is all the escape we need in our everyday lives.