The modern era has witnessed an increasing shift of recreational pot-use towards the therapeutic and medical use of cannabis. And there is no denying the fact that improved energy levels, productivity and focus are one of the most sought-after benefits amongst today’s cannabis consumers. As you may have come across, a cannabinoid that particularly acts as an excellent natural energy booster is CBD.
From making rounds in the news headlines to trending on the internet, and extensively purchased in local dispensaries; CBD aka Cannabidiol is the hottest Cannabinoid in the market for all the right reasons.
It helps one feel relaxed without sedation and relived without intoxication unlike its euphoric sister, THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol),
However, the sudden emergence of tons of stimulating CBD strains in the market makes it overwhelming as well as challenging for the consumers to select the most suitable one. So, following we have outlined the best high-CBD strains for energy and mood-lifting:
1) ACDC
Have an endless list of home chores to do? Or have to tackle an important office project?
No worries!
ACDC comes to the Rescue…
It is one of the most popular Sativa-dominant CBD strains available in the market.
Descent of the Cannatonic family, ACDC is produced after crossing Cannatonic and Ruderalis which are both high CBD strains. It features a consistent CBD to THC ratio of 20:1.
B-pinene b-caryophyllene and a-pinene terpenes found in the strain lends it a woody, herbaceous flavour that tastes of pine.
With a CBD concentration as high as 20% and THC concentration as low as 0.42 to 6%, it works perfectly to reduce anxiety and make one feel relaxed as well as focused without any intoxicating effect. The strain can also heal migraine, inflammation, chronic pain, nausea and side-effects of chemo. However, the only drawback is it dries up the consumer’s mouth.
2) Ringo’s Gift
The name of this hybrid strain pays homage to the eminent marijuana activist and trailblazer in CBD genetic, Lawrence Ringo. It is produced from a brilliant cross of ACDC and Harle-Tsu.
There are several variants of the strain available with CBD and THC levels ranging from anywhere in between to a maximum of 24:1 ratio of CBD to THC. Just as in ACDC, the perfect contrast of a lush earthy and woody flavour with rich citrus hints makes Ringo’s Gift a pleasure to behold and consume.
Its mild and uplifting psychoactive aftereffects and the feeling of cerebral high makes it an ideal choice for use during the day. Also, it promises treatment for gastrointestinal disorders, PTSD, anxiety, muscle spasms, arthritis and chronic pain.
Don’t give it a second thought!
Just go ahead with Ringo’s Gift and crush the fatigue!
3) Super Lemon Haze
If boosting yourself up is your primary goal, then Super Lemon Haze is the strain for you!
It is created after breeding together Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze. This results in the formation of attractive nugs that characterize variant shades of green and orange streaks.
As is evident from the same, Super Lemon Haze boasts a citrusy flavour with undertones of sweet pine to counter the highly distinct lime taste. The Sativa-dominant hybrid is legally declared a hemp-based product despite containing ample of crystallization and Delta-9 THC.
The high volume of CBD that alters between 14 to 20% combines with a fixed 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol content to help you thoroughly enjoy and take advantage of the benefits of CBD without the sedating effects interfering with your daily life.
It is for all these reasons that Super Lemon Haze won the High Time Cannabis Cups twice in 2008 and 2009 at the Green House Seeds Competition.
4) Charlotte’s Web
If you are a cannabis lover who is sensitive to THC, then perhaps you can give Charlotte’s Web a shot! It is mostly famous for its myriad medical benefits than the recreational and is widely available as a CBD Oil in a lot of legal dispensaries.
Regarded as one of the best-known CBD strain, Charlotte’s Web has a fascinating story behind its introduction and name. Back in 2011, a mother of a 3-year old toddler, Charlotte Figi, found miraculous improvement in her daughter’s medical condition, Dravet syndrome which is severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy.
Since then, a lot of families have found success in the strain. According to a report in 2018, Charlotte Web accounted for 14% cultivation of the total hemp-based CBD market share.
This Indica-dominant cannabis strain is exceptionally effective with little to no psychoactivity because of its high CBD level of up to 20% in comparison to negligible THC. It predominantly constitutes of bisabolol, beta-myrcene, and caryophyllene terpenes.
Charlotte Web starts with a sweet citrus flavour and then quickly makes its way to a floral taste without making the users experience the high associated with THC.
Consumers commonly report using this strain to ease the symptoms of chronic pain, muscle spasms, migraine, arthritis, fibromyalgia and anxiety. Also, a study on paediatric patients with epilepsy highlighted that the strain is extremely useful in controlling seizures and cheering up the mood when used in a ratio of 27:1.
5) Harlequin
A favourite of the productive smoker, Harlequin is excellent for delivering a hit of energy during the day time. It is produced using the Nepali indica, Thai Sativa, Colombian Gold, and Swiss Sativa. The result is a 75% Sativa-dominant strain with a typical 5:2 CBD ratio to THC. The 8 to 16% CBD levels and 4 to 7% of THC imbues Harlequin with its signature ability to induce happiness with a non-sedating, mellow impact.
The terpenes (including myrcene, a-pinene, and b-caryophyllene) found in this strain gives it a musky, earthy flavour with an unbeatable contrast of sweet mango. Consumers can expect to feel more creative, more alert, reduction in inflammation and relief from migraine, pain and chronic syndromes.
Tip: Don’t forget to keep a water bottle beside you as you might experience a strong cotton-mouth after dosing Harlequin.
6) Harle-Tsu
First crossed by a North Californian CBD genetics company, SoHum Seeds, the name of Harle-Tsu is derived from it’s parents hybrid, Harlequin male and Sour Tsunami clone. Ever since it’s inception, the strain has received incredible appreciation and attention from consumers and researchers alike. It has also managed to secure the First Position for the Best CBD Flower Award at the Annual Emerald Cup in 2014.
Today, different companies produce the strain using different proportions of CBD to THC (typical being 20:1 CBD-to-THC ratio). Therefore, the strain can incorporate from anywhere between equal amounts to 20 times higher CBD than THC (though the average CBD content is 18% while THC is less than 1%).
Moreover, the terpenes in Harle-Tsu (including myrcene, ocimene, pinene, terpinolene and humulene) deliver a plethora of therapeutic benefits such as relief from PMS, PTSD, depression and joint pain.
To sum up, while boasting a woody, tea-like flavour, this strain is nothing less than a powerhouse that promises stress management, mental stimulation and mood enhancement.
Drawback: It is discovered as an appetite stimulant strain so can result in weight gain in the long-run.
7) Sweet CBD
Sweet CBD: A Treat for the Pipe as well as the Palate!
The origins of this hybrid CBD hemp flower can be traced back to Diesel family clone. Evidence suggests that this was the first of its kind CBD-only strain in which CBD content exceeded THC levels.
This strain has more sativa than indica, which according to users makes Sweet CBD a premier candidate to cure a plethora of diseases and conditions such as depression, lethargy, chronic pain, headaches, and trauma.
There are multiple varieties of Sweet CBD available in the market with each variant slightly differing in its CBD levels. However, Lab Tests conducted on the strain have demonstrated CBD levels ranging from 8-15% in contrast to 1% or less of THC.
For your reference, it unlocks an orangey or earthy aroma that instantly makes its way into a unique combination of cypress trees and mandarin oranges.
8) Cannatonic
If you are on a hunt for a marijuana strain with virtually no sedating or intoxicating effects, then you must go for Cannatonic.
Most commonly referred to as the “Queen of CBD”, Cannatonic was first manufactured by a Spain-based CBD Genetics Company, Resin Seeds as they mixed G13 Haze and MK Ultra.
The company launched this revolutionary product at Spannabis 2008 (Spain’s annual cannabis event). The introduction of this Sativa-heavy strain helped kick-start the CBD Movement. Since then, it holds the honour of being one of the best as well as the most celebrated marijuana strains for treating myriad medical conditions from, depression, mental illness to seizure disorders. Moreover, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties too.
Cannatonic incorporates high CBD content of up to 17% in contrast to minuscule THC traces that falls below 6%. All in all, it promises to render an unforgettable, stimulating experience.
Bonus: The prominence of limonene, b-caryophyllene, and myrcene terpenes attribute to a creative blend of citrus-filled and earthy flavour- reminiscent of the woodlands.
9) Trident
Trident is specifically bred for its high CBD yield, which is present almost in double the ratio of THC. It features 12% CBD levels in contrast to THC levels under 6%. The marijuana strain is quite famous for its medicinal properties like suppressing distractions, averting anxiety and stress.
Unlike other CBD strains which can primarily make you relaxed and some-what couch-locked, the low THC content and the high volume of CBD in Trident guarantees a restorative experience for both body and mind with mild to little psychoactive effects depending on your consumption.
10) Sour Tsunami
Sour Tsunami is renowned for its extremely high CBD content, which is often found at rates as high as 10–11% CBD to a moderate level of less than 10% THC.
This Sativa-dominant hybrid is effective in helping consumers stay mentally focused, relaxed, creative and alert without an overly intoxicating impact. People who use the strain also reported that it helps in mitigating the effects of anxiety, inflammation and chronic pain. However, one possible drawback is the potential for dry mouth.
Bonus: A potent anti-inflammatory agent, the terpenes and oils in Sour Tsunami combine synergistically to calm mental agitation
11) Valentine X
As you may have suspected based on its name, this marijuana strain is named after the patron saint of lovers as well as epilepsy, St. Valentine. The is a balanced hybrid with equal parts of indica and sativa and a modified version of ACDC.
The appealing CBD to THC ratio hovers around 25: 1, which implies that after ingesting this medical strain, the consumers will feel not only elevated and clear-headed but also calm and relaxed. Thanks to the elaborated levels of myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene present in its terpene profile, Besides, studies have proved that Valentine X eases symptoms related to seizures, epilepsy, inflammation, fatigue and chemotherapy.
12) Lifter
Lifter is among the most recognizable, full-spectrum CBD strains that provide folks that must sought-after” lift” (as its name implies).
The percentage of CBD tends to vary between 14 to 20%, while a fixed concentration of 0.3% THC is used. Since this is the legal limit for THC in hemp, it can be conveniently bought from dispensaries in all US states (regardless of the cannabis legality in the region).
Consumers are likely going to notice a rare clean, crisp and clear energy inundating their body as they use the strain- one that is impossible to find in any other substance.
Expect a bold aroma that is worth a king’s ransom as it features a blend of classic natural ingredients from lemon zest and pine to white pepper and pineapple.
Final Thoughts
Excluding the typical high of THC, CBD is well-suited to provide users with a gentle yet stimulating and refreshing experience.
The above-mentioned CBD strains not only render a buzzing, motivational high but also act as an excellent morning coffee replacement and evening tea substitute.
However, there have been evidence and researches indicating that a common side-effect of these energy CBD strains is paranoia and anxiety. In the end, we would just like to remind our readers that smoking hemp or marijuana affects everyone differently. As with any new substance, the best and safest way for first-timers to consume any of these strains is to try slowly while only gradually increasing the milligrams.
