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Cannabis is an herb with a lot of history, and its popularity continues to grow. More people are finding that the benefits of CBD can help them relieve stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. But what are the best CBD strains available in Canada?

To bring out the best in your experience with CBD, these are the top 10 high CBD strains you need to try:

  1. Stephen Hawking Kush (SHK)
  2. ACDC
  3. Charlotte’s Web
  4. Cannatonic
  5. Ringo’s Gift
  6. Harle-Tsu
  7. Sour Tsunami
  8. Harlequin
  9. Canna-Tsu
  10. Remedy

Read on to know more about each of these strains, the benefits they offer, some precautions to consider, and tips for using cannabis.

Top 10 High CBD Strains

With the rise of CBD-rich strains, it’s easy to get lost in all the hype. But in the end, all you really want is a good strain that won’t leave you feeling high and hungover.

All the legwork has been done, so you can skip straight to what matters most: finding a strain that will make your day-to-day life easier and more comfortable. So without further ado, here are the top 10 high CBD strains in Canada:

1. Stephen Hawking Kush (SHK)

The late scientist’s name inspired the creation of the marijuana strain Stephen Hawking Kush, commonly referred to as SHK. This high-CBD indica reduces muscle pain and keeps nausea at bay. SHK, like many high-CBD strains, has a pronounced physical effect while leaving the mind unaffected. It’s rare to experience any altered states of consciousness or psychoactive effects with this strain. 

One of the best pain-killing indicas, SHK was bred by crossing a Harle-Tsu female with a Sin City Kush male. And since this strain comes in at least three distinct phenotypes, you can tailor the THC:CBD ratio to your preferences.

There is a strong fruit and berry aroma present in all three Stephen Hawking Kush phenotypes. When you inhale and exhale, you’ll almost immediately pick up hints of cherry and blueberry in the aroma. The effects of this indica are sedative and pleasant. 

2. ACDC

This sativa-dominant strain is one of the strains with the most CBD. Its CBD levels can reach 19%, with a CBD to THC ratio of 20:1. Due to its high CBD content and low THC level, ACDC is a potent anxiety reliever. Patients have reported feelings of happiness and relaxation. But dry mouth is a potential downside, according to some users.

3. Charlotte’s Web

Another well-known CBD strain is Charlotte’s Web, with a 13% CBD content and almost minimal psychoactive effects from THC. In fact, various health and wellness products make use of it. This strain has no psychoactive effects and is quite effective for relieving pain, stress, depression, and anxiety.

4. Cannatonic

The next high CBD strain, and the best strain for anxiety and PTSD, is Cannatonic. It has a high CBD content (up to 17%) and a low THC content (usually below 6%) compared to other strains. Depending on how much of it is consumed, it can have calming and energizing benefits while having very little to no psychoactive impact at all. Cannatonic is widely regarded as one of the best medical marijuana strains due to its potent anxiolytic effects.

5. Ringo’s Gift

Our next strain on the list is Ringo’s Gift, a hybrid of two high CBD strains: Harle-Tsu and ACDC. The average CBD to THC ratio of this strain is 13:1, although you can find strains with a ratio of 20:1. According to its users, this strain is highly effective at reducing stress and anxiety levels. Users also report a marked improvement in their quality of sleep.

6. Harlequin

Harlequin has a CBD to THC ratio of 5:2, and it’s 75% sativa dominant. Usually, it has a THC content of 4-7%, with a CBD content of 8-16%. Patients who use Harlequin often report feeling more awake and focused. High CBD levels have been shown to reduce anxiety by inducing a state of calmness without sedation. In other words, Harlequin’s low THC level makes it a good option for those battling symptoms of anxiety.

7. Sour Tsunami

This high CBD strain is a popular one as it’s one of the first strains to be offered commercially. This strain’s CBD-to-THC ratio is typically 13:1, although the THC level can be lower sometimes. Some users report feelings of joy, calmness, relaxation, and liberation from stress after using Sour Tsunami.

8. Harle-Tsu (Harlequin Tsunami)

Harle-Tsu’s CBD levels are 20 times higher than its THC levels. The high CBD level of this Harlequin – Sour Tsunami hybrid makes it an effective solution for anxiety. Harle-Tsu is also well-known for lowering stress levels and inducing a calm, focused state of mind in its users. Additionally, numerous users have attested to feeling cheerful and energized after smoking this strain.

9. Canna-Tsu

The hybrid strain known as Canna-Tsu is a cross between Cannatonic and Sour Tsunami. Canna-Tsu, famous for its high CBD level, contains 1:1 CBD to THC, resulting in some psychoactivity. It is known to make people feel calm and clear-headed. Reduced anxiety and inflammation are two additional benefits of Canna-Tsu.

10. Remedy

The high-CBD Cannatonic – Afghan Skunk hybrid known as Remedy has negligible psychoactive effects. Remedy has 14 percent CBD and a pleasant lemon-pine aroma. This high CBD strain is an excellent option for those who want to treat epilepsy, pain, inflammation, autism, and anxiety without experiencing significant side effects.

Infographic of a cartoon before and after taking CBD. A guy with dark skin and black hair is visible less stressed after taking CBD.

Precautions to Consider While Choosing High CBD Strains

Even if you choose a strain with high CBD content, most cannabis still contains some THC. Since it can be difficult to predict how much THC will affect people, it’s always a good idea to be cautious. To help you test a new strain with a little more peace of mind, here are some safety precautions you can take:

  • Start slow by selecting a strain with a low THC content. Wait until it has had a chance to take effect before considering having more of it.
  • If you smoke, don’t take deep breaths or hold your breath to avoid getting too much of the smoke’s harmful byproducts.
  • You can try alternatives like CBD oils to avoid damaging your lungs from smoking. Tobacco and cannabis share many of the same carcinogens and toxins found in their smoke.
  • After use, do not drive for at least 6 hours (or longer) if you’re still experiencing any effects.
  • Never use cannabis if you’re expecting or breastfeeding.

How to Plan Cannabis Intake Before Bed

If you’re going to be consuming cannabis before bed, it’s important to take the right amount. Too little and you won’t get the full effect, but too much and you could feel groggy in the morning. To ensure you stay in the sweet spot, try these tips:

    • Start with a low dose;
    • Take it slow;
    • Watch for signs of intoxication (like dizziness or lack of coordination); and
    • Take it an hour before your bedtime.

Although everyone’s physiology is different, most people find that consuming cannabis at least an hour before night works best. If you want to use cannabis to help you fall asleep, the best time to do so is an hour before bedtime because its effects often last for 3-4 hours. This way, you will not feel the effects just before bed, which might cause excitability and disrupt sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions – 10 High CBD Strains Canada

What Strain Has the Highest CBD?

It’s Stephen Hawking Kush with an impressive 22% CBD content. However, it also has an equivalent level of THC, which is an issue if you’re seeking CBD-only strains to avoid the THC’s euphoric effects.

What’s the Best CBD Strain for Pain?

Some CBD strains have been proven to reduce pain in people suffering from a wide range of conditions. These strains include ACDC, Cannatonic, and Harlequin.

Is CBD Better with Sativa or Indica?

Indica plants typically have more cannabidiol (CBD) content than THC, while sativa plants usually have more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than CBD. The effects of Indica are said to be more sedative, while those of sativa are more energizing.

Can You Smoke CBD?

Yes, you can. You can smoke CBD in a joint, a vaporizer with a cartridge containing CBD oil, or inhale CBD concentrates like sugar waxes using any vape pen with a chamber for concentrates.

In Closing – 10 Best High CBD Weed Strains in Canada

There are many different high CBD strains available in Canada. This list covers the top 10 of them, but there are many others you can try. The best way to find the best CBD strain for your needs is by experimenting with different strains and seeing how they affect you.

If you’re looking for a strain that will help you relax, or you’re just curious about what the hype is all about, then we encourage you to try one of these high CBD strains today:

  1. Stephen Hawking Kush (SHK)
  2. ACDC
  3. Charlotte’s Web
  4. Cannatonic
  5. Ringo’s Gift
  6. Harle-Tsu
  7. Sour Tsunami
  8. Harlequin
  9. Canna-Tsu
  10. Remedy