THE CANNABIS CONNOISSEUR

By Anthony Ricciuto

Hey everyone I am proud to announce another new column here at Power Nutritionist. This will be a question and answer format relating to everything about cannabis. If it’s about strain selection, edibles, concentrates, medical cannabis along with holistic health, growing, vaping, and the latest of what’s going on in the 420 industry, this is the column just for you. I want to cover as many topics as possible to give you some insight into what your deepest darkest questions may be. So send them over and let’s get started.

Q: Hey Anthony how’s it going? I really liked your last column about healthy ways to consume cannabis. My question is about CBD. I am looking for your top choices for those strains that are very high in CBD and almost zero THC. So do they have strains like this available? I am new to the industry, to be honest, and was thinking of trying it out for anxiety issues and arthritis. I was thinking of going and getting the PAX 3 as you mentioned in the last article so I can vape flowers. Not sure about the whole THC thing as of yet but I do want to try CBD in flower form to start off. Who knows if I like it maybe I will graduate to the big leagues. You are correct in the fact that we have been brainwashed by the government and media about the negativity about cannabis and the fact that it is in the same schedule as drugs like heroin and crack cocaine is ludicrous at best. So let me know what you got for me.

CBD Curious,

Benny Walkins

A: Hey Benny it’s a pleasure to hear from you. I am happy you liked the last issue of the Cannabis Connoisseur. I will try my best to bring some really good and usable content to the site so those who are new to medical cannabis and all the healing it has to offer can take full advantage of it with an educated and informed mindset. So you are not ready for the THC, are you? Is some of that good old American “Reefer Madness” propaganda laying its mind control on you still? It’s ok, give it time. Once you see all that CBD has to offer your health and mental well being, I am sure you will at least give a balanced 1:1 strain a try to test the waters.

So what I have done is given you a brief description of some of my favorite high CBD strains that have less than 1% THC. What this means is that they will contain between 15-20% CBD which is extremely high all the while you are getting almost no THC whatsoever. This means you will not get any psychoactive effects. If you vape these strains and you think you are high, then it’s all in your head..lol. Yes you will feel very relaxed on the Indica strains and you will feel uplifted on the Sativa strains but you will not get any psychoactive effects at all. So here I have compiled an amazing list of some of the best strains that are the cream of the crop in the high CBD, low THC category.

Cherry Wine CBD

Created by the High Grade Hemp Seed Company, Cherry Wine CBD is one strain that tops the list, and for good reason. It is a cross of The Wife and Charlotte’s Cherries. Both of these strains are high CBD and by mixing them together you have a superstar. You will find the aroma has a hint of cheese with a predominant cherry sweetness. This is an excellent strain for stress relief and anxiety. It is a Sativa dominant strain, so day time use should not put you to sleep. Many find it to be an uplifting and energetic strain with no crash. Many users claim that is ideal for putting your mind at ease. It is a powerhouse strain that ranges from 20-25% CBD with 0.3% THC. This is some serious medicine that has a huge following in the CBD community. Either way, you can’t go wrong with Cherry Wine CBD, especially if a nice flavor profile is something that you are looking for as well.

Cherry Wine CBD is Delicious!

Hawaiian Haze CBD

Well, who likes the sound of anything with Hawaiian in it? I sure do that is for sure. Known for its pineapple and papaya flavor profile, Hawaiian Haze CBD is one your palate is sure to love. Not to be forgotten is its pine and black pepper undertones. It comes in at a whopping 19.5% CBD and less than 0.3% THC. It is famous for its anti-anxiety benefits with mild cerebral effects. It won 1st place at the High Times Hemp Cup in 2020. So if it pleased this very critical judging panel, you can rest assured it is quality medicine. It is a Sativa dominant hybrid making it perfect for daytime use without the after crash. What’s interesting about this strain is that when taken in lower doses it provides a Sativa-like effect giving you an energizing and uplifting feeling. But when you increase the dose you will experience more of an Indica effect and will help you relax and get to sleep. So with this said you will have to adjust the dose for what you are trying to accomplish. It is a favorite to treat anxiety-related conditions as well as depression. It is popular with chemotherapy patients for its positive effects it has on preventing nausea. So the next time you are stuck in the dead of winter and are wishing for something tropical, Hawaiian Haze CBD is just what you need to bring you a little sunshine.

Hawaiian Haze CBD is Amazing!

T2 CBD

T2 is a strain created by the popular Northern Oregon producer known as Boring Hemp Company. Praised for its high terpene content and smooth rich flavor, T2 is without a doubt one of the top players in the high CBD market. It is a cross of Trump x another Trump version. Yes, that’s right I said, Trump. As you know I don’t do politics here so no matter if you love him or hate him this is one amazing strain. Even if you are a hardcore Democrat, this is still a strain you should try..LOL. It takes about ten weeks of time before it’s ready to be dried and cured. T2 is known to have resilient genetics and has the ability to be grown in sub-par conditions that would absolutely destroy other strains. It produces large dense nugs and is coated with sticky trichrome goodness. Loaded with orange hairs, which makes it reminiscent of its name (Trump), it is one beautiful specimen for those that are true connoisseurs. It comes in at close to 20% CBD and less than 0.3% THC. This Indica strain is ideal for insomnia and sleep-related issues. It provides a nice calming entourage with a full-body effect. This strain will simply melt away anxiety and rumination with ease.

The Strain named After Trump!

Sour Space Candy CBD

These genetics were created by Oregon CBD and is another strain that deserves to make this list. It is a cross between Sour Tsunami and Early Resin Berry. Growers note that these buds are very dense and multicolored with green, orange, and even purple undertones and hairs. It has a very rich terpene content and this is why many find relief for many medical conditions. It is known for its diesel aroma with a sour berry taste. The CBD content hits around 20% with only 0.1%THC. It is a 50% Indica, 50% Sativa hybrid so it’s very balanced in terms of its effects. It is very popular for pain issues, inflammation, and ADHD. The fact that is a very balanced hybrid strain, it won’t cause drowsiness during daytime use. This is one of the most popular CBD strains due to it helping with different mental conditions as well as for arthritic issues.

Sour Space Candy Packs a CBD Punch!

Charlotte’s Web

This is one of the most popular strains due to all the media presence it gained. The genetics come from the Stanley Brothers out of Colorado. Its popularity soared when it was featured on a CNN documentary about cannabis and healing. It was created for Charlotte Figi by the brothers to help her with a very complex crippling seizure disorder. It is an Indica dominant hybrid strain. It is 60% Indica and 40% Sativa. Its CBD content is between 17-20% and the THC is less than 1%. At these levels, you will not feel high, but you will find relief for many conditions. This strain is ideal for those that suffer from seizures as this is the main reason why it was created. The unique terpene content and the genetics from which it was crossed provide a high-quality medicine that works wonders. This is the original strain that created plenty of CBD hype that got out the medical cannabis benefits to the world.

Remedy CBD

This strain is known as one of the most medicinal in the high CBD, low THC category. It was created for its therapeutic benefits to work on numerous health conditions. The buds are green with yellow tinting and are glazed with trichomes for the final touch. But where this strain really shines is its effects on pain management. Its strong anti-inflammatory qualities have made it a favorite of those suffering from past injuries, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. It is also commonly used for depression as well. It is also known to have a subtle aroma when compared to other high CBD strains. Its fragrant lemon and pine notes provide a taste and aroma that is simply amazing. It is a cross between Cannatonic and Afghan Skunk. It takes about 8 weeks for optimal flowering time so you need to be patient if you are going to grow this one. It is an Indica dominant hybrid. Coming in at 75% Indica and 25% Sativa, Remedy CBD will also help you wind down for the night. With only 12-15% CBD and less than 1% THC you might think that it’s not that strong or effective. But you are dead wrong as the amazing terpene profile on this strain provides a very beautiful entourage effect that you won’t forget.

Dianmed CBD Plus

Now one of my favorite companies is none other than Dinafem from Europe. While they do have many strains that are suitable for the recreational THC consumer, they also focus much of their strain creation on the medical patient. They make numerous medical strains in different ratios of THC and CBD, but they do have a few that would appeal to those wanting a low THC medicine. Dinamed CBD Plus is just one of those strains and you will absolutely love it. It comes in at a whopping 20% CBD with less than 1% THC making it ideal for those who do not want the psychoactive components of THC. It is a Sativa dominant hybrid strain. With a 60% Sativa genetic breakdown and 40% Indica, it is ideal for daytime use without wanting to go take nap. This strain has rich purple hairs and is known to be covered in CBD rich trichomes. It has a sweet and citrus flavor that is rich and smooth. Growers report that this is a very high yielding plant so all the effort put in will produce a nice supply of rich dense buds. This strain is excellent for pain conditions, both muscular and joint-related. But where it really shines is its anti-epileptic and anti-inflammatory effects for which it was created. One thing for sure is any strain you get from Dinafem is going to be a home run without a doubt!

Dinamed CBD is Powerful Medicine!

Charlottes Angel CBD

This strain was created by the famous seed bank known as Dutch Passion. It is a Sativa dominant hybrid coming in at 16% CBD and 0.5% THC. I have seen some reports of it going as high as 24% CBD depending on the grower and his techniques. Created for anti-anxiety and calming effects, Charlottes Angel will be sure to help take the edge off in no time at all. It has a rich diesel aroma with piney overtones. It’s a cross between Dutch Charlotte and Red Angel. This strain is excellent for numerous mental conditions and provides relief very fast. If social anxiety, depression, or PTSD is what you are trying to address, this is the perfect strain to help with all of the above. It’s strong body effects will also help with subduing pain and inflammation. It’s Sativa dominant uplifting effects make it ideal for day time use. I have recommended this strain to several of my clients and it is a crowd favorite.

Charlottes Angel is Absolutely Beautiful!

Electra CBD

Electra CBD is one of the most aromatic strains you will find anywhere in the world. Its aroma is a sweet orange with chocolate and red wine undertones. That sounds simply delicious if I do say so myself. Known for a very strong terpene content, Electra CBD is a real pleaser. The nugs are dense and medium in size with a very bright green color. Many describe it as having a nutty but sweet flavor profile. It is a Sativa dominant hybrid strain that is excellent for daytime use. It is a cross of Early Resin Berry and the famous ACDC. It has won numerous awards making it one of the most sought out high CBD strains. It will create a very relaxing and calm state without wanting to go to sleep. It comes in at 17% CBD and less than 0.5% THC. This strain is very good to improve mood and well-being and those suffering from anxiety, depression, or PTSD find it useful. Electra also has a cult following for those suffering from different forms of pain. Known for its amazing flavor, Electra CBD is sure to please.

Electra CBD is Electrifying!

Bubba Kush CBD

Now the original Bubba Kush is an award-winning strain that is a legend in the cannabis community all over the world. But that strain is a high THC genetic structure so it’s not something you will want to take just yet. Now a few companies have taken this amazing strain and crossed it with CBD lineage to produce one that is high in CBD and low THC. Make sure you check the THC and CBD percentages even if you purchase any strain called Bubba Kush CBD. The reason being there are a few companies that make a 1:1 version of Bubba Kush CBD. Dinafem is a world-renowned seed producer which I mentioned earlier, being one company that produces their version that comes in at 10% THC and 10% CBD. One Bubba Kush CBD that is right up your alley is by 444 CBD LLC. It’s a cross of Pre-98 Bubba Kush with an unknown CBD strain. It comes in at close to 22% CBD with less than 0.3% THC. It is a fragrant strain with coffee and earthy overtones. Its terpene breakdown is ideal for pain management. Just like its original version, Bubba Kush CBD is an Indica strain that will keep you chilled and relaxed. Being an Indica dominant strain, it would not be the best choice for daytime use. With that being said it makes it ideal for bedtime use for those that need to unwind and help to fall asleep.

You Can’t Beat Bubba Kush CBD for Insomnia!

Conclusion

So here you have it, Benny. Here are my personal favorite top ten strains that are super high in CBD with almost no THC whatsoever. For those of you who are interested in getting into medical cannabis for a specific health condition, these strains are a very good place to start. I know some people are still sitting on the fence with the negative cannabis mindset with propaganda that has been shoved down our throats for decades so CBD can help get you started. Do more research on any particular strain that you find interesting that I have presented above and then give it a shot. Even though I just grazed the surface on each strain and what it offers, it will still give you a basic understanding of what each has to offer. In the near future, I will do a very thorough strain review on each of them separately where I breakdown each component very nicely. With this being said, I hope you will find relief with CBD the way millions of others around the world have for numerous health conditions to truly improve their quality of life.