Top 5 Strains and Discovery of Cannabidiol CBD

Poster on
August 7, 2018

The benefits of cannabis for medical treatment has been known for as long as recorded history. If you go back 5,000 years ago through the history books you can see the plant has been used for food and medicine, for its psychoactive and medicinal properties as well as being cultivated as hemp for fibre and rope. It has only been in the last 200 years in the western world that its use has become restricted and this has come about due to a concerted global effort to prevent its trade.   In recent years and bit by bit the restrictions have started to relax. Starting in Holland in 1976 where the use of cannabis was legalised for recreational use in coffee shops popularising holiday destinations such as Amsterdam for the cannabis smoker. The first nation to legalise the use of medical cannabis was Canada in 2001, where they introduced a nationwide system by which cannabis could be prescribed. At this point 7 states in the U.S. had legalised cannabis for medical use, with California paving the way in 1996. With laws worldwide starting to relax again it is clear that the ‘War on Cannabis’ has failed.  CBD was first discovered in the 1940’s but its chemical structure wasn’t known until 1963. It was initially thought to have no effect on the human body but as more and more tests have been carried it out it is now known to have a wealth of medical benefits and is the primary component of almost all cannabis medicines.  As human understanding of the world has grown and technology has developed our understanding of botany and how plants grow, as well as research into the different types of cannabinoids present within marijuana has meant that different strains of the plant has been developed all with different looks, flavours, and psychoactive and medicinal benefits. Some of these strains have been purposely developed to contain high levels of CBD and low levels of THC to allow these medical benefits to shine through.   See the following strains guide for the top 5 ‘high-CBD’ strains. 


A very unique strain of marijuana that boasts a vast range of medicinal benefits without any of the psychological effects, with some phenotypes having a CBD/THC ratio of 30:1 but usually is around 4:1. This flower isn’t one to be used to get ‘high’ but should be sought out if one seeks to improve their quality of life. It boasts a CBD range of 15-17%, but only has a THC range of 1-7% which would be why Cannatonic is heralded as perfect people who can suffer from anxiety from high THC strains or people just not looking to get stuck on the couch but want all the benefits marijuana can provide.  This popular medical strain is a cross between a female MK Ultra and a G13 Haze male and has earthy and woody flavors. Perfect for smoking and vaping and is famous for producing a powerfully relaxing feeling and is most commonly prescribed for anxiety, migraines, pain, muscle spasms, stress, PTSD and depression. 

Charlotte’s Web 

This was once a very rare strain of cannabis but is now hailed as a celebrity of the medical marijuana world since it’s popularisation in the media, following its use by a young girl called Charlotte Figi who suffered with a form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome. Charlotte was suffering from over 100 incredibly violent seizures per week and this caused her parents to contact Colorado based week growers to develop a strain with low THC (less than 0.3%) and high CBD (around 17%), and Charlotte’s web was born.  Since its spike in popularity, Charlotte’s web formula of cannabinoids has become popular in oil, capsule and cream varieties as well as for vaping and smoking and is most popularly used by epilepsy and fibromyalgia suffers or by children in requirement of CBD but without the psychoactive effects of THC. 

Sour Tsunami 

A high CBD strain that depending on what dispensary it is purchased on can boast a massive THC range of between 2-15%, so it is always worthwhile checking the ratios of the particular bud you are about to purchase to check it is suitable for your needs. If it’s the high feeling you are after with medicinal benefits look for a ratio of 1:1 THC to CBD.  It took 4 years to fully develop and it primary parents are Sour Diesel and NYC Diesel so has the popular musky, diesel like aroma. This strain is becoming increasingly popular for recreational use and can be found in shatter, concentrate, wax or vape varieties but can still be enjoyed as a bud to smoke. 


Is hailed as nothing short of a miracle for a variety of medical ailments, this sativa dominant strain is renowned for its CBD:THC ratio of 5:2. Because CBD is known to dampen the effects of THC, having a solid ratio is perfect as it provides a consistency within every crop produced and therefore consistency and popularity with the recipient. This strain has often been compared to strains of old, particularly Panama Red that was popular in the 60’s and is known for its mellow and light full body high. 


The highest percentage of CBD recorded from the ACDC strain was a mind-blowing 24%, and with a THC range of (0.1 – 2%) it is no wonder that ACDC has made a huge name for itself in the marijuana community for its variety medicinal properties.   Patients have reported ACDC as providing them with relief with the negative effects from chemotherapy and beneficial effects towards conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and anxiety. This strain is perfect for first time smokers that are more susceptible to the effects of THC and is quite often recommended if the dispensary stocks it.    This list is not completely exhaustive and more strains are being bred for high CBD-content with the spotlight that is current on medical marijuana and its benefits being the catalyst. Any good dispensary will discuss the high-CBD varieties they have available with you.