You’ve probably seen cannabidiol, better known as CBD, everywhere and in everything — topicals, cosmetics, beverages and cocktails — and don’t expect CBD’s star to fade anytime soon. CBD market projections are only pointing up. According to Global Market Insights, the CBD market was worth $12.8 billion in 2021, and is estimated to grow at a 21.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2022 and 2028.

There are a lot of reasons why people are attracted to CBD, which is best-known for its potential to help ease a wide range of symptoms of depression, anxiety, pain and inflammation. For the most part, cannabis strains high in CBD are less- or non-intoxicating, an additional benefit for cannabis consumers leery of partaking of THC, the cannabinoid that gets you high.

CBD is also the only cannabinoid with a medicine approved by the FDA, Epidiolex (there are three others that are synthetic THC medicines, Marinol, Syndros, and Cesamet). But Epidiolex — approved to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex — is not synthetic, proving some of its benefits through the FDA-approval process, another level of comfort for consumers.

But like so many things cannabis, it’s hard to know where to begin, especially for newcomers. Even experienced consumers might encounter a learning curve when it comes to consuming CBD-dominant strains. While strains high in THC often grab the spotlight, there are many strains that are CBD dominant or a balance(ish) of CBD and THC that may be effective. Let’s take a look at some high CBD strains.

ACDC

This CBD-dominant strain is also a balance of Cannabis Ruderalis and Cannatonic, providing the energizing qualities of sativa and the relaxing qualities of indica. With average CBD content of around 20% and THC averaging 6%, consumers of this strain have reported relaxed yet uplifting, focused and sociable effects.

Out of the package, ACDC has an earthy, sweet, and skunky scent that opens into a cherry and lemongrass flavor and scent upon smoking. Consumers are drawn to ACDC to help with symptoms associated with depression, loss of appetite, and anxiety, but even high CBD strains are not without their side effects, which may include headache, dry eyes, and paranoia.

Charlotte’s Web

It’s hard to imagine a cannabis strain that’s had a more profound impact than Charlotte’s Web. Created by the Stanley Brothers in Colorado for Charlotte Figi, a little girl who had a rare and intractable form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome, Charlotte’s hundreds of seizures a week were dramatically reduced upon the administration of this cannabinoid medicine.

Sadly, Charlotte passed away from complications due to COVID-19 in 2020. But her life and legacy launched a wave of CBD strain breeding and on a broader scale, normalized non-intoxicating CBD medicines and helped humanize medical cannabis patients to skeptical lawmakers.

Charlotte’s Web was designed for a little girl and accordingly, the THC content of this strain, crossed with industrial hemp and an additional undisclosed strain, is practically nonexistent. The CBD content, on the other hand, averages 15-20%, about 300 times higher than the average recreational strain.

Haleigh’s Hope

This very high CBD strain, around 24%, is another strain that emerged from trying to find the perfect cannabis medicine for a sick child. This time it was Haleigh, a four year-old girl from Colorado who had epilepsy and cerebral palsy.

No one other than the creators of this strain know its genetics, and they’re not telling anyone soon. But breeders conceded that the strain took more than four years and hundreds of experiments in cross breeding to find the right combination.

Haleigh’s Hope was specifically made to be medicinal and non-intoxicating, so consumers can expect to feel relaxed and have an elevated mood.

Harlequin

Unlike the more recent Charlotte’s Web, Harlequin dates back to the late 1970s. A sativa-dominant high-CBD strain made from landrace strains Colombian Gold, Thai and Swiss sativas, and a Nepali indica, Harlequin does have some THC — typically around 4-10%, and around 6-15% CBD.

Cured buds most often have a musky yet fruity scent, while smoking opens up its earthy, woody, and fruity qualities.

Sour Tsunami

One of the first strains to get attention for its high CBD content, Sour Tsunami hails from the Sour Diesel, NYC Diesel, and Ferrari strains. Sativa-dominant, its taste and flavor profile is just like its name suggests; sweet, sour, and diesel-y.

With CBD coming in at an average of 11-13% and THC at 10% or lower, many medical cannabis patients choose Sour Tsunami for its potential therapeutic benefits that may ease conditions like pain and inflammation without getting them too high.

Even if you are not drawn to consuming CBD for its potential therapeutic benefits, research has shown that CBD may counteract some adverse reactions to THC like anxiety, paranoia, and overconsumption. So next time you head to the dispensary, pick up a high CBD strain to keep alongside your strains rich in THC.

Any of the strains above are excellent and a great starting place to find out what CBD strain is best for you.