7 New Strains of Medical Cannabis to Try

Have you ever walked into a dispensary and wondered why some strains of medical cannabis are more expensive than others? They are grown the same way, and essentially it is the same plant that provides the same psychoactive effects, right? 

One of the most fascinating things about cannabis is how each strain is bred.  It may seem weird to talk about “breeding plants” but a lot of scientific research and care goes into creating every strain.  And cataloging different properties that each strain may have, that can provide medicinal benefits. 

Strains that have higher THC content are typically more expensive.  The adage that “you get more bang for your buck” applies to concentrates and specific strains.  But there are many other attributes that can make a strain helpful, particularly when coping with symptoms.  

Some people claim that they can’t tell the difference between cannabis strains, with the exception of smell or scent, and flavor.  But other people seem to be sensitive to variations in content, and the combination of THC with other cannabinoids, like cannabigerol, cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN).

Every year, awards are given to cannabis growers who have developed new hybrid strains.  Recognition is also provided to cannabis cultivators that continue to produce high-quality strains that are popular with patients and consumers.  And when you learn more about these strains, you’ll see why they are so popular. 

Strains of Medical Cannabis You May Not Have Heard Of

When you have your medical card, and you are a registered patient with your state medical cannabis program, you have options. Some people who are new to using medical cannabis may stick to one strain that they know works best. But other strains can be used to help moderate symptoms, and may even work better for you.

Here are seven medical cannabis strains that you may not have tried yet:

1. Animal Mints

The Animal Mints strain boasts a whopping 1.73% terpene content, combined with a top THC level of 32%.  Animal Mints ranks as one of the stronger types of cannabis strains for medicinal use. 

• THC 25% to 32%
• CBD 1%
• Indica 50% Sativa 50%
• The aroma and flavor of mint, herbs, and apple. Tastes sweet. 
• Caryophyllene is the dominant terpene, with Farnesene, Limonene, Linalool, and Humulene content. 

Some patients with anorexia or cachexia have used Animal Mints cannabis to stimulate their appetite. Because of the high THC content and terpene profile, Animal Mints may also be effective for insomnia, stress, and anxiety symptoms. 

2. Cheese 

Are there actually strains of cannabis that smells like cheese? Yes!  This strain is quickly growing in popularity in the United States because of its delicious scent and flavor and its uplifting psychoactive effects.

Cheese is an Indica-dominant hybrid strain of cannabis developed from four different strains; Skunk #1, Toe Jam, Cheesewreck, and Cheesus.  With roots (literally) in Afghani, Acapulco Gold, and Columbian Gold strains. 

That is some colorful lineage not just by namesake but in the cannabinoid and terpene profiles inherited by the strain.

• THC 16% to 18%
• Indica (20% Sativa)
• The pungent aroma of old cheese, but with a nice spicy, sweet, and herbal flavor.
• Cheese contains Limonene, Linalool, Carene, Camphene, and Phellandrene terpene content. 

Not surprisingly, the Cheese strain has a high probability of creating the dreaded “munchies” after you consume it.  But if you have a medical condition impacting your appetite, it could help. 

Patients may try Cheese to help moderate pain symptoms or relieve insomnia and stress.  Some people have experienced dry mouth and eyes after consuming Cheese.  Make sure you hydrate well. 

3. Forbidden Fruit

This cannabis strain isn’t a top seller in many locations, but it might be a hidden gem for patients coping with debilitating symptoms.  You can also find Forbidden Fruit in some states labeled Le Fruit Defendu.  Fancy, right? So is the unique content.

Forbidden Fruit is crossbred from Cherry Pie and Tangje Sativa. And it was originally cultivated by the Amsterdam Marijuana Seeds company. 

• THC 23% to 28%
• Indica dominant ( 30% Sativa)
• The aroma and flavor of cherry, tropical fruit, citrus, and musky pine. 
• The strain has D-limonene, Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Alpha Caryophyllene, and Linalool terpene content. 

Patients who want to moderate chronic pain symptoms, insomnia, migraines, chronic stress, or anxiety may find Forbidden Fruit helpful. The strain may also stimulate the appetite of patients with gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease or patients undergoing cancer treatment. 

4. Gruntz

This strain can be a little hard to find, but worth the search if you talk to patients.  Gruntz is a popular Indica-dominant cannabis strain, but no one is sure who developed the hybrid.  The lineage for Gruntz cannabis is Zkittlez and Gelato. 

• THC 29%
• Indica dominant (30% Sativa)
• The aroma and flavor of fruit, cotton candy, and earthy skunk. 
• Myrcene is the dominant terpene. Gruntz also has two more rare terpenes, Valencene and Phellandrene, and Limonene and Terpineol content. 

If you need an energy or mood boost, Gruntz may be the right medical cannabis for you.  Patients who use Gruntz report feeling happy and, energetic, uplifting. This may help patients suffering from symptoms of depression. It may also be effective for muscle spasms or pain. 

5. Guru #10

A phenotype of the Indica strain Guru, this strain was created from a cross between Forbidden Fruit and Petrol OG.  Almost 25% of Guru #10 content is cannabinoids, which is one of the reasons this strain is so popular. 

• THC 24%
• THCa 0.172%
• Indica dominant (30% Sativa)
• A sweet candy-like aroma with notes of orange, grape, berry, and diesel. 
• Carene is the dominant terpene. Also contains Limonene, Linalool, Bisabolol, and Terpineol. 

With high Carene terpene content, patients with chronic pain and inflammation may find Guru #10 helpful for symptom management. In some clinical studies, Carene also helped improve bone health. Some people have shared that Guru #10 provides mental relaxation and stress relief, in addition to soothing aches or pain.

6. Sundae Driver

Feel like taking it easy like Sunday morning? Then Sundae Driver might be a strain for you to try.  It is a hybrid medical marijuana strain crossed from Fruity Pebbles OG (FPOG) and Grape Pie and inherited the mellow effects from both strains. Sundae Driver was first developed by Cannarado Genetics. 

• THC 14% to 21%
• CBG 1%
• Indica 50% Sativa 50%
• Sweet and creamy flavor. 
• Beta-Caryophyllene is the dominant terpene in this strain (0.69%). Sundae Driver also has Limonene, Linalool, and Alpha Humulene content. 

Sundae Driver can help create an uplifted and happy mood.  Some patients have also reviewed the strain and indicated it can be effective for muscle cramps, and migraines.  This strain may also be used for patients who struggle to fall asleep when ingested before bed.

7. Wedding Crasher

If the name is any indication, you may want to find a comfortable chair or couch, and keep this strain for weekend use.  Bred by Symbiotic Genetics from Purple Punch and Wedding Cake strains, this balanced hybrid leans a little more toward Indica’s psychoactive and physiological effects. 

• THC 21%
• Sativa dominant (30% Indica)
• The aroma and flavor of berry, grape, and vanilla, with a diesel, earth, and skunky aroma. 
• Caryophyllene (0.579%) is the dominant terpene in Wedding Crasher.  The strain also has Limonene, Humulene, and Myrcene content. 

Wedding Crasher may be one of the strains of medical cannabis that can help patients with symptoms of anxiety or depression, fatigue, nausea, pain, and inflammation. Also, it can create a boost of energy, focus, and creativity for some people. 

Start Low and Go Slow When Trying Strains of Medical Cannabis

Cannabis strains have unique profiles in terms of THC and other cannabinoid content, flavonoids, and terpenes. When you read the reviews on popular websites like Weedmaps, or Leafly, you can see how differently people react to certain strains.  

There is no way to fully know how your body will react to a cannabis strain. The psychoactive (brain) and physiological (body) effects vary by individual.  Some people may experience Indica-like drowsiness after using a hybrid Sativa dominant strain.  Until you are familiar with a strain and how it impacts your body, starting with a smaller quantity and lower THC content is best. 

Talk to your budtender about alternative strains that may help moderate your symptoms.  And if you change medications, or have started a new prescription, contact your DocMJ physician to review your recommendations for safety.

Whether you are a patient experienced with using strains of medical cannabis or trying it for the first time, do your research, use caution, and please medicate responsibly. 

Aaron Bloom

Aaron Bloom serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ. Aaron’s passion for improving patient’s lives comes from his background in health care. For more than 20 years Aaron owned, operated, and represented traditional health care organizations. This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work hard every day to bring relief to all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence based alternative medicines.