Cannabis Strains — The Complete Strain Guide 2026
With over 700 documented cannabis strains worldwide, only a few dozen truly shape the market. This pillar guide navigates the strain universe: Indica, Sativa, Hybrid, the most important THC and CBD strains, their genetics, terpenes, and specific effects — linked to 30+ detailed profiles in our knowledge library.
TL;DR: Cannabis strains are broadly classified into Indica (relaxing, sedating), Sativa (clear, uplifting), and Hybrid (mixed). Clinically, however, the cannabinoid and terpene profile matters far more than the category. THC classics: OG Kush, Gelato, Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, Amnesia Haze, Gorilla Glue #4, White Widow, Wedding Cake, Runtz. CBD strains: Harlequin, Charlotte's Web, ACDC, Cannatonic, Harle-Tsu, Swiss Dream, CBD Therapy. In Switzerland, the legal market is dominated by CBD. This hub links to 27 individual strain profiles and three category hubs.
Indica, Sativa, Hybrid — What the Categories Actually Mean
Botanically: Cannabis indica is short with dense buds and broad leaves; Cannabis sativa is tall with loose buds and narrow leaves. However, this original distinction has been heavily blurred commercially — almost all modern strains are hybrids.
Rule of thumb for effects: Indica-dominant strains are considered relaxing, physical, and ideal for evening use ('body high', 'couch-lock'). Sativa-dominant strains are seen as clear, creative, and suitable for daytime use ('head high', 'get up and go'). Hybrids blend these traits depending on the phenotype.
In reality, more important than the category is the exact cannabinoid profile (THC/CBD ratio) and the terpene profile (see /de/terpene). An Indica high in limonene will feel different from an Indica high in myrcene.
Hub pages: /de/indica, /de/sativa, /de/hybrid.
Terpenes — The Underestimated Second Lever
Terpenes are the plant's aromatic oils. They create the scent — and they contribute measurably to the overall effect. The five most relevant for everyday use:
Myrcene: earthy, hoppy, sedating; classic for Indica sleep strains. Limonene: citrusy, mood-lifting, mildly anxiolytic; found in many Sativa strains. Linalool: floral, lavender-like, calming; ideal for sleep and stress. Pinene: piney, clear, focus-promoting; common in Sativa profiles. Caryophyllene: peppery, slightly spicy, inflammation-modulating; found in many hybrids.
In practice: Anyone looking for a 'clear' effect should look for limonene/pinene profiles; those seeking relaxation should look for myrcene/linalool profiles. Details: /de/terpene.
THC Classics — An Overview of the Most Important Strains
OG Kush — West Coast legend, piney-spicy, Indica-leaning, potent.
Gelato — modern star, sweet and creamy, balanced.
Blue Dream — Sativa-dominant, berry-like, highly popular for daytime use.
Sour Diesel — powerful, gassy/diesely, classic Sativa energy.
Amnesia Haze — citrusy, long-lasting, Sativa-dominant.
Gorilla Glue #4 (/de/gorilla-glue-4) — highly potent, resinous, balanced.
Jack Herer — creative, clear, with a piney note.
White Widow — resin-coated, balanced, a 90s classic.
Girl Scout Cookies — sweet and spicy, Indica-leaning, strong.
Northern Lights — highly sedating, a classic for sleep.
Wedding Cake — vanilla-sweet, Indica-leaning, modern.
Zkittlez — fruity, relaxing, dense trichome coverage.
Runtz — candy-sweet, hype strain of the late 2020s.
Biscotti — spicy-sweet, Indica-leaning, potent.
Do-Si-Dos — sedating, Indica-dominant.
Pineapple Express — tropical, Sativa-leaning.
Granddaddy Purple — berry-like, Indica, ideal for evening use.
CBD Strains — The Swiss Specialty
Because Switzerland enforces a <1% THC limit, the legal market revolves around CBD strains. The following strains are the most important CBD genetics available — many of which are cultivated in Swiss indoor facilities.
Harlequin — 5:2 CBD:THC, clear, non-intoxicating, highly popular for daytime use.
Charlotte's Web — the CBD pioneer strain, very high CBD, negligible THC, classic for wellness.
ACDC — CBD-dominant 20:1, very clear and focused.
Cannatonic — balanced 1:1 CBD:THC, popular in the Swiss CBD scene.
Harle-Tsu — hybrid of Harlequin and Sour Tsunami, high CBD content, clear effects.
Suzy Q — very high CBD, very low THC, smooth.
Remedy — pure CBD, non-intoxicating.
Ringo's Gift — variable from 1:1 to 24:1 CBD:THC, depending on the phenotype.
Swiss Dream — Swiss-bred strain with high CBD, well-suited for indoor cultivation.
CBD Therapy — a classic among CBD strains, highly popular in Switzerland.
Hub page with comparison: /de/cbd-strains. THC Strain Hub: /de/thc-strains.
Which Strain for Which Purpose — The Practical Matrix
Sleep: Indica-dominant strains with a high myrcene/linalool profile. Examples: Northern Lights, Granddaddy Purple, Do-Si-Dos, Charlotte's Web (CBD version).
Daytime use without intoxication: CBD-dominant strains with limonene/pinene. Examples: Harlequin, ACDC, Swiss Dream.
Creativity, focus: Sativa-dominant strains. Examples: Jack Herer, Blue Dream, Amnesia Haze.
After-work relaxation: balanced hybrids. Examples: Gelato, Wedding Cake (THC) or Cannatonic (balanced CBD/THC).
Pain: Caryophyllene-rich strains combined with a moderate THC/CBD mix. Examples: GG #4, Harle-Tsu.
Genetics Briefly Explained — Landrace, F1, Phenotype
Landrace: Wild populations native to a specific geographic origin (e.g., Afghani Indica, Thai Sativa). These are the genetic building blocks for modern hybrids.
F1 Hybrids: The first generation of a cross, often highly vigorous and vital, but phenotypically variable.
Phenotype: The physical expression of a genetic strain. Plants grown from the same seed line can vary in aroma, growth, and cannabinoid profile — which is why professional producers work with mother plants and clones.
For Swiss indoor production, this means: those who want consistent, repeatable quality buy from producers with documented mother plants rather than starting fresh from seed for every batch.
How to Navigate Our Knowledge Library
Three ways: 1) By category — /de/indica, /de/sativa, /de/hybrid. 2) By target effect — /de/cbd-gegen-schlaf, /de/cbd-fuer-entspannung, /de/cbd-gegen-stress. 3) By specific strain profile — see the detailed pages above.
Beginners should start at /de/cbd (Pillar) and /de/cbd-strains (CBD overview). Those reading for sleep should check out /de/cbd-gegen-schlaf plus the Indica profiles. If you are looking for a specific strain profile, head straight to its individual page.
FAQ
Is the Indica/Sativa distinction still useful?
As a rough guide, yes, but clinically, the cannabinoid and terpene profile is far more informative. There are significant variations within both categories.
Which strain is best for sleep?
Indica-dominant with high myrcene/linalool. Legally available in Switzerland: CBD variants like Charlotte's Web or Granddaddy Purple CBD crosses. On the THC side: Northern Lights, Do-Si-Dos.
Which CBD strain has the highest CBD content?
Charlotte's Web, ACDC, and Suzy Q are among the strongest CBD genetics with very low THC content.
What is the entourage effect?
The combination of multiple cannabinoids and terpenes works more powerfully and synergistically than isolated single compounds — which is why full-spectrum products are often more effective than isolates.
Which terpenes are the most important?
Myrcene (sedating), limonene (mood-lifting), linalool (calming), pinene (clear/focusing), caryophyllene (inflammation-modulating).
Where can I find Swiss CBD strains?
In our knowledge library under /de/cbd-strains and in the individual strain profiles. They are available at wholesale prices in the member area.
Are THC strains legally available in Switzerland?
Only via medical prescription or within the framework of the ongoing cannabis pilot trials. Details: /de/cannabis-gesetzgebung.
What is the difference between OG Kush and Gelato?
OG Kush: Indica-leaning, piney-spicy, classic. Gelato: balanced, sweet-creamy, modern. Both are powerful but have distinct characters — details in the strain profiles.
Which strain is best for pain patients?
Caryophyllene-rich hybrids with moderate THC and accompanying CBD, such as GG #4 or CBD-rich hybrids like Harle-Tsu. Dosage should be adjusted individually with a doctor.
Is it worth keeping a strain journal?
Yes. Tracking which strain, which dose, what time of day, and what effect you experience will help you understand your personal profile within 4–6 weeks, allowing for targeted purchases.