8 Best Cannabis Strains for Vaping

Nowadays, there are so many different dry herb vaporizers and THC vape pens on the market that it’s a shame to burn perfectly good cannabis buds in the name of nostalgia.

In fact, some cannabis strains perform a lot better when you DON’T burn them to a crisp. Vaping them instead brings out all of their therapeutic benefits and a kaleidoscope of different effects [even if you’re not big on medicinal use]. 

But the most significant benefit of vaping dry herb has to be the incredible flavors you’ll unlock. I’ve experimented with every method of cannabis consumption under the sun, and I’m here to tell you – nothing beats the flavor of a good vaporizer… other than maybe loading an oil or a concentrate into a high-quality dab rig.

If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick rundown of my favorite strains to load up in my vaporizer:

1. Sour Diesel — fast-acting high. A great daytime strain with pungent, diesel tones.
2. Grandaddy Purple [GDP] — an Indica that smells of grapes and violets.
3. Acapulco Gold — Sativa-dominant marijuana strain with hints of toffee and coffee.
4. Afghan Kush — a flavorful — spicy and earthy — flower with hints of tar.
5. Super Skunk — like the fruity and earthy tones? The Super Skunk is your girl!
6. Girl Scout Cookies [GSC] — mint + sweet with just a hint of vanilla on the way out.
7. Northern Lights — a sweet and spicy blend that’s smooth on the exhale.
8. Gelato – a hybrid with fruity and creamy aromas that are to die for.

[Although I’ll be talking about dry plant material in this post, I’ll also leave a note if the strain is available in a cartomizer since that’s all the rage in the cannabis industry right now. So if you use vape cartridges and THC carts, do stick around as you’ll find out more about the best strains to load into your THC vape pen. Also, we’re not discussing dabs here – to get to the bottom of the difference between dab pens and dry herb vaporizers, click here.]

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Before I dive into the thick of it all, let’s explore why cannabis vapor beats cannabis smoke nine times out of ten.

Why Some Cannabis Strains Vape Better Than Others

Personally, I think nearly all strains perform better when vaped instead of smoked.

Some, however, should never see the inside of a rolling paper.

Direct heat simply kills them.

But, when vaped — when exposed to a heating element and a heating coil instead of direct flame — this particular plant material excels. And you’re left with a better vaping experience.

Here’s why:

• some strains have specific medicinal effects that are negated — as in, you’re not getting any of them — when you burn the plant material because those compunds (some cannabinoids and terpenes, and nearly all flavonoids). So it’s best to load these strains straight into a vaporizer.
• bioavailability of the good stuff – the cannabinoids and terpenes – is better when you’re vaping weed than when you’re smoking or orally ingesting it. A recent study in Canadian Journal of Public Health notes that “Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines” recommends vaping over smoking, as do many other health organizations.
• some are so flavorful and nuanced that it’s a shame not to experience them in all their glory — smoke pollutes the flavor something wicked.

Of course, the biggest benefit here is that cannabis vapor simply tastes better. And if you’re using it because you love the smell and the taste, there’s no better way to consume weed than to load it into a heating chamber and vape it. Word of warning – some of these are powerful! If you’re just starting your canna journey, check out this post on vaporizing for cannabis beginners.

Here are 8 of the most popular different strains to do that with.

DISCLAIMER: As always, claims of medical and health effects are anecdotal and not peer-reviewed. I BELIEVE them because I’ve experienced them. However, you should still follow your doctor’s advice in case you want to add cannabis to your wellness and health bag of tricks. Also, potency of the same strain can very between growers, so make sure to double-check the cannabinoid percentages when purchasing.

8 Contenders You Should Try Out

#1 Sour Diesel

This very popular Sativa has been on the market since the early 1990s. It’s a cross between Chemdawg and Super Skunk. Beloved by both medicinal users and recreational users, Sour Diesel is known for its cerebral high that’s both fast-acting and energizing, making it a great daytime strain.

When it comes to the smell, the Sour D really comes alive in a weed vape pen.

One of the best descriptions of it says ‘Sour Diesel smells like you’ve ‘’doused a lemon orchard in diesel fuel and set it on fire’. That’s just poetry! It’s true that Sour D has a distinct chemical smell to out, but the underlying currents of bright citrus are important to mention here. [Sour D is also one of the strains that often gets infused with hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) by some manufacturers, so you need to double-check if you’re not into synthetic cannabinoids].

Sour Diesel is very popular with medical users. Anecdotally, i’s been known to relieve symptoms of depression and stress, and it’s great with chronic pain, too. Sour Diesel is also available as a vape cartridge, though most users prefer to vape on it using a dry herb vape [instead of a disposable vape pen which comes loaded with either Sour D wax or oil.].

Best vaped with: OG Jams

Sour Diesel Details:

• Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid (lineage debated)
• Cannabinoid profile: 18-25% THC | < 1% CBD
• Terpene profile: Myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene
• Flavor/aroma profile: Sour, diesel, citrus, earthy
• Positive effects: Energizing, uplifting, cerebral euphoria, focus
• Potential negative effects: Dry mouth, dry eyes, mild anxiety/paranoia (possible with higher doses)

#2 Granddaddy Purple [GDP]

GDP is a popular choice to load up on your vaporizer. This California staple [which has been reigning supreme on the West Coast since 2003] is an indica-dominant plant — a cross between Mendo Purps, Skunk, and Afghanistan — that’s best known for its deep purple hue speckled with bright orange trichomes.

Granddaddy Purple is a weed product with a complex flavor profile, making it a perfect candidate to load into a weed vape pen. The first thing that hits you is the tang of grapes and berries. On the second inhale, the flavor mellows a bit, and flowery and spicy aromas start coming through. Overall, GDP’s flavor is what you’d expect from such a vibrant and colorful bud.

Granddaddy Purple is known for its cerebral/euphoric mind effect… but it’s still likely to lock your body for a short period of time. People think that this makes it a perfect strain for relaxing and relieving symptoms of muscle spasms, stress, insomnia, and chronic pain (especially migraine pain). If you’re choosing GDP to medicate, you can get it as a vapable oil, too.

Best vaped with: OG Jams

Grandaddy Purple Details:

• Type: Indica strain (cross of Purple Urkle and Big Bud)
• Cannabinoid profile: 17-23% THC | <1% CBD
• Terpene profile: Caryophyllene, pinene, humulene
• Flavor/aroma profile: Sweet grape, berries, earthy
• Positive effects: Deep relaxation, sleepiness, euphoria, pain relief
• Potential negative effects: Dry mouth, dry eyes, couch-lock, possible dizziness

#3 Acapulco Gold

This Sativa-dominant flower has been around since the 1960s, working hard to earn its reputation as one of the best cannabis strains ever. It’s becoming more difficult to find, but if you can get your hands on it, you’ll be hitting the jackpot — no matter how much you pay for the bud.

Both taste and smell of Acapulco Gold are something to die for. Think rich, thick toffee and coffee roast aromas cushioned with undertones of tangy citrus and pine. It all then gets rounded out with just a hint of honey on the exhale.

The effects of Acapulco Gold can’t really be described — they need to be experienced. Suffice it to say that this beauty won’t leave you indifferent. The high is energetic and euphoric at first [15% THC], and deeply calming as you ease into it [7% CBD]. It’s mostly favored by medicinal users who are fighting depression, anxiety, insomnia, and stress. That said, this product is also great for fighting symptoms of nausea, muscle spasms, and inflammation. It does come with it’s dose of weed munchies, though (here’s how to stop those munchies dead in their tracks). With a bit of digging, you can still find Acapulco Gold as a high-quality THC oil to use in your oil vape pen. But the bud itself is more than enough.

Best vaped with: TruVa Mini 2.0

Acapulco Gold Details:

• Type: Sativa landrace strain (originating in Acapulco, Mexico)
• Cannabinoid profile: 15-24% THC | <1% CBD
• Terpene profile: Terpinolene, pinene, myrcene
• Flavor/aroma profile: Earthy, sweet, citrus, woody
• Positive effects: Uplifting, energizing, focused euphoria, creativity boost
• Potential negative effects: Dry mouth, dry eyes, mild anxiety (especially with higher doses)

#4 Afghan Kush

Afghan Kush — a pure indica strain — hails from the Hindu Kush mountain range. It’s been known for centuries, and it’s now one of the most popular sedative strains. Afghan Kush has a high percentage of THC [21%], and a moderate percentage of CBD [around 6%].

Vaping Afghan Kush leaves you with an intense, hash-like aroma. There’s no other way to describe it other than — dank. The taste is similar — sweet hash with a bit of spiciness that’s not overbearing… but enough to give it a slight kick. If your taste buds are on point, you’ll also pick up on some woody, tar notes that are characteristic of OG strains with a high THC content.

This strain is mostly used for medicinal purposes by users who have problems with chronic pain, insomnia, and fatigue. What it lacks in inducing a feeling of euphoria, it most certainly makes up with its mellow effects. It’s available as a concentrated wax or oil, but going that route means you’ll lose some of the signature flavors, so vaping the bud is always preferable.

Best vaped with: Deezy

Afghan Kush Details:

• Type: Pure indica landrace strain (originating in the Hindu Kush mountains)
• Cannabinoid profile: 17-22% THC | <1% CBD
• Terpene profile: Myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene
• Flavor/aroma profile: Earthy, spicy, floral, sweet
• Positive effects: Deep body relaxation, sedation, couch-lock, pain relief
• Potential negative effects: Dry mouth, dry eyes, lethargy, potential for increased anxiety

#5 Super Skunk 

Super Skunk is what the connoisseurs would call a ‘reliably unreliable strain’. This 20% THC sativa-dominant hybrid strain was created by Sensi Seeds by crossing Afghani and Skunk #1… and it hits everyone differently! Sometimes the high is energetic… and sometimes it’s calming. This makes vaping the Super Skunk a ride — but it also makes it a definitely-not-a-daytime-strain.

Aroma and flavor-wise? Well, if you’re a fan of sweet AND savory, you’ll love the Super Skunk. In the aroma arena, the pungent, ammonia-like undertones prevail, giving this strain a uniquely skunky feel. The taste is different — sweet and fruity, with a hint of earthy flavors and spice to it. Super Skunk really comes alive in a vape pen because you get to experience it in all its glory without that pesky smoky flavor.

Thanks to its high concentration of THC, Super Skunk is a strain of choice for medical marijuana users. It helps relieve symptoms of chronic stress, anxiety, and pain. If you’re a fan of energetic highs,  this could quickly become your favorite way to relax.

Best vaped with: TruVa Mini 2.0

Super Skunk Details:

• Type: Indica-dominant hybrid (cross of Skunk #1 and Afghani )
• Cannabinoid profile: 18-23% THC | < 1% CBD
• Terpene profile: Caryophyllene, myrcene, limonene
• Flavor/aroma profile: Skunky, pungent, cheese, earthiness, citrus
• Positive effects: Powerful relaxation, euphoria, happy and uplifted mood
• Potential negative effects: Dry mouth, dry eyes, hunger, possible dizziness or disorientation

#6 Girl Scout Cookies [GSC]

One of the most popular buds on the market, Girl Scout cookies is an indica-dominant hybrid with euphoric effects. It’s low in CBD [less than 1%] but scores high when it comes to THC content [between 17 and 26 percent]. The genetic makeup of Girl Scout Cookies is 60% Durban poison and 40% OG Kush.

Girl Scout Cookies offer a cacophony of flavors. Its primary aromas are distinctly skunky, with very noticeable earthy undertones. But don’t let that fool you —  the flavor then continues with notes of cookies and herb, and a minty aftertaste that won’t leave you underwhelmed. These highs and lows are exactly why GSC should be enjoyed in your best weed vaporizer. There’s just no way you could notice the subtleties of flavors when smoking it.

GSC is great for relaxation and de-stressing. Most people who favor this strain also note it works with chronic pain and depression. Admittedly, if you’re looking at this as medical cannabis, you’d be better off finding it in a concentrated form [increased THC levels in cartridge products work better for medicating].

Best vaped with: OG Jams

Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) Details:

• Type: Hybrid (cross of OG Kush and Durban Poison)
• Cannabinoid profile: 18-28% THC | <1% CBD
• Terpene profile: Caryophyllene, limonene, humulene
• Flavor/aroma profile: Sweet, earthy, minty
• Positive effects: Euphoria, happy relaxation, creativity, increased appetite
• Potential negative effects: Dry mouth, dry eyes, couch-lock, possible mild anxiety

#7 Northern Lights

Northern Lights — commonly known as just NL – is likely the most famous indica in the world. This cross between Afghani and Thai can be found in every online store and cannabis dispensary in every state where marijuana is legal… and for a good reason. As an out-of-this-world great strain, it’s one of those that always reaffirms your decision to use cannabis.

NL is one of those cannabis cultivars that smells and tastes its own way. Think of a pine forest on a wet, spring day, and you’ll get a pretty good idea of how this strain tastes. The aftertaste is a bit more dynamic, with hints of sweetness and fruit. The subtle flavors make this a great bud to load into your weed pen and vape devices.

If you’re a lover of the strong effects of cannabis, you’ll love the NL. It’s mostly used for relaxation and unwinding, and people swear that this product is a life-saver when it comes to relieving stress, anxiety, and depression (making it an ideal candidate for medical marijuana microdosing). Suprisingly, it’s also one of the strains with a minute content of cannabigerol (CBG) – a cannabinoid that’s usually hard to find in flowers. It’s also available as an oil and a wax — you might have to visit a few locations or online stores, but it’s relatively easy to find. And it guarantees a good time.

Best vaped with: Deezy

Northern Lights Details:

• Type: Indica strain (exact origins debated)
• Cannabinoid profile: 16-22% THC | <1% CBD
• Terpene profile: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene
• Flavor/aroma profile: Sweet, spicy, earthy, pine
• Positive effects: Deep body relaxation, euphoria, couch-lock, sleepiness
• Potential negative effects: Dry mouth, dry eyes, dizziness, increased appetite

#8 Gelato

This evenly balanced hybrid – a true mix between indica and sativa strains – is made from Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbet. It’s super popular with users who are used to hard-hitting highest quality highs. With its 17% THC, it’s definitely not for daytime use.

When it comes to the taste and smell, think overpoweringly sweet. Gelato starts off with hints of fruity and creamy flavors, and carries that through the entire session with your cannabis vape pen. When it comes to medicinal purposes, most enthusiasts agree that it’s an excellent option for pain relief, as well as insomnia and fatigue. Mostly thanks to its fast-acting effects.

Use Gelato when you want to relax but still be mentally stimulated and productive. But, as I said, keep in mind that the effects are pretty heavy if you’re a fresh new user… so take it easy!

Best vaped with: OG Jams

Gelato Details:

• Type: Hybrid (cross of Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies)
• Cannabinoid profile: 20-25% THC | <1% CBD
• Terpene profile: Caryophyllene, limonene, humulene
• Flavor/aroma profile: Sweet, fruity, creamy, hints of citrus and berries
• Positive effects: Balanced euphoria and relaxation, creativity, uplifted mood
• Potential negative effects: Dry mouth, dry eyes, possible mild anxiety

Ready to Pull the Trigger?

If you are, please know that these aren’t the only strains that perform great in a vaporizer [both Blue Dream and White Widow also work great in weed pens] . A lot of common ones vape a lot better than they smoke… because that’s just the nature of the vape beast.

So the next time you’re at your local cannabis dispensary [or any other location that sells weed], don’t be afraid to pick up a bud or two you’ve never tried before and give it a whirl in your vaporizer.

And if you don’t have a weed vape pen yet… well, here you can find the best ones in class.

Start Enjoying the REAL Flavors of Your Weed

Choose Kind Pen Herbal Vaporizers… and Say Goodbye to Smokey Aftertaste!

Click Here to Elevate Your MJ Experience

[The best part? You’re covered with our industry-leading lifetime warranty. Always.
Even if you run over your pen with a car. Talk about risk-free!]