Ah, the sights and sounds of the holiday season. You may already be head-first in a pile of bad Christmas movies, or perhaps you’re gearing up for another month cooped up at home. Either way, you might need a nice change of pace. Why not try a new strain of cannabis, more specifically one that reminds you of the holiday season?
Many people associate specific scents with happy memories. That’s why this is the perfect time of year for trying different cannabis strains that you may otherwise cruise right past. You may be thinking Christmas time cannabis strains probably all taste like baked goods. There are so many more holiday season inspired flavours and aromas. You can go way beyond cakes and cookies.
You will find some sweet-tasting, cookie flavoured cannabis strains on this list, but there are a few options you may not have thought of before now. Choosing the best strains of cannabis for a specific season shouldn’t be tricky. Just think back to your favourite holiday memories and remember the aromas and flavours that you loved the most. If you can find a cannabis strain that resembles one of those scents, you can take yourself right back to your favourite holiday moments.
Most of the cannabis strains we find in dispensaries today are a hybrid version of some type. Some strains are indica dominant, which people say gives you a more relaxing experience. Other strains are sativa-dominant, which people believe makes you feel more euphoric and energized compared to indicas. Finding any strain that is 100% indica or sativa would be difficult.
Sativa strains tend to have lower THC levels, but with so many hybrid breeds out there, many cannabis strains are now around 20% THC concentration or higher.
Cannabis Sparks Holiday Memories
It may sound crazy, but certain cannabis strains may have the power to take you back in time. Not literally, of course, but in your memories. It’s all thanks to the power of olfactory memory. It all boils down to the fact that your nose is pretty powerful.
Everything we smell is analyzed in the olfactory bulb in our brains. That part of the brain also happens to send information it gets from that smell to the rest of the body. That’s why some people have a physical reaction to smells from their past, whether they’re good and bad. In fact, there have been entire retail and media studies designed to find ways to attract buyers using their power of smell instead of sight. One woman even started her own “olfactory branding company,” with only that one goal in mind.
You may not go that deeply into this decision, but there are strains of cannabis that may help you relieve some of the stress of the past year. They can do that by sending you back in time in your mind to a happy holiday memory. Your olfactory memories are the moments most closely tied to emotions. That’s why we tend to remember the really good stuff and the really bad stuff better than anything in between. You shouldn’t have a tough time finding one new strain this holiday season that you continue using well after the snow melts.
Best Cannabis for Christmas
Everyone has different holiday memories that grew from all types of traditions. For some people, the aroma of freshly baked treats can send them back in time. For other people, a strong aroma of mint or musk may remind them of a holiday in years past. Whichever scent and flavour you’re hoping to find, we have you covered.
1. Northern Lights
If you’ve ever had the chance to see the Northern Lights in person, you know it’s an amazing phenomenon. If you’re looking for an indica-dominant, relaxing cannabis strain, Northern Lights is a must this holiday season. This cannabis strain has become quite a star in 2020. It’s catching on across the United States and Canada for several reasons.
Northern Lights is a relatively new indica-dominant cannabis strain that many people say is great for sleeping or enjoying a relaxing, quiet night. Most indicas are believed to be more calming than sativas, which people say are more uplifting and energizing. This specific strain is described as woodsy and earthy in flavour and aroma. It may remind you of a nice, warm fire on a cold winter day.
Northern Lights is common among medical and recreational users and typically gets strong reviews and even repeat customers. This has an above-average THC concentration of anywhere from 18% to 22% potency, but some versions can go as high as 30%. The majority of people who try this strain say they felt mellow and tired almost instantly.
2. Kush Mints
Kush Mints is a great strain for the holiday season for many reasons. The mint aromas will take you back in time to remember your favourite peppermint treat. Whether it’s a famous family beverage or a sweet holiday dessert, mint is a familiar flavour this time of year.
Kush Mints is an Indica-dominant hybrid strain of cannabis. It’s known as a hard-hitting strain that’s a cross of Bubba Kush and Animal Mints. Users say it gives off a mild mint sensation mixed with an earthy and pungent note at the end.
It has an above-average THC concentration of about 26%, so it’s not the best option for a first-timer. It’s described as a perfect balance of relaxing and uplifting, which could make for a perfect nightcap this holiday season.
3. Cookies and Cream
Cookies and Cream is a sativa-based hybrid that comes from a mix of Girl Scout Cookies and Starfighter. This strain is the recipient of many awards for best hybrid around, and it is still popular after a decade on the market.
Cookies and Cream is known for being mellow and uplifting. Many users choose this strain when they’re looking for a happy high with a relaxing ending. Although this strain does not necessarily taste like a cookie, you may be surprised by the flavours. The earthy taste that comes at first is quickly replaced with a vanilla flavour mixed with citrus notes.
This strain is also on the higher end of the THC concentration scale. Cookies and Cream cannabis flower can boast as much as 26% THC potency. If you remember a house full of cookies and sweets around the holidays, this strain will be the perfect choice for a mellow night indoors.
4. Blueberry Bomb
Fruity desserts aren’t everyone’s favourite thing, but there are many people who remember holidays filled with fruit-inspired treats. If you’re in the latter group, you may love the Blueberry Bomb cannabis strain.
Blueberry Bomb is an indica-dominant strain of cannabis that users enjoy for its light flavour and relaxing effects. Many people suggest using this strain when you don’t have much to accomplish that day.
Its flavours are described as sweet, giving off the slightest hint of blueberry scents as it burns. As far as potency, Blueberry Bomb is on the lower end of the scale. This strain typically has about 16% THC concentration, which is a bit lower than some other cannabis on this list.
5. Blueberry Cheesecake
Blueberry Cheesecake is an excellent choice if you love fruity desserts this time of year, but you’re more of a fan of cake. This strain is equal parts blueberry and equal parts vanilla-flavoured cake.
With an average THC concentration of about 23%, this sativa-dominant is powerful and potent. Many people say this strain gives you a true sativa experience, helping you feel uplifted and motivated after using.
6. Citrique
Oranges are a staple in homes around the world during the holidays. Many kids will wake up to find their stockings filled with oranges, and this fruit is enjoyed throughout the holiday season in many cultures.
Citrique is a hybrid cannabis strain with a roughly 50/50 split in sativa to indica concentration. People love this strain because of its strong THC concentration. It typically reaches about 26% potency.
The flavours in the Citrique strain of cannabis are hard to match. This cannabis flower features a strong citrus flavour and aroma mixed with earthy pine scents. Citrique is the perfect blend of sweet fruit and pine tree bliss that so many people love during the holiday season. People choose this strain because it’s a pure hybrid. They say that it allows you to enjoy the relaxing effects of the indica side while experiencing the energizing and uplifting effects of a sativa strain.
7. Mandarin Cookies
Mandarin Cookies combines the orange flavour of the Citrique strain with a more potent, diesel-like aroma. It also combines a little sweet aroma and dessert-like taste toward the end. People love this strain for its intense hit and wide-variety of flavours.
Mandarin Cookies is a powerful cannabis strain, with about 24% THC concentration. Like most cannabis strains, this one is a hybrid. It’s sativa-dominant, but it’s not often you see such strong THC concentration in a sativa-based cannabis strain. Most sativa strains average around 15% THC concentration.
People say they love the uplifting and general happiness Mandarin Cookies provides. It may be your perfect holiday strain this year, especially if you have things to accomplish.
8. Cornbread
Cornbread cannabis is a strain that continues to grow in popularity. It offers a nice balance of baked goods and outdoor scents that remind us of the holiday season. If you love buttery cornbread, you may be surprised by the similarity in taste with this strain. It starts with a doughy bread sensation, followed by a strong, pine and woodsy flavour. There is also a slight fruity flavour that many compare to citrus fruit.
Cornbread is an indica-dominant hybrid that tends to feature a lower THC concentration than some other indica strains. Cornbread has about 15-20% THC potency, which users say provides a nice slow relaxation experience instead of hitting you all at once.
9. Ice Cream Cake
Ice Cream Cake cannabis is a perfect way to enjoy the sweet treats of the holidays along with your favourite summer dessert. Ice Cream Cake provides sweet cake flavours that come through in vanilla notes, thanks to its Wedding Cake predecessor. It also features the sweet cream aroma of ice cream, which may help you travel back to the warm summer months, which is a lovely thought this time of year.
Ice Cream Cake cannabis is typically an indica-dominant strain, but that’s not always the case. Some of these strains can be closer to a perfect mix of sativa and indica. This award-winning strain is best known for its unique flavour, but that’s not why most people love Ice Cream Cake cannabis. It’s known for being a heavy-hitting strain that’s also smooth to inhale. It’s a rare combination because many heavy-hitting strains can also mean powerful inhales.
It is a strong strain of cannabis, with THC concentration reaching up to 25%. That potency combined with the indica dominance can provide for a relaxing evening. That may be perfect if you’re planning to stay in during the holiday season.
10. Papaya Cake
Papaya Cake is a unique blend of sweet, musky, and fruity. Papaya Cake’s flavour is compared to a pineapple upside-down cake, with citrus blends and strong vanilla notes. Many people say they enjoy this strain because the aromas are more intense than the flavours. So, while you may taste a little fruit and cake, you may smell it even more.
Papaya Cake is not new, but this indica-dominant strain remains popular to this day. It features an average THC concentration of about 20% potency.
Closing Thoughts
There are so many options for you to try this holiday season. Next year, there will be a whole new list of holiday-season cannabis strains for you to enjoy, so why not start now?
Whether your holiday memories involve something sweet that reminds you of holiday baked goods or something woodsy that reminds you of a fire, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at your favourite dispensary.