Ten Top #Cannabis Strains to Try in 2017, by Dr. Emily - @emilyearlenbaugh #KushSmokers featured Author of the week

There are a lot of articles about the most popular strains of 2017 - and they feature some amazing cannabis strains. Unfortunately most of the strains featured in these articles are so popular, everyone already knows about them. Blue Dream, OG Kush, Sour Diesel and Girl Scout Cookies are popular for a reason, but their very popularity means that most people have already tried them out and know what to expect. Instead of rehashing these old favorites, here is a list of strains that you may not have heard about but should try in 2017. They might not be as popular as power houses like Blue Dream - but no strains are when they first get started. We’ll have to branch out sometime if we ever want to be improve upon what we already have.

1) Nova OG

Nova OG is reported to be the highest testing cannabis strain in history. Bred by Manali West, a cultivation company that specializes in rare strains, it has tested as high as 35.6% THC. This extremely potent, designer bud is a cross of Stardawg Guava, OG and Diesel and is described as sweet, woody and spicy. If you love the high THC cannabis, this might be your new favorite.

2) Zkittles

Zkittlez is an indica-dominant cross between of Grapefruit, Grape Ape and a third mystery strain. This candy-sweet flower, bred by 3rd Gen Family and Terp Hogz, has taken first place in multiple cannabis cups, and is prized for it’s sweet, berry, and tropical and fruit flavors that are reminiscent of Skittles candy. Cannabis users on leafly describe Zkittles’ effects as relaxed, happy, euphoric, uplifted and sleepy. Most commonly mentioned feature in the reviews? Zkittles smells and tastes AMAZING. If you are in it for the flavor, Zkittles is a must try strain.

3) Black Domina

Black Domina is another incredible strain that will leave you with a good taste in your mouth. Bred by Sensi Seeds, This indica-dominant hybrid is a cross between Northern Lights, Ortega, Hash Plant, and Afghani. It’s sweet, earthy and sometimes spicy aroma will draw you in, and it’s effects will keep you around for more. Black Domina is great for late night use, with effects like relaxation, sleepiness, and euphoria.

4) Cabbage Patch

Cabbage Patch, also sometimes called ‘Key Lime Pie’ is one of my favorite strains to use during the day. This sativa-dominant hybrid combines Durban Poison and Cherry Pie genetics for a high THCV strain that is as relaxing as it is energetic. This light and earthy strain has hints of fruit flavors tastes like it’s been sprinkled with sugar. It is great for people who find traditional sativas like Lemon Haze or Jack Herer to be too paranoia inducing. The uplifting high is relaxed and happy. Patients report it is great at relieving anxiety, pain and depression, while sparking creativity and laughter.

5) Chiquita Banana

Chiquita Banana is a high THC flower, with test results as high as 33.5%. Bred by Utopia Farms, the strain has already won several awards. The sweet and tropical hybrid is a cross between OG Kush and Banana. Chiquita Banana is relaxing, with a kush-like body high but none of it’s sedation. But beware, it’s one of those strains whose effects can sneak up you, increasing slowly and ‘creeping’ over the body. Start slow if you are trying it for the first time.

6) Mendo Breath

Mendo Breath is a cross between OGKB and Mendo Montage that is gaining in popularity this year. It even made the top 20 most popular strains of last month. Bred by Gage Green Genetics, it has a unique aroma, with notes of berry, chocolate, coffee and mint. Consumers describe the high as calming and almost meditative, and patients say it helps them with pain, insomnia and stress relief. But be careful, it can also bring on a bad case of the munchies!

7) Truffle butter

Truffle Butter is a relatively new cross by THClones of Gelato and Chocolate Kush. It tastes like fruit and caramel, with light floral notes. Truffle Butter is an incredibly sedative strain, with high marks for stress and insomnia. Users on leafly also reported it is quite the aphrodisiac, putting arousal as the most common effect for this strain. Whether it’s for sleep or other activities, this is a great strain to smoke right before bed.

8) Dandy Dance

CBD is incredibly medicinal but it can sometimes be hard to find a high CBD strain that is enjoyable to smoke. Dandy Dance, by tropical seeds company, is a high CBD strain that is as delicious as it is medicinal. With a complex nose of orange, lavender and musk, the smell is earthy but sweet and floral at the same time. The high is energizing at first but settles into a more sedative high. It is relaxed but still clear minded, and some patients report it is especially helpful for muscular pain.

9) Ringo’s Gift

For those looking for an extremely high CBD strain, Ringo’s Gift is a great one to try. Named for CBD specialist and activist Lawrence Ringo – this sweet and piney cross of Harle-Tsu and ACDC can reach ratios of 24:1 CBD/THC. Described as mellow and soothing, with full-body relaxation, this strain has become popular in the cannabis clubs of Barcelona.

10) Chocolate Diesel

Chocolate Diesel is a sativa dominant hybrid of cannabis strains Sour Diesel and Chocolate Thai. With an energetic and euphoric high, this strain's’ effects are often compared to those of coffee. With a notes of diesel, skunk, and earthy chocolate, this is a great choice for sativa lovers looking to get energized and happy.

As relatively new strains, many of these are only available in specific areas. But you may find them near you in the coming months. Everyone has different tastes when it comes to marijuana, and you might not want to try every strain on the list. Still, with so much variety in the cannabis plant - there is a strain for everyone. What strains are you excited to try this year?

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Emily is a freelance @KushSmokers author and we hope everyone enjoys her Steem articles. She is new to the Steem community and was introduced to it through the #KushSmokers onboarding program, so please take a second, follow Emily, as she will be posting on her own account as well as under the @KushSmokers handle, alongside many other new high quality authors such as Emily in the near future!

Read Her Introduction Post Here:
https://steemit.com/kushsmokers/@kushsmokers/welcome-our-first-freelance-kushsmokers-author-why-i-left-academia-to-teach-people-about-cannabis-by-emily-earlenbaugh-phd-my

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