The best weed strains for a euphoric high

Euphoria is a ‘sense of well-being’ that is both universal and subjective. Some people prefer a cerebral euphoria from a sativa strain, while others feel euphoric when they smoke an indica strain. We’ve compiled the best strains that inspire euphoria thanks to a mix of terpenes and genetics that suit any connoisseur’s preferences.

1. Trainwreck

   A Trainwreck may sound like the furthest thing from euphoric, but this classic sativa-dominant strain bred from Mexican, Thai, and Afghani landrace strains evoke a sensation one reviewer compared to “being seated on the world's most comfortable couch at 20,000 feet.”

2. Sweeties

   Sweeties is a true lip-smacker of a strain. A three-way cross of The White, Tahoe OG, and GSC has a beautiful look of green and purple buds that pairs with its sweet, gassy, and even floral palate and 21% THC.

3. Rainbow Belts

   Much like how munching on some Rainbow Belt candy induces a nostalgic sugar rush, the strain Rainbow Belts drips leads to a pot of euphoria. Archive Seed Bank’s Moonbow pairs beautifully with Zkittlez, for a hybrid that exceeds 20% THC.

4. Face Off OG

   A heavy, indica Kush can bring on a unique euphoria best appreciated in a mellow setting. Face Off OG has endured for decades thanks to its subdued euphoria and imparted zen.

5. Apples and Bananas

   A Cookies and Compound Genetics collaboration was bound to get us in a good mood. Apples and Bananas, a fruit-forward hybrid of Blue Power and Gelatti, has high THC and high terpenes that lift your mood and dazzle your tastebuds.

6. White Runtz

   This Runtz phenotype has gained just as much popularity as the original thanks to its frosty trichome coat, pungent terps, and happy-go-lucky effects. One reviewer called smoking White Runtz a “strong steady euphoric lift off.” The 22% THC average doesn’t hurt either.

7. Gelato

   Gelato has established itself as a cannabis star strain because of its consistently tasty terps, high THC, and specific, giggling euphoria. It and its many genetic crosses have garnered innumerable awards.

8. Jack Frost

   This strain evokes a winter wonderland all year round. Jack Frost has euphoric whimsy and pine tree terps in spades.

9. GMO Cookies

   Funky and fun. GMO Cookies comes from Girl Scout Cookies and Chemdawg. It has the zing from Chemdawg with a balanced, giggly buzz.

10. Gushers

    Gushers brings the gas of both Gelato #41 and Triangle Kush with a berry twist. This euphoric hybrid helps one reviewer “end my day in happiness.”

Feelings of euphoria can help medical patients and wellness consumers alleviate depression and anxiety, enhance creativity, connect with others, or just spark up to play video games. A positive, euphoric state of mind helps us move through life with more open minds and hearts to those around us, and a better appreciation for what we have.

A euphoric high turns everything up a notch: colors are brighter, jokes are funnier, and worries feel far away. Euphoric highs also tend to come with bursts of energy, although some prefer a mellower euphoria in bed or on the couch. There may also be some tingles.

Based on enduring popularity, effects, cannabis competition wins, cultural relevance, access, and consistency across breeders, growers, and brands, we’d have to point to Gelato as the best strain for euphoria.

Gelato—while indica-leaning—suits consumption at any point of the day. It doesn’t induce sleepiness or paranoia and has become a cannabis competition staple and parent strain for a new generation of winners. White Runtz, Gushers, and Apples and Bananas all have Gelato lineage, so it’s no wonder they also made the list.

But if you can’t stand hybrids, we recommend Trainwreck for a sativa euphoria and Hindu Kush for that classic Kush kismet.

At first glance, euphoria might seem like a sativa-only characteristic. While euphoria is certainly a cerebral, emotional feeling, it doesn’t only come from sativa, or heady, strains.

Some users may feel euphoric when their pain and inflammation have been addressed, or they finally feel tired enough for a good night’s sleep. Most of the strains on this list are hybrids, a couple are strongly sativa-dominant, and some veer to the indica side of the spectrum.

by and large, the dominant terpene among our most euphoric strains is caryophyllene, followed by terpinolene, myrcene, and limonene. That combo loosely correlates to sativa hybrids.

Caryophyllene is the most common cannabis terpene and strains rich in caryophyllene would induce euphoria, as they also enhance relaxation and reduce anxiety, which makes us all the more ready to feel joy.