Lemon-tasting strains of weed

With so many stellar lemon strains to choose from, figuring out which options to highlight is a task we take seriously. That’s why we crunched the numbers on sales metrics, assessed availability in the marketplace, and factored in signature characteristics like the presence of the aroma molecule limonene, and the amount of THC to bring you a definitive look at the top lemon strains on shelves today.

1. Lemon Skunk

   Lemon Skunk Originally bred by DNA Genetics, Lemon Skunk or “Lemon Skunk OG” falls on the sativaside of the hybrid spectrum while packing in tons of skunky phenotypes and a zesty lemon flavor. At 18% THC, Lemon Skunk is suitable for consumers looking for a mellow high, an effect aided by this strain’s notable levels of the terpene myrcene. Considered a classic, Lemon Skunk gives an aroma worthy of its name and effects often credited with relieving symptoms of depression and stress.

2. Lemon Cake

   Give your tastebuds a slice of joy with Lemon Cake! Bred by Heavyweight Seeds, this potent, sativa-dominant strain is a cross of Lemon Skunk (see above) and Cheese, which accounts for its absurdly pungent aroma of citrus, musk, and sweetness. Popular with growers for its short flowering time, consumers love Lemon Cake for its signature taste and its ability to help with stress, nausea, and more.

3. Lemon Meringue

   Have dessert any time of day with Lemon Meringue. A cross of Lemon Skunk — sensing a theme? — and Cookies and Cream, this strain is another sativa-forward entry and one which packs a peculiar, impressive bouquet. Combining notes of citrus, diesel, and nuttiness, the subsequent uplifting energy and mild euphoria often cited by consumers make Lemon Meringue, bred by Exotic Genetix, a big hit in the world of lemon-flavored strains.

4. Pink Lemonade

   Ok, we admit it: Lemon Skunk is smoking this list. In this case, its appearance comes courtesy of a cross with Purple Kush, the result of which is the delectable hybrid Pink Lemonade. Take a puff and get ready for a mouthful of lemon, grapefruit, and mentholated tea — a perfect trio for getting calm in a hurry. At 18% THC, Pink Lemonade is another strain that works well for consumers of all experience levels who are looking for a bit of refreshment.

5. Strawberry Lemonade

   One glass of lemonade is never enough, so here’s another namesake strain that whets our palettes. Bred by Barney’s Farm, Strawberry Lemonade is a sweet, citrus-rich cross of Strawberry Cough and Lemon OG. Credited with alleviating symptoms of depression, fatigue, and chronic pain, this strain also boasts a flavor profile of tangy lemon, tart berry, and sugary citrus. Mmmm!

Tart, refreshing, and unmistakable: that’s the flavor we’ve come to expect from lemons. So how do certain cannabis strains like Super Lemon Haze and Limoncello manage to taste just like actual lemons too? It’s all thanks to aromatic compounds called terpenes. In this case, the star is a terpene called, appropriately, limonene.

Abundant in nature and extremely popular with humans, lemon scents and flavors are today an omnipresent facet of many shopping experiences, be it an excursion to the supermarket or your nearest dispensary. Found in abundance in both certain fruits and select cannabis strains, the popularity of limonene in the larger world also makes lemon-forward strains an excellent starting point for canna-curious consumers.

When it comes to lemons, the competition is fierce. That’s why we sorted a veritable banner crop of strain candidates by factors like total reviews, star rating, and overall popularity to determine five of the best lemon-flavored weed strains on the market right now. Representing a diverse swath of genetics, taste profiles, and origin points, here are the lemon strains Leafly users consider the best of the best.

1. Super Lemon Haze

   Topping our list for the best lemon-flavored weed strains is Super Lemon Haze. As a sativa-dominant hybrid cross featuring lots of zesty flavor, Super Lemon Haze showcases its lineage of Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze with pride as a multi-colored wonder strain with some seriously lemony traits. Popular for piquing energy, “SLH” (as it’s sometimes known) can now add another accolade to its long list of canna-achievements as the crowned king of lemon-flavored strains.

2. Limoncello

   Take a sip of an outstanding strain with a shot of Limoncello. Bred by crossing The Original Lemonade and Cherry Pie, this well-balanced hybrid will catch your eye with its bright orange hairs and please your tongue with a palate-cleansing blend of lemon and cherries. Popular with consumers looking to get mellow without melting faces, Limoncello’s 19% THC hits that sweet spot between blissful relaxation and a ticket to outer space.

3. Lemonnade

   Keeping it in the family, it’s the Lemon OG and Gorilla Haze cross Lemonnade. Sometimes also known as “The Original Lemonnade,” having an extra “n” in its name is not the only thing that sets this sativa-dominant hybrid apart. That would be Lemonade's scent, which bears an uncanny resemblance to freshly squeezed lemons. Even better, this strain’s reputed effects are subtle enough to make it an ideal option for wake-and-bake fans. Start your day with a glass (or puff) of Lemonnade.

4. Lemonatti

   Cancel your plans and settle in for a cozy evening with potent hybrid Lemonatti. A true heavy-hitter, this strain tests at walloping 26% THC. The result of crossing Gelonadei and Biscotti, Lemonatti is, in the words of one Leafly reviewer, “definitely fire.” We agree, with special credit owed to this strain’s flavor profile (lemon and pepper, always a winning combo) as well as its reputed benefits in alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

5. Lemon Tree

   Grow your own gets a new meaning with Lemon Tree, a balanced hybrid made by crossing Lemon Skunk with Sour Diesel. Beyond serving as yet another notch on Lemon Skunk’s belt in its claim as Leafly lemon weed royalty, this strain’s credentials include a flavor profile that blends fresh lemons with diesel undertones and its associated benefits related to relieving inflammation and chronic pain.

As the science of cannabis continues to evolve, different perspectives on how best to categorize the plant have emerged as well. Historically, classifications like indica, sativa, and hybrid have served as a baseline for which effects a consumer can expect from a given strain. Now, this guidance has been bolstered by a better understanding of the individual components within cannabis, such as terpenes and cannabinoids. But whether you rely on legacy classifications or modern descriptors, what matters most is finding a system that works for you. As for lemon strains, the abundance of the terpene limonene means you can easily find it in indicas, sativas, and hybrids. For our last list, let’s look at five of the most popular strains on the indica-side of the spectrum.

Even within the classification of indicas, the options are so bountiful that narrowing it down to only five of the most popular strains was tough! But here’s what Leafly users are rolling with when it comes to popular lemon-flavored indica strains. .

1. Lemon OG

   Topping our list of popular, lemon-flavored indica strains is Lemon OG! Created by breeding Las Vegas Lemon Skunk with The OG #18, this strain is exceptionally skunky and reputed for its strong psychoactive effects. Great for stimulating an appetite or just setting your brain on pause for a stretch, Lemon OG (also known as “Lemon OG Kush”) is heavy and hearty in all the right ways. Naturally, consumers can also look forward to fruity undertones, including strong notes of lemon, as part of this strain’s signature flavor profile. .

2. SFV OG Kush

   Sometimes referred to as “San Fernando Valley OG Kush,” SFV OG Kush is the indica sibling to SFV OG. Slightly confusing? We hear you, but when it comes to SFV OG Kush, consumers are crystal-clear on what they love. By crossing SFV OG with OG Kush, the resulting strain emits a strong, alluring lemon smell with notes of pine as well. Leafly reviewers are also big fans of its sedating and relaxing effects, ensuring SFV OG Kush checks every box as an ideal indica option.

3. Marathon OG

   Remember, it’s not a race — it’s a marathon. That’s sage advice to consider when enjoying Marathon OG, a potent indica bred from an OG Kush cross. Named in honor of late rapper Nipsey Hustle and his famous mixtape series, Marathon OG is also a greatest hits collection on the flavor front. Featuring notes of lemon, earth, and spice, this strain’s reputation for alleviating symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, and pain keeps it in frequent rotation with Leafly’s users.

4. Paris OG

   A previous first-place winner at the Michigan High Times’ Cannabis Cup, Paris OG has somewhat mythic roots. As best we know, Headband and Lemon OG are the likely parents to this indica-dominant hybrid, but either way, you can count on a delicious mix of fruit and citrus flavors that give way to calming, relaxing effects. In a recent five-star review of Paris OG, one Leafly user spelled it out succinctly: “This one’s ridiculously good.”

5. Forbidden Fruit

   Forbidden yet friendly, Forbidden Fruit has a tantalizing name, mouthwatering flavors, and a moderate potency of 16% THC. As a result, this strain is popular with consumers across the experience spectrum, though that certainly doesn’t mean it pulls any punches. Rather, the genetics of Forbidden Fruit — made by crossing Cherry Pie with Tangie — make it tailor-made to taste amazing. Think cherry, musk, lemon, mango, pine, and passionfruit smells. Your taste buds thank you in advance.