28 EXOTIC STRAINS OF WEED YOU SHOULD TRY IN 2022 & 2023
In today’s modern cannabis market, there are seemingly endless options. Spoiler alert: exotic weed strains are awesome! Long gone are the days when you simply got whatever the local dealer had on hand. Nowadays, there are thousands of weed strains, which means we now have dozens of different exotic strains of cannabis flower at the dispensary, with more added every day.
The quintessential classics like Silver Haze and OG Kush are still around, but hot new drops crossing the latest and greatest exotic cultivars seem to debut all the time. With so many different and interesting strain options out there, it can be hard to decide which exotic strain is best for you.
Read on for a breakdown on how to pick the right exotic weed for you—and discover what the hottest exotic strains of 2022 and 2023 are so far.
How to know which exotic strains of weed are right for you
The diverse cannabis marketplace can be overwhelming, especially for new consumers. Between cannabinoid content and terpene percentages, it’s enough to make your head spin. But it turns out there may be clues that could lead you to a perfect exotic strain.
When you walk into a dispensary or check out an online weed menu, the first question you should ask yourself is: “how do I want to feel?” Do you want to relax after a long day? Energize yourself for work? Get extra social for a night on the town? The answer will guide your purchase.
It’s important to remember that every person is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all in the cannabis world. Reported effects from exotic strains are always anecdotal, and just because one type of cannabis makes your friend feel one way, it doesn’t mean you’ll feel the same. Trial and error is definitely the name of the game when it comes to exotic weed strains.
Sativa vs indica vs hybrid
The majority of dispensaries put cannabis products into one of three categories: indica, sativa, or hybrid. Indicas tend to offer a sedative body high, while sativas are usually more uplighting and cerebral. Hybrids are a blend of the two. However, this is only one small piece of the puzzle.
Cannabinoids - the main cannabis differential
Cannabinoid content is the next thing to consider. Cannabinoids are the main active ingredients in the cannabis plant. These compounds interact with your body through something called the Endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a collection of receptors throughout the nervous system.
THC is the dominant cannabinoid, along with CBD. There are also minor cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, CBC, and many others, but THC and CBD tend to be the most common.
The average cannabis flower at your local dispensary will likely have somewhere between 15% and 35% THC. The higher the THC, the more potent the effects will be. If you’re looking for therapeutic benefits, you may want to seek out exotic strains with more CBD or other minor cannabinoids.
What about terpenes?
Terpenes are also fantastic indicators of how a uniquely exotic strain of weed will make you feel. Terpenes are the compounds in cannabis (and all plants) responsible for the flavor, aroma, and effects. If cannabinoids like THC and CBD are the gasoline in your body’s tank, then terpenes are the GPS system guiding you.
There are many different terpenes in cannabis but eight have been identified as the most prevalent:
- Myrcene - Considered the most common cannabis terpene, myrcene tends to have very relaxing effects
- Linalool - Another sedative terpene, linalool is also found in lavender and many aromatherapy products.
- Limonene - Highly concentrated in citrus fruits like lemon, limonene tends to provide a happy and peaceful high.
- Beta-caryophyllene - This peppery terpene is another one on the more relaxing side, found in many OG exotic strains.
- Pinene - Conjuring images of an evergreen forest, pinene tends to offer effects that are joyful yet calm.
- Terpinolene - Considered the most psychedelic terpene, terpinolene offers a hazy flavor that goes straight to your head.
- Humulene - Also found in hops, humulene is often touted for its potential as a pain reliever.
- Ocimene - A less common cannabis terpene, ocimene is fruity with a deeply sedative effect.
Cannabis flower consumption methods
Cannabis flower must be heated in order for the effects to take action. The cannabinoid THC-A is converted to good old THC once the plant is hot, offering the familiar feels cannabis is known for.
Smoking cannabis has long been the go-to way to feel the effects of the plant, but it’s no longer the end-all-be-all. Joints, bongs, blunts, and bowls may be tried and true, however, the options for consuming cannabis have increased exponentially in the new era of legalization.
Vaping has become increasingly popular among cannabis newbies and veterans alike thanks to its smooth and flavorful nature. Instead of putting a flame directly to the plant, vaporizer devices heat the plant using convection or conduction elements (basically an oven for weed).
Vaping cannabis oil has also become a top method of consumption, with weed pods, carts, and pens capturing a large amount of market share. People enjoy this method thanks to the convenience and the fact that weed pens tend to be more discreet than smoking.
The 28 best exotic strains of weed in 2023
- Apple Mintz
- Berry Zkittlez
- Black Truffle
- Blue Razz Eclair
- Bubblegum Gelato
- Crunch Berries
- French Toast
- Frozen Grapez
- Gelato
- Gelato Mintz
- Ghost Face Mintz
- Grape Soda
- Grape Sorbert
- Hi-Octane
- Jealousy Pie
- London Purpz
- Orange Slushie
- Pink Acai
- Pink Rosay
- Purple Runtz
- Rainbow Sherbert
- Snow Cone
- Strawberry Milk
- Truffle Sundae
- Watermelon Z
- White Gusherz
- White Truffle
- Zelato
At STIIIZY, we only use top-shelf premium cannabis flower for all of our cannabis products including our proprietary pods and battery system. Check out our collection of exotic strains now.
