Both Virginia and Maryland have been seeing an increased push for the legalization of marijuana for recreational adult-use. While cannabis is still illegal in both states for recreational use, recent years have witnessed increasing, piece-by-piece steps to legalizing the substance in its various forms for various purposes.
There is still quite a long way to go for both states in legalizing marijuana use beyond medical. However, 2021 has seen legislation from both states (HB 32 and SB 708 in Maryland), being put on the table and even passed (SB 1406 and HB 2312 in Virginia) to begin the process towards legalization.
This means that both Virginia and Maryland residents may not have to wait much longer before they can start enjoying recreational cannabis. However, as with any new form of recreation, it can be a new and daunting world to those who are not familiar with it. Much like those getting into rock and roll or video games for the first time, it can be helpful to know what is popular with those more familiar with the scene.
In that regard Washington DC is effectively the frontier of recreational cannabis use for the DMV region. Thus, this article explores the most popular marijuana strains in the Washington DC area, what experiences they offer, as well as their history and background.
First-time users or those using cannabis for medical purposes should consult with more experienced users or medical professionals before trying any of the strains listed here.
Most Popular Marijuana Strains
AK-47
Considered a classic, the AK-47 strain was created in 1992. Its ancestry and origins can be traced to strains local to Thailand, Afghanistan, Mexico, and South America. AK-47 has won awards around the globe and still enjoys wide-use worldwide almost 30 years since its introduction onto the scene.
Despite boasting incredible potency, this strain is known for the mellow and relaxing effect it has on users. Simultaneously, users have noted an energetic buzz, making AK-47 a good accompaniment for social situations or when doing something creative. The strain has also been found to be helpful when dealing with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
Users have remarked that AK-47 bears a woody smell, not unlike pine or sandalwood trees, with earthy undertones as well as a powerful aroma that brings gunpowder to mind (possibly a hint as to how the strain got its name).
Platinum Girl Scout Cookies
Sounding both outlandish and charming at the same time, Platinum Girl Scout Cookies has traveled all the way across America from the West Coast to enjoy popularity on the East Coast. Platinum takes the two strains that were combined to create the GSC original- hybrids OG Kush and Durban Poison- and adds a still unknown third plant element to create something new.
Users prefer PGSC for its relaxing and sedative qualities but most especially for its potent euphoric effect. The strain also has remarkably wide medical applications. People have used PGSC to dull the pain and suffering caused by migraines and arthritis. The strain has also seen use dealing with the deleterious symptoms of Fibromyalgia, which include depression, anxiety as well as headaches and body pain. People suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have also used PGSC to treat symptoms associated with those disorders.
Platinum Girl Scout Cookies has a notably sweet scent that brings berries to mind, while also possessing a certain spiciness.
Khalifa Kush
Similar to Platinum Girl Scout Cookies, Khalifa Kush also owes its origins to the West Coast before likewise finding popularity on the East Coast. The personal brand of rapper Wiz Khalifa, the strain was said to have been tested by the rapper himself. The recipe is still a closely held secret, with rumors persisting that an even more potent strain remains unreleased for the rapper’s personal use.
Khalifa Kush is often used in the mornings and midday due to its energizing effects. Without suffering heavy sedation to the body, users enjoy both euphoria and physical relaxation. Though it should be noted that new users and those more easily affected by cannabis should use Khalifa Kush carefully. For the same reasons that make it popular recreationally, the herb has also been used to aid with mild to moderate cases of depression, anxiety, stress, and fatigue.
While the smell and flavor of Khalifa Kush bear similarities to its forebear OG Kush, the rapper cultivated in his strain a taste of lemon with hints of pine.
Pineapple Express
Before it was made famous by the film sharing its name, which stars both Seth Rogen and James Franco, Pineapple Express was already popular in the Netherlands at least five years before the movie’s release. Pineapple Express is the product of combining the strains Trainwreck and Hawaiian. Such are the tropical overtones of the herb, that the buds themselves have been known to taste like pineapple slices.
Pineapple Express is recognized for its long-lasting high that relaxes the body but stimulates the mind, making this celebrity strain a good accompaniment for creative endeavors or simply when one needs to be productive. The same simultaneous calming and energizing effects also lead into Pineapple Express’ medical applications which range from chronic stress, to depression, to generalized restlessness. Those are in addition to its relaxing qualities for mild pain, migraines, and tight muscles.
The tropical origins of the herb’s parent strains show through, with Pineapple Express’ smell reminiscent of fruits mixed with pine and cedar.
Bubba Kush
A widely popular strain that was originally bred in Los Angeles, according to Wikileaf this indica hybrid has an air of mystery surrounding its heritage. Like the Khalifa Kush, Bubba Kush owes half its genetics to the OG Kush, hence the ‘Kush.’ The Bubba however is attributed to a still unknown Northern Lights strain the original breeder obtained at Mardi Gras that has sadly been lost and remains a marijuana mystery to this day.
Bubba Kush is for those looking for an incredibly sedate and relaxing high. While not so tranquilizing as to prevent conversations, Bubba Kush is noted for how it causes a melting sensation across the whole of the body, accompanied by relaxation through slow-breathing and a tangible sense of comfort. Those same tranquilizing qualities make Bubba Kush ideal for users suffering from both deep physical pain and mental anxieties. Especially sizable doses have been used as an insomnia treatment.
This herb’s smell is notably spicy when burned, with a hashish aroma to accompany it. Taste wise, users have remarked as to Bubba Kush’s sweetness alongside a peppery kick.
Grandaddy Purple
The website 420dc.com describes Grandaddy Purple as having a full-body effect that leaves users with an experience both blissful and relaxing.
It is one of the most popular strains on the West Coast so its popularity on the opposite coast is no surprise. The most famous ‘purple’ cannabis strain of the US was created by Ken Estes of San Francisco in 2003. Merging Purple Urkle and Big Bud, he created the extremely photogenic Grandaddy Purple. There is some debate that this strain, due to numerous similarities, is the same as another strain known as Grape Ape. Others argue that it is simply a case of the two being so similar that dispensers make the human error of confusing one for the other.
Grandaddy Purple noticeably affects both the mind and the body, especially at the beginning before settling into a smooth full-body buzz. Users have noted experiencing their thoughts having a floating sensation while their bodies have preferred to stay in one place during the high. GDP has been used to deal with insomnia, appetite loss, as well as muscle spasms and stress.
Suitable to its appearance, Grandaddy Purple sports an aroma that contains hints of both grapes and berries.
Obama Kush
One of the most popular strains in the DC area, Obama Kush was created by Superior Genetics combining an Indica Afghani with an OG Kush that was itself a sativa dominant hybrid. The result is a truly modern strain accessible and enjoyable to users of all experience levels.
Despite its powerful relaxing properties in addition to the euphoria it instills, this strain does not make users overly tired. Outside of recreation Obama Kush is very effective in helping users combat pain, including as severe pain as associated with spinal cord injuries. Other medical uses include migraine relief and dealing with anxieties the result of ADHD, ADD, and at times PTSD.
According to Civilized.Life Obama Kush’s smoke is recognized by an aroma that combines sweet with earthy flavors.
Sour Diesel
Also known as Sour D, Sour Diesel is a long-time favorite of cannabis users. As it owes its origins to the more underground corners of the cannabis market of the 80s and 90s, not much is known about where this sativa strain came from or how. Debate as to its genetic heritage is still ongoing, with at least three different theories still being promulgated.
Sour Diesel can have an uplifting effect on the user’s mood, the stimulative effects making a user chatty when around others or more introspective if by themselves. As stated on wikileaf, the sense of euphoria from Sour D may be of use against some symptoms of mild stress, anxiety, and depression.
It should be noted that Sour Diesel is true to its name, with a harsh smoke to make someone cough and their sinuses water. Sour D’s odor is notably noticeable and carries its all-too skunk like smell for some distance before dissipating.
While recreational marijuana use is still not legal in Maryland and Virginia, the steps are being taken towards that goal. Hopefully when that day comes you will already know what to look for.