What are “Candy” Strains of Cannabis?

Ask three people what qualifies a strain as Candy, and the only consistent answer is—“The nose!!”  Outside of that, it’s a toss-up, everything from “Candy can only be Indica” to “Candy means it’s infused.”

Identifying 'Candy Strains

We identify Candy strains through their distinct and complex aroma. Compared to other strains Candy produce high levels of ocimene, limonene, linalool, and myrcene each having a unique aroma. Candy connoisseurs can not only tell which terpenes are present but which Terps are dominant in that specific phenotype

High THC, complex terpene profiles with high percentages of Terps keep us coming back. Consumer preference surveys show aroma and flavor as top purchase drivers with candy strains ranking near the top for repeat buying.

Candy strains are “loud” and tickle your nose like a sweet hammer, then evolve into citrus, berry, or fruity notes—think cotton candy-coated fruit chews. Candy strains occupy a significant slice of the “desert” segment, which also includes cookies, cakes, and gelatos. As a result, terpene-rich crosses that deliver maximal sweetness without sacrificing potency or yield will continue to dominate.

The Roots of Candy Strains.  Where did they come from?

The candy wave emerged in the 2000s and 2010s to meet the demand for complex flavors and unique experiences associated with high terpenes. Also promising research into the potential health benefits from Cannabinoids and Terpenes. Legalization, testing labs, and consumer feedback loops reinforced the demand for strains with high terpenes and complex flavors. Candy strains now anchor menus alongside fruit, gas, and cake sub-categories.

Simultaneously, breeders refined hybrid recipes to maximize sweet aromatics while maintaining balanced, functional highs. Some candy lines skew indica-leaning for relaxing body effects, while others balance sativa influence for uplift and sociability. The result is a multifaceted category that can be tailored to different use cases while keeping sweet terpenes the stars.

Appearance and Structure of Candy-Type Buds

In the beginning, candy strains were dense, calyx-stacked flowers with a heavy frosting of trichomes that lend a “sugar-dusted” look. Colors range from lime green and purple to deep forest tones with violet tinges in cooler-grown phenotypes. The resin saturation is a visible indicator of terpene and cannabinoid richness.  Modern day candy strains come in every size, structure, and density, but the powerfully sweet aroma that subtly changes as the terpenes express themselves will always be the Candy calling card.  soft, trichome-laden buds that can be broken down by hand and rolled without a grinder are ideal. 

Cotton Candy, Creamy Lavender, Fruit Chews..which is for you?

Candy strains broadcast their identity as soon as the jar opens. Expect bright top notes reminiscent of cotton candy, lemon-lime soda, candied berries, or tropical fruit chews. Mid-notes can include floral cream, soft vanilla, or a green apple tartness that cuts the sweetness. Base notes often add complexity- light musk from myrcene, a peppery prickle from beta-caryophyllene, and herbaceous whispers from ocimene or humulene. This complex profile creates the entourage effect which enhances the effects of each ingredient.

Terpene , 

1. Limonenes nose leans toward lemon drops or orange slices
2. Linalool can impart soothing lavender sweetness
3. Ocimene and terpinolene bring a green-fruity, gummy-candy vibe
4. Myrcene deepens the bouquet with ripe mango and grape candy cues.
   

Candy Flavor Spectrum- 

Candy strains deliver a swift burst of sweetness that fills any space. breathe deep and  encounter citrus or berry, followed by a creamy sugary glaze with faint spices or minty coolness through the exhale. If the terpene composition is intact the smoke or vapor feels plush and soft, akin to the mouthfeel of a dessert wine or Cuban coffee.

Acidic impressions, like those in candy, are illusions created by citrus terpenes and aldehydes. Cannabis smoke lacks sucrose, but the brain associates these volatile compounds with sugary foods, creating a convincing candy illusion.

If the Cultivators growing organic or in Living Soil expect strain-to-strain even harvest-to-harvest variability: Cotton Candy may carry a sweet-and-savory twist, while Candy Airheads leans bright and fruit-forward. Eye Candy’s myrcene-caryophyllene duo can create a ripe tropical candy with a pepper-spice finish. This variation lets connoisseurs curate a “Candy flight,” much like a tasting of different confections.

Cannabinoid Profile: THC, CBD, and Minors in Candy Strains

Candy strains are usually bred for robust potency, high terpene %. and significant yield. In legal markets, many candy-labeled cultivars test in the 18–25% THC range, with select phenotypes occasionally surpassing 28% under optimal conditions. This places them firmly in the modern “potent hybrid” tier preferred by experienced consumers.

CBD is typically low in candy strains, often below 1%, unless specifically bred as a CBD-rich candy cultivar. Minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBC can range from trace to around 0.5–1.5% combined, depending on genetics and maturity. Harvest timing influences these readings, with late harvests sometimes nudging CBG and CBC marginally higher as cannabinoids oxidize or convert.

THCV appears sporadically at trace levels, but it’s not a defining feature of most candy lines. For users seeking THCV’s appetite-modulating potential, a dedicated THCV-rich cultivar would be more reliable than a candy phenotype. Still, even low levels of minors can subtly shape the effect ensemble.

Crucially, total terpene content—commonly 1–3% by weight in well-grown flower—interacts with cannabinoids to contour the experience.

High-THC candy strains with 2%+ total terpenes often feel more flavorful and characterful than similar THC levels with lower terpene content. That synergy is part of why candy strains feel distinctive beyond the raw numbers

Terpene Profile: The Chemistry behind Candy

The Signature Candy profile typically centers around limonene, linalool, myrcene, and ocimene, followed by beta-caryophyllene, humulene, and terpinolene. Note: several experts believe ocimene is the most impactful terpene and target high ocimene strains.

Ocimene contributes green, fruity, and slightly woody layers that recall gummy candies or fruit chews.

Limonene conveys citrus-candy zest and a perception of brightness; it’s commonly one of the top three terpenes in candy cultivars.

Linalool adds lavender-vanilla softness that rounds sharp citrus edges.

Myrcene provides ripe mango and grape candy tones and can read musky-sweet at higher levels.

Terpinolene can push a sweet-pineapple confection vibe.

Beta-caryophyllene introduces a peppery base that counterbalances sweetness and may interact with CB2 receptors.

What amount of Terpenes should I look for?

Well-grown, properly dried, and cured flowers’ total terpene content commonly falls between 1.5–4.0% by weight. 2–2.75% terpene content is very good and favorable to high THC. Terpene content above 2.75% is impressive and should be acquired and experienced.

Experiential Effects: Onset, Peak and Duration

Candy strains often strike a mood-lifting, sociable chord with a friendly body unwind. Onset is typically fast within 5–10 minutes when smoked or vaped, with a peak around 30–45 minutes. The primary window of effects tends to last 2–3 hours for inhalation, with a gentle taper rather than a hard crash.

As always, dose, tolerance, and context strongly shape outcomes. High-THC candy strains can feel quite potent despite their friendly flavor, so a “low and slow” approach is prudent for new users. Vaporizing at moderate temperatures can highlight the candy terpenes and produce powerful yet functional effects.

50 Popular Cannabis Candy strains

key*  Indica= I      Sativa= S       Hybrid= H      Hybrid Sativa= HS      Hybrid Indica=HI

1. Candyland Strain HS

Candyland strain comes from a cross of Granddaddy Purple and Bay Platinum Cookies and is considered a sativa-dominant strain. The THC content had been noted to range from 14% to as high as 29%. Beta-Caryophyllene, a dietary cannabinoid, is the primary terpene in the Candyland strain, adding notes of rosemary and hops.

2. Cotton Candy Strain I

Cotton candy is an indica-dominant strain that comes from a mix of Lavender and skunky strains like Power Plant, Hawaiian, and Afghani. The cotton candy strain terpene profile of Linalool for lavender, Humulene for hops, and Beta-Myrcene with its notes of clove combine to give the flower the cotton candy flair it's named after. This candy strain has a THC content that usually ranges from 17% to 22%.

3. Candy Rain Strain HI

When London Pound Cake and Gelato are crossed, the result is the Candy Rain strain. Known to be a heavily indica-leaning strain, Candy Rain has a THC content of around 16% to 21%. The combinations of Caryophyllene and Limonene give it a lemon citrus profile.

4. Grape Runtz Strain H

A desirable strain, the Grape Runtz strain, is created when Gelato, Grape Ape, and Zkittles are crossed. A more balanced hybrid strain, its THC content tends to be within 19% to 23%. Limonene is the dominant terpene in this candy strain, giving its lemon flavor.

5. Pink Candy Strain HS

Sometimes candy strains are mixed to produce a new candy weed strain which is what happens when Stinky Pinky and Cotton Candy are crossed, producing Pink Candy. The dominant terpenes found consist of Phellandrene and Eucalyptol. You can expect a woodsy and minty flavor profile. The THC content for this sativa-dominant strain tends to range between 19% to 24%.

6. Space Candy Strain H

Cotton Candy can also be crossed with Space Queen to create Space Candy. Space Candy is a balanced hybrid cannabis strain with a THC content between 18% and 22%. With a fruity profile, thanks to the dominant terpene, Terpinolene, Space Candy is great for those who prefer sweeter apple-like flavors.

7. Candy Jack Strain  HS

Known for having once won the Cannabis Cup, Candy Jack comes from a cross of Skunk #1, Jack Herer, and the very popular Cotton Candy. While it's known for its complex terpene profile, the prominence of Terpinolene can help give an idea of its fruity flavor. Candy Jack leans on the sativa side of the spectrum with a known high THC content of 27% on average.

8. Kandy Kush Strain I

Also known as “Candy Kush,” Kandy Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid cross of OG Kush and Trainwreck, which is sometimes substituted with Blue Dream. A Western Slope Cannabis Crown winner, Kandy Kush’s THC content can range from 18% to as high as 30%. The Limonene terpene helps give this candy strain its lemony flavor and brightness.

9. Alien Rock Candy Strain I

Alien Rock Candy, or sometimes just Alien Candy, is the product of a cross between Sour Double and Tahoe Alien. Alien rock candy is an indica-dominant strain with a THC content that falls between 15% and 19%. A combination of Limonene, Camphene, and Myrcene terpenes gives this candy weed strain a citrusy, sour profile

10. Candy Cane Strain. I

An indica-dominant strain, Candy Cane comes from a mix of AK 47, Mango, and White Widow strains. This combination lets the Myrcene terpene shine through for an earthy cannabis flavor. Its THC content can be anywhere between 15% and 20%.

11. Purple Candy Strain HI

Purple Candy, or sometimes “Candy Purple,” is the product of crossing Mendocino Purps and Sweet Tooth. This candy weed strain is more on the indica side of the spectrum and usually has a THC content of 15% to 19%. Its concentration of Myrcene and Phellandrene terpenes contributes to its sweet and fruity flavor.

12. Candy Apple Strain HS

The Candy Apple strain is a blend of Blueberry, Pineapple, and Afghan. The combination of these fruity strains gets a pine flavor from the dominant terpene, Pinene. A rare sativa-dominant hybrid strain, Candy Apple’s THC content is usually between 15% and 18%.

13. Candy Cake Strain I

Candy Cake is an indica-dominant candy weed strain made up of a cross between Zkittlez Cake and Jungle Cake strains. It has high THC, which is reported to be anywhere between 22% to 33%. Caryophyllene is the most dominant terpene in Candy Cake’s flavor, giving it a spicy and peppery profile. 

14. Martian Candy strain I

Martian Candy, or Martian Candy OG, is an indica-dominant hybrid. Its origin and cross strains are not known for certain, though OG Kush is suspected to be part of its ancestry.  Though the THC content of the Martian Candy strain is reported to be anywhere from 15% to 25%, it tends to have a higher THC content. Martian Candy’s aroma and flair are fruity, with Myrcene as its most prominent terpene.

15. Candy Store strain H

Candy Store is a cross between Lemon Berry Candy OG and Ethos Cookies and is a more balanced hybrid candy strain. Its THC content ranges from 18% to 28%, and with its concentration of bisabolol and Caryophyllene, it has a nutty and spicy flavor profile. 

16. Candy Chrome Strain

Candy Chrome is a strain that comes from a cross of Sweet Tooth x Fire OG Bx. It has a high THC content of 20% to 26% 

17. The Candy Krush    HI

Also known as Candy Krush, Candy Crush is an indica-dominant strain made up of the cross between OG Kush and Trainwreck. The Candy Crush strain is reported to have a THC content of 20%, but its terpene profile is not clearly known.

18. Candy Queen Strain  HS

Candy Queen is produced when Candy Kush and Space Queen strains are crossed. It is a sativa-dominant strain with a THC content of 14% to 20%. The top terpene in Candy Queen’s profile is Myrcene, giving it a fruity and hoppy aroma and flavor.

19. Candy Runtz Strain  H

Also known as Runtz OG, Candy Runtz is a balanced hybrid strain made up of the cross between Zkittles and Gelato. A rare strain, Candy Runtz has a THC content ranging between 20% and 28%. The combination of Beta-Caryophyllene, Linalool, and Limonene in its terpene profile gives this candy strain its sweet and citrus flavor.

20. Sour Candy Strain  HS

Sour Candy comes from the cross of Sour Diesel and Bubble Gum. Sour Candy is a sativa-dominant strain with a THC content of 14% to 16%. The high amount of Myrcene in its terpene profile gives this candy weed strain a sweet and fruity flavor and diesel aroma. 

21. Sour Space Candy Strain  H

The cross of Sour Tsunami and Early Resin Berry crate Sour Space Candy. This candy strain is a pretty evenly balanced hybrid with a notably low THC content, often no higher than 3%. Myrcene is the most dominant terpene in the Sour Space Candy strain’s profile, contribu

22. Candy Strain  H

The Candy strain is a balanced hybrid strain with an unknown cross lineage. Its terpene profile content of Nerolidol, Caryophyllene, and Guaiol contribute to its sweet sugary scent and flavor. The original candy strain is rumored to originate in Jamaica with some connection to the sugar cane plant and has an average THC content of 19% to 20%.

23. Delicious Candy Strain HI

Also known as Cheese Candy, Delicious Candy comes from the cross of Caramelo with Skunk and Kush genetics. It is an indica-dominant strain with a THC content of 17% to 22% on average. The primary terpenes found in Delicious Candy are Caryophyllene and Linalool, giving it a cheesy, toasted tea flavor profile.

24. Eye Candy Strain HI

Eye Candy, or iCandy, is a cross between Girl Scout Cookie and Kush Cleaner. The Limonene in its terpene profiles gives it a pine and lemon flavor and aroma. It has a particularly high THC content falling in the range of 32% to 36%.

25. Ice Cream Candy Strain HI

Also known as Ice Cream Kush, Ice Cream Candy is an indica-dominant hybrid with an unknown cross lineage. It's known for its sweet and creamy, candied fruit flavor that comes from its Myrcene terpene content. This candy weed strain has about 22% THC content on average.

26. Platinum Candy Strain I

Also known as Platinum Purple Candy, Platinum Candy was created from a cross of Master Kush, OG Kush, and Purple Candy. It’s an indica-heavy strain with a THC content of around 20% on average. This candy strain has a citrus lemon flavor and aroma thanks to the Limonene in its terpene profile.

27. Sugar Candy Strain H

Sugar Candy comes from crossing Caramelo and Sugar Black rose. Sugar Candy is a balanced hybrid with an average THC content of 22% to 25%. Caryophyllene is its dominant terpene, giving it a spicy and peppery flavor profile.

28. Candy Cream Strain I

This indica-dominant strain comes from the mix of Blue Black, Maple Leaf Indica, and White Rhino. Its THC content ranges from 19% to 24%. The combination of Ocimene, Humulene, and Caryophyllene in its terpene profile is what gives this candy strain its sweet and creamy flavor and aroma.

29. Lemon Candy Strain HS

When NYC Diesel and American Indica are crossed, you get Lemon Candy. This slightly more sativa-heavy strain usually has a THC content of around 20%. The terpene profile of the Lemon Candy strain is unknown. 

30. Candy Glue Strain

Also known as Kandy Glue, Candy Glue is bred from a cross of Gorilla Glue #4 and Zkittles. It tends to have high THC content falling between 24% and 27%. The combination of Alpha-Pinene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Beta-Myrcene, and Beta-Pinene in its terpene profile gives this candy weed strain a piney and spicy flavor and aroma.

31. Candy OG Strain I

Candy OG is a mix of crossing OG Kush and Trainwreck. Candy OG is an indica-dominant strain with a THC content of as little as 5% to around 20%. While the terpene profile of Candy OG is not well known, it does tend to have an earthy and berry flair and aroma.

32. Ghost Candy Strain

Ghost Candy is a sativa-leaning strain created from crossing White Runtz and Geist OG. The high quantities of Limonene and Beta-Caryophyllene terpenes help give its spice and lemon flavor profile. This candy strain is reported to have a high THC content, averaging about 23%.

33. Gorilla Candy Strain HI

Gorilla Candy comes from crossing the famous and well-known Gorilla Glue #4 with Papa’s Candy. An indica-dominant hybrid, Gorilla Candy, is known to have a THC content between 18% and 23%. While its complex terpene profile is not well documented, it is known for having a strawberry bubblegum flavor and aroma, with hints of coffee.

34. Cherry Candy Strain H

Cherry Candy, or Cherry Candy OG, is a hybrid strain of unknown genetic origin. It has a potent THC content of 22% and a terpene profile that includes Carene and Terpineol, giving it an herbal and floral flavor and aroma. 

35. Alien Banana Candy Strain HI

Alien Banana Candy is an indica-dominant strain produced from crossing Alien Rock Candy and Banana OG. Its THC content can range anywhere from 17% to 26%. The quantities of Limonene, Beta-Caryophyllene, and Beta-Myrcene give it an aroma of tropical fruits, pine, and skunk with a flavor profile of citrus and spice.

36. Apple Rock Candy Strain  H

Apple Rock Candy is bred from crossing Alien Rock Candy and Sour Apple. This balanced hybrid marijuana strain has a THC content that can fall between 17% and 24%. Apple Rock Candy’s aroma and flavor of earthy apple and sweet citrus come from its terpene content of Caryophyllene and Limonene. 

37. Banana Candy Strain I

Banana Candy, also known as Banana Candy Kush, is an indica-heavy hybrid with unknown lineage though some suspect it’s a combination of Banana Kush, Skunk, OG Kush, and Haze. The dominant terpene in this candy strain is Limonene, and Banana Candy has a reported THC content of 17% to 24%.

38. Joker Candy Strain I

Joker Candy is bred from a mix of White Runtz and Jet Fuel Gelato. This indica-dominant strain has an unknown terpene profile and THC content of around 20%. 

39. Brain Candy strain  H

Brain Candy is produced when you cross The Loops, White Widow, and Northern Lights. A balanced hybrid, Brain Candy has an average THC content of 23%. While its terpene profile is not well documented, this candy weed strain can have earthy and vanilla flavors and aromas.

40. Candy Cookies Strain HS

Not commonly found, Candy Cookies is a sativa-dominant strain created from a cross of Girl Scout Cookies and Candyland. It has a potent THC content ranging from 20% to 24%. With Myrcene, Humulene, and Limonene as its main terpenes, its flavor and aroma can be described with shortbread berry tones and sweet candy scents.

41. Candyman Strain HS

Candyman is a result of the cross between Old School Grapes and Gelato #33. A sativa-dominant strain, Candyman, has been reported to have a high THC content of around 18% to 27%. Though the terpene profile of Candyman is not documented, its flavor and aroma is described as sweet and earthy with notes of spice.

42. Cotton Candy Cookies Strain HI

Cotton Candy Cookies is an indica-dominant cannabis strain that comes from the cross of Platinum Girl Scout Cookies, Power Plant, and Lavender strains. The THC content for Cotton Candy Cookies can fall between 22% and 25%. While its terpene profile is not known, you can expect the flavors of cotton candy and the scent of baked cookies when toking Cotton Candy Cookies. 

43. Crystal Candy Strain   HI

Winner of the 2017 Cannabis Cup Award, Crystal Candy is an indica-dominant strain whose linage is unknown. Its THC content can range between 15% and 22%. Though this candy strain’s terpene profile is not documented, it has a sugary candy aroma with flavors of fresh berries. 

44. Grape Candy Strain  HI

When you cross White Lemon and Purple Pantera, you get the super rare Grape Candy, an indica-heavy hybrid strain. Although the dominant terpene is Myrcene, giving it a citrus flavor profile, it does also have notes of spice. This candy weed strain also has a moderate THC content ranging from 20% to 24%.

45. Green Candy Strain    HS

Green Candy is a cross between Candy Kush and Green Crack. Green Candy is a sativa-dominant hybrid with a THC content that falls between 15% and 24%. Myrcene and Limonene are its main terpenes, providing a classic citrus flavor and hoppy aroma. 

46. Purple Cotton Candy Strain  HI 

 Purple Cotton Candy is a strain that crosses Granddaddy Purple and Candy Kush. An indica-dominant hybrid, Purple Cotton Candy has a THC content of 18% on average. Although Myrcene is its dominant terpene, this candy strain also has flavors of sweet grape and notes of musk and spice in its aroma.

47. Rainbow Candy Strain  I 

Rainbow Candy is produced by crossing Zkittles and Dosidos. Its terpene profile gives off exactly what it sounds like: rainbow candy and fruity flavors. Rainbow Candy is an indica-dominant candy strain with a THC content that ranges between 21% and 25%.

48. Candy Margy Strain H-

Candy Margy comes from a cross between Wedding Pie and Frozen Margy. It’s an evenly balanced hybrid strain with a THC content of anywhere between 13% to 19%. With Pinene as its main terpene, you can expect a flavor profile that includes pine and herbal notes. 

49. Purple Ghost Candy Strain  HA

Purple Ghost Candy, is produced by crossing Ghost OG and Candyland Purple. The THC content of Purple Ghost OG is usually between 15% and 20%. You can expect a gas-like aroma from Purple Ghost Candy as well as notes of spice, earth, and fruitiness. 

50. Strawberry Candy Strain  HS -

Strawberry Candy is a sativa-dominant strain with an unknown lineage and cross of strains. It smells like sweet berries, as its name suggests, with a very strong lingering flavor profile. Strawberry Candy has THC content ranging from 17% to 21%.