What are Cannabis "Candy" Strains?

Ask three people what makes a strain "Candy", and the only consistent answer you'll get is—"That Candy Nose!!" Outside of that everything from "Candy can only be Indica" or "Candy can only be grown indoors"! I even heard a dispensary owner claim "Candy means it's terp infused." TF!?

The emergence of the candy wave in the 2000s and 2010s was a response to the growing demand for high-terpene cannabis strains with a uniquely sweet aroma. Promising research on the potential health benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes, coupled with access to lab testing, legalization efforts and consumer feedback loops further fueled the demand for strains with high terpene content that produce intricate flavor profiles and Candy aromas.

To keep up with the demand for Candy strains, breeders focused on isolating and breeding fast-growing, high-terpene, high THC, and flavorful strains with a wide variety of terpenes. To boost profits they crossed the fastest-growing, highest-yielding with shortest-flower-to-harvest strains.

High-THC candy strains often also carry elevated levels of CBG (cannabigerol), a precursor cannabinoid that may contribute to the uplifting, clear-headed quality many candy sativas are known for.

Indica vs Hybrid vs Sativa Yield comparison

How to Identify Candy Strains?

1. We identify Candy strains through their distinct and complex aroma.
2. Candy strains' unique terpene profile is a combination of β-Caryophyllene, Limonene, Linalool, and Myrcene — each contributing to that unique Candy aroma.

The four terpenes most associated with candy strains — β-Caryophyllene (spice/pepper), Limonene (citrus), Linalool (floral/lavender), and Myrcene (earthy/fruity) — work synergistically with THC and CBD through what researchers call the "entourage effect," amplifying both aroma and effect.

Candy strains occupy a significant slice of the "Dessert" segment, which includes cookies, cakes, and gelatos. High THC & terpenes + complex terpene profiles keep us coming back.

Simultaneously, breeders refined hybrid recipes to maximize sweet aromatics while maintaining balanced, functional highs. To maximize profits, breeders also crossed the highest-yielding, quickest-to-harvest strains.

Yield comparison

Appearance and Structure of Candy 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.

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 has 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 terpene profile of Linalool (lavender), Humulene (hops), and Beta-Myrcene (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 combination of Caryophyllene and Limonene gives it a lemon citrus profile.

4. Grape Runtz Strain H

A desirable strain, Grape Runtz is created when Gelato, Grape Ape, and Zkittles are crossed. A more balanced hybrid, its THC content tends to be within 19% to 23%. Limonene is the dominant terpene in this candy strain, giving it 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 consist of Phellandrene and Eucalyptol, delivering a woodsy and minty flavor profile. The THC content for this sativa-dominant strain tends to range between 19% and 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 hints at its fruity flavor. Candy Jack leans sativa-dominant 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, 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 gives 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. It 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. 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 leans indica 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, 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. It has high THC reported to be anywhere between 22% and 33%. Caryophyllene is the most dominant terpene, 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 is not known for certain, though OG Kush is suspected to be part of its ancestry. The THC content is reported to be anywhere from 15% to 25%. Martian Candy's aroma is 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 — a balanced hybrid candy strain. Its THC content ranges from 18% to 28%, and its concentration of Bisabolol and Caryophyllene gives it a nutty and spicy flavor profile.

16. Candy Chrome Strain

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

17. The Candy Krush HI

Also known as Candy Krush or Candy Crush, this 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 documented.

18. Candy Queen Strain HS

Candy Queen is produced when Candy Kush and Space Queen 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 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 gives this candy strain its sweet and citrusy flavor.

20. Sour Candy Strain HS

Sour Candy comes from the cross of Sour Diesel and Bubble Gum. It 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 with a diesel aroma.

21. Sour Space Candy Strain H

The cross of Sour Tsunami and Early Resin Berry creates 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, contributing to its sweet, fruity, and slightly earthy aroma.

22. Candy Strain H

The Candy strain is a balanced hybrid with an unknown cross lineage. Its terpene profile of Nerolidol, Caryophyllene, and Guaiol contributes 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 — Caryophyllene and Linalool — give it a cheesy, toasted tea flavor profile.

24. Eye Candy Strain HI

Eye Candy, or iCandy, is a cross between Girl Scout Cookies and Kush Cleaner. The Limonene in its terpene profile gives it a pine and lemon flavor and aroma. It has a particularly high THC content 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. It 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 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 sativa-heavy strain usually has a THC content of around 20%. The terpene profile of the Lemon Candy strain is not well documented.

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 a high THC content falling between 24% and 27%. The combination of Alpha-Pinene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Beta-Myrcene, and Beta-Pinene gives this candy weed strain a piney and spicy flavor and aroma.

31. Candy OG Strain I

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

32. Ghost Candy Strain

Ghost Candy is a sativa-leaning strain created from crossing White Runtz and Geist OG. High quantities of Limonene and Beta-Caryophyllene give it a spicy and lemony 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 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 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%. 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 has a THC content that can fall between 17% and 24%. Its 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 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 a 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 as shortbread berry tones with 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 THC content of around 18% to 27%. Though the terpene profile is not documented, its flavor and aroma are 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. The THC content 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.

43. Crystal Candy Strain HI

Winner of the 2017 Cannabis Cup Award, Crystal Candy is an indica-dominant strain whose lineage is unknown. Its THC content can range between 15% and 22%. Though its 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. Although the dominant terpene is Myrcene, giving it a citrus flavor profile, it also has notes of spice. This candy weed strain 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. It 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 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 with a THC content of anywhere between 13% and 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 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. It smells like sweet berries, as its name suggests, with a very strong lingering flavor profile. Strawberry Candy has a THC content ranging from 17% to 21%.

Black Belts (Rainbow Belts × Black Sugar) H

Black Belts is a tantalizing hybrid that delivers a sugary knockout punch. By crossing the sweet, tropical fizz of Rainbow Belts with the dark, syrupy depth of Black Sugar, this cultivar boasts a flavor profile of candied berries and tart citrus laced with earthy sweetness. Expect a balanced, relaxing experience that melts away tension while keeping your mind elevated and focused. It is the ultimate evening treat for candy strain lovers.

Glitter Gas (Glitterbomb × Candy Fumez) IH

Where sweet meets street, Glitter Gas fuses the sparkling, fruity allure of Glitterbomb with the potent, chemical sweetness of Candy Fumez. This strain hits the palate with an upfront blast of sugary grape and berry candy, immediately followed by a heavy undertone of diesel fuel. It's a loud, high-octane cultivar that offers a euphoric, heavy-hitting body high — perfect for consumers who like their sweet treats with a serious kick of gas.

Slusherz (Slurricane × Gushers) IH

Slusherz is an indica-leaning powerhouse that tastes like a frozen blast of nostalgic berry candy. Crossing Slurricane with Gushers creates an intensely flavorful profile bursting with sweet tropical fruit, sugary berry juice, and a hint of creamy earthiness. The effects are famously sedative and relaxing, washing over you in a wave of heavy euphoria. It is the ideal nighttime strain for unwinding, soothing sore muscles, and drifting into a peaceful sleep.

Rainbow Belts (Refreshers × Forbidden Fruitz) H

This complex, flavor-packed cross marries the sweet tropical fizz of Rainbow Belts Refreshers with the deep, exotic notes of Forbidden Fruitz. The flavor is a sensory roller coaster, hitting you with ripe sweet berries, sour citrus sherbet, and a rich, comforting undertone of warm cookie dough. This balanced hybrid delivers a bright, mood-boosting cerebral high complemented by a gentle, soothing body buzz that makes every puff a refreshing experience.

Grape Gushers (Grapefruit × Grape Syrup) IH

A 70% indica-dominant hybrid, Grape Gushers pours on the flavor with an intense blend of sweet grape candy and sharp citrus zest, rounded out by a punchy petrol gas exhale. By crossing Grapefruit with Grape Syrup, this strain delivers a mouthwatering sugary profile that hits fast and hard. Expect a deeply relaxing, couch-lock-worthy body high that melts away physical stress while keeping your spirits elevated and blissfully calm.