Apples are great all year long, but there are certain seasons when we start thinking about all things apple-related, including apple picking to make apple cider, apple pies, apple cobbler, caramel apples—you get the point. But did you know that cannabis enthusiasts also have the option of enjoying sweet-flavored apple cannabis? It’s a great way to satisfy that apple urge (without the calories that come with a slice of pie a la mode) while trying and enjoying new strains. 

Before we get to our favorite apple flavors, you might be wondering…

Apple-flavored marijuana is all thanks to terpenes. Terpenes are little compounds found within the trichomes of a marijuana plant, and they’re what give marijuana its scent and flavor. In many instances, cannabis cultivators discover new flavors, or try to create new flavors, with selective breeding between strains. This process is what gives us the wide array of apple-flavored cannabis that’s available on the market today. 

You won’t find a single terpene as the cause of the apple scent and taste–rather, it’s a combination of floral and vegetative terpenes that work together to create the familiar aromas and flavors. For example, linalool, found in lavender, and caryophyllene, found in black pepper, are two terpenes that do not taste like apples but work together to create apple-like flavors. 
 

Here are a few of our favorite apple-flavored strains on the market today. 
 

Hybrid

With a perfect blend of indica and sativa, the Apple Fritter strain is already earning its place in the homes of hybrid cannabis enthusiasts  without even factoring in its delicious, fall-friendly flavor. Eye-wateringly sweet and fruity with notes reminiscent of vanilla, it’s no wonder that this strain is named after a delicious dessert. Just don’t get too lost in its flavor—you’re going to want to start slow with this strain. There’s a reason it made the High Times’ 2016 World’s Strongest Strains list—it has a high THC potency of up to 28%.

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

Do you love a good sour green apple, like a Granny Smith? You’re going to love Apple Kush. By crossing Pure Kush with Sour Diesel, growers were able to create a sweet, tangy, apple-flavored strain with a slightly sour aftertaste. Its moderate THC levels, anywhere from 15-18% along with 1% CBD, make it an excellent candidate for all cannabis enthusiasts. 

Hybrid

White Widow crossed with Jack Herer created this potent (20% THC), balanced hybrid with a sweet flavor reminiscent of the cereal it's named after. While it’s probably the most rare strain on our list, if you can get your hands on Apple Jack, it’s worth a try. 

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

With the sweetness of Apple Fritter with the tangy, sour notes of Apple Kush, this strain is an apple-lover’s dream to enjoy. Best of all, while it tastes great, it also has a fantastic aroma that will make you feel like you’re walking the lane at an apple orchard picking apples with friends while the scent of apple cider donuts lingers in the air. Because it has moderate THC levels of 16-19%, this is also a nice strain to enjoy over time. 

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

Pucker up because this indica-leaning strain lives up to its name. It’s sour flavor sweetens over time, but its aroma remains consistent—like an apple left out on the counter a little too long. The Sour Apple strain contains THC levels around 14-17%, but it also contains CBD and cannabinol (CBN). 

Apple-flavored cannabis strains might seem strange to cannabis newbies, so here are a few of the most common questions we get about apple cultivars.

What terpenes give cannabis an apple flavor? 
There are dozens of terpenes in apples, so it’s difficult to pinpoint which one produces the apple tastes and aromas. However, it’s likely that linalool and caryophyllene contribute to apple-flavored cannabis strains. 

Are apple-flavored cannabis strains common? 
The availability of certain cannabis strains depends on your location and what cultivators are able to produce in your area. Check your local dispensary to see what apple strains are available near you.

Is apple cannabis indica or sativa?
Apple-flavored cannabis strains come in a variety of indica- and sativa-dominant hybrids. You won’t find a pure sativa or indica apple cannabis strain, as these designations are reserved for landrace strains. 
 

While these apple-flavored cannabis suggestions are our favorites, there are plenty more that could make the list. If you’re ready to embrace the fall, head on over to your local dispensary and ask the budtender what apple-flavored products they have in stock.