There are hundreds of cannabis strains available today, ranging from nationally known brands to rare, legendary buds. Names are not often indicative of the experience or profile, but rather a marketing gimmick to make consumers laugh and want to show their new flower to their friends.

There are a few ways in which cannabis strains receive their unique names: parent strains, flavors, effects, etc. While some of the strain names below appear to be just for laughs - and a few are! - they typically have something to do with the plant’s backstory.  

In the spirit of enjoying the creativity of cannabis growers everywhere, here are a few of our favorite strain names.  

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

Alaskan Thunderf*** (also known as ATF) is a cannabis strain from the Matanuska Valley in Alaska, which is where the ‘Alaska’ part comes from. This strain has been around for quite some time, so there isn’t much insight around the second half of its name. However, it could possibly be from the plant’s “creeper” effect, as the impact takes a bit to develop but then comes on very suddenly and can be quite intense.

Sativa

Also known as “the Bob,” Bob Saget OG is a strain that comes from the SAGE (Sativa Afghani Genetic Equilibrium) line. The comedian is not affiliated with the strain at all, and even said he does not smoke marijuana. The name ‘Saget’ comes from a poorly written label on the plant that should have said SAGE X.

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

This strain’s name explains the smell it gives off: cat urine. It may smell like ammonia, but fortunately the taste is much more pleasant. There are several versions of Cat Piss, coming from Super Silver Haze, Afghan Landrace, or Trainwreck. There is another strain called Cheetah Piss, but the two don’t have much in common other than the name.

Indica

Crouching Tiger Hidden Alien is a creation from famous seed company Exotic Genetix, and comes from a combination of Starfighter and Tiger’s Milk. There’s no backstory to this name, but it’s still cool enough to make our list.

Indica

If you’re a fan of fantasy books and movies, you may have wondered what those wizards have in their pipes they carry. The creators of Gandalf OG might have had this in mind when naming this strain. While the original breeders are unknown, it’s created by crossing Louie XIII and Skywalker OG to offer a very strong experience.

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

Also known as GSC, the Girl Scout Cookies strain is one of the most popular strains in the country. The name is a bit misleading, though, as it tastes nothing like the popular cookie brand and has absolutely affiliation with the popular organization. Girl Scout Cookies is a cross between OG Kush and the landrace strain Durban Poison, and it boasts a strong THC content of up to 28%. The strain’s name comes from its dessert-like flavors and aromas, which is said to have a chocolate and mint-like finish.

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

Sometimes known as GG4 or Original Glue, this famous strain speaks to its reported effects: you may find yourself feeling glued to the couch. It was created by crossing the Chocolate Diesel and Sour Diesel strains, which gives it a strong 25-28% THC level. Gorilla Glue has won plenty of awards, including the Los Angeles Cannabis Cup and the High Times Jamaica World Cup.

Indica

‘Purple’ and ‘grape’ are common additions to strain names, indicating a plant’s grape-like flavors. Purple Monkey Balls is created by breeding a Northern California purple strain - possibly Granddaddy Purple - with an Afghani indica called Deep Chunk. The name is a nod to the large, round, purple buds produced by the cannabis plant.

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

Slap ‘N Tickle is a blend of the GMO and Grape Pie strains. The name certainly elicits a reaction, and it’s actually indicative of the plant’s reported effects: it comes on strong, like a slap, and then provides a relaxing, “tickling” experience. Even though each user experiences cannabis differently, this strain name is bound to make everyone giggle.

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

It’s said that the effects of the Trainwreck marijuana strain hit you hard and fast–like a train! Trainwreck’s lineage is impressive as its parents are two landrace sativas, Mexican and Thai, and one landrace indica, Afghani. THC levels for this strain can be as high as 25%, so Trainwreck is not recommended for cannabis newbies.

While not always available at every dispensary all the time - especially if you’re in a state that doesn’t allow the sale of flower - you can visit your local dispensary to find plenty of enjoyable cannabis strains.