Strain Game

A Beginner's Guide to the Best Buds in Aspen

Our digital editor's expert recommendations on what to smoke for every ailment...or if you just plain want to get the giggles.

By Katie Shapiro Photography by Bernhard Donaubauer June 5, 2017 Published in the Summer 2017 issue of Aspen Sojourner

In the ever-expanding world of uplifting sativas, relaxing indicas, and the hybrids in between, cannabis comes in endless varieties more than ever before. Whether you're a novice trying to navigate your first trip to a dispensary or an expert looking for a specific effect, here are our picks for the nine best strains to try for the ultimate Rocky Mountain high. And trust us, we've smoked them all.

Golden Goat
Sativa hybrid

One of Colorado’s signature strains, with a potent lemon-grenadine flavor, it can benefit depression, fatigue, and migraines. Pictured above (top), $16/gram at Native Roots, 308 S. Hunter St., nativerootsdispensary.com

Blue Dream
Sativa hybrid

Known for its sweet blueberry taste and ability to balance full-body relaxation with cerebral stimulation, the California-originating, high-THC strain is popular among both newbies and vets for its gentle ease into a calm euphoria. Pictured above (middle), $20/gram at Silverpeak Apothecary, 520 E. Cooper Ave., silverpeakapothecary.com

Purple Diesel
Sativa hybrid

This colorful flower is a favorite for daytime use for its uplifting, blissful high (warning: you will get the giggles), along with effective pain treatment. Pictured above (bottom), $10/gram at Best Day Ever, 520 E. Cooper Ave., bestdayeveraspenco.com

Best day ever headband kush 0356 s2vqfy — Headband Kush at Best Day Ever

Image: Bernhard Donaubauer

Headband Kush
Hybrid

Smokers love this smooth strain for the subtle lemon flavor and long-lasting effects in combating stress and relieving pain; anticipate a relaxing “headband” halo of pressure around your crown. $10/gram at Best Day Ever, 520 E. Cooper Ave., bestdayeveraspenco.com

Best day ever stardawg 0364 syrtgp — Stardawg at Best Day Ever

Image: Bernhard Donaubauer

Stardawg
Hybrid

The anxiety-prone pick this sparkling, crystal-laced strain for its fast-acting, uplifting high that also fights stress and fatigue. $10/gram at Best Day Ever, 520 E. Cooper Ave., bestdayeveraspenco.com

Silver peak northern lights 0349 cw52aj — Northern Lights at Silverpeak Apothecary

Image: Bernhard Donaubauer

Northern Lights
Indica

First cultivated in Holland in 1985, the legend of this infamous strain lives on for its deep psychoactive effect, which works wonders in treating sore muscles, sleeplessness, and stress. $20/gram at Silverpeak Apothecary, 520 E. Cooper Ave., silverpeakapothecary.com

Silver peak chemdawg 0361 hjc1g0 — Chemdawg at Silverpeak Apothecary

Image: Bernhard Donaubauer

Chemdawg
Hybrid

One of the more potent and pungent strains available, it gives an intense cerebral experience followed by a strong full-body high. $25/gram at Silverpeak Apothecary, 520 E. Cooper Ave., silverpeakapothecary.com

Native roots orange herijuana 0366 xhrbd9 — Orange Herijuana at Native Roots

Image: Bernhard Donaubauer

Orange Herijuana
Indica

This top-shelf variety is one of the dispensary’s highest-selling strains for its deeply sedative effect; smoke this fruity flower at the end of the day and say goodbye to pain, anxiety, and insomnia. $16/gram at Native Roots, 308 S. Hunter St., nativerootsdispensary.com

Native roots master kush 0353 zvbfgk — Master Kush

Image: Bernhard Donaubauer

Master Kush
Indica

This earthy, citrusy flower provides razor-sharp focus to elevate any activity while still providing the trademark full-body relaxation indicas are known for. $16/gram at Native Roots, 308 S. Hunter St., nativerootsdispensary.com

Marijuana, Dispensaries