The Seven First Most Popular Cannabis Strains in the United States: A Look Back at Their Legacy

Cannabis culture in the United States has evolved significantly over the decades, but certain strains stand out for their historical impact. These strains, known for their unique profiles and widespread appeal, laid the foundation for today's expansive cannabis industry. Below, we delve into seven of the most popular early cannabis strains, exploring their origins, characteristics, cultural relevance, and legacy in modern cannabis breeding.

1. Acapulco Gold

Origin and Type: Acapulco Gold is a legendary sativa cannabis strain that originated in the Acapulco region of Mexico. Its bright golden hue and fruity aroma set it apart in the early days of cannabis culture.

Description and Potency: Known for its sweet, earthy flavors with hints of toffee, the Acapulco Gold cannabis strain boasted a THC content that was considered high for its time (around 15–20%). Its energizing and euphoric effects made it a favorite among creative and social circles.

Availability: During the 1960s and 70s, Acapulco Gold was relatively easy to find and often imported to the U.S., commanding a premium price due to its reputation.

Popularity and Culture: Acapulco Gold gained fame through its association with the counterculture movement, even being referenced in movies like Up in Smoke by Cheech and Chong. “No stems, no seeds that you don’t need...Acapulco Gold is bad ass weed.” Over time, its pure genetics became harder to find, but its legacy lives on in hybrid strains like Skunk Gold and Golden Goat.

2. Panama Red

Origin and Type: Hailing from Panama, this pure sativa cannabis strains was a staple in the 1960s and 70s, known for its vibrant reddish hues and energetic effects.

Description and Potency: Panama Red featured spicy, herbal flavors and a moderate THC level (around 10–16%), offering a mellow but uplifting high.

Availability: During its heyday, Panama Red was a highly sought-after import, often considered a luxury strain due to its rarity and vibrant appearance. This was a once in a while treat!

Popularity and Culture: Its prominence waned as growers shifted toward higher-yielding and more potent hybrids. Though pure Panama Red is rare today, its genetics influenced modern strains like Red Haze and Panama Punch. Its mention in classic songs and films cements its place in cannabis lore.

3. Maui Wowie

Origin and Type: This tropical sativa-dominant cannabis strain originated in Hawaii during the 1970s, embodying the island’s relaxed vibe.

Description and Potency: Maui Wowie’s sweet, pineapple-like aroma and flavors paired with a THC content of around 13–19% made it a hit. Its effects were uplifting and energizing, perfect for creative pursuits or enjoying the outdoors.

Availability: Initially, Maui Wowie was a prized import from Hawaii, fetching high prices on the mainland due to its quality. It was much more widespread on the west coast and little quantities made its way all the way eastward.

Popularity and Culture: The strain gained cultural recognition as a symbol of laid-back island life, frequently referenced in movies and songs. While the original Maui Wowie is rare today, its genetics have influenced countless hybrids, such as Pineapple Express.

4. Colombian Gold

Origin and Type: Colombian Gold, a balanced sativa cannabis strain, emerged from the Santa Marta mountains of Colombia.

Description and Potency: Known for its sweet, skunky aroma and hints of citrus, Colombian Gold had a THC content ranging from 14–20%. Its effects were cerebral and focused, making it a favorite among students and artists. Its popularity has since faded dramatically, but it remains an effective tool for treating muscle spasms and chronic pain. Colombian Gold is a near-pure sativa (sativa/indica ratio of at least 75:25), the result of an original Colombian landrace strain. It delivers a smooth but tangy tea flavor and a Skunky aroma with notes of lemon and lime. The buds are covered in visible crystals.

Availability: In the 1970s, Colombian Gold was a major player in the U.S. cannabis market, often smuggled in large quantities. Though well past its prime, Colombian Gold still sells relatively well in Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, and Arizona.

Popularity and Culture: The strain was featured in stories of the era’s smuggling culture, such as the book Snowblind. While pure Colombian Gold is rare today, it laid the groundwork for hybrids like Skunk #1, a cornerstone of modern cannabis breeding.

5. Thai Stick

Origin and Type: Thai Stick, pure sativa cannabis strains, originated in Thailand and was named for its unique preparation—buds tied to bamboo sticks. Here's a quick summary of how they were put together:

A traditional Thai Stick typically consists of:

1. Cured cannabis buds skewered onto a bamboo stick vertically.

2. The buds are wrapped in fan leaves, often coated with hash oil or cannabis concentrate.

3. The stick is bound with hemp string or a similar plant material.

4. The process involves multiple layers of wrapping and curing, which can take several weeks.

Description and Potency: Renowned for its earthy, citrusy flavors and potent THC levels (up to 15%), Thai Stick delivered a clear-headed, euphoric high. Thai Sticks have been popular in Thailand for centuries, with their popularity peaking in the 1960s and 1970s among American surfers and Vietnam War veterans who smuggled them back to the US.

Availability: Thai Stick was highly sought after in the U.S. during the 1970s and 80s, often smuggled in through creative methods, including inside furniture. Although the supply chain eventually fizzled out, there has been a recent resurgence of interest in these traditional cannabis cigars.

Popularity and Culture: Its exotic appeal made it a favorite among cannabis connoisseurs, and it has been referenced in films like Blow. Pure Thai Stick is exceedingly rare today, but its genetics influenced strains like Chocolate Thai and Juicy Fruit.

6. Durban Poison

Origin and Type: This pure sativa cannabis strain from Durban, South Africa, was introduced to the U.S. in the late 1970s, quickly gaining a reputation for its unique profile. Durban Poison is known for its sweet, earthy, and piney aroma and flavor. It has a dense, chunky bud structure with a high concentration of trichomes. This cannabis strain is Sativa-dominant, providing an energizing and uplifting effect.

Description and Potency: Durban Poison is known for its sweet, licorice-like aroma and high THC levels (20% or more). Its effects are energetic and clear-headed, making it a favorite for daytime use.

Availability: Durban Poison was readily available in the 1980s and became a staple for growers due to its resilience and short flowering time. Durban Poison is known for its high yields, with some reports of up to 450-650 grams per square meter.

Popularity and Culture: While the pure strain is still available, its genetics have contributed to numerous hybrids, such as Girl Scout Cookies. It remains a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts and medical users alike.

7. Hindu Kush

Origin and Type: Originating in the rugged mountains between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Hindu Kush is a pure indica cannabis strain that became popular in the U.S. during the 1970s.

Description and Potency: Known for its earthy, spicy flavors and THC levels of 15–20%, Hindu Kush provided a deeply relaxing, sedative effect. This bud is infamous among users all around the world for its classic indica effects and long-lasting high that’s perfect for any lazy day or sleepless night when you need a little extra help to fully let go. The Hindu Kush high has a subtle building onset that creeps up on both mind and body before suddenly taking hold.

Availability: Hindu Kush was initially brought to the U.S. by travelers of the Hippie Trail. It became a cornerstone of indoor growing due to its short stature and dense buds.

Popularity and Culture: The strain’s reputation as a calming and medicinal variety earned it enduring popularity. Its genetics are foundational in countless hybrids, such as OG Kush and Bubba Kush. Pure Hindu Kush is still available today, revered for its classic indica effects.

Legacy of the Originals

These seven strains not only shaped the cannabis culture of their time but also provided the genetic foundation for today’s industry. While pure forms of these strains are rare, their impact persists in hybrids that dominate dispensary shelves. They serve as a testament to the ingenuity of early cannabis cultivators and the enduring appeal of well-crafted cannabis.

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, these strains remind us of a time when cannabis culture was grassroots, adventurous, and full of discovery. Whether through direct descendants or cultural legacy, these strains remain icons of cannabis history.