Most Exotic Weed Strains to Grow and Smoke

The cannabis industry is famous for its exotic weed strains to grow and smoke. Users love trying different types of strains, thanks to their effects. During a period of more than a thousand years, we have tried sativas, indicas, hybrids, and other unique strains.

Cannabis connoisseurs make it a point to try as many different strains as possible. Currently, we may have more than 750 strains across the globe, and while many are tried and tested and truly loved, some of them are truly exotic and rare, making them hard to find. The more exotic the strain, the more it's sought after by people.

As a cannabis grower, you have an immense edge over other consumers who rely on dispensaries or dealers to find exotic weed.

In this article, we will discuss everything about some of the most exotic cannabis strains you can get your hands on.

Exotic Marijuana Strains

So, you've got Blue Dream, Gorilla Glue, Sour Diesel, Green Crack, the Kush family, and other super strong strains. They are some of the most popular and most loved, but there are many more.

Earlier, you never had so many choices, but with breeders stepping up the game, you have way too many choices. With legalization in many countries across the globe, marijuana has sparked a lot of interest.

However, no matter how much the industry has progressed, people still love the old ones that have made people love the taste of marijuana over the years. Most of these are known as exotic strains. But, what exactly are exotic strains? Let's find out...

What Makes a Cannabis Strain Exotic?

Various reasons make a strain exotic. For instance, it could produce a different high compared to other strains. The potency, flavor, and fragrance the strain produces set it apart from other strains making it exotic. 

Even the way the plant grows is different. The buds are of superior quality compared to other seeds. Needless to say, rare exotic strains will produce high-quality seeds when they are bred with other exotic strains.

In a nutshell, exotic strains produce incredible buds that look beautiful and taste and feel amazing. This industry has many strains making it difficult for consumers to choose among them. There are so many different slang terms used that newbies don't even know what truly makes a strain exotic. 

Although there is nothing in particular when searching for exotic strains there are a few factors that make them different from the others. In addition, the word exotic is used in a broad sense so the combination of several elements makes a particular strain exotic. 

Here are a few reasons that make marijuana strains rare and exotic:

1. Beauty

Exotic strains are incredibly beautiful compared to other strains. After all, who doesn't love good-looking strains?

Many consumers prefer exotic strains mainly for their display value. Remember that visuals say a lot about a strain, so look for something prettier than the others.

Typically, exotic marijuana strains look glossier than other strains. Most of it is due to the size of the pistils or the hairs found on the buds. Pistils are the white hair the buds develop during the flowering stage. 

You'll notice that these strains grow exceptionally large pistils compared to other strains, making them appear spectacular. In addition, the length of the pistils is more if you notice carefully.

Simply put exotic strains will have lots of pistils or trichomes covering the buds. So when you are shopping for an exotic strain, remember that they look shiny and are covered with an exceptional amount of pistils.

2. Flavor

Many marijuana users chase the high but what makes a strain truly exotic is its flavor. Experienced cannabis users will tell you that the flavor is the most important aspect of weed because even though you want to enjoy a strong high, smoking marijuana is supposed to be a brilliant sensory experience. 

Therefore rather than choosing strains for only their effects, look for strains brimming with great flavors.

Exotic strains will give you a taste of their beautiful flavors as soon as you hit that first drag. And the taste comes from the multitude of terpenes present in the plant. 

You can think of terpenes as essential oils. And just like essential oils offer numerous health benefits, terpenes have many medicinal benefits as well. Terpenes are found in almost every plant in the plant Kingdom and not in cannabis alone. 

As of today, there are more than 400 terpenes discovered in cannabis, and there may be more in the future. Although terpenes do not get you high on their own, they enhance the medicinal benefits of cannabis. 

This is why most full-spectrum oils contain a heavy dose of terpenes so that you can experience the entourage effect where all cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes of the plant work together. They are responsible for the flavor and even the color in some strains.

For instance, when you smoke a strain tasting like raw mangoes, it's due to the terpene Myrcene. Any strain that gives woody flavors? It's due to the terpene Pinene that makes you feel like you're walking in a forest filled with pine trees. What about citrus strains? It's because of a terpene called Limonene.

Part of a beautiful strain's appeal lies in its flavor. So how do you figure out the type of terpene present in the buds? Well, most seed banks post the terpene profiles of the seeds, so you can buy strains of the flavors you love the most.

3. Effects

Last but not least exotic strains are known for the effects they produce. The term "effects" doesn't necessarily mean that the strain will get you high as a kite.

For instance, some exotic strains may produce mellow effects so you can smoke them during the day without the high interfering with your daily routine. 

Some strains may produce relaxed effects that make you just want to curl up in your bed and sleep. Other strains may also produce effects that get your creative juices flowing, so you can work on projects that need a lot of creativity.

To be honest, you should try at least one exotic cannabis strain in your life. Now that you know about the factors that set exotic strains apart from regular strains, you're probably wondering how to buy them. Well, it will need some extended research to find the truly exotic ones.

However, if you are short of time, you can check out the list below. We have picked out the most exotic strains you can find today numbered in no particular order.

The Most Exotic Cannabis Strains Out There

In this section, we have some of the most exotic strains you will find today. As mentioned already, there are numbered in no particular order so the first strain doesn't mean that it is the most exotic and vice versa. 

1. Malawi Gold

Image Credit - Leafly

Flavor and Aroma	Citrus, Earthy, Woody
THC	16%
CBD	<1%
CBG	1%
Flowering Period	70 days
Genetics	Landrace Sativa
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors, Greenhouse
Yield	Outdoors — 600 grams/plant, Indoors — 450 grams/m2

Malawi gold is one of the most beautiful exotic strains you will find but it is really hard to source it. This landrace strain is found in the south-eastern regions of Central Africa, in a country called — you guessed it —Malawi.

If you're a true weed connoisseur, you must try the exceptional Malawi Gold at least once. Originating from a region called Salima in Malawi, Malawi gold is famous for its golden flowers, enhanced by trichomes that look like shimmering gold.

Coming to the effects Malawi Gold packs a whopping 16% THC. Of course, many strains offer more than 16% THC but what makes Malwai Gold incredible is that it shines in all aspects including the flavor, fragrance, and effects, making it an all-rounder.

Malavi Gold is popular for its cerebral effects that uplift your mood. You can smoke this strain at any point during the day, however, it may not be a good idea to drive or operate any heavy machinery due to the high THC levels.

Coming to the flavors, some describe Malawi Gold as woody while some describe a flowery taste. It has lots of citrus undertones that make it delicious to smoke the buds.

2. Pinkman Goo

Image Credit - THCFarmer

Flavor and Aroma	Earthy, Fruity, Minty
THC	18%
CBD	<1%
CBG	<1%
Flowering Period	60 — 70 days
Genetics	Northern Lights #5, Grape Ape and Granddaddy Purple
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors, Greenhouse
Yield	Outdoors — 500-750 grams/m2, Indoors — 300-450 grams/m2

If you're looking for something unusual that is also exceptionally rare, look no further than Pinkman Goo. The seed's origin is a bit of a mystery but it has a crazy story behind its inception.

Legend has it that a woman who discovered random cannabis seeds behind her refrigerator planted it and it turned to be Pinkman Goo. The seeds, as the lady discovered later, were a family heirloom.

As the name implies, Pinkman Goo is pink along with various purple hues scattered throughout the buds. Truly beautiful in several aspects, it's named "Goo" due to the sticky resin it secretes.

And thanks to all that high-THC resin, you can expect Pinkman Goo to produce at least 18% THC, making it a super strong strain. . If you can somehow find the seeds of this vibrant strain that looks pink and also purple at times, grab them and never let go.

3. Rainbow Belts

Image Credit - TheHerbalCure

Flavor and Aroma	Sweet Candy, Tropical
THC	20%
CBD	<1%
CBG	1%
Flowering Period	60 — 70 days
Genetics	Zkittlez, Moonbow
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors, Greenhouse
Yield	Outdoors — 450 grams/plant, Indoors — 300-370 grams/m2

As one of the crosses of the uber-famous Zkittlez with Moonbow, you can expect one hell of a smoke sesh from Rainbow Belts. The strain is found in several regions across the United States of America.

Named aptly because of various shades including red, green, and orange adorning the buds, Rainbow Belts tastes and smells so outrageously beautiful that you will never want to try another strain.

Many users report that this strain tastes like a hybrid of Zkittlez, OG Kush, and Moonbow all wrapped in one small bundle and then coated with lime and sugar. 

The trichomes of Rainbow Belts look fiery orange and red, but what makes the strain a class apart is its mouth-watering tropical sweetness that tastes like juicy fruit.

With over 20% THC levels, this heavyweight Indica is not to be messed with. Go for it only if you have a good THC tolerance.

4. Jokerz

Image Credit - Respectmyregion

Flavor and Aroma	Earthy, Sweet, Woody, Orange
THC	26 - 32%
CBD	<1%
CBG	1%
Flowering Period	60 — 65 days
Genetics	Jet Fuel, White Runtz
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors, Greenhouse
Yield	Outdoors — 500-750 grams/plant, Indoors — 350-450 grams/m2

Jokerz is one of the best cannabis strains you can find currently. With more than 26% THC, it’s certainly not meant for the faint of hearts. However, despite all that THC, it produces effects that tend to calm you rather than panic. 

Therefore, Jokerz can be a good one if you want to have some fun with friends. But don’t overdo it as you shouldn’t try high-THC strains with little experience. 

Jokerz is a combination of Jet Fuel with Gelato genetics and White Runtz. This strain appears beautiful from the get-go. Its white buds covered with a generous amount of trichomes gives it a frosty appearance. 

The gassy smell reminds you of fuel, but with a hint of sweetness, thanks to Gelato. If you have a partner who enjoys strong Indicas as you do, this Emerald Cup winner is guaranteed to offer one helluva session. 

5. Hawaiian Snow

Image Credit - Leafnation

Flavor and Aroma	Citrus, Tropical, Fruity
THC	22 - 25%
CBD	<1%
CBG	<1%
Flowering Period	75 — 90 days
Genetics	Hawaiian Haze, Neville’s Haze, Pure Haze
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors
Yield	Outdoors — 1200 grams/plant, Indoors — 700 grams/m2

Hawaiian Snow is a mind-blowing trifecta of genetics including the Hawaiian Haze, Neville’s Haze, and Pure Haze, transforming it into a superior sativa. And, it grows and smells just like what you’d expect, considering all the Haze in there. 

Typically, Hawaiian Haze grows tall and lanky and flowers slowly compared to other strains. Outdoors, it may take about 14 weeks. 

If you’re growing indoors, you will need to work hard to mask the smell that ranges from spicy aromas to light undertones of eucalyptus and citrus. It contains a generous dose of terpenes, making it perfect for those that appreciate the flavors of cannabis. 

As the winner of the Cannabis Cup held in 2003, with up to 16% THC, it produces stimulating effects, just like a Sativa should. This strain is tailored for those who feel awkward conversing with others in social gatherings. 

It fills you with a warm, cerebral buzz that’s unmatched by most strains. You can be sure to giggle your way throughout a party. 

6. Sweet Tooth

Image Credit - Thelodgecannabis

Flavor and Aroma	Flowery, Sweet, Candy
THC	15-20%
CBD	5%
CBG	<1%
Flowering Period	60 —70 days
Genetics	Hawaiian, Nepalese, Afghani
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors
Yield	Outdoors — 500 grams/plant, Indoors — 400-450 grams/m2

As if the Hawaiian Haze wasn’t enough, breeders went up a step ahead and crossed a Hawaiian with a Nepali landrace to create Sweet Tooth. The effects are pretty much euphoric, so you can enjoy a few sessions whenever the mood strikes you during the day. 

Meant to fight aches and pains, the Sweet Tooth is an Indica-dominant strain that produces thick, dense buds wafting with fragrances that make your mouth water. 

Several growers report that the Sweet Tooth develops a ridiculous amount of hairy trichomes that get extremely sticky as the plant matures. There are also hints of Afghani landraces in this award winner. 

As the name implies, you can expect your grow tent to be filled with sweet aromas, reminiscent of freshly-prepared sugar candies. With over 18% THC, some CBG, and loads of Myrcene as the dominant terpene, you can also experience woody flavors with mango undertones. 

7. Frisian Duck

Image Credit - Leafly

Flavor and Aroma	Citrus, Woody, Spicy
THC	14 - 17%
CBD	<1%
CBG	1%
Flowering Period	55 — 65 days
Genetics	Ducks Foot, Frisian Dew
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors
Yield	Outdoors — 450 grams/plant, Indoors — 350-400 grams/m2

The Frisian Duck is unique not only for its name but also for the way it grows. It has a great combination of Ducks Foot genetics (named due to its odd-shaped duck feet leaves) and Frisian Dew.

The Frisian Duck is perfect for outdoor growers as it does not resemble most cannabis strains. Hailed as a chameleon by many, this strain could be the one you're looking for if you love stealth.

A hybrid with both Indica and Sativa traces, the Frisian Duck smells like fresh wood, citrus, and pine amalgamated into a divine potpourri of scents.

Another reason to go for the Frisian Duck is that it not only performs wonderfully and grows fast but also contains about 14-17% THC. What's more, it aids to control minor muscle aches and sprains.

8. Snowcap

Flavor and Aroma	Citrus, Minty, Pine
THC	20 - 25%
CBD	4%
CBG	1%
Flowering Period	65 — 70 days
Genetics	Catpiss, Snow White
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors
Yield	Outdoors — 450 grams/plant, Indoors — 350-400 grams/m2

Named Snowcap due to the extraordinary amount of pistols it produces, this strain will probably be the hairiest cannabis strain you'll ever come across. 

With over 20% THC, almost 2% CBG, and large doses of terpinolene, snow cap produces a tantalizing high that is uplifting yet relaxing at the same time. It also contains at least 4% CBD, serving as a medicinal strain.

It puts out fragrances of menthol and citrus, making it a very taste toke. Also known as a chilled or cool cannabis strain due to all that menthol, Snowcap is smooth and leaves you with a delightful cerebral effect. You can feel creative, giggly, and happy if you smoke it just before you head to a party.

9. Bubba Kush

Image Credit - Hytiva

Flavor and Aroma	Coffee, Earthy, Woody, Fruity
THC	14 - 27%
CBD	<1%
CBG	<1%
Flowering Period	60 — 65 days
Genetics	Bubba Kush, Bubba Kush (Pre 98)
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors
Yield	Outdoors — 600-800 grams/plant, Indoors — 500 grams/m2

With over 27% THC, Bubba Kush is a super heavyweight and is notorious to knock out even the most experienced cannabis veterans. As a Kush strain and an award winner, you can expect Bubba Kush to offer everything expected from an exotic strain.

Seriously, do not mess with Bubba Kush if it is your first time smoking weed. And yes like most Kush strains, Bubba will get your eyelids heavy, not to mention the couch-locked feeling for hours. Needless to say, it is a strain meant to be consumed after a long day's work when you just want to relax and do nothing.

Baba Kush is also famous for its dense buds that put on some serious size in the last few weeks of its flowering. The buds display colors ranging from purple to green, and you'll find it hard to keep your hands off of its generous yields.

10. Hella Jelly

Image Credit - HendrxFarm

Flavor and Aroma	Cotton candy, Grapes, Strawberries
THC	27 - 30%
CBD	1%
CBG	1%
Flowering Period	60 — 65 days
Genetics	Notorious THC, Very Cherry
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors
Yield	Outdoors — 600 grams/plant, Indoors — 450-550 grams/m2

Formerly called Jelly Rancher, Hella Jelly is a gorgeous strain. As a result, it has won several awards, apart from being featured as California's best in the Grow Off championship.

A brilliant cross of Notorious THC and Very Cherry, Hella Jelly is super productive and flowers pretty fast (within 8-9 weeks) compared to other strains. 

What makes this strain truly exceptional is its THC levels. With over 30%, it produces a jolt of energy that can be hard to take for most users. The high is cerebral since it contains Sativa genetics but it also contains trace amounts of CBD and CBG, making it perfect for microdosing. 

As far as the flavor goes, you can expect a beautiful combination of grapes, strawberries, and cotton candy. If you love to grow some exotic strains at home and make concentrates, Hella Jelly should be number one on your list.

11. Layer Cake

Image Credit - Hytiva

Flavor and Aroma	Cake, Candy, Sweet
THC	25 - 27%
CBD	<1%
CBG	<1%
Flowering Period	60 — 65 days
Genetics	Skunk, Triangle Kush, Garlic Cookies
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors, Greenhouse
Yield	Outdoors — 300 grams/plant, Indoors — 200 grams/plant

Layer Cake is an extremely popular cannabis strain. Its origins are not clear but legend has it that it was born in the Swamp Boy Seeds' gardens.

Called Layer Cake since it involves a three-way crossing of four strains, it's a hit among many growers. First, Skunk is crossed with triangle Kush and the resulting offspring is then crossed with Garlic Cookies. Then, finally, Wedding Cake enters the picture. 

Oodles of sticky resin in various colors including orange, red, and green produced by the plant act as kief in between layers, offering a delicious toke.

If you've tried Wedding Cake you will love Layer Cake. The THC levels are incredibly high and have consistently been testing over 25 to 27%. Most Indica strains are famous to give you a body high but users report that Layer Cake gives you a relaxed and happy high that brings a sense of calm. 

Once you've harvested, dried, and cured the buds, make sure you have a tray underneath when you're handling them as there's a lot of kief production.

12. Apples and Bananas

Image Credit - Respectmyregion

Flavor and Aroma	Apple, Sweet, Earthy
THC	25 - 27%
CBD	<1%
CBG	<1%
Flowering Period	55 — 65 days
Genetics	Granddaddy Purple, Platinum Cookies, Blue Power
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors, Greenhouse
Yield	Outdoors — 500 grams/plant, Indoors — 400 grams/m2

What do you have to say about the combination of Granddaddy Purple, Platinum Cookies, and Blue Power? Yep, it's ethereal.

Apples and Bananas did not become popular immediately after its inception but it received a lot of adulation after the Cookies family became famous. As always, many Colorado growers have taken a liking to this strain that produces more than 24% THC consistently.

The effects are known to produce a nice euphoric high, so you can toke anywhere from noon until night when you're ready to hit the sack. The high is powerful and increases slowly as time goes on, so put on your headphones and enjoy the effects of this stunning hybrid.

There are several versions of this strain and most of them have proved to be as good if not better than Apples and Bananas.

13. Garlic Breath

Image Credit - Leafly

Flavor and Aroma	Garlic, Pungent, Spicy
THC	22 - 24%
CBD	<1%
CBG	1%
Flowering Period	65 — 70 days
Genetics	Mendo Breath, GMO
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors, Greenhouse
Yield	Outdoors — 550 grams/plant, Indoors — 400 grams/m2

Right off the bat, this stuff reeks to high heavens. So much that people are going to ask you about it. If you're a fan of weed that reeks, garlic bread is going to be another amazing addition to your arsenal.

With over 24% THC and slight amounts of CBG, Garlic Breath is a result of a cross between Mendo Breath and GMO. Note that it can send you packing right off to the moon if you are an inexperienced user. Thanks to an abundance of terpenes, the strain is pungent and spicy, reminiscent of — no guesses — garlic.

Garlic Breath grows both outdoors and indoors with a flowering time of just about 8 to 10 weeks. The effects are exceptionally relaxing and many medical marijuana users prefer this strain since it may help to relieve any symptoms of depression stress and insomnia.

14. Indica Crystal Extreme (ICE)

Flavor and Aroma	Sour, Spicy, Earthy, Citrus
THC	20 - 25%
CBD	<1%
CBG	1%
Flowering Period	65 — 70 days
Genetics	Northern Lights, Skunk, White Widow
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors, Greenhouse
Yield	Outdoors — 500 grams/plant, Indoors — 400 grams/m2

As the name suggests, ICE is typically covered with trichomes, also known as crystals. The plant is so similar to an ice sculpture braving the cold that the creators decided to name it Indica Crystal Extreme.

As an exotic strain born by crossing some amazing genetics such as Shiva, Northern lights, Skunk #1, and White Widow, you can expect the ICE to carry some fantastic traits from its parents.

Perfect for producing concentrates due to the hefty amount of trichomes and resin, ICE packs at least 22-24% THC. It grows pretty quickly and you can expect the flowering to finish between 8 to 9 weeks. The plant is typically bushy as an Indica and the buds are dense and covered with resin.

As a true Indica, this strain produces effects that relax your entire body so make sure you only smoke some before you hit the bed.

15. Bonbon D’Amour

Image Credit - Potvalet

Flavor and Aroma	Spicy, Fruity
THC	20 - 30%
CBD	<1%
CBG	1%
Flowering Period	65 — 70 days
Genetics	Light of Jah, Mangolicious
Climate	Outdoors, Indoors, Greenhouse
Yield	Outdoors — 700 grams/m2, Indoors — 500 grams/m2

The Bonbon D’Amour is famous as an aphrodisiac more than anything else. With over 20 to 30% of THC reported consistently, it is believed that the THC present in the strain increases your stamina and also helps you get creative, last longer, and impress your partner. Don't believe us? Try it and find out!

A cross between Mangolicious and Light of Jah, you don't need us to tell you that this one will smell like raw mango trees swaying in the sultry heat. You can also expect to find some spicy undertones similar to pepper and some tropical fruit as well.

Although there are some traces of Indica, this strain contains more than 75% Sativa, offering a creative buzz that just gets better all through the day. Most importantly, it uplifts your mood and gets you super energetic — ready to take on any task.

Summary: Most Exotic Weed Strains to Grow and Smoke

Exotic cannabis strains are rare. They are at the top of the pillar. You're bound to find pure Sativas with incredible THC percentages. Or, you’ll find something with citrus overtones, chocolatey flavors, or heady lemon scents that produce a sort of tranquilizing effect. 

Not all exotic strains have high THC. Many users love mellow weed that lets you do your thing while enjoying the effects. That said, no matter what you go for, take a look at the terpene profile and find something that’s right for you. 

FAQ

How Do I Choose an Exotic Weed Strain?

You can choose any exotic strain depending on your THC tolerance, terpene profile, and preferences. Since you’ll be growing it, also take a look at the flowering times and plan accordingly. 

Which Cannabis Strain is the Most Exotic?

There are many exotic cannabis strains out there, so it’s difficult to point to one particular strain. However, the list we have provided contains some of the most exotic cannabis you’ll ever find. 

Can you Consider Gorilla Glue as an Exotic Weed?

Gorilla Glue made waves in the cannabis industry. It was considered exotic, but many strains with even better profiles have taken over now, so it’s no longer exotic. 

Are Exotic Cannabis Strains Stronger?

Yes, exotic strains are most likely stronger than regular strains, due to the abundance of terpenes and sticky resin. However, some exotic strains also produce mellow effects. 

Why is the Terpene Profile Important?

The terpene profile tells you about all the terpenes the plant contains. Since terpenes are known to have exceptional medicinal properties, you’re likely to get a lot of benefits when you pay attention to the terpene profile.