Today there are thousands of cannabis strains with many different traits. Therefore, growers and connoisseurs alike can easily find what they’re looking for. Marijuana plants feature a wide selection of flavors and aromas, ranging in both quantity and quality. Every strain has a distinct palette of smells and tastes. These unique and defining traits arrive through knowledgeable and careful breeding.
However, there are quick and relatively easy ways of artificially flavoring cannabis before and after harvest. While this process is manageable for most growers, it is unlikely to satisfy true cannabis purists. Furthermore, the potential benefits that occur in naturally aromatic molecules are likely not present in artificially-flavored cannabis.
A cannabis connoisseur knows that the smell and flavor of cannabis are of equal importance to its potency.
So, what makes a strain of cannabis ‘tropical’? Tropical and exotic marijuana is tasty, has a unique smell, and may even have a unique aesthetic.
For the record, it is the terpene, myrcene, that is probably responsible for the tropical taste of certain cannabis varieties. You will find it in indica and sativa blends, and also in fruits such as mango. The vast majority of marijuana strains contain at least a trace of myrcene.
Eager to learn more? Here are five strains that taste like a delicious tropical cocktail on a hot summer day.
1. Pineapple Express
Seth Rogen and James Franco’s appearance in the world-famous movie of the same name has boosted the profile of Pineapple Express. People all around the world enjoyed this classic stoner flick, and Pineapple Express has become a household name.
Pineapple Express is a sativa-dominant cannabis hybrid that’s a cross of Hawaiian and Trainwreck. It is a very potent strain due to its 19-25% THC content. Users say it provides a long-lasting, energetic high. It tastes tropical with a pineapple appeal, possessing undertones of cedar and spices. Think of a lemon meringue pie with a hint of pineapple frosting. It’s strong yet sweet, with flavorful citrus exhale.
With a terpene-rich profile of tropical fruit, the aroma has a potential value of its own. It’s inviting, relaxing, and ready to please. Just a whiff of Pineapple Express makes the mind spin with ecstasy.
When the strain is harvest-ready, it produces dense, light green buds accompanied by slight purple hues. Consumers often enjoy Pineapple Express’ softer cerebral effects. Some users say they feel an increased level of creativity and social inventiveness. On occasion, one could break through writer’s block! You may also experience a slight body buzz that relieves mild aches. Awareness and focus are also often heightened.
2. Hawaiian
The Hawaiian strain is a slightly sativa-dominant hybrid that will give you a happy, vacation-like feeling. This is the perfect strain for a relaxing day, as it gets you creative but not too focused. The light green buds of this strain have a sweet taste. The aroma isn’t too potent and brings to mind fresh tropical fruit. With a THC content of 15-25%, Hawaiian is a strain that commands respect.
Originating from the island of Hawaii (precise genetics are unknown), the buds of this strain are dense and large. An abundance of orange hairs covers them. The leaves found under the layer of orange are light green and not very appealing. However, don’t let the appearance of this strain fool you. Hawaiian has a sweet but light aroma, accompanied by some citrus notes that aren’t always evident.
Although this strain doesn’t have an extraordinary taste, the citrus flavor and tropical freshness complement each other wonderfully. The great thing about this strain is that the smoke doesn’t irritate the throat or lungs. Therefore, it is unlikely to cause a coughing fit.
The high you will get from the Hawaiian strain is mostly cerebral and will typically leave you feeling incredibly happy. You could feel euphoric and uplifted after an exhausting day by smoking the Hawaiian strain. However, the high will keep your head clear and therefore help you to focus on the task at hand. The primary reason why people smoke this strain is for stress relief.
3. Cinderella 99
Cinderella 99, also known as C99 or sometimes “Cindy,” is a sativa-dominant strain bred by Mr. Soul of Brothers Grimm. It is a strain best known for its sweet, fruity flavors, cerebral highs, and epic yields. Cinderella 99 is very popular among indoor growers for several reasons. They include its short, bushy stature, short flowering time, high yields, and high THC content (15-22%). Its effects are typically described as euphoric, dreamy, and uplifting.
Cinderella 99 is a cross of Jack Herer and Shiva Skunk. It tastes of fruit with dank undertones. The aroma varies according to phenotype, the two main ones are pineapple and grapefruit. However, generally, it’s a sharp, almost putrid pineapple/citrus flavor. The desired phenotype of The Brothers Grimm was known as “the evil pineapple” pheno. It has a kind of rotten meat quality to its sharp fruity smell.
Much like the aroma, the flavor depends on phenotype. For example, the “grapefruit” phenotype is like the New York City Diesel strain in flavor profile. This includes a sharp and musky citrus flavor.
Cinderella 99 usually takes up to 15 minutes to take full effect on the body after ingestion. People typically feel a very light and dreamy body high with euphoria and waves of uplifting mood. Increased levels of creativity and energy accompany these sensations. This strain could help increase appetite, combat nausea, and ease inflammation. It’s also an energy booster for people who suffer from fatigue.
4. Maui Waui
Maui Waui is also called Maui Wowie. It is a strongly sativa hybrid that was a top of the line strain when it arrived in the 1960s. Back then, it was one of the first strains with significantly increased THC content. In this era, the THC content of an average cannabis strain was reasonably low (almost always under 8%).
However, the THC content of Maui Waui was well into the teens. Therefore, it quickly became one of the most desirable strains around. Today, versions of this strain can reach 20% THC. However, other strains, including new hybrids, have caught up and even exceeded this infamous strain in THC content.
Maui Waui has a slightly piney and earthy aroma. It also has a unique, spicy smell that may remind you of fennel or even holiday spices. Much like the smell, it has a dominant pine taste, with a hint of lemon and a slight sweetness. It’s expansive, yet remarkably smooth on the throat.
The sativa effects of Maui Waui could help people with anxiety, stress, and chronic depression. Its indica side is possibly useful in easing minor and chronic aches and pains. Patients with eating disorders like anorexia may use it to stimulate their appetite.
5. Mango Kush
The Mango Kush strain is very similar in taste to the mango fruit. It offers a unique kush flavor and hints of pine on the exhale. The buds of this strain are very dense and covered with orange pistils. The taste and smell are the same and described as a combination of banana and mango. Eating mango could even enhance the high for many people. This strain is a cross of Hindu Kush and a Mango indica.
Mango Kush’s THC content ranges from 11% to 20%. Its CBD level is much lower at about 0.3%. It is an indica-dominant hybrid that could help with pain, nausea and vomiting, depression, insomnia, and lack of appetite. The high centers on the body, with strong euphoria, deep relaxation, and a general sedated feeling.
Many users feel themselves giggling and talking more than usual when high on this strain. The effects typically last for one to two hours and can cause drowsiness. As a result, we don’t recommend it for daytime use.
Final Thoughts on Tropical Marijuana Strains
If you enjoy the taste of ‘tropical’ fruits such as pineapple and mango, you will likely love our list of strains. In each case, the THC content is relatively high, so novices should tread carefully. If you live in a legal state, you can recreate a holiday in your backyard. Use one of these strains, along with a Pina Colada in the sun. Sounds like bliss to us!