Top 10 Cannabis-Cup Winning Strains

The Emerald Cup. The Dope Cup. Jack Herer Cup, Spannabis, Dutch Flowers, Secret Cup and on and on — there’s no shortage of honorifics and awards around the world rewarding the hard work and efforts of once-outlaw growers that can now display the fruits of their labor to the general public. Before the medical marijuana revolution of the ‘90s and the pioneering cannabis reforms that have followed, the first Cannabis Cup was founded by High Times Magazine in 1988, back when an above-ground global industry was still a hazy fantasy. Held in the relatively safe enclave of Amsterdam, this event for many years defined what quality cannabis bud looked and smoked like for cannaseurs all over the world. And even to this day, prior strains that wowed the judges of old still impress anybody who comes across them. We’ve compiled a list of classic strains that any serious consumer of the plant should try once in their life before they perish.

White Widow - 1995 Cannabis Cup Winner

Covered with white trichomes that give this strain its name, White Widow defines for many what top-shelf bud should look like. Gaining its genetics from a Brazilian sativa and a South Indian indica, an energizing high perfect for social gatherings or a night on the town. The aroma — earthy with a hint of sandalwood — also adds to this strain’s tasty, stylish euphoria.

Super Silver Haze - 1997, 1998, and 1999 Cannabis Cup Winner

Yet another classic hybrid, leaning heavily towards sativa, Super Silver merges previous Cup winners Skunk #1 and Northern Lights along with vintage Haze genetics, resulting in a potent strain that's popular among both medical and recreational users. The taste and aroma may give you some whiplash here: while it’s skunky, you’ll detect citrusy, spicy notes in its smoke. With THC levels ranging from the mid-teens to 20%, it’s reported as an energy booster with nice visceral aftereffects.

Northern Lights #5 – 1990 Cannabis Cup Winner

In the early years of the Cup, Northern Lights #5 popped up frequently in winning strains, either cross-bred with another strain in 1989 and 1993, or on its own in 1990. Descended itself from a Haze and Skunk #1, Northern Lights also inherits the deeply relaxing effects that give Northern Lights its enduring reputation. However, you may also get a boost to the imagination that evades its forebears. It’s also a prized medical strain, with strong effects reported in sleep and pain relief as well.

Skunk #1 - 1990 Cannabis Cup Winner

No doubt you’ve heard about — or smelled — Skunks before. This, however, is the true OG. Some classic genetics, including the fabled Acapulco Gold, came together to give us this stinky and powerful strain that's known for its heavy high which for many defines the term “stoned.” The buds of Skunk #1 jump off the plant for their bright-green color, with orange and brown tendrils curling throughout its tightly-packed constitution. Make sure you have some food around, though, because you’re gonna need it!

Jack Herer - 1994 and 2006 Cannabis Cup Winner

Long before he passed away, cannabis activist Jack Herer made such a name for himself through his book The Emperor Wears No Clothes and his tireless advocacy for the plant that Sensi Seeds would enshrine his legacy in a strain that smokers swear by to this day. Crossed between Haze, Northern Lights #5, and Shiva Skunk, its aroma is far milder than would be expected from such a strain. Once smoked, however, you might find that you have the quintessential “wake-and-bake” cannabis experience, with a consistently manageable high. While there are four different variants and effects to choose from, it mainly means dialing up and down its stimulating effects (creativity-boosting and energetic) and its calming effects (mainly its medicinal effects, with headache sufferers swearing by it.

AK-47 - 1999 and 2003 Cannabis Cup Winner

True to its name, AK-47 has practically taken Cups around the world hostage since winning the Cannabis Cup in ‘99. With narrow buds and orange highlights scattered within its densely green bud structure, AK-47 tastes and smells like it came fresh from the garden. It’s mainly a cerebral high with subtle body effects — it’s often recommended for long outdoor walks, nights on the town, exercise or any sort of social activity. It’s proponents say that it perks them up in moderate doses, though it can create some tough moments if it’s overdone.

Amnesia Haze - 2004 and 2012 Cannabis Cup Winner

Amnesia Haze could very easily be described as a super-strain. Afghani Hawaiian, Jamaican Sativa, Super Silver Haze and Cambodian Sativa are all implicated in its genetics. Just be warned, this is a expert-level smoke that can easily overwhelm newcomers. THC levels, not surprisingly, are in the high teens-low twenties. Its taste is somewhat citrusy/somewhat savory, once again underscoring a taste most cannabis users have to work towards.

Blueberry - 2000 Cannabis Cup Winner

A known creation by the famous cannabis breeder DJ Short, Blueberry’s scent and appearance lets you know right away how it got its name. Indica-dominant, Blueberry’s genetics are Afghani, crossed with Thai and Purple Thai strains. And true to its indica roots, the effects can be heavily sedative, with strong couchlock vibes. So just be sure that if you’re sampling this strain, you’ve got nothing else you’ll need to do for a few hours.

Rollex OG Kush – 2013 Cannabis Cup Winner

You’ve probably heard of this offshoot’s more legendary, hip hop-affiliated strain, but this version stole the show in 2013. Borne out of Kuchi and White Fire OG genetics, this hits immediately with some sativa-like cerebral effects before settling into your body for a lovely, sedated revery. It’s also commonly sought for medicinal uses, too, most notably sleep issues, chronic pain, and overall mood.

Willie Nelson — 2005 Cannabis Cup Winner

Ending with another namesake, this taste treat possesses a savory and sweet taste and immense buds. And while we can’t guarantee this strain will get you writing songs like the Red-Headed Stranger, it has been known to inspire creativity and plenty of euphoria. Genetics are Nepalese and South Asian, with a THC level in the low twenties, so again, it’s definitely one to work your way up towards if you’re a newbie.