Weed Words: Wacky weird, and wonderful

Inspiration sparks when curiosity is ignited. Getting from writer’s block to a finished book doesn’t happen overnight; it takes hours, days, or even months to put an idea to paper.

A friend of mine and I went to see Love’s Labour’s Lost during this year’s annual Shakespeare in the Park. I’ve been going (off and on) for 10 years. The most fascinating thing about Shakespeare (to me) is that listening to it is like hearing a foreign language.

Once you start to really listen, you watch the actors expressions, movements, and manner to understand the plot. In one his most famous plays (Romeo and Juliet) , Shakespeare wrote, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

That led me to ask the question, Where do strain names come from? Cannabis strain names reflect their characteristics, effects, or origins. But what really is the recipe for a great cannabis strain name? Let’s explore!

Cannabis Strains Names: Where did they come from?

Cannabis has an identity crisis. In its history, it has been called marijuana, pot, grass, ganja, reefer, hash, herb, Mary Jane, skunk, smoke, yerba, weed, or Ganja.

Who knows? Whatever the nickname, cannabis must feel misunderstood. Cannabis strain names range from poetic and nostalgic to straight-up bizarre.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a new consumer browsing the Indacloud shop, you’ve probably noticed how strange, hilarious, or oddly specific these names can be.

There are a few ways that strain names go from pitch to product.

One way (and the most traditional) is by combining the names of the parent strains. A good example is the strain Berry White, which was born from Blueberry and White Widow paired together.

While that might be a great mix, it doesn’t exactly tell you what it might taste like. Some strain names reflect the strain’s aroma or taste, like Sour Diesel.

The “gas” taste in cannabis refers to a fuel-like flavor. This distinct characteristic is primarily attributed to a specific combination of terpenes found in cannabis, particularly myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene.

Back in the day (pre-cannabis legalization) there was no way to decipher between indica, sativa, or hybrids.

Now there are a variety of consumption methods (smoke, vape, edible), more potent cannabis (stronger strains), and a wider array of access with more states approving cannabis for medical or recreational use.

Before marketing lingo and digital menus, cannabis strain names were based on their geographic origin or growing conditions.

Called landrace strains, these native varieties of cannabis that develop in specific areas over centuries without human intervention.

Afghani: A pure indica originating in the mountainous Hindu Kush region. Known for its high resin production, relaxing effects, and ability to promote sleep.

Thai: A true sativa strain originating from Thailand, known for its uplifting and energizing effects. It’s popular for its ability to boost creativity and focus, making it a favorite for daytime use. Users often experience euphoria and a heightened sense of well-being.

Mexican: A sativa-dominant cannabis strain with origins in the Acapulco region of Mexico with distinctive golden-brown buds with orange hairs, resembling gold nuggets.

As cannabis breeding advances, people begin hybridizing landraces and inventing new names to distinguish their creations. A few examples are describing the user’s experience, like Blue Dream or Jedi Breath.

Sometimes strains are named after influential people, such as Gary Payton. The strain has similar attributes to the player who is known for his balanced, yet bold playing style.

The look of the flower also can inspire bud names like Grandaddy Purp for its coloring.

Why the Weird Names?

Once cannabis started becoming legal, strain names became the way brands stand out among the competition. But even before legalization, growers used wild names as inside jokes or to reflect how a strain felt or tasted.

In a crowded market, “OG #12″ doesn’t grab attention like “Pineapple Express.”

A creative name can make a product memorable. Marketing researchers have shown that incorporating humor in strain names increases brand recall, and the cannabis world took that note to heart.

Sometimes, strains are named after movies (Skywalker OG) or food (Ice Cream Cake).

The Genetics Game: Naming Rules (or Lack Thereof)

Thinking of contacting the Cannabis Constable? Think again. There’s no strain naming authority. It’s not like naming a baby where you have to file it with the government.

If a breeder develops a new cross, they can name it whatever they want. That’s led to some confusion.

Sometimes two different growers will use the same name for different genetics. Other times, the same genetics get sold under different names in different regions.

That’s why at Indacloud, we focus on being consistent with our labeling and testing. No matter how fun the name is, what’s inside matters most.

Games You Can Play with Strain Names (Seriously)

Let’s take a break from the science and lean into the silliness. Cannabis strain names are practically begging to be turned into party games or trivia.

Here are a few to try the next time you’re high with friends:

1. A Strain or Not a Strain? That is the question.

Make a list of real cannabis strains and mix in a few fakes. Then have friends guess which are legit.

Try these, what’s your pick?

• Sour Apple Killer
• Moon Juice
• Dumpster Fire
• Alien OG

(Hint: Dumpster Fire is made up…for now.)

2. Strain Mash-Ups

Have each person pick two real strain names and mash them together to invent a new one.

Bonus points for a description of the flavor, effects, and origin story.

Here’s an example: Purple Cookie Monster Kush, it’s a heavy indica that tastes like Grape Kool-Aid mixed with those summer-day vibes.

3. Strain Charades

Pick a few strain names and act them out like traditional charades. Try miming Trainwreck or

Laughing Buddha after a gummy. Chaos will ensue.

4. Cannabis Spelling Bee

This is harder than it sounds, especially with names like Runtz, and Slurricane. Add THC and you’ll have your own High IQ Challenge.

Indacloud Strains: Naming with Vibes

At Indacloud, we take strain names seriously; but not too seriously. We want our product names to give you a hint of the flavor, the feeling, and the fun behind each item.

Some of our crowd favorites include:

• Ekto Kooler: Think citrusy nostalgia with a ghostly punch.
• Maui Wowie: A classic sativa with beachy island vibes.
• Bearkat THCa: Sounds mysterious. Hits like a truck.
• Watermelon Rush: Sweet, summery, and just the right amount of “Whoa.”

We believe a great name should make you smile before you light up; and even more after.

It’s About Personality

Cannabis strain names are part folklore, part branding, and part absurdist humor. They’re not FDA-regulated, they’re rarely standardized, and they definitely don’t follow any naming etiquette. But they tell a story of flavor, effects, genetics, and cannabis culture.

Whether you’re a seasoned stoner who seeks out exotic names like they’re rare Pokémon, or a newbie who just wants to know what the heck a “Dope Rope” is, the names are part of the journey.

If you think the names are weird now, just wait until AI starts breeding strains. You’ll be lighting up a pre-roll called “Quantum Gummy Cake #420” and wondering if it came from the future.

Until then, enjoy the absurdity, embrace the creativity. The next time you grab your favorite Indacloud strain, remember: someone probably named it while laughing uncontrollably after popping a gummy.

Ready to try something legendary?

Check out our full lineup of pre-rolls, edibles, vapes, and THCa flower, each with an unforgettable name and even better effects.