During a smoke session, I’m always a little disappointed when I reach the point of being sufficiently intoxicated. It’s not that I don’t enjoy that feeling—because I do—but I also enjoy the act of consuming, to the point that I dislike passing the joint or vape on down the line without hitting it myself.
There’s just something magical about the physical ritual: Rolling, lighting, breathing in, exhaling a cloud, and passing to the left are as much a part of the fun as the effects of cannabis. If I could do so without getting too high, I’d keep smoking all evening just for the feel of it. That’s where sessionable cannabis comes in.
A sessionable strain is one you can puff on for a good long while without getting overwhelmed by its effects. The term is borrowed from the beer world: Sessionable beers have low alcohol by volume and mild flavor profiles, meaning you can sip on several for hours without becoming overly intoxicated or tired of the taste.
Many factors contribute to a cannabis strain’s sessionability, including cannabinoid ratios, terpene and flavonoid profiles, and their combined entourage effect. Check out our list of 12 strains that fit the bill—and pick a favorite to pass around several times at your next smoke sesh.
ACDC
Cannabinoid profile: CBD-dominant (11-15% CBD on average)
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene
In general, any high-CBD strain is a safe bet to consume over the course of a long session, because CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid—it won’t make you feel high, no matter how much you have. The presence of myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene may also help account for the nudge of relaxation experienced by ACDC consumers.
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Agent Orange
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (10-16% THC on average)
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, terpinolene, pinene
If you’d like to reach a state of intoxication only after a long, slow build, check out Agent Orange. This strain’s THC content tends to be about half that of your average high-potency strain, and its terpene profile begets a sweet, citrusy smoke that’ll keep you passing.
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Berry White
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (14-18% THC on average)
Primary terpenes: Limonene, pinene, caryophyllene
While Berry White tends to have a touch more THC than Agent Orange, it’s still on the low end of the scale. This is a great sessionable strain for intermediate or experienced consumers, particularly if you’re in search of a deeply relaxing and happy high.
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Cannatonic
Cannabinoid profile: THC/CBD balanced (4-7% THC and 6-11% CBD on average)
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene
A perpetually popular medical strain, Cannatonic typically contains more CBD than THC. Though you may feel a slight buzz after a while, even beginners will be able to pass the joint several times around the circle.
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Cinex
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (13-17% THC on average)
Primary terpenes: Limonene, caryophyllene, pinene
Cinex is known for its clear-headed high, making it a great choice to accompany a meandering conversation. It also displays uplifting, energetic effects, meaning you’ll still be able to go about your day once done.
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God’s Gift
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (14-18% THC on average)
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene
The THC content of God’s Gift is tempered by peppery caryophyllene, fragrant myrcene, and herbal pinene. The combined effect is a subtle, soothing high, and the unique grape and hash flavor profile will keep you raising the vape.
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Harle-Tsu
Cannabinoid profile: CBD-dominant (9-11% CBD on average)
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, terpinolene, pinene
Thanks to a CBD:THC ratio of 20:1, this is another strain you can smoke all day without slowing down. And who needs the high? Harle-Tsu’s therapeutic effects and earthy, herbal scent are plenty to keep you coming back.
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Harlequin
Cannabinoid profile: THC/CBD balanced (3-6% THC and 7-10% CBD on average)
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene
A parent strain of Harle-Tsu, Harlequin is a more balanced CBD-dominant varietal with a ratio of about 5:2. For anyone who enjoys a buzz but is sensitive to the negative effects of THC, the CBD here is effective in staving off any potential anxiety or paranoia.
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Jillybean
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (14-17% THC on average)
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene
Jillybean is a fun and social strain with relatively low THC content and a smiley, lively high. Bring it along to an all-day gathering, share several citrusy puffs, and let it work its unique brand of magic.
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Purple Diesel
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (13-17% THC on average)
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene
Purple D is a nice slow-onset strain that’ll let you take the stairway to outer space one step at a time. When effects do take hold, expect a bout of the giggles that may prove contagious.
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Remedy
Cannabinoid profile: CBD-dominant (11-15% CBD on average)
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene
Virtually devoid of THC, any consumer can spend the day in a cloud of Remedy vapor without experiencing euphoric effects. Instead, expect a beguiling mix of skunky and lemony aromas and flavors plus a generous dose of CBD.
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XJ-13
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (15-19% THC on average)
Primary terpenes: Terpinolene, caryophyllene, pinene
XJ-13’s effects have been described as lightweight, making this an easy answer to the question of which strain to bring to your next lazy weekend session. Its euphoric effects will find you eventually, but you’ll have plenty of time to savor clouds of piney citrus flavor before you reach the sweet spot.
