For years, the cannabis industry tried to shift the way people buy weed by moving away from strains. Experts pushed for a focus on terpene profiles, cannabinoid content, and effects-based shopping. The goal? To move past the often-misleading indica, sativa, and hybrid labels and replace them with a more science-backed approach.
But guess what? People still walk into dispensaries and ask for Blue Dream, Jack Herer, or Granddaddy Purple—not “something with high myrcene and a balanced THC:CBD ratio.” And honestly, we get it. Especially when there are new, rizzed up new strains like Gelato.
Why Do Strains Still Dominate?
1. Familiarity is Comfort
Strains like Sour Diesel and GSC have been around for decades. People know what they like, and they stick with it. It’s like choosing Coke over some artisanal, small-batch cola—sure, the fancy one might be “better,” but you know what you’re getting with a classic.
2. Easy to Remember
“GG#4” is much catchier than “a terpene-rich, beta-caryophyllene-dominant cultivar with sedative effects.” Most people aren’t out here memorizing lab reports. Cannabis is supposed to be enjoyable, not a science project. When customers come into The Higher Path looking for a good high, they don’t want to scroll through a textbook—they want a name they recognize.
3. Marketing Matters
Strains come with stories, reputations, and sometimes even a little nostalgia. Ask any old-school smoker about Super Boof, and they’ll probably hit you with a personal anecdote. Legendary names like Granddaddy Purple and Jack Herer have become embedded in cannabis culture. They’re more than just plants; they’re icons.
4. Indica, Sativa & Hybrid Are Hard to Shake
Even though science tells us these labels aren’t always accurate, they’re still useful. Many customers rely on them as a shortcut: Indica = chill, Sativa = energy, Hybrid = somewhere in between. While we’re all for moving toward more precise classifications, we can’t ignore the fact that these labels have stuck around for a reason.
Should We Ditch Science? Absolutely Not.
At The Higher Path in Sherman Oaks, we’re big on education. We teach our customers about cannabinoids, terpenes, and how THC percentage isn’t everything. We encourage people to explore beyond strain names and understand the deeper chemistry of cannabis.
But we also recognize that strain names are still king when it comes to how people search and buy. Google searches for strain names far outpace searches for specific terpenes or cannabinoid ratios. Dispensary menus are built around what people want, and people want the classics.
The Future of Cannabis Shopping
So where does that leave us? Ideally, in a world where both approaches can coexist. As cannabis research evolves, consumers will get savvier about things like entourage effects and terpene interactions. But until then, Jack Herer isn’t going anywhere.
So, if you want a lesson in cannabis chemistry, we’ve got you. But if you just want that fire Lemon Haze you remember from back in the day, we’ve got that too.
Because at the end of the day, weed is about experience—and if a name makes it easier to find what you love, why fight it?
Visit The Higher Path in Sherman Oaks and let our expert budtenders help you find exactly what you’re looking for—whether it’s by strain name, terpene profile, or just a gut feeling that you need some good weed. Shop online and use the filters and search bar to find just exactly the strain you seek. Plus, if you’re logged into your account you can see your order history, your loyal point balance, and any deals that will populate for products you love.
See you soon, Los Angeles! We’ve been here since 2013 and we’re not leaving anytime soon.
