Strains & products

Round 3: The Final Four Strains

Published on March 20, 2019 · Last updated July 28, 2020

While March Madness plays out on the court, we’ve got a competition on the sidelines. Welcome to Leafly’s Strain Madness, where you will decide which strain gets dubbed the champion of all cannabis.

Check back every day to find out which strain wins in each division, and vote every day to see your favorite strain through to the final round.


After two rounds of bud-to-bud matchups, we’ve got our final four semi-finalists. This round pits terpene against terpene to decide which strain will advance to tomorrow’s final matchup. Each strain represents their dominant terpene and is vying for the title of 2019 Strain Madness champion.

Now it’s time to vote for the two strains you want to square off in the final round.

You Know What to Do: Vote!

Two of California’s best-known cultivars square off in this semi-final showdown that pits the myrcene-dominant Granddaddy Purple against GSC, which is representing the caryophyllene division. Both of these strains are popular for their potent euphoria, but GDP sends sleepy vibes while Cookies is known for its chilled out, creative high.

Granddaddy Purple’s myrcene-packed terpene profile is supported by pinene and caryophyllene, which dance with other terpenes to create sweet berry flavors. GDP has a strong reputation as a sleep aid, and many report that it stimulates appetite.

Then there’s GSC, which provides a complex palate of flavors stemming from limonene, humulene, and myrcene. These terpenes work together with caryophyllene to create a signature sweet, earthy, and doughy flavors. Cookies is often chosen for its blissful, mood-enhancing qualities.

Both of these strains testify to their primary terpenes’ purported benefits. Myrcene is believed to promote relaxation, and this checks out with Granddaddy Purple’s dreamy, sedating qualities.

Caryophyllene, GSC’s primary terpene, is a known stress-reducer, and this strain’s ability to wash away anxiety with laughter is one of its finest qualities.

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As two of the most popular strains on Leafly, this matchup is up for grabs!

See each strain’s terpene profile here:

Super Lemon Haze and Sour Diesel were two of the biggest competitors throughout the first two rounds of Strain Madness 2019. Now, they’ll go head to head in this semi-final battle, representing two different terpene divisions.

Super Lemon Haze enters the Final Four representing terpinolene, but its sweet citrus flavors come from an entourage of myrcene, ocimene, and caryophyllene working together and with other minor terpenes.

A preferred daytime smoke, Super Lemon Haze is a prime example of how the primary terpene doesn’t tell the whole story for a strain. Although terpinolene is observed to be sedating on its own, the symphony of SLH’s terpene profile inspires activity and focus.

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It’s hard to imagine any strain halting Super Lemon Haze’s winning streak. But if any strain can, your bet rests well with Sour Diesel. Sour D’s pungent, gassy scent is influenced by limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, and humulene, but its effect profile is a testimony to limonene’s uplifting energy. Limonene is also a known stress reliever, and many Sour Diesel fans appreciate its ability to wipe out daily stressors.

Sweet lemons or sharp diesel fumes? Both can spark joy, but which will earn a spot in the championship? You decide.

See each strain’s full terpene profile here:

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Leafly Staff
Leafly Staff
Leafly is the world’s largest cannabis information resource, empowering people in legal cannabis markets to learn about the right products for their lifestyle and wellness needs. Our team of cannabis professionals collectively share years of experience in all corners of the market, from growing and retail, to science and medicine, to data and technology.
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