Elephant is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain with undocumented lineage, known for very large colas and a strong, talkative, cerebral high. Leafly lists about 18% THC and Allbud 19% to 22%. The name is said to come from the elephant-sized buds.
Elephant Strain at a Glance
| Type | Sativa-dominant hybrid |
|---|---|
| Breeder / origin | Unknown; lineage not documented |
| THC | 18–22% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Not listed |
| Dominant terpenes | Pinene, Beta-caryophyllene, Myrcene |
| Aroma and flavor | sweet and sour, candy, citrus, spicy, blueberry, diesel, earthy, tropical |
| Reported effects | talkative, energetic, creative, euphoric, focused |
| Best for | daytime use, social settings, creative work |
Where Elephant Comes From
Both Leafly and Allbud list no parents or breeder. Leafly calls it an old-school bud whose lineage is lost to time and says it is named for the huge colas it produces. We found nothing more reliable, so we do not guess at genetics.
Leafly files it as sativa and Allbud as a sativa-dominant hybrid, about 70% sativa.
Elephant Effects: What It Feels Like
Leafly describes a strong cerebral buzz that strikes the head and settles behind the eyes. Readers report talkative, energetic and aroused effects, with creative, euphoric, happy and focused also mentioned. Allbud calls the high strong and long lasting, with focus intact, and advises new users to avoid it.
Daytime is the natural fit. Leafly suggests using it for appetite, creativity and physical activity.
The two sources disagree on how intense it is for newcomers, but Allbud’s advice to avoid it as a first strain is worth heeding, given the strong, long-lasting onset it describes.
Elephant Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
Leafly lists blueberry, diesel and earthy flavors, with a sweet and sour aroma of candy and citrus over a subtle spiciness. Allbud lists candy, fruity, spicy, sweet and tropical flavors.
Pinene is the most abundant terpene on Leafly, followed by caryophyllene and myrcene. Allbud describes dense, large buds with a notably big cola and golden hairs.
- Pinene: fresh pine, also found in pine needles and rosemary
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
Terpene levels vary from grower to grower and batch to batch, so check the lab label on the package. Learn more in our guide to cannabis terpenes.
Side Effects and How to Use Elephant
Dry mouth, dry eyes and paranoia are reported. Allbud advises beginners to skip it, so start low.
How strong Elephant feels depends on the batch, your tolerance and how you consume it. Start low, go slow, and read our guide to dosing cannabis.
Do People Use Elephant for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers report pain and spasticity (12% each) and cramps (6%). Allbud lists chronic pain, depression, fatigue and stress. These are anecdotal.
These are user reports, not clinical findings. For what research actually supports, see our cannabis health and research section, and talk to your doctor before using cannabis for a health condition.
Strains Like Elephant
- Jack Herer: classic cerebral sativa
- Super Silver Haze: strong, uplifting haze
- Amnesia Haze: talkative sativa
- Durban Poison: energetic sativa
Browse more sativa strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Sativa Strains to Explore
Facewreck · Franco’s Lemon Cheese · Frozen Lemons · ECSD · Dutch Treat Haze · Durban Poison · All sativa strains
Where to Buy Elephant
Dispensary menus change every week, and Elephant may be sold under its own name, as a cross or as a pre-roll or vape. The fastest way to find it is to check store menus online before you go. In Ann Arbor, browse Ann Arbor dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Skymint and District Green. In Chicago, browse Chicago dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Ivy Hall – Damen and Ivy Hall – Logan Square. You can also browse licensed dispensaries in every state we cover. Adults 21 and older can buy with a valid photo ID; see cannabis laws by state for purchase limits.
Elephant FAQ
Is Elephant indica or sativa?
Sativa or sativa-dominant: Leafly says sativa and Allbud says about 70% sativa.
Why is it called Elephant?
It is said to be named for its very large colas.
How strong is Elephant?
Leafly lists about 18% THC and Allbud 19% to 22%.
What is Elephant a cross of?
Unknown. Leafly says its lineage is lost to time.
What does Elephant taste like?
Sweet and sour candy and citrus with spice, plus earthy and diesel notes.
For adults 21+ in legal states. Strain information reflects breeder descriptions, lab data and user reports; effects vary by person and batch. Not medical advice.
