California is a hotspot for cannabis. The industry continues to thrive with each passing year with growing consumer demand. We continue to see advancements in cultivation and breeding techniques. These result in frequent development of new cannabis strains. Each new marijuana strain offers unique effects and flavors.
As new strains emerge, they captivate the market with their unique profiles and effects. Two such standout strains of 2024 are Permanent Marker and Grapes & Cream. These strains have garnered attention for their exceptional flavors and potent effects. Their distinctive characteristics have made them favorites among both recreational users and medical patients.
The therapeutic benefits offered by the weed strain also plays a significant role in its popularity. Most of the top strains have won multiple awards besides being sought after by users. Each year we are introduced to loads of new marijuana strains. However, the classic strains continue to dominate the market. Let’s look at what’s hot and popular in California this year.
Blue Dream
Origin and Genetics: Blue Dream is a classic sativa-dominant hybrid strain. It retains its popularity due to its balanced effects. This weed strain come from Blueberry and Haze. It combines the best traits of both parent strains. Blue Dream originated in California and has become a legend in the west coast. Blue dream has won 1st place in several categories including “sativa” and “outdoor” at the Cannabis Cup among many other awards.
Flavor and Aroma: Blue Dream is renowned for its sweet berry aroma and flavor. It has a reminiscent of fresh blueberries. The scent is complemented by subtle hints of vanilla with earthy undertones.
Effects: This strain offers a balanced high. It starts with a gentle cerebral stimulation, promoting focus and creativity, followed by a relaxing body buzz. It’s suitable for both daytime and evening use.
Wedding Cake
Origin and Genetics: Wedding Cake is also sometimes known as Pink Cookies. It is an indica-dominant hybrid strain resulting from the cross of Cherry Pie and Girl Scout Cookies (GSC). Wedding Cake gained acclaim for its potent effects. Its strong vanilla flavor can be held responsible for is name. It got the Leafly 2019 Strain of The Year Award. Other awards include the Best Hybrid Flower by High Times in 2018, and numerous other acolades since its inception.
Flavor and Aroma: Wedding Cake features a rich and tangy flavor profile with hints of sweet, earthy pepper. The aroma is a complex mix of sweet vanilla and earthy undertones. This is often described as a dessert-like experience.
Effects: Users report a euphoric and uplifting cerebral high, followed by deep physical relaxation. This combination makes Wedding Cake versatile for various occasions.
Sour Diesel
Origin and Genetics: Sour Diesel, or “Sour D,” is a legendary sativa-dominant strain. It has been a favorite among cannabis users for decades. It is believed to be a cross between Chemdawg 91 and Super Skunk. Sour Diesel is a famous strain that has won several awards. It got 2nd place at the High Times Cannabis Cup in 1994 and first place at the Highlife Cup in 2004 among others.
Flavor and Aroma: Sour Diesel is known for its pungent, diesel-like aroma with citrus and herbal undertones. The flavor is equally strong, with a sharp, tangy taste that lingers on the palate.
Effects: This strain delivers a fast-acting, energizing high that can enhance creativity and productivity. Its uplifting effects make it ideal for daytime use.
Northern Lights
Origin and Genetics: Northern Lights is a pure indica strain that has achieved legendary status. This top weed strain is a descendant of indigenous Afghani and Thai landrace strains.
Flavor and Aroma: Northern Lights has a sweet, earthy aroma with hints of pine and citrus. The flavor is similar, with a smooth, spicy sweetness that is unmistakable.
Effects: Known for its deeply relaxing effects, Northern Lights provides a calm and soothing high that can ease both mind and body. It is best suited for evening use or before bedtime.
Bruce Banner
Origin and Genetics: Named after the alter-ego of the Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner is a potent hybrid strain. It was created by crossing OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel. Bruce Banner was named “Most Potent Strain” at the High Times Cannabis Cup in 2013. It also won 1st place at the Denver US Cannabis Cup.
Flavor and Aroma: Bruce Banner has a sweet, earthy aroma with notes of diesel and berries. The flavor is equally complex, with a sweet, fruity taste and a hint of diesel fuel.
Effects: This strain is known for its powerful effects, offering an immediate and intense euphoric high that is followed by a relaxing body buzz. It is suitable for both daytime and evening use.
GMO Cookies
Origin and Genetics: GMO Cookies, also known as Garlic Cookies, is a cross between Chemdawg and GSC. Despite its unconventional name, it has become a favorite among seasoned cannabis enthusiasts. There are several brands of GMO Cookies and that you can get in California.
Flavor and Aroma: GMO Cookies has a distinctive aroma and flavor profile, characterized by its pungent, garlic-like smell with earthy and spicy undertones. The taste follows suit with a savory, almost umami quality.
Effects: This indica-dominant strain delivers a powerful, long-lasting high. It starts with a cerebral uplift, followed by deep physical relaxation that can lead to couch-lock.
Apple Fritter
Origin and Genetics: Apple Fritter is a balanced hybrid strain that has gained popularity for its unique flavor profile and potent effects. It is a cross between Sour Apple and Animal Cookies. The Apple Fritter strain has won several awards including Best Hybrid at the High Times Cannabis Cup in 2017 and 2018.
Flavor and Aroma: As the name suggests, Apple Fritter has a sweet and fruity flavor with notes of apple and pastry. The aroma is similarly sweet, with hints of earthy spices.
Effects: Users experience a euphoric and uplifting high that can enhance mood and creativity, followed by a relaxing body buzz. It’s versatile enough for both daytime and evening use.
Gelato
Origin and Genetics: Gelato is a balanced hybrid strain that has quickly become a favorite among cannabis connoisseurs. It is a cross between Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint GSC. Gelato was awarded Leafly Strain of the year 2018.
Flavor and Aroma: Gelato has a sweet, fruity flavor profile with hints of creamy vanilla and earthy undertones. The aroma is similarly rich, with a mix of berry and citrus scents.
Effects: This strain offers a potent, yet balanced high that starts with a cerebral rush. It promots creativity and focus, which is followed by a relaxing body buzz. Gelato is suitable for both recreational as well as medicinal use.
OG Kush
Origin and Genetics: OG Kush is a classic strain that has laid the foundation for many modern hybrids. It is believed to be a cross between Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and a Hindu Kush landrace.
Flavor and Aroma: OG Kush has a unique aroma that combines earthy pine, woody, and spicy notes with a hint of lemon. The flavor is equally complex, with a distinct, earthy taste.
Effects: This strain provides a balanced high that starts with a euphoric, uplifting effect. This is followed by deep physical relaxation. It is versatile enough for both daytime and evening use.
Cereal Milk
Origin and Genetics: Cereal Milk is a balanced hybrid that has gained popularity for its unique flavor and potent effects. It is a cross between Y Life (Cookies x Cherry Pie) and Snowman, a sativa-dominant Cookies pheno.
Flavor and Aroma: Cereal Milk has a sweet, creamy flavor reminiscent of the milk left at the bottom of a bowl of sugary cereal. The aroma is similarly sweet, with hints of vanilla and berries.
Effects: This strain offers a balanced high that starts with a euphoric, uplifting effect, that promotes happiness and creativity. This is followed by a relaxing body buzz. It’s suitable for various occasions.
Runtz
Origin and Genetics: Runtz is a rare and balanced hybrid strain created by crossing Zkittlez and Gelato. Its vibrant appearance and sweet flavor have made it a popular choice among cannabis enthusiasts.
Flavor and Aroma: Runtz offers a sweet, fruity flavor profile reminiscent of sugary candy. The aroma is equally enticing, with tropical and berry notes.
Effects: Runtz provides a balanced high that starts with a euphoric and uplifting effect. It then brings out ones creativity with happiness, followed by a relaxing body buzz. It’s known for its potent, long-lasting effects.
On the horizon
New strains are emerging every month. Growers are constantly endeavouring to create better strains. In the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis strains, a few names stand out each year. These capture the attention of connoisseurs and casual users alike. A few strains making significant waves in 2024 are:
Permanent Marker
Origin and Genetics: Permanent Marker is a hybrid strain that has quickly gained popularity for its powerful effects and intriguing flavor profile. It is the result of crossing the legendary strains Biscotti and Jealousy with the classic Sherb BX. This genetic lineage promises a potent and well-rounded experience that appeals to a wide range of cannabis consumers.
Flavor and Aroma: True to its name, Permanent Marker has a distinctive aroma that is both pungent and complex. Users often describe the scent as a mix of earthy, spicy notes with a sharp, almost chemical-like undertone, reminiscent of a marker. The flavor follows suit with a bold, earthy taste complemented by hints of spice and sweetness, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.
Effects: Permanent Marker is known for its powerful and long-lasting effects. The high begins with a euphoric and uplifting cerebral rush. It promotes creativity and mental clarity. As the high progresses, it transitions into a deep physical relaxation that can soothe the body without causing complete sedation. This balanced effect makes Permanent Marker suitable for both daytime and evening use, depending on the desired experience.
Grapes & Cream
Origin and Genetics: Grapes & Cream is another exceptional strain that has made its mark in 2024. This indica-dominant hybrid is a cross between Grape Pie and Cookies & Cream. The combination of these two parent strains results in a unique and flavorful profile that has quickly gained a loyal following.
Flavor and Aroma: As the name suggests, Grapes & Cream boasts a delightful flavor profile that combines the sweet and fruity taste of grapes with a creamy, smooth finish. The aroma is equally enticing, with a blend of sweet, fruity notes and a hint of vanilla and earthiness. This strain is particularly popular among those who appreciate a rich and flavorful smoking experience.
Effects: Grapes & Cream is known for its relaxing and soothing effects. The high begins with a gentle, euphoric uplift that enhances mood and creativity. This is followed by a deep sense of relaxation that envelops the body. It is an ideal choice for unwinding after a long day. Despite its indica dominance, Grapes & Cream offers a balanced high that is not overly sedative, allowing users to remain functional and alert while enjoying its calming effects.
In conclusion…
The cannabis market in California continues to evolve and offers consumers a wide assortment of top weed strains. The most popular strains of 2024, such as Blue Dream, Wedding Cake, and Sour Diesel, represent a blend of classic favorites. The innovative newcomers such as Permanent Marker and Grapes & Cream, with unique flavors and effects, struggle to find a niche. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, euphoria, or a burst of creativity, these strains offer a wide range of options to suit different needs and preferences. As the industry advances, we can look forward to the emergence of new strains. Growers are continuing to push the boundaries of cannabis cultivation and enjoyment.
