Growing

13 Best Cali Strains: Top Strains From California

Published

2 years ago

September 7, 2023

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California has a deep-rooted history of cannabis cultivation, renowned for its ideal climate, fertile terroir, and alternative counterculture movement that dates back to the 1960s. Widely recognized for producing some of the finest genetics in the world, we are excited to share our favourites that are highly regarded among cannabis aficionados worldwide!

During Ronald Reagan’s War on Drugs era, the illicit cannabis industry expanded. Due to the state’s rich terroir, many of Northern California’s rural regions, like the Emerald Triangle, became a hotspot for clandestine cannabis farms despite the legal risks associated with cannabis cultivation. However, things were about to change.

In 1996, Proposition 215 legalised medicinal cannabis, which regulated cultivation for medicinal purposes. Ten years later, Proposition 64 opened up new opportunities for licensed cultivation, transforming California into a hub for commercial operations and small-craft growers. The state’s cannabis industry reflects a journey from illicit cultivation to a regulated and diverse sector.

So, let’s check out 13 of the best weed strains from California!

1. Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel originated from the East Coast after being carefully crafted by crossing Chemdawg 91 and Super Skunk. Despite its origins, it gained massive popularity on the West Coast during the 1990s, and unsurprisingly, Sour Diesel has been listed as one of the High Time’s Greatest Strains of All Time.

Sour Diesel is a cultivar known for its tall and elegant appearance. It has significant internodal spacing and large open-fingered leaves with conical, open-structured buds. This pungent cultivar provides an energising and inspiring high with the potential to boost motivation and focus, leaving you feeling dreamy and content. It is an ideal weed strain for daytime use.

A strong aroma reminiscent of pungent diesel fuel is at the forefront of the flavour profile. In the background, there are subtle hints of skunk and charas complemented by mouthwatering notes of zesty lemon, which lingers on the palette. Its exotic profile is sure to please.

2. Blue Dream

Blue Dreams’ popularity spread through the Northern Californian cannabis scene as enthusiasts and connoisseurs were mesmerised by its unique flavour and potent effects. It quickly became a staple in the community, with many growers claiming it to be one of the best Cali weed strains.

This delectable cultivar combines the delectably sweet Super Silver Haze with the delightful flavours of Blueberry. Its tall and slender posture is reminiscent of her sativa lineage, while its buds boast a dense, compact structure adorned with shades of indigo.

With dominant terpene levels of myrcene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene, enthusiasts can expect sharp notes of fresh blueberries and zesty citrus accompanied by undertones of creamy sandalwood, pepper and moist earth. The high is uplifting and euphoric thanks to the Haze influence, creating an increased sense of relaxation without inducing excessive sedation. Blue Dream is renowned for its ability to uplift and inspire creativity, making it a beloved choice among cannabis connoisseurs.

3. Sunset Sherbert

A classic in the Californian cannabis subculture, Mr Sherbinski developed this indica-dominant cultivar by breeding Girl Scout Cookies with the mesmerising Pink Panties. Sunset Sherbert boasts a deliciously sweet aroma reminiscent of fresh honey and citrus. Sweet and creamy dessert-like notes make the mouth water, with a subtle earthy aftertaste that lingers on the palette.

Enthusiasts are delighted by dense, olive-green buds with an open bud structure and conical appearance, covered in a blanket of trichomes. Growers looking for bumper harvests can use training techniques such as LST and topping to take advantage of Sunset Sherbert’s short, compact posture. During the final weeks of flowering, enchanting hues of deep reds, brilliant oranges, and gleaming yellow are visible throughout the foliage.

Consumers welcome its uplifting and social attributes, dissipating into a soothing full-body buzz that helps ease tension and stress. It is a highly potent Cali weed strain that often overwhelms novices and leaves connoisseurs with a carefree attitude.

4. OG Kush

Introduced in California in 1996 by Matt “Bubba” Berger, OG Kush quickly dominated the market and has remained a fan favourite ever since. This indica-dominant hybrid was developed by crossing Chemdawg with Pakistan Kush and Lemon Thai, resulting in an outstanding strain with extraordinary parents and an exotic terpene profile. With its earthy and piney flavour, OG Kush offers a distinct taste enthusiasts appreciate.

The name “OG” has sparked an ongoing debate among cannabis connoisseurs; some believe it stands for “Original Gangster,” while others argue it represents “Ocean Grown.” Regardless of its origin, the sweet and distinctive aromas of OG Kush enchant the senses. Zesty fresh lemon rind and sharp hints of sandalwood mingle with pungent undertones of diesel fuel, creating a captivating fragrance that adds to the allure of this remarkable Cali weed strain.

OG Kush is favoured among regular consumers for its long-lasting, potent effects that provide soothing full-bodied effects. It is ideal for stress relief and muscle relaxation, leaving individuals feeling relaxed yet energised.

5. The Bird

During the Breeding Grounds program, our breeders worked closely with Humboldt Seed Company to create a revolutionary new indica-dominant hybrid called The Bird. Through their intensive breeding programs, they combined the best attributes of OG Kush with Humboldt Dream and Larry Bird, resulting in a truly exceptional powerhouse.

Growing enthusiasts can expect excessive foliage and thriving lateral growth throughout its cultivation cycle. This cultivar has a typical indica morphology, growing short and stocky with one central cola. The Bird is perfect for concentrate connoisseurs because of swollen calyxes, dense bud structure and excessive resin glands.

The flavour is characterised by a combination of sweet and earthy notes, with undertones of charas, sandalwood, and coffee. Users have reported experiencing increased muscle relaxation and mental clarity, all while feeling uplifted and soothed. With its bumper yields and relaxing profile, it is the perfect Cali weed strain for indica lovers who seek a dreamy body high.

6. Gorilla Glue (GG4)

Popular among connoisseurs, this indica-dominant cultivar is known for its strong potency and heavy, relaxing high that can leave users glued to the couch. Gorilla Glue provides balanced effects with a loud flavour profile. It is an enchanting hybrid developed by a meticulous cross of Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb and Chocolate Diesel.

Gorilla Glue is known for its robust, vigorous growth and has a stocky, bushy structure and broad, dark green leaves. What truly sets it apart is the amount of resin it produces, as all buds are covered in a blanket of sticky trichomes. Ideal for those looking to make high-quality extracts! Typically, Gorilla Glue has a short flowering period but may vary depending on the particular phenotype or environmental conditions.

Its flavour profile is genuinely otherworldly, with subtle notes of zesty citrus, cacao, coffee, and diesel. For those wondering about the effects, the high can be incredibly calming and relaxing. Experienced users have even reported feeling a boost in concentration and cerebral euphoria. However, it is essential to be aware of the sedative effects, especially when taken in large doses. It is an excellent Cali weed strain for those looking for a relaxing and uplifting experience.

7. Gelato

Gelato was developed by Mr Sherbinksi in Los Angeles by outcrossing Sunset Sherbert with Thin Mint Girl. The strain was at the forefront of the sweet, dessert-like genetics and has become the backbone of many modern-day hybrids. This acclaimed cultivar has gained worldwide recognition in the cannabis community for its mouthwatering sweet, dessert-like flavours and inspired us to develop Gelato #420 and Buttercream Gelato.

This cultivar is known for its ability to thrive in warmer, Mediterranean climates. Its resilience and robustness make it an easy-to-grow option for those looking for a low-maintenance plant. The high concentration of anthocyanins during flowering creates mesmerising deep purple and red hues. The plant has a tall posture with elongated branches and dense, compact buds covered in a beautiful frosting of resin glands.

Gelato perfectly balances relaxation and euphoria, providing an alluring cheerful, physical high without the sedative effects. Its terpene profile boasts sweet and fruity notes of zesty citrus, fresh blueberries, and subtle hints of vanilla, sandalwood, and almonds.

8. Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies is a highly sought-after strain that has gained popularity due to its unique blend of OG Kush and Durban Poison. Initially developed by the Cookie Family in Northern California in 2012, Girl Scout Cookies has become a staple in modern genetics due to its perfectly balanced properties.

This Cali weed strain takes after its OG Kush lineage, with a similar tall-to-medium build and elongated structure. Thanks to the high concentration of anthocyanins, you can expect to see some beautiful deep red and purple hues during the flowering stage. And the best part? This cultivar is known for its resilience and strength, making it an excellent weed strain for novice growers.

This combination provides a balanced, euphoric, relaxing high, perfect for social occasions or daily use. It boasts a sweet, earthy aroma and a complex, creamy, doughy, cookie-like flavour that will satisfy any palate. This extravagant cultivar combines the finest qualities of both sativa and indica, providing a harmonious blend of effects and a delightful flavour profile that will please experienced and novice users alike.

9. Zkittlez

Zkittlez is a remarkable hybrid in the cannabis community, gaining worldwide recognition and named after the popular fruit-flavoured candy from the UK. Its creation involved outbreeding the resilient Grape Ape with the flavoursome Grapefruit, resulting in a multiple-cup winner that triumphed in the Best Indica category at the 2016 Emerald Cup.

Its dense buds covered in sticky resin make it an excellent choice for producing concentrates. Zkittlez develops into a compact posture with short internodal gaps, excessive lateral branches, and hearty foliage. To increase yield, training techniques like SOG and SCROG are ideal.

Its complex terpene profile is characterised by succulent aromas of freshly picked berries, mango, guava, and pineapple, with sweet sugary notes of candyfloss that enchant the senses. The high brings upliftment, euphoria, and relaxation, improving focus and concentration; you can truly “taste the rainbow”.

10. Wedding Cheesecake

Wedding Cheesecake is an indica-dominant weed strain that has become increasingly popular in California. It is an indica-dominant hybrid developed by crossing the up-and-coming Cherry Pie with the potent Skunk #1 and Girl Scout Cookies.

This pungent cultivar is known for its vigorous growth during the initial stretch and can even stretch up to three times its height. Wedding Cheese has a compact, robust structure with thick foliage, making it perfect for training methods like topping, SOG, and SCROG. The foliage is dark green, with light pink pistils and a glistening layer of sticky resin glands.

Wedding Cheesecake provides a relaxing and euphoric high, making it a favourite among many cannabis enthusiasts. Boasting a complex, exotic terpene profile comprising caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene. It is loved for its intensely sweet, vanilla-like flavour with subtle hints of freshly picked cherries, sandalwood and pungent skunk.

11. Mimosa

The extravagant sativa-dominant hybrid was developed by crossbreeding Purple Punch with Clementine, and it has been making waves in the Californian market with its mouthwatering terpene profile reminiscent of the tropics.

Mimosa is a bushy plant that flourishes in warm Mediterranean climates. It boasts dense light olive-green buds with purple undertones and orange pistils, as well as a thick coating of trichomes. This Cali weed strain is beginner-friendly, thanks to its ease of growth, but experienced growers can further enhance their yield through training techniques.

Renowned for its uplifting fruity palette, Mimosas terpene profile features abundant concentrations of limonene and myrcene. It exhibits loud notes of freshly peeled tangerines and zesty citrus, accompanied by subtle undertones of sweet mango, ripe pineapple, and guava. Many cannabis enthusiasts say Mimosa increases creativity and provides an uplifting and euphoric cerebral high and soothing body buzz.

12. Pineapple Express

This sativa-dominant cultivar was bred by crossing the elusive Trainwreck with a dense and robust Hawaiian. Its name derives from a weather term meteorologists use to describe a moist atmospheric corridor between Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest. Its popularity skyrocketed after the release of James Franco and Seth Rogan’s comedy film Pineapple Express, and, as the protagonist Dale says in the film, was “the product of baby-fucking!“.

This tropical cultivar flourishes in a warm, Mediterranean climate. With dense, closely-packed clusters of buds and robust, resilient properties, Pineapple Express is well-suited for training techniques such as supercropping, SOG and SCROG. It is also simple to cultivate and ideal for beginners!

Enthusiasts have reported long-lasting cerebral highs, boosting focus, mental clarity, and creativity. Its delightful taste is characterised by a smooth fruity profile with hints of tropical pineapple and zesty citrus, complemented by subtle earthy and sandalwood notes. It is a favourite among connoisseurs and is the “Dopest of dope!”.

13. Purple Punch

Purple Punch was created by crossbreeding the heavy-hitting Granddaddy Purple with the flavoursome Larry OG. This Cali weed strain boasts an incredibly pungent aroma, and it is known for its potency. Breeders took the best traits from both parents to produce an exquisite terpene profile that will delight anyone who loves indicas!

Reaching, on average, no more than a meter tall, Purple Punch is known for its short and stocky stature. The large central cola dominates the apical mainstem, with a dense and compact bud structure featuring abundant resin glands and amber pistils. Throughout the flowering stage, the buds and foliage turn purple due to high concentrations of anthocyanins.

Connoisseurs have reported an enchanting cerebral euphoria that eventually transitions into a long-lasting body high that can be sedative in higher doses. The terpene profile is exceptional, with sharp notes of freshly picked blueberries and cherries that mask a pungent, earthy aroma.

The best Cali weed?

Thanks to the early legalisation across California, there has been a surge in cannabis research and development. California’s agricultural expertise has reached new heights, and as the market demand continues to grow, innovative breeding programmes are constantly emerging.

Northern California’s distinct environment provides an ideal setting for outdoor cultivation, while Southern California’s advanced indoor facilities have led to the development of numerous varieties throughout the state. Breeders are striving to produce cultivars with an exquisite terpene profile rich in cannabinoids that meet the demands of consumers.

So these are our favourite Cali weed strains! How about you? Share your favourite strain in the comments!

Disclaimer:

Laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation differ from country to country. Sensi Seeds therefore strongly advises you to check your local laws and regulations. Do not act in conflict with the law.

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feminized seeds

Six high-THC strains from ILGM that you need in your garden

Published

2 weeks ago

March 14, 2025

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Tolerance-testing seeds from the team of master growers.

ILGM, the home for cannabis growers of all stripes, has been having a banner year. They’ve rebranded, revealed a fresh new look, and launched a bevy of new features designed to make it faster and easier for cannabis home growers to connect to quality seeds and cultivation knowledge. Not only does ILGM feature dozens of strain options with reputable, reliable genetics, they’ll ensure you have the resources to make your grow a success with an iron-clad germination guarantee and the option for a one-on-one online consultation with a master grower.

We have a selection of six of ILGM’s most potent and popular high-THC feminized strains, all available to order right from their website and delivered to your front door. Any one of these all-stars is well worth your time and growing energy, so make sure to snag your favorite, or order the whole set and make your grow the chillest place in town.

Granddaddy Purple strain

Purple Urkle x Big Bud | Indica | 25% THC | 77 day flowering time

high-thc strains — Image courtesy of ILGM.

A favorite of growers just starting on their cultivation journey, Granddaddy Purple teaches the ways of cannabis growing with a steady certainty reminiscent of learning to fish from your elderly relatives. Granddaddy Purple is a high-yield, indica-like strain that has potential to produce up to 510 grams of gorgeous purple buds per meter of growing space.

This strain is an excellent candidate for both indoor and outdoor grows thanks to its robust nature and resistance to disease, but make sure to keep an eye on both the humidity and temperature of your growing area when cultivating Granddaddy Purple—like any gentleman of a certain age, this strain loves to complain about the weather.

Although the parentage of Grandaddy Purple is somewhat disputed, ILGM’s rendition of the strain is a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud, two potent indica-likes that passed their powerful genetics onto their progeny. This crossbreed resulted in a virtually pure indica, ideal for end of the night relaxation when the only thing left to do is de-stress.

The strain can produce buds with up to 25% THC, making Granddaddy Purple an excellent choice for those turning to cannabis to relieve pain or help treat other medical ailments. Order your seeds from ILGM today so you can start relaxing sooner.

Do-si-dos strain

GSC x Face Off OG | Hybrid | 25% THC | 63 day flowering time

Do-di-dos exploded onto the cannabis scene almost a decade ago and has been winning the hearts and minds of growers and critics alike, even earning the coveted Leafly Strain of the Year award back in 2021. Do-si-dos is an indica-leaning hybrid with the potential for incredible potency—buds can reach 30% THC in ideal conditions, and most Do-si-dos plants will test between 24-28%. Do-si-dos can stand up to either indoor or outdoor growing situations, but it prefers climates that average between 70 and 80℉.

ILGM’s Home Grow Tour 2025

Do-si-dos is a knockout strain in more ways than one—not only is its fearsome potency strong enough for the most experienced cannabis consumer, it looks absolutely stunning on the grow as well. Bright, verdant greens, pops of lavender and amber highlights all make Do-si-dos liable to become the belle of your garden. When it comes time to enjoy this wonder strain, you can look forward to a sweet, floral aroma with spicy undernotes.

Consumers of Do-si-dos frequently report that the strain excites creativity, elevates the mind, and induces a pleasantly tingly body high. This strain can seemingly do it all, and the best way to find out for yourself if Do-si-dos lives up to the hype is to order some from ILGM today.

LSD strain

Mazar-I-Sharif x Skunk #1 | Hybrid | 24% THC| 61 day flowering time

This indica-dominant hybrid originated in the Netherlands, where it’s intense, euphoric mental high was likened to the street drug LSD, aka acid, by some folks that had experienced them both. The comparison stuck, and LSD is still one of the premier strains for creatives and dreamers looking to tune in, turn off, and drop out.

LSD is a cross of Mazar I Sharif, an Afghani indica, and super-strain Skunk #1, a power-couple of a pairing that resulted in one of the most potent strains on the ILGM roster, with up to 24% THC. This strain certainly is not for the faint of heart, but those with the tolerance to tango with LSD will find it to be a strain unlike any other.

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LSD is a forgiving strain to grow, with a natural resistance to disease giving it the resilience to grow outdoors in a variety of climates. The plants tend to be short and low maintenance, so indoor growers who may not have much space should take a serious look at LSD as a way to maximize THC production in a limited space. LSD has a “sweet and sour” aroma, with notes of citrus, skunk, and pine, and it tastes just like it smells. Order yours from ILGM and you’ll be blasting off with your favorite psychedelic record before you know it.

Green Crack strain

Skunk #1 x Unknown Indica | Sativa | 20% THC| 63 day flowering time

Sometimes strain names demand longwinded explanations that reveal their origins; not so with Green Crack. World-famous rapper and cannabis aficionado Snoop Dogg gave this strain its evocative moniker due to its energizing, focusing high that can give you the energy to conquer the day and then some. This sativa-like won’t put you to bed, or make it so you can’t focus on your tasks—on the contrary, you may very well find that a bit of Green Crack can sub in for your 2:30 p.m. caffeine break to help you rally and finish your day strong.

Green Crack is a relatively straightforward strain, but beginner growers without much equipment may encounter setbacks. Indoor or outdoor grows can support Green Crack plants, so long as there is a controlled humidity level and ample vertical space for the strain to expand into.

Green Crack can reach heights of around 5’5” with tight packed buds, meaning it is one of the biggest yielders ILGM has available, with up to 795 gr/m² potential yield. That’s enough Green Crack to make you want to throw your coffee maker away for good, and ordering from ILGM is how you start.

OG Kush strain

Chemdawg x Lemon Thai x Hindu Kush | Hybrid | 27% THC | 63 day flowering time

OG Kush is a venerable legacy strain famous in all corners of the weed world for its euphoric and sedative effects, impressive potency, and genetic resilience. Dozens of popular strains have some OG Kush in their lineage, making OG Kush a great strain to grow for those with an interest in cannabis history or those wanting to experiment with breeding their own strains.

The strain is an indica-dominant hybrid with a distinctive aroma comprised of citrus, pine, and diesel notes. OG Kush owes its unique terpene profile to a rockstar genetic line descended from Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and a Hindu Kush plant brought to the US from Amsterdam.

While rewarding, OG Kush can be a challenge to grow—it likes the heat and humidity and generally can’t handle lower temperatures. ILGM recommends growers who don’t live in a warmer, tropical climate keep the strain indoors lest they risk mildew, pest infestation and even crop failure. In the proper climate, however, OG Kush is a fast growing plant that will produce a respectable yield of lime green buds in as little as 63 days.

OG Kush contains up to 27% THC and can help with appetite-related issues, earning it a reputation for an excellent medical as well as recreational strain. If any of the uses for OG Kush sounds up your alley, order from ILGM now and get growing.

GSC Extreme strain

OG Kush x Durban Poison | Hyrbid | 30% THC| 63 day flowering time

GSC Extreme is ILGM’s high-THC rendition of the classic GSC strain. It looks, smells, and tastes just like the original GSC, but with a super-charged THC percentage that makes it a must-grow for all fans of the original, or high-THC strains in general. GSC Extreme can have up to 30% THC, an earth-shattering amount that may just remind you of your very first time smoking cannabis. This strain is a day ender, inducing deep relaxation in both the mind and the body, helping you relax and put your worries to bed.

GSC Extreme is a 50/50 hybrid descended from OG Kush and Durban Poison, giving the strain a balanced high that is reminiscent of both its famous parents. ILGM recommends GSC Extreme for novice growers due to its low-maintenance nature and robust resistance to infestation, mold, and disease.

For best results, however, make sure you give your plant plenty of room to stretch out both vertically and horizontally. GSC Extreme can be a pretty tall drink of water, but if you give it the room it needs, you’ll be rewarded with delicious, high-potency buds that all your friends will be begging for. Click below to see just how extreme this strain can really be.

These strains are just a sample; ILGM has a huge high-THC strain selection on their website that must be seen to be believed. While you’re there, make sure to check out all the new features that make the new ILGM much more than a seedbank. They have tons of expanded growing content, both articles and videos, and plenty of tools to help your grow go smoothly. In addition to their AI-powered assistant, growers can set up a one-on-one video call with master breeders on the ILGM team to directly troubleshoot problematic plants and share growing knowledge. Head over now and take your grow to the next level with ILGM.

In addition to their website, you can also follow ILGM on Facebook, YouTube, and X/Twitter to keep updated with growing events, giveaways, and new strain drops.

Availability subject to law.

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420 events

ILGM’s Home Grow Tour 2025

Published

3 weeks ago

March 6, 2025

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ILGM and Leafly are coming to a city near you to celebrate the passion we all share for growing cannabis.

Leafly and ILGM have teamed up to bring you a one-of-a-kind road trip across America, designed to bring cannabis enthusiasts together for unforgettable experiences and valuable learning opportunities. We’re hitting the road in ILGM’s revamped Airstream Bambi—the “home on the road”—to celebrate home growing and their refreshed identity.

“At ILGM, we call our online community the ‘Home of the Growers’ for a reason. Growing cannabis is in our DNA. It’s what makes our green hearts beat faster.”

Trekking from the West Coast to the East Coast, ILGM is bringing the Home Grow Tour to six iconic cities along the way, each with its own unique cannabis culture and stories to tell.

They’ve curated each stop to reflect the many perspectives that enrich our community, creating a space to celebrate as we continue writing the broader narrative of cannabis with one another. During the tour, the Airstream will act as ILGM’s mobile hub for Grow Workshops, cultivation Q&A’s, podcasts, exclusive seed deals, and, most of all, to connect with you, our fellow growers.

Let’s come together face to face, learn from each other, have fun, and celebrate the art of cultivation on the 2025 ILGM Home Grow Tour.

Find ILGM here

You won’t want to miss this! Take a look below to see if the Home Grow Tour is stopping in your city. Expect unique experiences tailored to the local vibe and culture at every stop.

March 15 & 16, 2025

The six-week-long journey across the country begins in Los Angeles at Rolling Loud, as an homage to music, hip-hop culture, and cannabis.

March 22 & 23, 2025

ILGM’s “State of U.S. Home Growing Market” report published last year pointed out the increasingly important position of women in the cannabis home growing community. As we leave the big city, we head to Palm Springs for a refreshing weekend retreat highlighting and celebrating the women who push our cannabis community forward.

Join us for a series of curated events at Arrive Hotel as ILGM provides starter grow workshops for women, and we explore the relationship between cannabis and mindfulness and enjoy the artistic contributions of female artists.

Get ready for the ultimate cannabis road trip, powered by Leafly

Power up your cannabis experience: shop deals near you, find new strains, and order weed for pickup or delivery—all at your fingertips—download the Leafly app today! Plus, sign up for the Leafly newsletter to receive exclusive offers from ILGM and more trusted brand partners, expert advice, and the latest strain info—all at your fingertips.

Phoenix: Surprise details to be announced

March 29 & 30, 2025

As the Home Grow Tour continues through the desert, Phoenix provides the ideal backdrop to recognize all of the ways we “grow” as cannabis enthusiasts. With its active community of home growers, Phoenix is the ideal place to settle down for a weekend dedicated to cannabis home cultivation.

What we’ll be doing is still a surprise but rest assured—ILGM is cooking up something special for their Phoenix visit. Stay tuned to find out what’s in store for this special community get-together. More information to be announced soon!

April 5 & 6, 2025

As the Airstream makes its way through Colorful Colorado, ILGM is getting acquainted with the great outdoors with a weekend of camping at Boulder’s Adventure Lodge. Do we know anything better than the combination of enjoying the best cannabis and the outdoors have to offer? We don’t think so!

From growing workshops and sunrise salutations to fun outdoor activities like hiking and sitting beside the campfire, escape into the wilderness and inspire a deeper appreciation for nature, cannabis, and our community. An event specially designed for the ILGM community: their loyal customers and ILGM forum users, and those who think a weekend socializing with like-minded cannabis connoisseurs is the best it can get.

April 12 & 13, 2025

Chicago is a city all its own, but its rich culinary scene has remained a defining element throughout history. We can’t think of a better place to explore the connection between cuisine and cannabis!

Find ILGM at a soon-to-be-announced location for an experience blending education and indulgence, with delectable infused cocktails and meals to try out for yourself along the way.

April 19 & 20, 2025

The Home Grow Tour is hitting New York City on the weekend of 4/20 as the final stop. NYC is a famous melting pot and the perfect city to celebrate the diversity of cannabis culture.

The first stop is the MARY Fest in Brooklyn to check out the many intersections of cannabis in our cultural landscape. On 4/20, our community’s biggest day of the year, ILGM will finally settle down for a local celebration of cannabis culture at a surprise location, so stay tuned for more details.

ILGM wants to share their passion for home growing with existing and new generations of home cultivators. Join Leafly and ILGM in this shared passion, learn with us, explore with us, and express your love for cannabis with us.

Coming together with one another, each with our own unique knowledge and experience: This is how the cannabis community has always grown. Different cultures, histories, and communities shape every journey that makes up this larger family.

Check here for more information on the ILGM Home Grow Tour 2025. To keep updated on all things ILGM, you can head to their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. You can also head to their YouTube channel for high-quality home-growing videos. Happy growing and see you on the road!

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David Downs’ sickest weed genetics picks of 2025

Published

1 month ago

February 18, 2025

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Sure, it’s the cold winter of our discontent, but take heart— the Earth has begun tracking back toward the sun, and the days grow longer again.

Start dreaming today of a dank pound or two come Thanksgiving, then start sourcing your seeds and clones, sketching a gardening plan, and calendaring your harvest.

I know I am. As Leafly News’ senior editor and co-author of the best-selling book ‘Marijuana Harvest,’ I pop beans, soak up strain trends, as well as judge and report on award-winners.

Now it’s again time to wring out all that knowledge to help you plant some winners. Here are over 50 sick genetics picks in 6 categories that we’d be stoked to garden with you.

Jump to a strain category

Candies

Exotic Genetix Bluezy. (Courtesy Exotic Genetix)

We lead off with the flavor that controls the market coast to coast—dubbed ‘candies’ for their candy sweetness, but also their full-bodied dankness often referred to as ‘gas’. Based around Lemon Cherry Gelato and kin, these indica hybrids sell themselves, and keep the commercial market humming.

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Compound Genetics

Chrome Dome (Lemonheadz x Eye Candy). Compound Genetics adds more flavor to its blingiest buds. “The nose leans towards sweet lemon zest and lemon scented cleaning products with an effervescence akin to sprite.”

Exotic Genetix

Bluezy (Zoap x Blueberry Bang Bang). Washington breeder Exotic Genetix has worked the hot strain Zoap with the hot flavor trend blueberry. Exotic Genetix writes: “One of my absolute favorite looks on a flower! The colas get so dark in places that they begin to take on a crazy blue sheen. … These juicy goodies make you think you are inhaling a complex basket of different fuels, even somewhat reminiscent of very aromatic soaps to the nose.”

Purple City Genetics

G-Runtz (Pre-64 Runtz x Gush Mints). All the hype of Runtz with a much bigger yield, from the Oakland cloning powerhouse.

Leafly Buzz: 12 hot strains to smoke in 2025

Tiki Madman

Jelly Rain (Jealousy x Candy Rain); Party Boy (Zoap x Z Rain). Tiki Madman dominates the sweets game and these crosses of Leafly Strain of the Year 2022 Jealousy, or 2025 Leafly Buzz Strain Zoap will make ‘em go crazy.

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Phinest

Oakland Runtz #25 (Don Merfo LCG#7 x Lemon Cherry Gelato); K-Whip (Pineapple Dolomite x Shady Apples). The Sacramento clone kings at Phinest keep farmers fed with their candy selections this year.

Cannarado Genetics

Lemon Zawtz (Lemon Tree x Zawtz x Zawtz Bx1). Colorado’s biggest breeder writes “Lemon candy chem best describes this hybrid. Good yields with mouth-staining terps!”

Ethos Genetics

Lemon Cherry Pie R1 (Candy Store #25 x Cherry Pie). Colorado breeder Ethos sells this ‘reversal’ strain that has “sharp lemon upfront. Sweet cherry tones. Muted pine.”

James Loud Genetics

Permanent Midnight (Permanent Marker x Double Lemon Cherry) from this Hayward, CA breeder includes Leafly Strain of the Year 2023.

Spark joy with Super Boof—Leafly Strain of the Year 2024

Crockett Family Farms

Tap into the Trop Cherry wave that helped power Super Boof to Leafly Strain of the Year 2024. Get Crockett’s Blood Cherry (Blood Orange x Trop Cherry) crosses like Cherry Clem (Clementine x Blood Cherry), and Fruity Loopz (Clementine x Blood Cherry).

Happy Dreams

Cherrilicious (Cherry Frosting x Cherry GAS). The masses love cherries and award-winning Happy Dreams contributes to filling that need.

Desserts

Tie Die (Jealousy x Sunset Sherbert). (Courtesy Cookies Seed Bank)

When we say ‘Desserts’ we mean Girl Scout Cookies-related strains, which continue to dominate year after year. No grow is complete without this powerful dynasty that includes Sherbert, Gelato, Runtz, and Gary Payton. Yes, ‘desserts’ cross over with candies, but they get more doughy, cookie, and cakey.

Karma Genetics

Pink Payton (Gary Payton x Pink Runtz). Gary Payton and Runtz is a combo that cannot miss among dessert fans.

Sniff away, America—Permanent Marker wins Leafly Strain of the Year 2023

Umami Seeds

No Assist (Gary Payton x Zoda). This super-hot Southern California breeder is known for one-and-done strain releases. You’ll never see these back in stock from Umami when they sell out.

Seed Junky

Animal Tree (Lemon Tree x Animal Mints Bx1); Caribbean Breeze (Pineapple Fruz x (Biscotti x Sherb BX))

Cookies Seed Bank

(Courtesy Cookies)

Tie Die (Jealousy x Sunset Sherbet), Pink Runtz x Hollywood, Lemon Cherry Pop (Gastro Pop 5 X Double Lemon Cherry). You can’t talk about dessert strains without visiting Cookies’ very own seed bank.

Zs

Exemplary Z. Grown indoors in living soil by MOCA Humboldt, CA. Hybrid. (David Downs/Leafly)

The Original Z remains tough to beat on the contest circuit, but it’s just the beginning of the tropical candy taffy tastes this year.

Dying Breed Seeds

Rainboz V.S. (Rainbow Rayz x OZ Kush). These magic beans run $500 per pack, hot dayam, but they can boost you into the front of the global flavor chase spawned by the Z strain.

Hendrx Nursery

Blue Nerdz (Runtz x Zkittlez). Created by Global Genetics LA—the flavor makes up for the yield on this hype cross. See also: Gelo Belts (Gelonade x Rainbow Belts 3.0). “Has the potential to replace Gelonade for commercial farmers. Potency and yield will dictate. Great clone!”

Archive Seeds

Zsunami (Zazul #5 x Moonbow 112 F2 #60). Archive Seeds’ Fletch writes, “Just give it a couple years, and you guys will be asking about it like the Rainbow Belts!”

Clearwater Genetics

Blue Nerds crosses; Cherry Chewbanger (Sherbanger 22 x Hi Chew 27) crosses. Clearwater cleared the field of competitors with their Mai Tai line. Don’t sleep on their Blue Nerds or Sherbanger work.

Biovortex

Cherry Lime Dogz. This cross is too long to name. And noted breeder Biovortex has been refining it for 8 years. He describes “a fermented cherry cola fizz with purple pixie stick and gas that smelled and tasted like some magical ambrosia reserved only for the gods.”

Cookies Seed Bank

ZZ4 ((GG4 x Zkittlez) x Medellin).

OGs and Sours

Are you longing for old-school OG Kushes and Sour Diesels? Start hunting for them—there are plenty of options.

Karma Genetics

Sour Fire Tahoe (Fire Tahoe x Karma Sour D bx2); Hayabusa OG (Race Fuel OG x Biker Kush). Karma Genetics has some of the best sours in the world.

Rebel Grown

Double OG Sour F5. Rebel Grown has won a ton of awards with this cross of OG and Sour, now in its fifth generation of selections.

Archive Seeds

Holy Roller (Big Sur Holy Weed x Face Off OG); Duct Tape (GG4 x Dosidos). Gas and sour fans, strap in for Archive’s undeniably elite crosses of Face Off OG, or GG4.

Hendrx Nursery

Tire Fire OG ((OG Kush X Triangle Kush) X San Fernando Valley OG)). Gas lovers rejoice, this one smells like ammonia, butter, chestnut, earth, fuel, garlic, kush, rubber, skunk, woody, asphalt, and burnt rubber. Hendrx writes: “Bred by Russell from ChaScience. Best OG I have seen in 15 years. So consistent. Very easy to hunt. Consistent Gas. Picked a few winners. Heavily narcotic high. This is the youngest new phenotype at HENDRX right now. Has the biggest potential.”

Ziplock Seeds

Gas Drop (Gas Face x Frosted Flakes) “Begins with strong gas notes that hit the palate with a pungent, cleaner-like aroma, followed by sharp diesel and sour undertones. … A crew favorite.”

Massive Creations

Shiloh Massive has some intriguing OG/Sour work this year with 97 Super Sour (818 Headband F4 x 97 Sierra Sour); and Kobayashi (818 Headband F4 x Marion Berry). Part of Shiloh’s new Si Lo Sabes line.

DNA Genetics

Kosher Kush. A classic, storied OG Kush that’s ready to grow.

Hashers

MAC marijuana strain — MAC V2 from L.A. Made. (David Downs/Leafly)

More and more flower goes straight into hash this year all around the world in grows big and small.

Masonic Seeds

Step into the hash game with the market-rattling bangers from Compton, CA’s Masonic Seeds. The Wilson, Banana God, and Ego Clash Bundle are all winners that don’t come cheap.

Capulator

MACV2. Revisit MAC with Capulator’s improved version. A must-add to any collection.

Spring into action with the MAC 1 strain—March’s Leafly HighLight

Biovortex

Banana Halo Halo ((Ice Cream Cake x Banana DOG) x Motor-G-nut). Selected by Yooper Crew for her extremely high hash yields. See also—Papaya Punch x G-Nut; Chemmy G.

Freeborn Selections

Turkey Bag (Animal Cookies x GMO x MeyerLemsky). Smells like turkey! “It sounds weird, but it’s so tasty. And it makes so much hash.”

Bodhi Seeds

Mule Fuel x 88G13HP. Stanky Mule Fuel and 1988 G-13 Hash Plant should yield some dank hashers.

3rd Coast Genetics

Investigate Michigan breeder’s hot ‘Black Truffle’ line with Solar Garlic (GMO x Black truffle); Rainbow in the Dark (Cadillac Rainbowz x Black Truffle); and Black Tar (Grease Monkey x Black Truffle).

Sativas

massive chunky nug in light and dark shades of green with dull orange hairs sitting in, and filling, the black lid of a jar — Blue Dream (David Downs/Leafly)

Lastly, we leave room for old-school strains that don’t yield a lot and take forever to finish. Sativas are perfect for home gardening where there’s no pressure of finishing early to make a payday.

Equilibrium Genetics

Panama Haze (Panama Red x Tom Hill Haze). A pine and floral 12-weeker that’ll warp you back to Woodstock. Panama Red is a sativa heirloom collected in Panama in the 1970s. Tom Hill Haze is a stable haze line bred in Mendocino by Tom Hill from Haze sourced in Amsterdam from Positronics Seeds in 1996.

Hendrx Nursery

XJ-13. Help bring back this big Jack variety, and put some pep in your step with XJ-13 from Northern California’s Henrdx Nursery.

Rebel Grown

Blue Dream. Grow a classic strain from a legendary breeder. Obviously not a pure sativa, but put in here with the hazes. DNA Genetics also has a Blue Dream.

TerpHogz

Red Skrrt-Banger (Skrrrt-Berry Zuava x Red Kachina 2.0). “Powerful gas, creamy citrus, and exotic funk.” This 60-40 sativa offers the latest from The Original Z crew.

And that’s my sickest genetics picks of 2025 for your weed garden, featuring over 50 flavors in 6 categories. Still, I’ve just scratched the surface, so let us know in the comments what you’re stoked to grow.

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