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5 best THCA flower of 2024 by Leafly

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The best THCA flower to get you high in nearly every state. These recommendations on the best THCA flower are made by Leafly’s Product Picks team after extensive research, internal debate, and expert consultation. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.


We’ve been grinding hard—rolling and smoking hard, too—doing our best to find you the very best high-THCA hemp flower. Read on to find our picks for the best brands providing hemp happiness and some choice strains that you can find online and order straight to your door.


A quick look at the best THCA flower

Best classic strains: Arete, White Widow

Best value: Apollo, Ice Cream Cookies

Best top-shelf: Lucky Elk, Cereal Milk

Best high-potency options: Bay Smokes, Jealousy

Best selection: The Green Dragon CBD, Gary Payton


We here at Leafly Product Picks are thrilled to report that the hemp revolution isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. The industry is certainly making progress fast enough to make your head spin even when you’re sober, but never fear, our team of experts puts their lungs on the line every day to keep up with the latest and greatest developments.



Price: $35.00 | THCA: 33.9% | Type: Hybrid | Effects: Euphoric, uplifting, creative

best THCA flower

Recommended strain

Arete has done an incredible job bringing this classic strain over to hemp. Their White Widow clocks in at an impressive 33.9% THCA, a hefty potency that demands respect. White Widow is descended from a Brazilian sativa landrace and a landrace hailing from South India. True to its name, Arete’s White Widow is coated in a generous white dusting of cool trichomes, and features a delightfully earthy, herbal flavor profile. If you haven’t had the opportunity to try this iconic strain, click the link below and see what all the fuss is about, courtesy of Arete.

More on this strain: One of the giants in the weed world, White Widow has been one of the most popular strains ever since it was first introduced into the famous coffeeshops of Amsterdam, before becoming a worldwide phenomenon. It’s an ever so slightly sativa-leaning hybrid, and originally gained prominence as a day-time smoke and preferred way to encourage creative energy. Time hasn’t dulled White Widow’s fabled powers one bit; it remains one of our team’s go-to’s for brainstorming and socializing.

• Huge selection of classic, famous strains
• Dedicated to all-natural farming methods
• Exceptional customer service

“For true strain heads, Arete’s store page reads like the hemp hall of fame and thanks to them, these legendary strains are available to more people than ever before.”

Our pick for the best source for classic strains that have cemented themselves as true legends, Arete has quickly risen to become one of the most talked-about brands in the THCA flower game. If you’re a newbie to this world with an interest in hemp history, THCA, or any of its cousin cannabinoids, then Arete has the classic strains that you need to try to begin your training to become a true hemp connoisseur. Arete prides themselves on providing a dynamic selection of hemp flower that includes modern, exotic strains as well as an extensive repertoire of classics.


Price: $34.99 | THCA: 19-21% | Type: Indica hybrid | Effects: Relaxing, happy

Use LEAFLY20 for 20% off at Apollo.

best THCA flower

Recommended strain

Ice Cream Cookies is a strain with a storied history and elite pedigree that makes it nothing short of weed royalty, and Apollo’s high THCA rendition of this classic is a masterpiece. Apollo’s Ice Cream Cookies is a moderately potent strain, testing at between 19-21% THCA, an amount ideal for modest consumers and high-tolerance individuals looking for a gentler high.

More on this strain: A favorite of dessert lovers everywhere, Ice Cream Cookies is a decadently creamy and smooth indica-like that has the sweetness to live up to its name and then some. Our team favored Ice Cream Cookies at the end of a long day when all we wanted to do was melt into something soft and let all the stress of the day fall away. This strain is also famed for its pain relief properties, making it a popular choice among those who incorporate various cannabinoids into their workout or wellness routines.

• Option to subscribe and save
• Wide selection of famous strains
• Vast experience in the psychoactive hemp industry

“Weed may not be rocket science, but Apollo has NASA-level know-how all the same.”

Apollo also makes it easier than ever before to make sure your stores are always full with their monthly subscription service. Customers who subscribe receive Apollo’s premium THCA flower shipped to their door every single month, and not only that, but they save an additional 20% off the purchase price. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stargazing aid or high-octane rocket fuel to help you leave orbit, Apollo has the THCA flower that’s just what you need.

Use LEAFLY20 for 20% off at Apollo.


Price: $40.00 | THCA: 28.3% | Type: Hybrid | Effects: Relaxing, giggly, creative

best THCA flower

Recommended strain

Cereal Milk is the standard bearer for a new generation of popular strains making their way into the THCA field, and Lucky Elk is one of the only outlets that provides this soon-to-be iconic wonder. While Cereal Milk may have a name that invokes childhood flavors—and don’t get us wrong, Cereal Milk is plenty sweet—this strain has a complex bouquet of scents and aromas that require an experienced pallet to totally appreciate. Cereal Milk remains an excellent companion to watching TV on Saturday morning, however.

More on this strain:Snowman and Y Life are the famous progenitors of Cereal Milk, making this exciting strain nothing less than true-blue hemp royalty with the pedigree to prove it. It’s an impeccably balanced 50/50 hybrid making it a jack-of-all-trades sort of strain that can match, and then enhance, your vibe, no matter how social or chill it happens to be. Lucky Elk’s rendition of this strain makes for a stunningly beautiful nug with striking orange highlights over vibrant greens and deep, deep purps. These are some photogenic nugs for sure; so make sure to take a few snapshots for posterity’s sake before your session begins in earnest. You’ll want to remember this one.

• Choice selection of exotic and AAA strains
• Organically grown using sustainable farming practices
• Hemp sourced from world-famous Oregon cannabis country

“Lucky Elk represents the best of the PNW. Their green thumbs make us feel like we’re the lucky ones.”

Our pick for the true hemp connoisseurs out there, Lucky Elk elevates THCA into an art form.  Lucky Elk considers themselves to be a team of farmers first and business people second, and as such maintaining a vibrant connection to the Oregon hills is of paramount importance to this enterprising brand. In our writers’ opinion, this dedication to the land has paid off about a hundredfold; Lucky Elk hemp is some of the best in the world, and the crew at Lucky Elk treat their precious product with the respect it deserves. Ordering from Lucky Elk provides a plant-focused experience rare in the industry—try it yourself and experience what hemp is truly capable of when grown by master hands.


Price: $40.00 | THCA: 24% | Type: 50/50 hybrid | Effects: Relaxing, giggly, energizing

Use LEAFLY20 for 20% off at Bay Smokes.

best THCA flower

Recommended strain

Jealousy has been inspiring desire in eager consumers for a few years now, but Bay Smokes has made it easier than ever to get a taste of this sumptuous strain. Our team loved how quick and easy Bay Smokes made it for us to get our hands on some stunning Jealousy nugs. Shipping was fast and discrete, and our gorgeous green and orange flower arrived wholly intact. If you’ve been finding yourself coveting something new to remind you of what made smoking so special, check out Jealousy from Bay Smokes and help your wandering heart find some contentment.

More on this strain: The green-eyed monster herself, Jealousy is a world-famous hybrid that secured the hotly contested Leafly Strain of the Year award for 2022 and has been a mainstay of weed culture ever since. It’s a lucky break that Jealousy is the sort of strain that effectively chills your mind and elevates the body, or else its lush, fruity aroma with leading notes of diesel and a slightly funky finish might cause envious tension in the smoking circle when supplies begin to run dry. Bay Smokes’ Jealousy also boasts a THCA percentage in the mid-twenties, making it a heavy hitter best reserved for the experienced smoker.

• Woman-owned
• Wide selection of several different THCA products
• California quality at affordable prices

“Bay Smokes has good vibes in spades and some of the best THCA to be found. They make for an impeccable companion when all you want to do is watch the tide roll by and waste time.”

Bay Smokes is a brand that proudly proclaims that a bright new era of hemp is dawning, and we at Leafly are 100% here for it. A minority/woman-owned outfit dedicated to providing hemp of the highest quality, Bay Smokes has carved out an impressive niche for themselves in the THCA flower market, as well as offering a respectable selection of edibles and extracts. For high THCA hemp flower with that legendary California charm without those legendary California prices, choose Bay Smokes.

Use LEAFLY20 for 20% off at Bay Smokes.


Price: $39.95 | THCA: 28.7% | Type: 50/50 hybrid | Effects: Euphoric, Relaxing

Use LEAFLY20 for 20% off at The Green Dragon CBD.

Recommended strain

Gary Payton is a near-perfect 50/50 hybrid and generally a bit less potent than some of the other strains on this list, so if you’re new to the world of smoking THCA flower, Gary Payton may be a perfect place to start. The Green Dragon CBD brings their Gary Payton to you from Hemp Living, a premium supplier noted for their quality, so rest easy knowing that you’ll be getting only reputable, third-party lab-tested hemp from The Green Dragon.

More on this strain:Gary Payton is one of the most popular recent strains to emerge onto the scene, a multiple cannabis cup champion winner that is worthy of bearing the name of the legendary Seattle Supersonics player. Just like the man himself, Gary Payton is smooth throughout and finishes clean. We found Gary Payton to be an uplifting, strain that left us with an easy euphoria, helping conversation flow much easier and good times come faster. This makes Gary an easy invite to any sort of social gathering, from a movie night with a few friends to an all-night banger.

• Truly impressive selection
• Regular sitewide deals
• Significant educational resources

“The Green Dragon CBD has one of the best hoards of THCA goodness around, and you don’t have to slay anything to get your share.”

Don’t let the name fool you, The Green Dragon CBD has heaps more than just classic CBD. They possess one of the widest selections of hemp products that you are likely to find online these days, with THCA, CBD, delta-8, HHC, and even more cannabinoids making an appearance. They’ve got more hemp than Santa Claus has toys, all reputably sourced and distributed by The Green Dragon’s expert team. Spend an afternoon perusing their site, and you’ll be presented with a veritable buffet of hemp goodness.

Use LEAFLY20 for 20% off at The Green Dragon CBD.


Why you can trust Leafly Product Picks

Leafly is the world’s leading cannabis discovery platform and provides a vast library of content from some of the most respected voices in cannabis. Leafly Product Picks prioritizes accuracy and integrity in our selections, working through mountains of research and testimonials to source products you can trust.


Jake Rosendale: Lead Content Writer, Brands & Products

smiling portrait photo of man in glasses and grey cap against an aquamarine background

Jake Rosendale is Leafly’s Lead Content Writer, Brands & Products. He’s been with Leafly since 2022, where he spends his time researching the best products in the wide world of weed. Jake’s been writing about cannabis, food, and wine in the Seattle area for 5 years. In addition to Leafly, you can find his work in Seattle Met Magazine and High Times. He loves sci-fi novels, country music, and Super Lemon Haze.


Anna Elliott: Senior Content Editor, Brands & Products

portrait photo of woman with short dark hair and glasses in a black polo shirt against an aqua-green background

Anna Elliott is Leafly’s Senior Content Editor, Brands & Products. She’s been with Leafly since 2021, managing and editing brand-related content and bringing the best stories on the industry’s top products to life. With a decade of experience reviewing products, covering brands, and editing stories, Anna loves talking up the people & products that make a real difference in readers’ every day. She’s found that Space Mints makes the perfect pairing for enjoying her frankly irresponsible vinyl collection.


What is THCA flower?

While the high-THCA flower on this list looks, tastes, and smokes, extremely similar to cannabis flower (the same stuff that our readers who live in adult-use states can purchase from a dispensary), all of these picks are 100% Farm Bill-compliant hemp flower. That means that this THCA flower has all the euphoric, psychoactive benefits of traditional cannabis, as well as the access and ease-of-purchase of hemp products like CBD or delta-8 THC dominant items.

Here’s the essential takeaway that you need to know: High-THCA hemp flower is federally legal weed that will get you high if you smoke it that can also be shipped to your door in most US states with no medical card required. Sounds pretty good, no?  

If you’re interested in the technicalities of what exactly THCA is, the differences between THCA and the THC you may be more familiar with, or how exactly any of this is legal, head over to the Leafly cannabis glossary. Our glossary is the single greatest source for cannabis and hemp knowledge on the internet, and has everything you need to know about hemp, THCA, THC, CBD, and maybe even life itself. Now, that may be an overstatement, but who’s to say? You’ll have to read the whole glossary to find out.



Final thoughts

And that’s all, folks, the very best THCA flower available today. As we’ve said, this field changes by the day (sometimes by hour) and the race for the best flower never stops, so make sure to check back in on this article regularly to see if there’s something new for you to fall in love with. And don’t forget to check out the rest of our Product Picks to see our selections for the greatest finds in the wide world of cannabis. Be well! 


For business inquiries, please direct messages to affiliate@leafly.com.


Availability subject to law.



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7 best bongs of 2025 by Leafly

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Top glass for your favorite grass. Recommendations on the best bongs are made by Leafly’s Product Picks team after extensive research, internal debate, and expert consultation. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.


A bong is the trustiest member of your smoke circle. A tireless companion who will get you higher than all your other friends combined and won’t even complain if you take an extra hit. Whether you’re a collector of interesting bongs and water pipes or you’re looking to become bonded, samurai-like, to one single piece that you’ll always turn to, purchasing a bong is not a decision to be taken lightly.


A quick look at the best bongs of 2025

Best travel bong: Honest Capsule Water Pipe $200.00

Heaviest hitter: Stündenglass Gravity Infuser $599.95

Best crowd pleaser: Empire Glassworks Forest Beaker $450.00

Most ornate: Illadelph Signature Gold Collins Coil $2,100.00

Most avant-garde: WEED’D Sky Blue Ceramic Bong €170,00

Fastest way to couch lock: ROOR.US 20” Double Barrel Perc $483.00

Easiest to clean: Shooters 12” Silicon Beaker Bong $45.00


We here at Leafly Product Picks are ready to present the cream of the bong crop. We’ve been taking rips til our eyes are bleary, all to test out which bongs are worth your time, money, and hard-earned weed. We know that no two bong enthusiasts are exactly alike, so we’ve assembled the leaders in a few distinct categories so the whole bong universe is represented.



• Collapsable design
• Magnetic chamber lid
• Ridiculously easy to clean

Honest has done to traditional bongs what grunge music did to hair metal—they’ve stripped it all the way down, tightened it up, and made something truly revolutionary that will be inspiring imitators for decades yet.

best bongs

Recommended product

The Capsule water pipe is an elegantly designed, precision-engineered piece of smoking hardware that wouldn’t be out of place proudly standing next to the triumphs of design authored by the tech industry or the art world, while being durable, convenient, and portable enough to go galavanting with you wherever your heart roams.

The Capsule packs up into itself for easy storage and travel, collapsing down into just a 3.25” wide, 6” tall chamber that can be easily stashed in a travel bag. This modularity also makes the Capsule an absolute breeze to clean, with no tight curves, bends, or crevices to hold onto unsightly resin.

“What makes the Capsule special, and what has stolen our team’s hearts away, is the bevy of common sense features that the artisans at Honest have thought up.”

The lid is magnetic to hold a standard lighter tight when not in use, and there’s even an ash-clearing poker concealed in the side. It’s a truly modern, forward-thinking bong that holds up to daily use and looks good doing it, all for a reasonable price. In short, the Honest capsule is the definitive choice for the cannabis lover on the go, from the jet-set to the cross-country backpacker.


• 360° rotatable gravity technology
• Built-in percolation system
• Anodized aluminium frame

If you’re even vaguely plugged into cannabis culture, then you’ve been privy to the rise of the Stündenglass. This fusion between the best parts of a gravity bong and a hookah has been appearing in the hands of artists and influencers all over the world of weed.

best bongs

Recommended product

The Stündenglass is, bar none, the classiest gravity bong we’ve laid eyes on. The elegant look, precision machining, and silky smooth turn all make for an aesthetic experience that piques the interest even before the smoking starts. The Stündenglass is a virtually unmatched way to share your bud during a group sesh—the large glass globes contain enough smoke for everyone, and the hits will be gentle enough for the lightweights, thanks to the percolator filtration.

When the party is over, the Stündenglass is quick and easy to clean so that you can get ready for the next session.

“There certainly has been a lot of hype, and readers, we are happy to report that the gravity infuser from Stündenglass is the real deal.

Stündenglass also sells a slew of accessories and ad-ons, including unique mouthpieces, globes, and even upstems to make your Stündenglass as distinctive as you are.


• Surprisingly large capacity
• Cute as hell
• Perfect for parties

Empire Glassworks proudly carries on the tradition of crowd-pleasing bongs that put smiles on people’s faces before the smoking even starts. 

best bongs

Recommended product

While our team has a particular fondness for their Forest Beaker (I mean, come on, look at the owls!), Empire has an absurd abundance of different options on its storefront. Our team of Pacific Northwesterners who love to get out in nature and commune with the vast woodlands (read: hippies) find this bong helps us get in the spirit, but Empire Glassworks has bongs themed around everything from the bottom of the ocean to the outer regions of the galaxy, and everything in between.

Empire produces themed bongs that still hold up to repeated use and won’t let you down when you bring them out to a party.

“Empire remembers that bongs are supposed to be fun.”

In a field where quality can be an open question, Empire distinguishes themselves by specializing in glass that is reliable, functional, and fun. No matter what you’re into, go with Empire and get the bong that’s right up your alley.


• Super-chill hits from coil you put in fridge
• Percolator smooths out the big rips
• Flossy piece to rule the sesh

Here is a name that’s been producing beautiful and intricate pieces since 2002. Plus, did you catch the recent post on IG where Justin Bieber showed off his Illadelph?

best bongs

Recommended product

Take things to a pop-star level of luxury with this golden piece that has all the colors of a ‘70s van with a sunset painted on the side. Illadelph went all out with a custom Collins perc that appears suspended in midair inside the clear glass beaker. The full-size coil, filled with glycerine instead of water, clips onto the base using specially developed, heavy-duty magnetic clips, and can chill in your fridge or freezer before use.


• Minimalist, modern & low-profile
• Highly original
• Very affordable

WEED’D exists at the crossroads of smoking devices and Italian design.

Recommended product

A bong for the art-loving, gallery-hopping, sophisticated urbanite. Designed in Milan and hand-made in Venice, this glazed ceramic smokewear is so hip, last year WEED’D unveiled a collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The brand sees smoking weed as a chance to slow down and appreciate life‘s quality moments, so why not have a piece that equally celebrates human ingenuity with clean lines and dynamic colors. This is definitely a bong that none of your friends have seen before.


• 6-hole ‘crown’ diffuser cools the rip
• Two percolators for double the smoothness
• Classy, clean color sections

Recommended product

When guests come over and ask for a bong rip, it’s kinda fun to give them the varsity bong and watch them try to take the tiger by the tail. At just shy of two feet, and sporting a double percolator on top and a six-hole crown perc below, this will deliver a smooth but devastating hit. We were super bummed when we heard that German giant ROOR was no longer in the game. Thankfully, their US shop is open and continuing the legacy. One of our favorite spots, The Cave Smokeshop, has a few different colors and options on their 18-21” double-perc models.


• Cheaper than a dispensary eighth
• Unbreakable for your butterfingers
• College nostalgia rips

Recommended product

A good travel bong is essential if you’re going to ensure there’s weed smoking at whatever party you end up at, and whenever we’re going to be around people who might spill or knock things over, we like to bring an unbreakable option to share with the party. Inexpensive and easy to equip with a fancy bowl from home if you want, bringing one of these alleviates the stress of strangers handling something that needs a pelican case to come with you.


Why you can trust Leafly Product Picks

Leafly is the world’s leading cannabis discovery platform and provides a vast library of content from some of the most respected voices in cannabis. Leafly Product Picks prioritizes accuracy and integrity in our selections, working through mountains of research and testimonials to source products you can trust.




Final thoughts on our best bongs

And that’s our list! Any of these bongs will be an excellent addition to your collection or an ideal way to start a long-term bong relationship. We are always on the hunt for the latest and greatest bongs and update these lists regularly, so make sure to check back to see what new superstar bongs we’ve found.

Happy smoking, and remember to change the water!


For business inquiries, please direct messages to affiliate@leafly.com.




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The best hemp deals of 2024

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Get these hot deals on hemp THC products before they’re gone. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.


The season of savings is upon us, and that means it’s the best time to stock your stash with the THC edibles you’ve been craving all year long—now at a steep discount. We’ve compiled the best hemp deals on the web to be your one-stop shop for all the intoxicating gummies, chocolates, tinctures & drinks you could ask for, all with special reduced pricing. Made from high-quality hemp, these products are available nationwide, so you can shop, save, and have them shipped right to your door.


A quick look at the best hemp deals

Medterra: BOGO sitewide

five: BOGO sitewide

Vena: BOGO sitewide


Maybe you’ve been looking for a buzzy hemp THC seltzer to elevate the vibes at your next gathering, or want a reliable gummy to help you drift off to dreamland, or just want some THC chocolate handy for the next time you want to get lifted. Wherever you fall, finding a good deal is something we can all get behind. Read on for our list of the best hemp deals to find a range of potencies, formats, and prices on hemp THC products, all with one big thing in common: you’ll save some dough.



Medterra makes high-quality hemp products designed to help you elevate your wellness journey. Their diverse selection of products spans a wide range of CBD spectrums, including options with and without THC, so you can fine-tune your shopping experience to fit your specific needs.

Use code BOGO

Recommended deal

Shop Medterra’s entire library of CBD+THC products with code BOGO to receive two products for the price of one. Get a best-day-ever buzz with Medterra’s extra-strength Daily Delight gummies, with 5mg hemp delta-9 THC and 25mg CBD per piece. Dial in your ideal sleep experience with Deep Sleep gummies, including 2mg THC + 25mg CBD, or high-potency Sound Asleep gummies with 5mg THC + 50mg CBD. Medterra’s Max Relief tincture comes in Chocolate Mint or Citrus and in two different potencies to give you a drop of full spectrum plant power at your fingertips.


five specializes in high-quality, high-dose hemp THC products for a great buzz made easy. Delivering effects you can feel, five includes minor cannabinoids like CBN and CBC to tailor your experience to a particular mood, with special blends made for chilling or upbeat moments.

Use code BOGO

Recommended deal

Grab any product on five’s website and use code BOGO to get a second one free. five’s got the perfect gummy for however you’re feeling with hybrid vibes (10mg D-9 THC + 10mg CBD + 2mg CBG), sativa surge (10mg D-9 THC + 10mg CBD + 2mg CBC), and indica chill (10mg D-9 THC + 10mg CBD + 2mg CBN). Get a gift for the chocolate lover in your life with 5mg D-9 THC + 50mg CBD Sea Salt Dark Chocolate. Or, stock your fridge and get ready to toast with THC-infused seltzers from five.


Vena helps people all across the US lead their best lives by offering hemp-derived wellness products that encourage relaxation, pain relief, and joy. Simple, powerful ingredients are thoughtfully combined in Vena’s products to offer gummies, seltzers & more that bring you all the benefits of the plant in delicious flavors you’re bound to love.

Use code BOGO

Recommended deal

Right now, Vena is offering a buy one, get one sale sitewide. Treat yourself to Red Raspberry Xtra Bliss gummies with 10mg D-9 THC, 10mg CBD, and 2mg CBG. Want the best vibes with a little lighter potency? Cloud 9 gummies combine 50mg CBD and 5mg D-9 THC with 30mg Saffron. Vena’s Black Cherry Happy Place THC-infused seltzers are one of our favorite ways to drink your THC.



Availability subject to law. Offers expire 12/3/24. Cannot be combined with any other offer.



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American budtenders’ best strains of 2024

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Just in time for Thanksgiving and the holiday season, we have your best buds and flower brands, Leafly Nation.

How do we know? Easy. In fall 2024, we enticed over 900 budtenders to pick the best weed strain and brand in their state. When they point out smoke, you can bet it’s fire.

The results are in, the votes tallied, and we’re ready to announce who took home awards in 17 different states.

Whether you’re staying home or traveling this holiday season and into 2025, shop smarter with this distilled list of Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024 award-winning strains and brands across legal America.

Overview of Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024 strains and brands:

State LeaflyBudtenders’ Choice 2024 —Best Strain Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024 —Best Flower Brand
Arizona Permanent Marker by Connected Alien Labs
California Permanent Marker from various Cannabiotix
Colorado Chemmy Jones Green Dot Labs
Illinois Bubba’s Girl (grown by CAM) IC Collective
Maryland Snoop Dogg OG Sunmed
Massachusetts Chem D Smash Hits
Michigan Candy Cake Grown Rogue
Mississippi Zoap Sea of Green South
Missouri Kumquat Good Day Farms
New Jersey Animal Face Garden Greens
New York Trop Cherry Matter
Ohio Orange 43 Klutch Cannabis
Oklahoma Kitchen Sink D&D Nursery
Oregon Toad Venom Deep Greek Gardens
Pennsylvania Animal Face Rythm
Vermont Grape GMO Upstate Elevators
Washington One Piece Heavenly

Arizona

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Arizona: Permanent Marker (grown by Connected, bred by Seed Junky Genetics)

Leafly strain of the year in 2023. Bred by Seed Junky and selected by hypemakers Doja Pak, this takes a mix of Biscotti and a Sherb backcross and crosses that to Seed Junky’s Jealousy strain. Permanent Marker really put the game on its side by spawning waves of people chasing that astringent marker ink note. Doja has said that the name for this actually started back when they first smelled this type of aroma in the jars of RS11 but that later when this strain hit, it perfectly exemplified that smell. Beyond just that telltale whiff of polyurethane resin, you can also get floral notes that come along with the Jealousy strain, and even moments of detergent soap as well. Connected Permanent Marker is a slightly sweeter version with a greener hue and more of those subtle smells. Leafly users across multiple states all say this strain produces a blissful experience that they consider top-shelf. (Matt Jackson)

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Arizona: Alien Labs

Fan favorites of the Sunshine State, Ted Liddie and the crew piloting the Alien Labs mothership have managed to take their top shelf game and deliver a similar experience to the smokers of Arizona. Though the team out there started small, the dedication to keeping things the same as their larger California crew is something that should be applauded. Unlike many other deals to take brands out of state, Alien Labs controls all their Arizona efforts, with Lidie himself making regular trips out to ensure that things are running up to par and that the new strains they’re preparing in California are also on track in Arizona as well. This push to create cohesion in the brand across state lines is part of what has made them so popular with Arizona’s budtender population. (Matt Jackson)

Related

How to order weed delivery online with Leafly

California

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of California: Permanent Marker ([Biscotti x Sherb Bx1] x Jealousy)

connected tropical z
Image courtesy of Connected.

Another win for this unstoppable strain that delivers for smokers looking to find something that’s incredibly potent and speaks to the taste profiles of today. Seed Junky and Doja Pak again hit the podium to accept an award for the most recommendations from Budtenders, this time in California. With so many different high profile strains and breeders based out of Cali, winning this distinction is no small battle. This goes to show why Permanent Marker was chosen as the winner for Leafly’s 2023 Strain of the Year and returned to be the strain highlight for October. On the West Coast, Doja Pak of course has their amazing example but so does Connected, LA Family Farms, and MOCA Humboldt which Leafly Senior Editor David Downs recently reviewed as, “the best Markers this fall.” (Matt Jackson)

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of California: Cannabiotix

Cannabiotix, or CBX, has a decade of history behind it and stands as one of California’s highest ranking flower brands in terms of statewide sales, especially for their Cereal Milk flower. Also available in Nevada, CBX keeps a large menu of around 40 strains, many of them exclusives made through the 8 different large-scale pheno hunts it maintains across 2 different facilities every year. It’s through these efforts that they’ve released top-selling strains like Tropicanna, Gluetopia, French Alps, and L’Orange. At Hall of Flowers this year, the public was introduced to Cannabiotix founder Neema Samari who, during their ICONOCLAST speaker series, said the brand name is a combination of the words Cannabis and Antibiotics. A nod to the company’s 2014 beginnings during the medical cannabis movement. As the market moved from medical to recreational, the brand has been known more by their abbreviation. (Matt Jackson)

Colorado

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Colorado: Chemmy Jones

Chemmy Jones stands out as Colorado’s top cannabis strain, offering a perfect blend of potency, flavor, and smoothness. Known for its powerful effects and complex aroma, this hybrid delivers a euphoric high while maintaining relaxation. With its distinct citrus and earthy notes, Chemmy Jones is a favorite among both connoisseurs and casual users. Its consistent quality, balanced effects, and impressive terpene profile make it the undisputed Budtenders’ Choice Best Strain of Colorado.

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Colorado: Green Dot

Green Dot ROYGBIV Orange up close. (Courtesy Green Dot Labs)
Green Dot ROYGBIV Orange up close. (Courtesy Green Dot Labs)

Green Dot sets the standard for premium cannabis in Colorado, offering consistently exceptional flower. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovative cultivation practices, Green Dot delivers top-tier strains that satisfy both novice and experienced consumers. Their dedication to excellence earns them the title of Budtenders’ Choice Best Flower Brand of Colorado.

Illinois

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Illinois: Bubba’s Girl

A combination of old-school ’98 Bubba and GSC, smoking this strain will transport you back to an era of hacky sacks and YOLO hats. Grown by CAM, a brand that’s grown over the years to an impressive size, Founder and CEO Anna Willey told Leafly this strain represents the overall goal of their lineup: to combine the rich legacy of cannabis with modern demands for potency and flavor. “It’s not just a flower,” she said, “it’s a statement about CAM’s commitment to honoring the classics while pushing the boundaries of cannabis innovation.” When you squeeze the nugs your hands come away smelling like gasoline but underneath, you’ll pick up an orange peel smell that together, has the creaminess of a push-pop. Bubba’s Girl is a first-class blending of GSC’s fruitiness with the earthiness of Bubba, giving you a dense flavor that sinks straight to the bottom of your mouth. (Matt Jackson)

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Illinois: IC Collective

(Courtesy IC Collective)
(Courtesy IC Collective)

After garnering a huge following as a mainstay for discerning flower smokers in The Bay Area, IC Collective has grown to become Illinois’ choice for Bartender’s favorite flower brand. What’s amazing about IC Collective is their dedication to keeping alive some of the harder to grow and not always hyped strains of cannabis that will forever hold a place in the hearts of serious weed heads. IC stands for “Integrity Code,” referring to the company’s mission to hold the line (quite literally) in the face of trends. Chem and Sour are some of the building blocks of this brand and they offer an astounding seven different varieties of Chem flower on their strain menu. Every time this brand manages to deliver beautiful nugs and the move to Illionois has given them the space to work on some of the surprise leads from their 2016 pheno hunt, as well as modern hunts that are underway now. (Matt Jackson)


Maryland

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Maryland: Snoop Dogg OG

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Maryland: Sunmed


Massachusetts

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Massachusetts: Chem D

Massachusetts’ home state breeder, Chemdog, adds to his wins with a Budtenders’ Choice 2024 award for Chem D.

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Massachusetts: Smash Hits

Massachusetts’ home state breeder, Chemdog and his brand Smash Hits adds to his trophy case with a Budtenders’ Choice 2024 award for best flower brand.


Michigan

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Michigan: Candy Cake (Zkittlez Cake x Jungle Cake)

When asked what strain is sending Michigan to the stores in droves, budtenders told Leafly that the clear winner was Candy Cake. This sweet treat which smells like cherry muffin candy brings together two flavorful strains that have been big winners for the Jungle Boyz brand. Zkittlez Cake is, like it sounds, a combo of Z and Seed Junky’s Wedding Cake. The Jungle Cake is also Wedding Cake, but this time with Seed Junky’s White Fire #43 which adds an element of gas to the cake mix. Both halves are rooted in the Seed Junky world but have achieved mainstream commercial success through Jungle Boyz. Over in Michigan, Bud & Mary’s told us they consider this a great end of the day smoke that gives a nice body high and Freshly Fine, who produces this strain for the state, says they consider this giggly high a great way to combat stress and even cramps. (Matt Jackson)

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Michigan: Grown Rogue

Grown Rogue is a name that seemed to easily spring to mind with budtenders across Michigan on the subject of favorite flower companies. An affordable brand of smoke, When it comes to bringing West Coast flavors to the Michigan market, Grown Rogue delivers cultivars like Apples & Bananas, Biscotti, MAC1, Kush Mints, Gelonade, Georgia Pie, and Cheetah Piss. Operating in both Oregon and Michigan, this year they increased the personal ownership of their midwest operations to 80% in an effort to keep the same low cost, quality products they strive for on the West Coast. Obie and Sarah Strickler started the brand as a medical cannabis grow over a decade ago and now through investors and valuable genetics, they’ve secured a reputation for delivering bang for the buck that seems to have resonated with Michigan. (Matt Jackson)


Mississippi

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Mississippi: Zoap (Rainbow Sherbert x Pink Guava) created by Deep East Oakland.

It’s no real surprise Zoap was nominated by budtenders of Mississippi after the flower went on to win Best Indica at a contest held this year. Zoap is part of a storied RS lineage that produced warships like Studio 54, Pink Guava, Jelly Roll, and RS11. After popping 12 packs of Dying Breed Seeds OZK, Bay Area cultivator DEO Farms eventually selected #16 (Pink Guava) to cross to Sunset Sherbert and spawn the Rainbow Sherbert line. Later, he would cross that Pink Guava back to the Rainbow Sherbert and from those 100 plants, #21 was selected for its soapy citrus flavor. Smokers on Leafly agree that this strain has a robust, and creative head high. Deep East spoke with Leafly and told us fans of Zoap will go crazy for the strains they’re working on next, including two that pair this cultivar with some Bay Area classics: Cookies and Vintage OG. (Matt Jackson)

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Mississippi: Sea of Green South (SOG ARMY)

Grape Headband. (Courtesy Sea of Green South)

Sea Of Green, or SOG, is a multi-state company that’s always striving to offer a diverse range of rare and in-demand strains produced in small, high quality batches. Their name is taken from a method of cultivation they’ve used since the brand first started. After success on the California market, their first batches to the Mississippi scene were released in March of this year and it’s already had a noticeable impact on budtenders. Owner/Operator BJ said they offer the same menu of strains in both California and Mississippi but consumers in each state are looking for different things. “They seem to be chasing terps more than THC,” he told Leafly. As for which strains have been most in demand, he listed their Pink Zaza, along with Deo Farm’s Zoap which helped them secure that title for Best Indica at the Sippi Cup competition, only two months after their debut onto the market. (Matt Jackson)

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Missouri

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Missouri: Kumquat

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Missouri: Good Day Farms


New Jersey

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of New Jersey: Animal Face

A personal favorite of this writer, Animal Face has the gassy, pine-laden aroma from the Face Off, but also carries with it the mint, doughy profile of Animal Mints. Seed Junky must have been thinking of how to create the perfect after-work smoke when he made this strain because it causes all the stress and worries of the day to positively melt away. Leafly reviews use words like “creeper” and “permagrin” to talk about how this sneaks up and relaxes your mind, a perfect reason this was chosen as a first place winner for Best Hybrid at the 2022 Emerald Cup in California. Since being released onto the market, East Coast smokers have found this to be a reliable way to take the edge off, providing good flavor and potent results. (Matt Jackson)

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of New Jersey: Garden Greens

There are a number of things that stand out about New Jersey brand Garden Greens, including being backed by a fourth-generation, family-owned farming operation which lends over 100 years of agricultural experience to their cannabis cultivation efforts. Another is their win for Z Pie, which took first at the 2024 New Jersey Dispensary Awards. Or perhaps you’d prefer we list the collaboration with West Coast giants Golden State Banana which brought strains like Banana Mochi and Banana Bubblegum to the New Jersey crowd. Along with this, Garden Greens claims that they don’t want to be in every dispensary, only the ones that align with their brand ideals and mission, something that hasn’t slowed down their popularity it would seem. With a menu that also includes a number of heaters from Compound Genetics, Budtenders have made it clear there’s a lot to sample from this brand. (Matt Jackson)


New York

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of New York: Trop Cherry (Tropicana Cookies x Cherry Cookies)

Part of the stoner’s essential daytime smoke, this is a killer from Colorado’s Relentless Genetics, who also produced the famous Rozay strain. Crossing Tropicana Cookies and Cherry Cookies releases an aroma that conveys the richly sweet and tart qualities of both cherries and tangerines. Sometimes this can even look like fake movie weed from the crazy purple hue the buds can take on.  A version of this Trop Cherry took first place in the Michigan Cannabis Cup in 2022 and listening to the reviewers on Leafly, the accolades keep piling up.

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“Never have I had such a flavorful strain. perfect strain for a calm productive mind. Trop Cherry is the only one that truthfully tastes like a delicious cup of fresh…no pulp orange juice,””I could smoke this morning, afternoon, or early evening.” This winning Budtender’s choice for favorite strain seems like an apt winner for the home of the city that never sleeps. (Matt Jackson)

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of New York: Matter

Started in Illinois, now in seven states, Matter is part of the Pharmacann portfolio which represents one of the largest vertically integrated MSO’s in the country. As such, the brand seems to have access to a lot of popular strains like Larry Burger and Scottie’s Cake, but also newer contest winners like Grape Gas. They also make a bacon tincture which I’m curious to put in the gravy at Thanksgiving this year. (Matt Jackson)

Ohio

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Ohio: Orange 43

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Ohio: Klutch Cannabis

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Oklahoma

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Oklahoma: Kitchen Sink

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Oklahoma: D&D Nursery


Oregon

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Oregon: Toad Venom

Undoubtedly, one of the most sought after cultivars of 2024 has been Toad Venom. Created by Ronin Seeds and West Coast Connoisseurs, budtenders in Oregon told Leafly this flower sells out in a matter of days, especially since Evan’s Creek is the only contracted producer of the strain. Toad Venom packs a punch. Besides being incredibly stony, even to an experienced smoker, the nugs give off that doughy, minty profile that fans of Animal Face or Animal Mints will respond to immediately. Once you squeeze and grind the nugs, there‘s a gassy, fruity explosion that the breeder described to us as, “citrus and soft green fruits.” When we reached out to Evan’s Creek, they told Leafly this is just part of their work to highlight Ronin’s strains like Banana Cannons, Pi-Chew, and the upcoming Fire Belly Toad which combines the venom with Zikigai from Raw Genetics. (Matt Jackson)

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Oregon: Deep Creek Gardens

Deep Creek Gardens' Firebird (Deep Jungle x Maui Sour OG). (Courtesy Deep Creek Gardens)
Deep Creek Gardens’ Firebird (Deep Jungle x Maui Sour OG). (Courtesy Deep Creek Gardens)

Deep Creek calls themselves Oregon’s home for Headies and Exotics. Organically grown, their flower is sometimes referred to as “slept on” when you ask budtenders at shops around the state. Their Supa Durban is a consistent purchase by many steady smokers, their Grape Pie also gets rave reviews and there’s debate as to if they grew some of the best GMO in the state. Since the beginning Deep Creek has had close ties to Dynasty Genetics and the company has won awards for their Ice Queen and Huckleberry Web CBD strain. You won’t find a website where you can look through their current selections and their Instagram presence hasn’t been updated since 2019 however they do look at the DMs. The proof is in the pudding after all, which means smoking is the best way to see what budenders in Oregon have chosen for their favorite. (Matt Jackson)

Pennsylvania

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Pennsylvania: Animal Face

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Pennsylvania: Rythm

Rythm has earned its reputation as Pennsylvania’s top flower brand through meticulous cultivation and exceptional quality. Their premium strains, rich in flavor and potency, offer a perfect balance of effects. Committed to consistency and innovation, Rythm delivers an outstanding cannabis experience, making them the Budtenders’ Choice Best Flower Brand in Pennsylvania.

Fig Farms Animal Face. Hybrid. (David Downs/Leafly)
Fig Farms Animal Face. Hybrid. (David Downs/Leafly)

Vermont

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Vermont: Grape GMO

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Vermont: Upstate Elevators


Washington

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best strain of Washington: One Piece

One Piece. (Courtesy Svin)

Hitting the high seas is Washington’s winner for Budtender’s Favorite. A mysterious strain that gives off a creamy vanilla cake smell, you can also pick out notes of citrus and even gas in there. Curtis at Svin Gardens told Leafly the name is not just a reference to the popular long-running Anime series, but also to how you only need one piece to get you super stoned. 

He also said that One Piece came to them as part of a happy accident. They had phased out a whole series of different Wedding Cake crosses, but afterwards someone in the garden brought him a clone that had a tiny seedling growing out the side which must have come from those crosses. The team kept it, let it grow, and now that happy accident accounts for 3/5ths of their flowering rooms. Though the team can never truly be sure what the Wedding Cake cross really is, Curtis says everyone has their own idea. We love happy accidents. (Matt Jackson)

Leafly Budtenders’ Choice 2024—Best flower brand of Washington: Heavenly

Budtenders of Washington wrote in and told Leafly that when it comes to flower, their favorite producer right now is Heavenly Buds from Southern Washington. On the grind since 2015, this family-owned and operated brand has a current menu that reflects some of the more memorable strains of the last decade. Legends like Apple Fritter, Gushers, and Purple Punch can be found listed next to currently high-in-demand strains like RS11, Honey Banana, and Superboof. Heavenly has a long history of outreach and education with people in the state, even throwing budtender educational meetups as far back as 7 years ago. One thing that’s also different about the brand is their love for old school, Moroccan-style hash which they release onto the market as well. (Matt Jackson)


How we chose the Leafly Budtenders’ Choice Awards

Budtender Shanara at 7 Stars in Richmond, CA shares her favorite strain and brand and got three chances at a $1,000 check. (David Downs/Leafly)
Budtender Shanara at 7 Stars in Richmond, CA shares her favorite strain and brand and got three chances at a $1,000 check. (David Downs/Leafly)

Budtenders did. We polled more than 900 of them in October for International Budtenders’ Day. We enticed answers by giving away three, $1,000 checks to respondents. The unprecedented insight into state weed tastes allowed us to make picks for 17 states this November.

Budtenders’ Choice awards went to the strains and brands most frequently mentioned by budtenders in that state. We also looked for regional flavors, and budtenders from multiple different stores all recommending the same thing.

Some nascent weed states like Arkansas lacked enough data to make a definitive pick. Other states like California, and Colorado had multiple top strains and brands loved by lots of budtenders. For example, 43 budtenders voted in California, and 56 budtenders voted in Colorado. When they point out smoke, you can bet it’s fire.



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