The time is upon us once again. The day for spreading cannabis-themed love around the world and toking or vaping on some tasty strains. As the 20th of April approaches each year, weed enthusiasts around the world gear up to celebrate their favourite plant. Known colloquially as “420”, this unofficial holiday has been celebrated since the 1970s and has since gained a cult-like following.
For many, 420 is a day to embrace cannabis culture and partake in its consumption. However, it also has a political aspect and an anti-establishment meaning. Beyond the typical smoke sessions, there are countless ways to celebrate and enjoy this day. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 420 celebrations and make the most out of this special day. Remember, whilst it may not be in the official calendar, it’s still important to a great number of people. So make sure to take some time for yourself, and enjoy.
What is 420?
On the 20th April, every year, cannabis-lovers around the world come together – in parks and houses – to celebrate the existence of weed. This has been a phenomenon since the 70s and it also has a political side. Due to the fact that cannabis has been demonised and illegalised for decades, it is usual for those who smoke it to also use it as a protest against other marginalised issues. These include: human rights, equality and anti-war ideas. Hyde Park corner, a huge park in London, is often full of cannabis smokers protesting and delivering their left-wing ideals during 420. It’s quite a beautiful sight if you’ve never seen it. And, of course, an equally beautiful smell. 19 year old weed-lover Leoni – whilst sitting in Hyde Park on the 20th April 2020 – told Vice News:
“I support legalisation one million and ten percent… I’ve had family members and friends get into trouble with the law just for carrying a bit of weed. They’re not bad people. The law needs to change.”
Nowadays, the UK police are usually told to hold off on arrests during 420. Despite the fact that recreational cannabis is illegal in England, it is quite evident that no one means any harm. A bunch of stoners in a park, listening to music, talking about profound ideas, chilling out – sounds like World War III, right?
The Origins
There are multiple theories as to the origins of 420. The one you choose to believe usually depends on how crazy you’re feeling that day. The more likely theory states that the term “420” can be traced back to the early 1970s, when a group of high school students in San Rafael, California began using the term as code for cannabis consumption. The group, which called themselves “the Waldos”, would meet after school at 4:20pm to smoke cannabis and search for a rumoured abandoned cannabis crop.
The term quickly caught on among their peers and eventually spread beyond their high school. By the 1980s, “420” had become a widely recognised term within cannabis culture, and was used to refer to cannabis consumption and the celebration of cannabis culture. The exact origins of the Waldos’ use of the term “420” remain unclear, but there are several theories. Some speculate that “420” was a police code for cannabis consumption, while others believe it was taken from the number of chemical compounds in cannabis.
Some rather crazy folk make a link between the 20th of April also being Adolf Hitler’s birthday. How this is relevant, no one knows, but people still have made this connection. However, as mentioned before, the most widely accepted theory is that it was simply a time of day that the Waldos could meet to consume cannabis. In recent years, there has been a push to recognize 420 as a day of activism, in addition to a day of celebration. Many cannabis advocates use the day to raise awareness about the benefits of cannabis, as well as the need for legislation and reform.
5 Best Ways to Spend 420
However you like to spend your 20th April celebrations – be it smoking a joint and relaxing or protesting for a better world – there will be something for everyone on this list. Here are our 5 best ways to spend your cannabis celebrations this year.
1 – Attend a Cannabis Festival
If you’re feeling up for it and active, then one of the most exciting ways to celebrate 420 is by attending a cannabis festival. These events are held all around the world, from the United States to Europe to Australia, and provide an opportunity to meet other cannabis enthusiasts, try new products, and learn more about the industry. If you want a space where everyone is on the same wavelength as you, then this is ideal. Not only that, but it’ll allow you the chance to try everything. You can listen to talks, you can chill, you can hear music, you can try new products – it’s all on offer.
Thank you for stopping in. Head over to the Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter for direct updates; and get access to awesome deals on cannabis buds, vapes, edibles, smoking devices and equipment, cannabinoid compounds, and some psychedelic products! Go get high responsibly!
Some of the most popular cannabis festivals include the High Times Cannabis Cup, which is held in multiple locations across the United States, as well as Spannabis in Barcelona, Spain, and the Emerald Cup in Santa Rosa, California. At these events, you can expect to find a variety of vendors selling everything from cannabis flowers to edibles, as well as live music, food, and other entertainment. Attending a cannabis festival can be a great way to experience the culture and connect with like-minded individuals. Just be sure to research the event beforehand – not every festival in every country will allow for you to openly consume cannabis. Remember, they all will still need to fit within the laws of the nation they’re in.
2 – Do Cannabis Cooking
Another great way to spend your 20th April celebrations is to do some cannabis cooking. This essentially means making any food or beverage that is infused with – or goes well with – cannabis. Check out some of the greatest recipes online and have a go at making a full weed-infused three course meal. Don’t forget the classic cannabis brownies for dessert. If you’re interested in learning more about cannabis-infused cuisine, taking a cooking class is also a great way to spend 420.
These classes are offered in many major cities around the world and can teach you how to create a wide range of cannabis-infused dishes, from sweet to savoury. In addition to learning how to cook with cannabis, you’ll also learn about dosage, decarboxylation, and other important aspects of cannabis cuisine. This knowledge can be invaluable if you plan on cooking with cannabis in the future. You’ll be surprised how many people assume that you can simply throw cannabis buds into a recipe without the decarbing process. Don’t be afraid to learn more about it.
3 – Have a Cannabis Spa Day
For those looking to relax and unwind, a cannabis spa day is an excellent option. You may not have realised this was even available, but many spas now offer cannabis-infused treatments, such as massages, facials, and body wraps. These treatments are said to have a range of benefits, including pain relief, relaxation, and skin rejuvenation. In addition to the treatments themselves, many cannabis spas also offer other saunas, hot tubs, and meditation rooms. These can be a great way to enhance the overall experience and leave you feeling refreshed and chill. Check out Forbes recommended getaways. Now cannabis is becoming more acceptable, there’s no need to hide your celebrations anymore. Enjoy them.
4 – Explore the Outdoors
Why reinvent the wheel? The original 420 celebrations happened in parks and gardens, so why bother doing anything else? If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, spending 420 exploring nature can be an excellent way to celebrate. Whether you prefer chilling, hiking, or climbing trees – spending time in nature can be a great way to connect with the cannabis plant and appreciate its beauty. Parks are also the easiest place to get away with enjoying cannabis, even if you’re in a nation that doesn’t allow for its recreational use. If you decide to venture into a forest then the chances are even lower of getting seen by anyone. Enjoying weed in peace – without being bothered – can make for the best 420 ever. Just make sure to bring all the essentials you need for when those munchies inevitably hit.
5 – Have a Cannabis Party
Finally, hosting a cannabis-friendly party can be a great way to celebrate 420 with your mates. Whether you’re planning a small get-together or a larger party, there are countless ways to host a great celebration. You can firstly ensure you have all of the accessories – such as vapes, bongs and lots of bud. Then make sure you have lots of snacks and drinks available for your guests. Once the party starts, you can suggest playing cannabis-themed games, listening to music, or even watch some of your favourite stoner films. A personal favourite of mine is always Pineapple Express. The most important thing with hosting a party is making sure everyone feels comfortable and everyone is friendly. Stick to a tight group of friends, who everyone knows and loves.
Conclusion
There are countless ways to spend 420 and make the most out of this special day. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you enjoy yourself. Today is a day for celebrating cannabis and celebrating you. Happy 420!
Thanks for making your way over! We appreciate you stopping in at Cannadelics.com; where we work to bring you the best in independent news coverage for the cannabis and psychedelics spaces. Visit us regularly for daily news, and sign up to the Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter, so you’re always on top of what’s going on.
Great news, America. The price of cannabis should fall for most of your adult life. Legalization has ushered in economies of scale—bringing a $60 bag down to $6. There’s penny joints, buy one get one free, buy two get one free, and on and on.
The question remains—how do I get at this fabulous affordable herb? Here’s a Leafly Cannabis 101 article on Why you should shop early for cannabis deals.
Wait, there are deals on weed in stores now?
If you just woke up from a coma, there are 24 legalization states, and over 40 medical ones. Thousands of dispensaries blanket the land—from remote Alaskan islands to balmy Miami.
Cannabis offers a popular alternative to stronger holiday stuff including alcohol. Plus, weed fans relish the chance to pick up something special for the holidays; and share it with friends.
Everyone loads up at the last minute on some pre-rolls or gummies or what have you. The line gets long, supplies run low, and in terms of the price—you can take it or leave it.
But today, November 4, three weeks out—you have your pick of the menus, and time to shop around deals near you. Weed prices are volatile. The good stuff holds firm at $60 per eighth ounce, then goes for half that when it runs the risk of going stale. Pounce on that.
You gotta take advantage of timing and shopping around, or you’re doing capitalism bad and you should feel bad.
Why you should shop early for weed deals: Better selection
New batches of Connected Trop Z don’t sit around awaiting for long. (Image courtesy of Connected.)
Here’s a fact—the best stuff often sells out the fastest. Grab a Cannabis Cup or Emerald Cup winner the second it drops. Shoot, order it for pick-up. Don’t get left with the snickle-fritz on Green Wednesday.
Maybe—instead of grabbing an overpriced, stale pre-roll on Christmas Eve, go in early December and get a premium hashhole with a gram of bubble hash for a penny.
What is early for cannabis deals this season?
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 28th, 2024. You can plan your Turkey Day sesh out exquisitely starting today. Take a voice note of your dream scenario: ‘Some Permanent Marker flower, some Z live rosin. …’ Then search it up on Leafly, and order it.
There’s no shame in visualizing now what sesh success looks like on Nov. 28. Look around you. The Christmas catalogs from Amazon have dropped. Mariah Carey is taking pre-orders for the 30th anniversary edition of Merry Christmas.
Why you should shop early for cannabis deals: Stress less
Stress is toxic.
Don’t be one of those stressed-out fools honking in traffic on Green Wednesday. Be at home, stocked up in your snuggery, making crafts and stuff. Go marinate something for Thanksgiving the next day. Spend your weed savings on gifts for yourself—I mean, other people.
It’s 2024—you’re not sitting in traffic, you are traffic. There are so many new stress-free ways to re-up. In Canada, you can get a joint with your burrito on Uber Eats. Missouri has legal weed drive-throughs. More places offer pickup and curbside pickup. Arizona just added home delivery for all adults age 21+.
Related
How to order weed delivery online with Leafly
Waiting in lines is lame. Do something great for your future self, and lock in a sweet holiday stash today.
Holidays are the most fun when you plan well, get what you need, and allow yourself to be present and enjoy the vibes. Good luck out there.
Legal in all 50 states
With three weeks out you can order hemp stuff from across the country. Here’s some of our affiliate deals.
The cannabis world has changed since 1971 when five students in California coined the phrase 4/20. They used a treasure map to hunt for an abandoned marijuana crop, but today Canada, 24 states, DC and more have legal dispensaries peppering the big and small towns. Since then, the movement and public opinion has done a 180 with 85% of the public believing marijuana should be legal in some form. Fox covers the cannabis industry in their business news and even the President mentioned it in his State of the Union Address.
From sneaking around and trying to keep cool, to the new trend of California sober, cannabis has had a make over worthy of any streaming service. DIY Queen Martha Stewart helped move marijuana to the mainstream. Aside from a few politicians who want nanny states, the public is more curious the concerned. According to BDSA, a leading analytical firm which covers cannabis, 49% of people who consume cannabis have done it with a gummy. Dispensary bought goods are a thing. Healthier than alcohol, Gen Z has drifted away from booze and are settling into weed. To mark the acceptance here are 7 suggestions to celebrate 4/20.
Photo by coffeekai/Getty Images
Coffee wake and bake
Kick off the day with a little something special in your coffee. This combination of the energizing effects of caffeine and the relaxing effects of cannabis can provide a unique and enjoyable experience which starts your day in a good mood. Excellent for the canna-newbie or the seasoned consumer – start with a low dose of 2.5mg.
Share the joy
With all of Canada and over 50% of the country having access to legal weed – now is the time to maybe do a mini treat bag, a simple gift or an edible exchange. You can take some cute tiny bags and drop one or two edibles in and share it with friends who may be curious. Most edibles and gummies come in packs of 10 – why not grab a couple of extra and share them people who may have asked about it or who really need to chill.
Do something meaningful
The stigma has faded so why not embrace the spirit of the stoner and do something for your fellow man. Donating blood is a great way to make an impact, get a free cookie and help out. Another way is to mix up your dispensary choice to see who is doing something for the community on 4/20.
Learn how to roll the perfect joints
Something interesting and fun you can try out is learning how to roll joints. While there are hundreds of tutorials out there (and this helpful guide), here is one which will help you hone your craft.
Watch some stoner movies
If you want to chill and maybe have some self care, snacks, me time, why not snuggle in for a movie night. Here’s a list of recommendations.
Have a dance party
Photo by Brooke Cagle via Unsplash
A dance party can be for 1, 2, 10 or 100…your choice! Take time to let your body move – be it alone in the kitchen, a tango for two leading to the bedroom (wink wink) or invite a few friends or go to a club, meet up or head something where your feet, body, mind and music meld into motion.
Take advantage of the 4/20
Some dispensaries have great sales, merchandise, music and more. Maybe take a retail tour so see what is up for the holiday – you could save a few bucks!
You can’t spell “2024” without “420,” Leafly Nation.
The international stoner holiday of April 20 (aka 4/20) stems from the daily toke time of 4:20 p.m. started in California in the ‘70s. Today, we have 25 legalization states and more than 40 medical ones. Re-scheduling percolates in Washington D.C. The Mayor of San Francisco has even blessed “SF Weed Week”—stating: “Don’t give me no bammer weed. We don’t smoke that sh*t in the SFC.”
We, too, subscribe to the No Bammer movement, so we tasked our experts with rounding up the hottest flowers for 4/20 across the land. Featuring dozens of picks from a dozen states, this list should help you elevate your weed game this week and into summer.
California’s hot-hot new-new
(Lindsey Bartlett for Leafly)
Black Patronus
No Till Kings
Black Patronus will make you fall in love with purple weed all over again. This batch was grown in a vibrant living soil bed on its 20th lifecycle at No Till Kings, a stunning 5,000-square-foot grow based in Long Beach, CA. Bred by Exotic Genetix, Black Patronus has a genetic lineage of RS-11 x Falcon-9 (bred via reverse pollination).
Black Patronus nugs contain such a deep, vivid purple, that they almost appear black. This is where the cultivar gets its namesake. These magical and highly flavorful buds contain 1.71% total terpenes. As an additional educational tool for consumers, which I adore, No Till Kings kindly lists the dominant terpenes in a graph on the side of the package: Limonene, a-Pinene, B-Pinene, Trans-Caryophyllene, Linalool, and more. The brand’s founders Jake Taylor and Marco S. are brilliant on their educational YouTube channel, enlightening growers on living soil methods. Judging by this flower, the team is doing something right.
The skunky, ooey-gooey buds break down into a pillowy cloud of dark purple wrapped in a glossy layer of white trichomes. The dry hit is dreamy and consists of chocolate, savory garlic, with subtle hints of citrus. The smoke is equally robust. It’s an enchanting, heavy, sultry smoke worthy of its witchy name. The experience is euphoric and its Indica-dominant traits make it wholly relaxing. Black Patronus is a sedative worthy of the premium shelf. No joke, this high is going to last you all day. —Lindsey Bartlett
Related
How to order weed delivery online with Leafly
GMOasis. (Lindsay MaHarry for Leafly)
Governmint Oasis
by Humboldt Sunrise
Grown regeneratively on a woman-owned farm deep in the hills of SoHum, Governmint Oasis by Humboldt Sunrise (available through Redwood Roots) is a perfectly executed, highly potent flower that leaves you feeling happy and relaxed.
This cross between GMO and Gush Mints has all the hallmarks of a classic stoner high. The nose is gassy, herbal, and creamy. The flavor has a kick of eucalyptol minty fresh at the end. This strain is as heavy on the body, as it is on mental relaxation, leaving you with a lush, melty feeling that is perfect for after stressful or strenuous activities.
Given the government-induced horrors we’re currently existing through, this flower could not have come at a better time. Smoke a giant joint of this on 420 with your friends and dissolve into a sea of bliss. —Lindsay Maharry
4D has four types of cannabinoids for a functional effect. (Lindsay Maharry)
Four Directions
Emerald Spirit Botanicals
No 420 is not complete without Four Directions by Emerald Spirit Botanicals. One of my favorite flowers of the season, this cultivar is so unique there’s never been anything like it before.
Emerald Spirit Botanicals is a family-run farm in Mendocino that specializes in creating flower with high levels of minor cannabinoids and rare cannabinoid ratios by communicating with plant spirits.
While this might sound a little out there to some, the results don’t lie. Emerald Spirit is one of the most respected brands in the industry, winning the Emerald Cup almost every year along with many other competitions, as well as pushing scientific research forward with their unusual approach to growing.
Four Directions has high levels of four cannabinoids: THC, CBD, THCV and CBDV–which is unheard of—as well as a high terpene percentage (3.67%) featuring myrcene, ocimene and terpinolene.
The result is a perfectly balanced flower that leaves you a million times more capable than before you consumed it. This is a unique high that is less about getting fucked up and more about vibrating at a higher frequency.
It’s perfect for doing things you don’t want to do, social situations, and really anything, for that matter! This flower enhances you instead of obliterates you, so enjoy it to the fullest. Great for long days out with the squad, like 420! —Lindsay Maharry
(Lindsey Bartlett for Leafly)
Styrofoam Cup
Team Elite Genetics
A legendary strain from Team Elite Genetics, Styrofoam Cup is an absolute stunner. The LA-based grow is serving up some of the best weed in California right now (in my humble opinion). This award-winning cultivar is deserving of its accolades. It’s another living soil prodigy from Steve Castillo, founder and geneticist behind Team Elite Genetics. The powerhouse grower has fought hard for his coveted place among the top connoisseur brands in California beginning in his hometown of Huntington Beach in Orange County. Today, the grow is based out of Downtown LA offering up heat to the marketplace in a league of its own. The strain won second place at the coveted 2022 High Times Cannabis Cup.
Styrofoam Cup gifts notes of cookies and mulled wine mixed with sweet and skunky gasoline. Crystal white trichomes and red hairs entangle forest green and light purple buds. Bred by Cannarado Genetics, its lineage is Sunset Sherbet x GMO AKA MSG. This Indica will knock you on your ass in the best way possible. The high orbits a couch-lock, but it’s nuanced: I felt comfy yet still alert and cerebral. Team Elite Genetics excels in its consistency. No matter what, if you can find Styrofoam Cup from Team Elite Genetics, the jar holds some of the most beautiful buds on earth. Team Elite Genetics’ unique flavors could be attributed to the grow’s proprietary, microbial-rich teas, hand-watered by the cultivators daily. They create a robust and multi-faceted living soil environment for the plants to thrive. These packs do not miss. —Lindsey Bartlett
Backpack Boyz x WAV
Backpack Boyz is the brand that needs no introduction. Their upcoming collab with WAV, a new indoor brand launching this April from some of the best cultivators in the biz, brings the fire with four strains grown with living soil. Together, Backpackboyz x WAV set the new industry standard for the best cannabis in California. To learn more follow @we.are.wav on Instagram. Launching on 4/20 at the OG Cannabis Cafe in LA and Perfect Union locations throughout CA.
Toad Venom
Ronin Seeds & WCC
Even though Toad Venom is part of the latest hype train for cannabis, it was actually created back in 2019. Animal Face x Sin Mints, it has a doughy, minty smell that breaks open into a candy peach ring aroma. Jake, one of the creators, said the feedback they hear most is that this strain is one of the more powerful highs people have come across lately. Toad Venom will put you in a stupor that Jake describes as “positively ribbiting.” —Matt Jackson
Grumpy Tiger
Snowtill & Woodwide Highcraft
Grumpy Tiger is a complicated mix of True OG with Platinum x Kush Mints x Animal Cookies Bx2. Even when the plant is happy, it looks a little angry, hence the name from Mendo Mikey Lion from Woodwide High Craft. These latest batches to hit the scene come from the no-till, living soil beds of Snowtill Organics. Gassy, piney, and spicey, it’s a testament to the power of green weed.—Matt Jackson
See also: Neon Panther from Moon Valley Cannabis—even more top-shelf, award-winning living soil for the Bay Area.
New York flavors
Berner Hanna Butter
Electrical Leaf NYC
Berner Hanna Butter by Electrical Leaf is a must for your summer line up. This strain is so spectacular and magnificent in every way. When I opened the package, a marvelous, herbal butter cream vanilla flavor takes over the air with its aroma. We saw beautiful crystallization all over the flowers, with its neon green buds so beautiful to look at. The high is strong! The head high is level, leaving you feeling very focused. The body high offers a strong, full-body, soothing relaxation. This is so far my favorite strain for the year! If you are in New York, you need to get this from the Culture House Cookies NYC. This is so fire, it’s arson! —LordFigo
MELO
Electric Leaf NYC
Melo is mellow! As soon as I opened the bag a beautiful, floral, sweet lemon scent filled the air. The buds are very crystally, and beautiful with wonderful, exotic green and purple color buds. Its orange hairs add to the beauty. My first toke yielded a zesty, skunky flavor, with a very tiny hint of lavender, some spiciness and an overpowering skunkiness. The high has a nice focus feel to it, with a clear, open-minded euphoria. This strain Melo by Electrical Leaf should be good for people who want to have a good buzz but don’t want to be too stones or couch locked, so they can get through daily activities. —LordFigo
New Jersey bud
Blue Razz. (Lord Figo for Leafly)
Blu Razz
Cookies
Cookies in Harrison, NJ is pushing out that heat with this Blu Razz, OMG! This is a weed-lovers dream—a stoner’s excuse to say, ‘I forgot!’ This Blu Razz is strong but seriously beautiful! When I opened the merchandise, a pungent, robust, floral aroma with a very clean, refreshing berry scent arrived in the room. After rolling up the Blu Razz, my first hit was a strong, spicy, woody, blueberry flavor that hit me like a Ryu combo, with hints of tarty berry flavors. This high is strong, with a lot of pressure and weight on the eyes and a clear mind feel. The body high is strong with full-body relaxation that’s very soothing on the diaphragm. This is some beautiful weed. Blu Razz should be in your summer line up. —LordFigo
Maryland bangers
Banana Zoap. (Michael Blickstein for Leafly)
Banana Zoap
Fade Co., MD
Maryland enthusiasts started noticing Fade Co. on their shelves about six months ago, and they seem to be bringing elite California genetics across the country for the everyman to enjoy. Banana Zoap is Fade Co’s house expression of Deep East’s Zoap (RS16 x Pink Guava OZK) popularized by Doja, likely named for its top note of underripe bananas. Like many of the great previous versions of Zoap, this nug expresses a neon green hue on a dense stout nug. It reeks like the inside of a Jamba Juice, and the flavor is more of the same. Even though the flower is delivered in bags rather than jars like presented on the website, the batch was only about a month old and fresh to the touch and on the inhale.
Fade in Maryland is produced by Seven Points Agro, housed in the large Abell multi-brand facility. While the facility is equipped for fully indoor grows, it’s unclear whether this sample is light assist or fully indoor. The 36.74% THCa and 3.05% terpenes translate to a potent experience regardless. The effect errs more on the slumpy couch-lock vibe, and hits more in the eyes and face, which is standard for Cali breeds. For enthusiasts, this is a taste of the hype that the West Coast has been pushing the last couple of years and may be worth the premium, for especially curious consumers. —Max Blickstein
Afternoon Delight #4. (Max Blickstein for Leafly)
Afternoon Delight #4
Rythm GTI, MD
Rythm delivers yet again for enthusiasts looking for a functional midday boost with Afternoon Delight #4. A hybrid of GMO x Trophy Wife (Wedding Cake F2), originally bred as Redneck Wedding by Surfr Seeds, the appearance presents as the bright green spear-shaped buds with golden pistils; a mighty stature caked in resin. For the top shelf of the market, Rythm delivers as expected with a hefty jar for freshness and a flashy label boasting 37.62% THCa and 3.78% terpenes.
As stinky as this sample is upon cracking the jar, the flavor also stains the mouth with chemical funk and herbal Bubba fuel. The potency is noticeable, and the refined relaxing and buzzy effect onsets rapidly and primarily stimulates the head, face and chest. In a vape, the inhale is smooth and suitable for big rips. In the joint, the smoothness lacks behind a bit and the flavor has a bit of background noise. The region is a big fan of soothing “sativa-dominant hybrids” and this sample is fresh and fits the bill perfectly. —Max Blickstein
Zealousy. (Michael Blickstein for Leafly)
Zealousy
Strane (National Holistic), MD
If you like big nugs and you can’t lie, Zealousy might be your guy. Strane has been a mainstay for years bringing solid genetics to top shelves all around Maryland, and this is a prime example of why. Zealousy is reported to be from Nasha Genetics, blending Jealousy x Zoap, which very much rides the shoulders of giants, this time in the form of Seed Junky Genetics and Deep East. This hybrid is no joke—providing an immediate onset of “sit-your-butt-down” at eye-watering levels of potency, which tracks for the 30.41% THCa boasted on the label.
Another staggering label rating is the 4.14% terpenes—primarily Limonene, α and β – Pinene, and Linalool—which results in a fairly standard “candy” flavor which is most comparable to allspice. This type of flavor and effect profile is more common from cheaper, imported weed, but Strane provides a clean and accessible experience with Zealousy that hits that particular nail on the head. Strane is sure to impress enthusiasts looking for a punchy, sweet flavor and this particular example shines as soon as the seal is broken. —Max Blickstein
Maine winners
Blue Lobster. (Courtesy of Maine Trees)
Blue Lobster
Maine Trees, ME; Umma Sonoma, CA
This selection keeps flying further into the stratosphere ibn 2024, giving Blue Lobster all the signs of the Next Big Thing™. Formerly known as Facade, Blue Lobster emerged as a “one-in-two million” cut. In the time since the original discovery, Lobster has become one of the beacons of flame on the east coast. The selection has among the most complex flavors for a hybrid most would write off as candy, with the (Apples & Bananas x Gelatti/Wedding Cake) hybrid expressing distinctly fruit vitamins, cherry candy gas, and bakery confection layered perfectly atop each other. The aromas also pair perfectly with euphoric, giggly potency that hits like an avalanche.
Blue Lobster has been the winningest strain on the East Coast, taking awards from Ego Clash ‘23 and Zalympix East Coast, and it only boils down to a couple of factors as to why. Blue Lobster can be found from Maine Trees at retailers throughout Maine as flower, vape carts, pre-rolls and the occasional hash collaboration with other Maine mainstays Helios Collective and Third Shift Resin. In California, Blue Lobster gets periodic harvests by Umma Sonoma released at Greenwolf retail locations, with a new release that should hit right before 420. Strain designer Chris Lynch of Cipher Genetics has announced aline of hybrids coming from Maine Trees’ Blue Lobster for later this year. —Max Blickstein
Candy Fumez crosses got us dizzy. Bloom Seeds Co Candy Payton. (Courtesy Bloom Seed Co.)
Candy Fumez
Firefly Organics, ME
Vacationland has been the secret garden for many East Coast cannabis enthusiasts since 1999, and few operators have taken advantage of the environment quite like Firefly Organics, who now produces for both the medical and adult-use markets in Maine. The newest genetic in their library is Bloom Seed Co’s Candy Fumez (Zkittlez x Sherbanger 22), which has been popular coast to coast without missing any flyover markets. Candy Fumez has achieved such a reputation through its intense gassy lime flavor that pushes the Z traits to their limit while also producing acceptable yields of pungent, greasy hash when washed. Since Candy Fumez was originally released as seeds before Bloom Seed Co officially released their own cuts, the four Candy Fumez samples I’ve tried, each from different brands, have expressed differently.
The sample of Candy Fumez from Firefly is the #16 cut, which they acquired from Helios Collective. The aroma and the flavor sit on the candy lime end. Keep it in a good jar, or it will reek up the whole room. The effect from this version is relaxing and functional, and overall it will set you in the right direction for a good time. You can’t spell “Firefly” without “fire” and luckily these guys are showing us a thing or two about it with their organic soil garden run under HPS lights. Every batch from Firefly always presents with glistening resin, which makes for some of the most flavorful smoke around. Many hardcore cannabis enthusiasts contend that the best flower is the one grown with organic amendments in soil, and after smoking flower like this it’s hard to argue with the claim. The effects are always pleasant, the flavors always lip-smaking and the scent so incensing that it’s difficult to close the jar. —Max Blickstein
Florida tastes
Gelonade. (David Downs/Leafly)
Gelonade
Trulieve/Connected Cannabis, FL
Truelieve’s partnership with California-based Connected Cannabis continues to pay dividends for Florida patients by bringing California’s most sought-after genetics to the burgeoning Florida market. Gelonade, a gorgeous Sativa leaning hybrid of Lemon Trees and Gelato #41, was the overall winner of the 2021 Emerald Cup, and continues to impress! The taste is truly distinctive, with an intriguing blend of lemon-lime citrus and minty, vanilla, gassy, sweet cookie. This batch, sampled on March 21st from Trulieve Jacksonville, came in at 28% THC, and its terpene profile, dominated by caryophyllene and limonene, was also relatively high in Borneol, lending a distinct camphor and eucalyptus note. The effects are both uplifting and relaxing, great for anxiety relief and good conversation. Definitely recommended. —Matt Witemyre
British Columbia flowers
Mendoz Stomper (Grace Broadhead for Leafly)
Mendoz Stomper
Sweetgrass Cannabis, BC
Derived from Mendo Breath x Oz Kush x Mac Stomper lineage, this hybrid bred by Sunken Treasure Seeds thrives under Sweetgrass’ living soil, organic growing methods in Kootenay BC.
Mendoz Stomper delivers a complex, botanical aroma with hints of sour citrus berry, and a potent high that leans hard into its Mendo Breath roots. Imagine a heady, euphoric wave that melts down the spine into every limb, letting your brain still work its magic around the conversation circle, or deep in the paint of a creative project.
Rainbow Driver
Woody Nelson, BC
Available in limited 25-30kg batches every three months across BC, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, it’s a gem for enthusiasts willing to hunt for quality.
Bred by Archive Seed Bank and cultivated in the Kootenays, this Sundae Driver x Zkittlez hybrid is a powerhouse. Woody Nelson’s 3-weeks of curing and hand trimming results in generous nugs and a true-to-nose flavor, reminiscent of a pack of Citrus Delights cracked open in a gas station.
It maintains an impressive, feathery consistency when ground, with smooth rolling and combustion. The high begins with a potent, cerebral hit before melting into relaxation, without full-on couchlock.
This strain is in high-demand, so gear up for the next 100 kilo batch to hit BC, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nunavut dispensaries around April 20th. —Grace Broadhead
And that’s it for America’s best weed strains of 420 ’24. Never miss the latest heat—download the Leafly App (Android, iOS) and turn on notifications to scoop those flavors first.
