Good morning, seed junkies and bean basement dwellers. This week, we’re reporting live from Lonikai on the east side of Oahau, Hawaii; smoking on some Hella Jelly, and Dosi-Tree. Cannabis contest season is heating up, and the seed releases keep coming as planting gets underway in North America. Here’s Leafly’s first edition of Strain News Weekly—like Politico’s Playbook, but for genetics professionals and aspiring amateurs.
Top strain news
Hippie Hill 2022. Several thousand are expected this year. (David Downs/Leafly)
And LA’s hottest exotic cannabis contest—Greenwolf’sZalympix—recently announced its official contestant lineup. That’s the best of California right there. Judges’ kits will drop in May.
Chris Lynch, formerly of Compound Genetics, opens up to Forbes about having Parkinson’s Disease.
“Breeders who Lynch looks up to in cannabis include Bodhi, Cannarado, Karma Genetics, Cricket and Cicada, Obsoul33t, Jigga, Deo Farms, Coastal Seeds, and Top Dawg.”
“Look for seeds of Red Lebanese x The Puck Hashplant BC1 F2 incorporated into the fold of Lynch’s prized creations in the coming years.”
“Originality consists in returning to the origin.”
Antoni Gaudi
What is Leafly Strain News Weekly?
Leafly Strain News Weekly scouts the headwaters of the US’ $60 billion cannabis industry: the breeders and new strains. It’s like Politico Pro, but for cultivars. So way cooler. Send strain news to david.downs@leafly.com.
Never miss a Strain News Weekly—sign up for Leafly Newsletters, download the app on iOS/Android, and turn on push notifications.
Millions of weed smokers say adios to winter’s worst with a breathtaking selection of lucky green across the USA and Canada this St. Patrick’s Day.
Legalization in over 20 states offers ever more affordable alternatives to booze. The California outdoor is perfectly cured. Your favorite musician has a new strain. Maryland has Cookies brand Cinnamon Milk. Even Texas has THCA Pink Certz.
This hand-picked selection includes fresh flowers, rosin chocolates, and infused ‘dogwalkers’—small joints perfect for party-hopping. Just make sure you go easy if you’re cross-fading.
California St. Patrick’s Day strains and edibles picks
Original Glue by various, including by Down Om Farms
It’s rare to encounter extremely potent cannabis with a faceted, enjoyable high that doesn’t transform you into a zombie halfway through the blunt.
This real, original cut of GG4 (Gorilla Glue #4) grown in living soil by Down Om Farms (available through Farm Cut) is a perfect flower. The potency is rivaled only by the deeply relaxing and joyful experience of its high.
Heavy on the gas, cream, and chocolate, the nose alone is intoxicating. A single poof coats your mouth in a layer of syrupy terps. The first time I smoked it, I was so high I thought I had also eaten at some point.
Turns out, I had only snapped a single bowl, and this flower is that good.—Lindsay MaHarray
Point Breeze by Khalifa Kush
Point Breeze. (Courtesy Khalifa Kush)
Wiz Khalifa adds a 5th strain to his Khalifa Kush lineup—Point Breeze. That’s Khalifa Kush x Gastro Pop for a potent mix of OG Kush fuel and grape gas. Wiz dropped it at Stiiizy March 7, and it’ll make its way across the US next. (CA, coming to AZ, NV, OR, MD, FL, PA, MA)
4 Directions by Emerald Spirit Botanicals
Four Directions. (Jackie Bryant)
Four Directions from Mendocino’s Emerald Spirit Botanicals is yet another Farm Cut masterpiece—because real ones know flower should be untamed. A cross of Pink Boost Goddess (five-time CA State Fair Gold Medalist, 2024 Golden Bear winner) and Harmony Rose (Emerald Cup champ), this strain is a symphony of cannabinoids: THC, CBD, THCV, and CBDV wrapped in 4.2%+ terps. Myrcene brings lush berry sweetness, β-Ocimene adds a citrusy snap, and terpinolene laces in an herbaceous, floral funk. Sun-grown in well-tended soil, jarred fresh with the loosest of trims, Four Directions is as nature intended—pure, potent, and ridiculously flavorful.—Jackie Bryant
Wavvy by Wavves
Wavvy art from Wavves. (Courtesy Wavves)
Beach weather arrives in your ears and lungs with garage rocker Wavves of LA’s launch of Wavvy Supply Co. Wavves has “mini-donuts” containing hash, and Wavvy minis in dispensaries. Blast the new Wavves track “So Long” and make your winter cares a distant memory.
Zours by Hall of Flame
Fresh off Zalympix contest win for “Most Unique”—this mix of Z and Sour D is lighting up people’s senses then knocking them on their asses. This strain gained a lot of love in 2024 with the exotics crowd, and it would seem that Sweet and Sour weed is definitely on the menu for 2025. —Matt Jackson
See also: Fig Farms Duffy’s 14-gram smalls; Raw Garden’s new ‘Sprout’ all-in-one; Rove Ice Packs and Diamond Series vapes.
St. Patrick’s Day Affiliate partner pick
Recommended product
A staple of our St. Patrick’s Days, CANN’s delicately dosed 2 mg THC and 4 mg CBD really pairs well with picnics and garden parties. Skip the hangovers with this microdosed seltzer that’ll make the drunks less annoying. They use 100% agave nectar, fresh ginger, and high-quality THC and CBD distillate. One CANN equals a glass of wine, and it has just 35 calories. Available nationwide.
Arizona
Zpectrum by Alien Labs
Get this new RS-11 x Z #22 cross in Arizona and puff on the toughest stuff in the market. Shop Alien Labs in Arizona.
Sluggers infused prerolls + Curaleaf
California’s infused joint-maker, Hit Sluggers, are selling quickly in their new market of Arizona via a collaboration with Flow Distro and Curaleaf. Sluggers knock their potent joints out of the park with fire flower that is hand-trimmed, ground, packed, hand-painted with rosin, and hand-rolled in keef. These ‘dogwalker-sized’ joints test around 50% THC and come in artfully designed packaging with collectible cards. Shop Sluggers in Arizona.
Illinois
Garlic Butter by Revolution
Why only drink your green when you can also smoke it? This St. Patty’s Day, the Garlic Butter strain goes along with corned beef and mashed potatoes. This cross between GMO and Fortune Cookie is perfect for wanting to feel focused, uplifted, and happy! The smell is buttery, with a cheesy hint to complement the aroma. The buds are light green (leprechauns love it) and have subtle hints of orange hairs. Before sitting down for an Irish dinner or hitting the town, smoking your greens can bring the best luck with quality bud.—Hannah Vyosky
Four-leaf clover? In New York, it’s more like 10 leaves. Soft Power Sweets’ new chocolate bars take the shape of flowers (or clovers, depending how you look at it). Each petal contains a single dose of live rosin-infused, vegan milk chocolate. For the marathon that is St. Patrick’s Day, we recommend the “Pick Me Up” sativa-based option. Each petal has 5 mg THC and 2.5 mg CBD in chocolate made with almond milk instead of animal products. Even if you don’t find the pot of gold, you can still feel like you’re over the rainbow. —Amelia Williams
Love Jones by Method Man’s TICAL
Love Jones. (Courtesy TICAL)
Finally, something resembling West Coast Weed. Method Man—an artist who needs no introduction. Love Jones—a symphonic harmony of White Runtz, Jet Fuel Gelato, Horchata, and Grape Gas #10. TICAL—an iconic album and now brand created by Method Man. TICAL in New York comes from ADK Hemp Co, who describe their growing facility as indoor, with help from the sun. Keep a tissue handy because Love Jones has stick, plus you’ll probably stick to the couch. It oozes those classic Runtz and Gelato terps, with a grape and cinnamon twist.—A.W.
Almost mythical in its elusiveness, Quebec Gold is the blurry sasquatch photo of cannabis cultivars. Consequently, it’s often duped thanks to its legendary reputation and gold-standard genetics from Canada’s cannabis hall of fame, including M-39, the problem child of Northern Lights #5 and Skunk #1, and Freezeland, a canon legacy market favourite in northern Quebec. Quebec Gold is a sativa-leaning party strain with zero social anxiety. It’s lemon-heavy but has an exceptionally complex tropical flavour profile of pineapple, mango, and pine. Perfect for potheads partying with drunk friends, you can keep the conversations flowing and satisfy any dry mouth with whatever green drinks are on deck! —Amanda Breeze
Michigan
Quad-infused rolls by Jeeter
Jeeter quads have hash and flavor 4 ways. (Courtesy Jeeter)
America’s top-selling infused joint brand, Jeeter, have introduced “quad” rolls this March—a joint with four layers of hash and flavor in it. Specifically, THCA liquid diamonds, terpenes, kief, and now rosin. The rosin adds a “smoother, more full-spectrum effect.” These things pack a punch at over 40% THC, so one puff can be enough. (Also in CA and AZ)
See also: Doja Pak Permanent Marker at King of Budz; Clout King Wagyu at JARS Cannabis
Lastly, Green Dot Labs brand Final Boss (Cherry Pot Pie x F.A.F.O.). King of Green Dot’s gas-heavy lineages, including OG Kush, Chem, GMO, Sour Diesel, and Cherry Pie.
California’s most prestigious trade show brings the weed world together
Cannabis industry insiders are set to converge on the historic Ventura County Fairgrounds this March 19th-20th for the 2025 Hall of Flowers industry-only trade show. The iconic event brings all the movers and shakers of the cannabis industry together in one place to rub shoulders, make connections, and sample products.
A highly curated selection of brands, retailers, thought leaders, investors, and media professionals will all be attending to soak up the SoCal sun and make the connections that will define the industry in the coming years. If you’re interested in expanding into the California cannabis market, or looking to partner with California suppliers to bring their product to your neck of the woods, then Hall of Flowers is the spot where you need to be.
Our team was able to sit down with part of the crew that makes Hall of Flowers the phenomenon it is, and we’ve got the inside track on what makes HoF so unique, and how you can make the most of the three-day event to bring your business to new heights.
They’ve got booth options for a range of budgets, and there’s still time to snag a spot. Inventory is filling up fast, so don’t miss your chance to make connections in the Californian market and beyond—read on and make plans to attend Ventura Hall of Flowers today.
The room where it happens
Courtesy of Hall of Flowers.
“It’s the only opportunity you’ll have to meet the whole state in two days.”
Ever since their inaugural trade show back in 2018, Hall of Flowers has been a cut above its competitors. Hall of Flowers aims to bring the cannabis industry and the broader cannabis culture together in one place for the whole cannabis-loving community to meet each other. The weed world is vast, and getting bigger by the day—it takes an event like Hall of Flowers to fulfill the important function of a central meeting point for thought leaders and decision-makers.
Free for California retailers
Hall of Flowers is absolutely free for licensed California retailers, and the HoF team performs extensive, personalized outreach to these retailers to ensure their attendance. Their retail relations team is easily one of the best in the business, providing white-glove service to all the brands that make the Californian corner of the cannabis industry dominant.
Hall of Flowers is also one of the only opportunities business owners will find to sample products from the huge variety of vendors who make the trip. In one Hall of Flowers veteran’s words: “It’s the only opportunity you’ll have to meet the whole state in two days.”
Get a taste of California
Courtesy of Hall of Flowers.
The team behind Hall of Flowers knows that getting hands-on is the best way for a buyer and a producer to make a genuine connection. While some trade shows may have buyers only able to make decisions on pitches and promises, Hall of Flowers allows buyers to acquire product for themselves for only a nominal fee. They can either consume the product in one of the on-site consumption sites or take it home to enjoy. Strains that hit different, vapes with shockingly smooth pulls, edibles with epic flavor, and more can all be found, tried, and eventually licensed at Hall of Flowers.
Hall of Flowers is also proudly presenting speakers from their ICONOCLASTS series throughout the weekend. These speakers are luminaries within the industry who are ready to share their expertise from years spent in the cannabis industry. With names like Autumn Shelton and Ben Kriam headlining the list, the Iconoclasts speaker series is arguably worth the price of a ticket on its own.
Hit the beach
If that wasn’t enough, this year’s Hall of Flowers takes place at the stunning Ventura County Fairgrounds, a historic location steps away from world-famous beaches. We know this all sounds a bit too good to be true, but believe it. Hall of Flowers is the opportunity to smoke some of the best weed in the world, in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, with some of the leading minds of the industry. You owe it to yourself and your business to make the trip west.
BLUEPRINT for the future
Courtesy of Hall of Flowers.
While Hall of Flowers is strictly business, it isn’t strictly plant business. This year, Hall of Flowers will be launching their “BLUEPRINT” program, a revolutionary initiative that will connect Californian cannabis brands to dynamic companies in related fields and other states. The team at HoF will authorize a select group of brands in sectors like tech, manufacturing, lighting, and nutrients who are looking to partner with Californian brands. As the industry matures and looks to make growth connections across industries, the BLUEPRINT initiative is an essential opportunity for out-of-state brands to make inroads into the Californian market.
The BLUEPRINT program will also include out-of-state operators looking to bring legendary California cannabis back to their home state. With more top-tier growers and extractors than can be found anywhere else, Hall of Flowers is an unskippable event for those aiming to both sample the best of what the Californian market has to offer and license those brands, possibly in the same afternoon.
The BLUEPRINT program represents a singular opportunity for out-of-state operations to make connections in the Californian market. There simply isn’t another event with a guest list as extensively curated as Hall of Flowers. The California market can be complicated and somewhat exclusive—but the BLUEPRINTBlueprint program allows brand reps to build fruitful relationships in a short amount of time.
Making the most of HoF
Courtesy of Hall of Flowers.
Signing up for a booth at Hall of Flowers can be one of the most important decisions you make for your business, but the journey doesn’t stop there. The Hall of Flower’s team provided some recommendations on how best to make the most out of your business’s time at the tradeshow and make sure your team comes back with more than great memories and killer tans. The tips will help you avoid rookie mistakes and navigate the bustling show floor with poise and precision.
Set goals ahead of time
Hall of Flowers is a cornucopia of opportunities, with rockstar brands and impressive thought leaders everywhere you turn. It’s important to set realistic standards and goals for your business before the big day arrives to keep your team sharp and focused.
Have a schedule every day
There will be thousands of attendees at Hall of Flowers this year, enough to cause a bit of confusion even in a tight ship like HoF. Having a timely schedule for the day can help maximize the time spent in fruitful conversations or sampling incredible products and minimize the time waiting in line and staring at convention floor maps.
Set yourself apart
Brand representatives and investors will be meeting dozens of people per day at Hall of Flowers, so it helps your brand to have something unique to stand out and stick in the minds of decision-makers. This could be an incredible product, eye-catching branding, or something else creative that sets your team ahead of the pack.
Have your materials
Hall of Flowers is attended by folks looking to make deals immediately, not next week, next quarter, or even tomorrow. It pays to have everything you need, from business cards to licensing agreements, readily available, so that when an opportunity knocks, your team is ready.
With these tips in mind, your team will be ready to use Hall of Flowers to take your business to brand-new heights. Don’t wait, click the link below to start filling out your application for a booth —there’s no better opportunity to bring your brand to California or to bring California back to your home state. Our last piece of advice? Don’t forget your sunglasses.
You can read more about Hall of Flowers online at their website. You can also follow them on Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter/X, and Youube to keep up to date with any new announcements and get the jump on the Santa Rosa show later this year.
Who needs new weed shops? We do. Miami gets its first medical dispensary, New Mexico welcomes a massive cannabis superstore, and a Detroit rapper brings legal weed to 8 Mile. Here are the new dispensary openings across America this month.
Got a new shop? Put it on the map. Visit Leafly Success to advertise.
Ponderosa Dispensary— Tucson, AZ. Opened Jan. 18. Firstly, let’s start with the desert. Tuscon just got a little greener thanks to the arrival of Ponderosa Dispensary. Stocking over 20 premiere cannabis brands, Ponderosa aka the Pondy also scores bragging rights for having the largest selection of in-house brands Canamo Concentrates and Sonoran Roots available anywhere in Tucson. Other highlights include friendly, informed budtenders and a “full-sensory” shopping experience. 3008 N. Stone Ave, Tucson.
California
Urbana Oakland— Oakland, CA. Opened Jan. 17. You’ll have to get your order of fries somewhere else as former burger joint Luke’s Taproom has now officially reopened as the latest outpost of Urbana’s chain of NorCal dispensaries. Specifically, the updated digs “preserve the industrial charm of the property while adding modern, welcoming touches” that include consumption lounges and a “vibrant calendar of events that celebrates local art, culture, and education.” 415 W Grand, Oakland.
Florida
Ayr Wellness—Miami, FL. Opened Jan. 10. It took long enough, but Miami’s first medical cannabis dispensary is now finally open. In the works with the City of Miami since 2016, Ayr Wellness has at last opened the chain’s 67th location in the state. Offering a full menu of flower, vape carts, edibles, and more, representatives for Ayr shared their hope to cater to “underserved medical marijuana patients” at their Midtown store, which is located within a shopping district that draws heavy foot traffic. 3160 N. Miami Ave, Miami.
Maryland
The Forest—Baltimore, MD. Opened Jan. 18. Don’t mistake the trees for The Forest because both are welcome additions to the scene in Baltimore. Marking Maryland’s first vertically integrated social equity license to open shop, The Forest is African American and Latina majority-owned and plans to situate their business as a “holistic wellness experience with access to high-quality cannabis products” including concentrates, pre-rolls, and topicals. 3301 Boston St, Baltimore.
Michigan
Fly Shifter Cannabis—Detroit, MI. Opened Jan. 11. Don’t tell Poppa Doc but Detroit’s 8 Mile has a new heavyweight in the form of Fly Shifter Cannabis from homegrown rapper and entrepreneur Lou “Big Shifter” Gram. Perks include a plethora of premium cannabis products, a Shifter’s Only Club providing loyalty rewards, and an ongoing commitment to supporting Detroit’s “local economy and cultural landscape.” 6220 8 Mile Rd, Detroit.
Missouri
CODES—Kansas City, MO. Opened Jan. 18. Comedian and cannabis enthusiast/entrepreneur Jim Belushi was on hand to welcome Kansas City’s newest dispensary to the party. Billed as “one of the fastest-growing brands in Missouri’s cannabis industry,” CODES prides itself on offering premium cannabis products, including exclusive cultivars, edibles, and concentrates, designed to cater to a “broad spectrum of Kansas City’s diverse clientele.” 668 E Red Bridge Rd, Kansas City.
New Jersey
(Courtesy Budzooka)
Budzooka—Elizabeth, NJ. Opened Jan. 29. The proudly Hispanic-owned Budzooka Dispensary has officially opened in the home of a former bank in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Featuring a clean interior flecked with splashes of bright color, Budzooka also offers a “bud bar” where customers can see and smell the various types of cannabis flower available for sale. The shop’s menu also includes an extensive list of vapes, concentrates, edibles, and even a few MSO (multi-state operator) brands like Loud Labs and Nova Farms. 142 Broad St, Elizabeth.
New Mexico
Mango Cannabis—Sunland Park, NM. Opened Jan. 22. If there’s one thing New Mexico was missing, it’s a 9,000-square-foot cannabis superstore. Thankfully, Mango Cannabis has fixed the issue by opening the state’s largest dispensary (to date) last month. Capable of processing 2,000 to 3,0000 order per day, the Sunland Park location is set to carry over 3,000 SKUS (products) that include “the top [hundred] most popular brands in the state.” 1051 McNutt Road, Sunland Park.
New York
Kaya Bliss— Brooklyn, NY. Opened Jan. 9. The new weed shops of New York keep coming. Once a hair salon, the confines of Brooklyn’s Kaya Bliss have a decidedly different vibe these days. Customers visiting Bay Ridge’s first licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary can look forward to walls decorated with murals, comprehensively trained budtenders, and over 400 products from more than 30 brands to choose from. Purchases can be made either at the registers or at conveniently located in-store kiosks. 8412 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn.
The Herb Cave—Plattsburgh, NY. Opened Dec. 27. Northern New York scored a big win with the opening of the first woman-owned, licensed cannabis dispensary in the Plattsburgh region last month. With a menu featuring “a variety of craft cannabis products sourced from smaller farms and micro-businesses throughout New York State,” The Herb Cave prides itself as a “experienced, reliable, established” legacy business here to solve your cannabis needs. 19 State Rte 3, Plattsburgh.
Pennsylvania
Terrapin Care Station—Bellefonte, PA. Opened Jan. 9. One year after Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill ushering in a new era of legal medical cannabis in Pennsylvania, independent medical cannabis grower and processor Terrapin has launched a store in Bellefonte. The site marks the first of three planned locations for Terrapin, including forthcoming stores in Lewisburg (Kelly Township) and Lock Haven (Woodward Township). Dates for the latter two stores remain yet to be announced but are expected soon. 205 Park Place, Bellefonte.
In conclusion—it’s a tremendous time for medical and adult-use cannabis access. Just look at all these new weed shops near you. Did we miss any? Leave a comment with a new one.
Got a new shop? Get it on the map. Visit Leafly Success to advertise.
