Listen up, high-tolerance flavor-chasers who need that lip-smacking goodness that only modern exotics can deliver.
After another stressful sprint to Turkey Day, we all deserve some euphoric, indelible tastes to smoke and share.
Leafly’s monthly fire flower roundup for November includes flavors like Connected’s Cherry Fade, The Otherside’s new Sunrise Papaya, Cipher Genetics’ Chikitaz, and Candy Fumez grown by Greendawg.
As always, we tirelessly traveled up and down the Pacific coast, visiting contests, grows, pheno hunts, art openings, and stores. We scoured strain search trends and menus across the Western US—the world’s cannabis innovation epicenter—to distill this list of cheat codes to the best bong loads of November 2023.
It’s a hard job, but someone’s gotta do it. #NoDaysOff. So here’s November 2023’s Leafly Buzz, another installment in our influential, three-years-running series of strain reports.
Data grinder
Highlights from monthly changes in traffic on the West Coast among our 5,000-strain database (Sasha Beck/Leafly)
Super Boof
⬆ 23%
The ironically named Super Boof. Boof is slang for low-grade. Grown by Triple 7, CA. Hybrid. (David Downs/Leafly)
The Trop Cookies x Cherry Punch project from breeder Blockhead heads into the holidays with crazy momentum on the West Coast. Super Boof boosted up 23% month over month in views to its Strain Detail Page, capping an extraordinary year for the strain. Superboof makes for a great wake and bake weed, with hints of old-school Tangie, just with more body and dankness in gargantuan nugs. Hit the Superboof before Danksgiving to make annoying relatives more tolerable and amp up hunger for seconds.
Bag it up
How to order weed delivery online with Leafly
Jealousy
⬆ 3.5%
(Courtesy The Minntz)
Leafly Strain of the Year 2023 Jealousy nudges up 3.5% in traffic this month, capping an epic year that saw the elite Gelato project double its presence in stores nationally. Jealousy has risen to become the 24th most viewed strain in the database, up from 98th place this time last year. The creamy, berry, fuel-tasting strain has become the 48th most-ordered strain on Leafly, up from No. 339 in orders last year, and Jealousy took home at least four cannabis contest awards in 2023. Over 2,000 stores nationally now carry the LA-developed strain, showing how a wave of Jealousy washed over the US this year.
Sundae Driver
⬇ 15%
Sundae Driver grown by Ember Valley. (David Downs, Leafly file photo)
Breeder Cannarado’s cross of FPOG x Grape Pie shows its age with Sundae Driver getting into a bit of a fender bender and dropping 15% in monthly views. Smelling of grape, vanilla, and berry, with giggly happy, and relaxed effects—Sundae Driver will always work for cruising. But we’re seeing newer iterations of it like Devil Driver take the lead.
Super Silver Haze
⬆ 7.7%
The highly sativa Super Silver Haze. (Leafly)
Give up for classic Super Silver Haze, up 7.7% in views to the Strain Detail Page on the West Coast this month. This energetic sativa from the ‘90s pairs with that pre-Thanksgiving hike or run, with a spicy citrus skunky smell. Farmers grow Super Silver Haze as a commodity crop, with eighth-ounces going for just $15, leaving you some change in your pocket for our gift guide.
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New in the Leafly strain database
Fresh tree deep into ’23.(Sasha Beck/Leafly)
Candy Fumez
Oooh, wee—watch out for this Bloom Seed Co sweet, pungent hybrid uniting the tropical Z strain with the fuel and creamy berry of Sherbanger. A Candy Fumez from California growers Greendawg won ‘Best of the Rest’ at the Transbay Challenge V statewide Finals in LA in October. But honestly, it could have won the entire event. Bloom Seed Co worked with Boston Roots to improve the Z genetics with Sherbanger’s banging shape, size, density, and bling. Watch out for it in flower, and even more pungent extract.
Compound Genetics’ foundational member Chris Lynch has evolved into his new label Cipher Genetics. The first to the session? Chikitaz—his cross of Banana Runtz to Gelato 41 and Z. You can see Chris not exactly playing it safe, but ensuring there’s money in the bank by working with these three top flavors. Seed packs go for $250 for 12 feminized seeds. San Francisco brand Sense hunts a keeper this fall—looking for that perfect, ephemeral twist of Tropical Banana on top of the best-selling Runtz. Just like a Hollywood blockbuster sequel—strain producers seek “the same but different” and Chikitaz promises to put up big numbers.
Pinnacle
There’s an old Pinnacle in the Leafly strain database comprised of aging strains Blue Dream and Hindu Kush. Set that aside. The new Pinnacle that everyone grew this fall comes from Oakland clone kings Purple City Genetics. PCG put together two bangers—Slurty 3 and Gush Mints—for a monster yielder that turns purple and tests over 28% so growers can stay in business. Gush Mints bring the polite minty note. Slurty 3 pairs Slurricane (Dosidos x Purple Punch) with Gelato #33. That’s a super-group of alleles chained together for a peak performance genetic. Look for bargains on outdoor and light-dep Pinnacle amid the flood of harvest season bud.
Tigerz Eye
San Francisco-based Compound Genetics keeps on rocking with Tigerz Eye, a cross of Jokerz 31 x GastroPop. That brings together two of Compound’s marquee strains Jokerz and GastroPop. The result? Ferocious THC power in an attractive, large purple, icy nug. It’s an indica-dominant hybrid designed for growers to get paid with notes of Gelato, figs, grapes, and floral fuel. Smoke this one after dessert to get heavy-lidded and watch reruns of “Elf.”
Picks of the dispensaries
(Sasha Beck/Leafly)
New on shelves
Sunrise Papaya by The Otherside
The new California premium brand The Otherside launches in more than 20 stores this fall with three flavors including the delicious Sunrise Papaya—a cross of Papaya and Lemon Cherry Gelato. This bag went fastest at my house. You get warm tropical fruit smells with a petrol undertone when you crack the bag. Grinding up and smoking yields soft ripe papaya, mixed with bright, citrus notes. The effect hits active, alert, and uplifting. LA-based The Otherside grows it in 50 to 60-pound batches, which means plenty to go around this winter. Also, 20% off all The Otherside ganja on Green Wednesday.
Burning up the charts
Red Eye by Seed Junky Genetics
LA’s Seed Junky Genetics have had a banger year with Red Eye, their cross of Permanent Marker to Lemon Cherry Gelato. There’s no world in which this bag does not stink up your pocket or backpack. Permanent Marker made an indelible impression on lovers of purple weed with a confection and fuel nose. Lemon Cherry Gelato dominated menus nationwide this year. The bag design looks dope, and the nugs look big, dark, and icy with the Permanent Marker making the LCG more dense and pungent. This indica-hybrid will sit you down and can help you get to sleep on that red eye, or at least blunt the pain of taking a red-eye flight.
Best-sellers
Ballin out
Cherry Fade by Connected
Cherry Fade from Connected is one of those special cultivars that truly knocks you on your ass. It dropped in late summer of 2023, a welcomed addition to the Fall lineup of flavors from Sacramento-based Connected. The hybrid gets its unique genetics from Red Pop crossed with Apples & Bananas #20. The cultivar was a stand-out from the Connected/Alien Labs 2023 pheno hunt, chosen by the Connected team before Ted could grab it, the Alien Labs founder told me in an interview earlier this year. It’s coveted by consumers for its densely packed purple, dark green, and orange nugs. The decadent, earthy, and fruit-forward strain impresses with a cherry cough syrup-like sweetness that coats the mouth and a rich, pungent nose. Don’t sleep on Cherry Fade.—Lindsey Bartlett
Ballin’ on a budget
Holy Moly! Smalls by Fig Farms
Size matters not in the Force—nor in tasty, strong weed. Save money this month by shopping at your local stores for “smalls”—the industry name for smaller-sized nugs that look cute, have a great personality, and get the job done on a budget. The thing about smalls in 2023—they’re not small at all. An industry race for size has made anything that’s not a massive 3.5-gram nug eligible for the ‘smalls’ category. The more for us. Holy Moly! consists of award-winning Fig Farms’ unique mix of Banana Fig x Animal Mints with a banana front note and Mexican mole finish and intense, psychedelic effects.
High Note
We end with something fuerte. (Sasha Beck/Leafly)
Nobra Venom infused rosin pre-roll by CLSICS
Rosin rolls are pre-made marijuana cigarettes fortified with extra potency and flavor from a type of hash. If you want to level the smokers back home, break out one from California leaders CLSICS.
On Nov. 16 in West Hollywood, San Diego rosin brand CLSICS and St. Helena, CA. artist Porous Walker released a comical new collaboration—the most-high “Nobra Venom” rosin-infused pre-roll. That’s a 2-gram flower joint infused with a half-gram of pure extract made using only heat, and pressure.
CLSICS boss Matt Traut told me the roll contains a combination that’s half the hype strain Cadillac Rainbow (Pure Michigan x Runtz) and half a secret flavor, selected by artist Porous Walker. Walker also did the artwork, showing off his playful, ribald, yet controlled and minimal ink, colored pencil, and paper style. We do not recommend trying to interact with relatives on this High Note selection.
And that’s a wrap for Leafly Buzz November. See you next month for Leafly Strain of the Year 2023 on Dec. 5, with runner’s up and more end-of-year fuego.
About Leafly Buzz
So good they steal it—the popular, monthly strain review roundup Leafly Buzz is in its third year. We report independently on the connoisseur cannabis conversation, focusing on strains and branded flower of the US West. Reporting includes:
How people consume marijuana is changing, maybe you should consider mixing it up.
The classic stoner look is fading and the face of those who consume has changed. Even 10 years ago, the concept of someone using weed was a joint, bong or bowl, but consumer trends have dramatically changed. No longer is smoking the 50%+ way people get high, and it tends to be the 50+ aged crowd who does do it. No, vaping is hot on the heels and gummies command a huge market. According to BDSA, an analytic company covering cannabis, of the people who consumer 49% have used a gummy and 45% have used a vape.
Vape technology has changed and it is become a go-to discreet cannabis consumption method. For modern users, it easy to take to family events, hiking and more…and it has moved away from the d-bag image and more people use them. Here is how to vape using a pen correctly.
First check the charge. If you’re using a pen with a separate cartridge, make sure the battery is charged and turned on. Make sure the cartridge is tightly connected to the battery. Then set the temperature if possible. Some rechargeable batteries allow temperature control, so set the temperature as desired.
For the big moment inhale. Press the button and inhale, or simply inhale if the device has no buttons. Inhale low and slow to pace yourself and maximize cannabinoid intake. This also ensures you don’t overheat the cannabis oil and damage the concentrate.
Photo by Samantha Hurley via Burst
When smoking weed, the paper goes through a combustion process that creates smoke and toxins associated with cancer and other illnesses. Vape pens heat the marijuana and create a vapor, which can still have an odor, but is much less thick and invasive than smoke. Vape pen vapor usually doesn’t cling to clothes and fabrics, and can be quickly dispersed in a room within minutes.
A lot of people argue that vaping is healthier than smoking flower, primarily because you eliminate the combustion and smoke, which are the most harmful aspects associated with marijuana.
Still, there are some risks associated with vape pens, particularly with the chemicals that are in the devices — the side effects of which remain unknown and largely unresearched. It’s also important to purchase products from trusted sources, especially due to the strange vaping illness that appeared last year that affected hundreds of people.
While vaping marijuana is still vaping marijuana, the highs vape pens produce are slightly different than the ones you’d get from a joint. If you’re not used to vaping, be sure to start off slow and to expect a stronger reaction. Vape pens usually pack a stronger hit than joints, especially if the cannabis comes from a concentrate.
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
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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.
Cookies has done it again with 2090 Shit. As soon as you open the package, a powerful, pungent, gassy aroma fills the air; the smell is outrageously spectacular. The elegant buds—a cross of Snowman and Y Life—are a wonderful exotic green with orange hairs flooding all over them.
When I lit up, my first taste was very earthy and gassy with hints of lemon. The high is awesome: A very focus-driven feeling with some quality pressure behind the eyes. The body high is a creeper, but when it grabs you it’s like a new girlfriend, and she squeezes you tight; a full-body relaxation that is very soothing.
90-94 Outstanding: a cannabis product of superior character and style
85-89 Very good: a weed with special qualities
80-84 Good: a solid, well-made weed
75-79 Mediocre: a smokeable weed that may have minor flaws
50-74 Not recommended
How we rate
Dried, cured, packaged, and sold buds, reviewed from bag in tastings, are given a single score. We focus on aroma, taste, effect, look, pedigree, cultivation method, and more. Special Designations Our editors focus on excellent, widely available ganja at a reasonable price. Special qualities include:
Top-shelf: It ain’t cheap, or necessarily plentiful, but it’s really good. Welcome to the top shelf. Smart Buys: Fine, affordable, broadly available pot.
Leafly News cannabis ratings and ethics
Leafly News aims to retain and expand its expertise, authority, and trust.
Expertise is built through years of reviews, interviews with growers, visits to weed regions, and accumulated knowledge about cannabis horticulture, flavors, history, and culture. Leafly News’ editors and freelancers have a combined 50 years of experience with cannabis. We aim to be accurate and independent, with policies including:
Actual tastings—If we didn’t smoke it, we’re not reviewing it. At Leafly Ratings, all ratings come from multiple tastings.
Independence—Leafly expert reviewers are paid by Leafly and are independent. We accept review samples with no promise of coverage. Leafly rating staff cannot accept bribes. We generally pay our own expenses and report on what the readers want to see.
