20 Trending Strains

These are the cannabis varieties you need to know now.
20 Trending Strains
Cherry Punch is a cross of Cherry AK-47 and Purple Punch F2/ Justin Cannabis

As cannabis breeding evolves, so do the tastes of its consumers. Aside from a few staple strains, you can expect to see a mostly new set of names on the menus of dispensaries and delivery services every year. In fact, you may have noticed the strains you cherished just a couple of years ago are nowhere to be found today. The classics of their time—like Sour Diesel, OG Kush, and Blue Dream—have survived, but they’re not as sought after as they once were. After analyzing data on the strains you searched for, requested and/or contacted us about, we compiled a list of the top 20 varieties that have you talking. These are the top trending strains of the year.

Do-Si-Dos

Do-Si-Dos is another child of the original Cookies strain. It’s a cross of Girl Scout Cookies and Face Off OG. The strain has picked up in popularity since the Archive Seed Bank bred it in 2016. Do-Si-Dos is an indica-dominant hybrid that tastes like its parent Cookies strain with hints of pine and citrus from the Face Off OG lineage.

Cherry Punch

Bred by Symbiotic Genetics before making the rounds into other popular cultivars, Cherry Punch is a cross of Cherry AK-47 and Purple Punch F2. It’s great for an uplifting and fruit-flavored smoke.

Garlic Cookies a.k.a. GMO

Despite having “Cookies” in its name, Garlic Cookies, or GMO, is one of the only strains on this list without a sweet aroma. This strain reeks of garlic and gas. Its presence here is proof that the once-popular loud, gassy strains have not been entirely left in the past. SkunkMasterFlex of Skunkhouse Genetics created the strain with a seed, labeled “Chem D x GSC,” bred by Mamiko Seeds. According to SkunkMasterFlex, the name “GMO” came after the revelation that GMOs were used in the cookies from the Girl Scouts of America. It also hints at how the strain grows as if it were genetically modified.

Apple Fritter

Apple Fritter is a cross between Sour Apple (Sour Diesel x Cinderella 99) and Animal Cookies (GSC x Fire OG) bred by Lumpy Seeds. While it made our list of the Strongest Strains of 2016 and scored high in flavor and aroma with our judges at the 2016 Northern California Cannabis Cup, searches for this strain only began to peak late last year. THC percentages on Apple Fritter reach well over 20 percent, and the strain features a prominent and enjoyable flavor profile.

Biscotti

Biscotti is a cross of Gelato #25 and South Florida OG (a.k.a. Triangle Kush). This strain is one of the many original varieties brought to us by Cookie Family Genetics. Like most strains from the Cookie Fam, Biscotti is an indica-dominant strain. This tasty variety is named after the Italian almond biscuits with the same appellation.

Forbidden Fruit

Forbidden Fruit is a mix of two classic fruit-flavored strains: Tangie, by DNA Genetics, and Cherry Pie, by the Cookie Fam. The smell of musky oranges dominates the aroma of Forbidden Fruit with hints of sweet cherry in the mix. Forbidden Fruit can also be quite visually pleasing. Many batches display more purple coloring than green and contain plenty of frost.

Miracle Alien Cookies (MAC)

Miracle Alien Cookies is the result of several years of breeding from the popular breeder Capulator. He crossed Alien Cookies F2 #7 and Miracle 15. Alien Cookies F2 was bred by JAWS Genetics, and Miracle 15 is a cross between Colombian seeds and the Starfighter strain bred by Alien Genetics. Despite being around for years, searches for the strain are still trending, and people are waiting in line for hours at cannabis events to purchase the latest MAC crosses directly from Capulator.

Ice Cream Cake

Ice Cream Cake is one of the latest dessert-themed strains to gain hype status. There are multiple strains going by this name, but the one generating the most buzz is the Wedding Cake x Gelato #33 cross bred by Seed Junky Genetics. The strain grows a frosty coat of trichomes and has a creamy vanilla aroma and flavor when smoked.

London Pound Cake

London Pound Cake is one of the latest hits from Cookie Family Genetics’ roster of original pastry-themed strains. It is said to be a cross between Nip OG and Cookie Fam’s Sunset Sherbet. The early success of London Pound Cake has already led breeders to cross it with other popular Cookies strains. In fact, a new cross between London Pound Cake and Gelato named Candy Rain is already trending in its own right.

Slurricane

Slurricane is a cross between Do-Si-Dos and Purple Punch bred by In House Genetics. A berry aroma dominates from the Purple Punch lineage with notes of something earthier from the Do-Si-Dos parent. The strain is popular thanks to its high THC levels and fruity flavor.

Mimosa

Mimosa is a sativa-dominant hybrid with one of the tangiest orange flavors you can find in a cannabis plant. The citrus strain would complement brunch better than any alcoholic beverage. Since last year, the child of Clementine and Purple Punch bred by Symbiotic Genetics has been exploding in popularity with famed cultivators like the Jungle Boys bringing it into full production.

Purple Punch

Purple Punch is a delicious cross of Grand-daddy Purple and Larry OG bred by Supernova Gardens. It’s considered by some to be the new Blue Dream. This is in reference to the hype Blue Dream has generated since it rose to prominence nearly half a decade ago. Since 2014, Blue Dream has been one of the best-selling strains in most states with legal marijuana, according to BDS Analytics.

Runtz

Runtz is at the top of all recent strain searches. It’s a cross between Zkittlez and Gelato—two strains that have been trending over the last year or so. Runtz was made popular by rapper and co-owner of the Runtz cannabis brand Yung LB. The strain got its name from the colorful buds and sweet candy-like flavor users have reported. There is a White Runtz phenotype that has also been highly searched for.

Melonade

Melonade has been skyrocketing in popularity since Alien Labs used it to take home the trophy for first place sativa at the last Central Valley Cannabis Cup. The strain was originally bred by Midwest Best before Alien Labs germinated dozens of the Watermelon Zkittlez x Lemon Tree #11 seeds to find a watermelon-dominant phenotype.

Sundae Driver

Sundae Driver is a hit strain bred by Cannarado Genetics, produced by crossing Fruity Pebbles and Grape Pie. The Jungle Boys were one of the first to bring the strain into full production. They settled on Sundae Driver #12 after popping and testing 500 different phenotypes of the strain.

Watermelon Zkittlez

Watermelon Zkittlez is one of several new crosses of the popular Zkittlez strain. The Watermelon variety is a refreshing twist on the already fruit-flavored Zkittlez. The Watermelon cross was bred by Dying Breed Seeds.

Gushers

Gushers was bred by Kush4Breakfast using the Gelato #41 strain, from Cookie Family Genetics, and Triangle Kush, which was bred in Florida. This fruity, flavorful strain packs a surprising punch.

Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake (or Birthday Cake) is a cross of two popular Cookies strains: the original Cookies and Cherry Pie. The Cherry Pie adds sweet and creamy undertones to the earthy floral aroma from the original Cookies parent. The indica-dominant cross, bred by Seed Junky Genetics, won first place indica flower at the last High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam. Now the strain is being crossed to make new flavors that are just as popular.

Smarties

Smarties is another candy-themed original bred by Kush4Breakfast. It was made by crossing Blue City Diesel into the original Cookies strain. Smarties is covered in a blanket of trichomes and, like the candy, it’s multicolored.

Zookies

Zookies was originally bred by Alien Labs and pheno-hunted by Cannaman 707/Golden State Cultivators. This is one of the rare strains with a Z in the name that contains zero Zkittlez in the lineage. The key to understanding the moniker lies in the “Zoo”—its parents are Gorilla Glue #4 and Animal Cookies.

The trending strains of today could be forgotten tomorrow. Fortunately, many classics return in the form of new crosses. In fact, one strain that had a strong influence on this list is the original Cookies (GSC). It plays a part in the lineage of about half of the top 20 trending strains of today. Years ago, gassy strains like OG Kush and Sour Diesel were the most sought after. Today’s cannabis consumers appear to prefer sweeter strains or crosses that blend gas and fruit.


This feature was published in the May, 2019 issue of High Times magazine. Subscribe right here.

Total
550
Shares
14 comments
  1. That Wedding Cake is Wrong… the version you have is , in fact, Birthday Cake.. However, to hold the name Wedding Cake, it needs to be the offspring of a TriangleKush mom, and an AnimalMints male. It was given the name Wedding Cake for the frosty Vanilla look.

  2. Seed junky j beezy said himself weeding cake is “triangle mints f3”, a phenotype of animal mints that became its own strain. It is triangle Kush x animal mints.

  3. What a bunch of pussy strains. I mean what is it with these fruit, cake, and candy strains?

  4. I think it’s the flavored nicotine ejuice in the vapes that’s making people want the fruity and candy flavors in their cannabis. I ended up using tobacco flavor in my vape and I’m having trouble finding me some Sour D!

  5. Kingpen Gelato Vape Cartridge

    kingpen Gelato vape cartridge is a hybrid crossed from taste-engineered parents Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and fruity indica Sunset Sherbert. With a balanced, mellow high and a universally appealing flavor profile, this is a great strain for social use. San Francisco creators Cookie Fam Genetics have released multiple numbered phenotypes of Gelato – phenotype #33 has picked up the nickname Larry Bird in reference to the legendary player’s jersey number. This strain has an indica-leaning high and carries a THC composition that ranges from 20% to 25%
    http://trustvapesolutions.com

  6. Future East Coast Edible Baker on the Rise,
    Had a question. Have you heard of Italian Fritter its apparently the spawn of Apple Fritter and Italian Ice ?
    Cant find specs on it anywhere and I got my hands on some in which i cant wait to make into butter.
    Any info on this strain would be appreciated.

  7. firegunsshop.com
    firegunsshop.com
    firegunsshop.com

    we do have very affordable guns going out real stop by to purchase from us without any license and we do door to door services and our guns comes with accesories very easy to use cause we have a safety manual and tips how to use a gun for new customers and we mostly accept payment via bitcoin

    firegunsshop.com

    glock 19
    glock 17
    glock 45
    glock 26
    glock 40
    glock 43
    glock 9
    glock 23
    glock accessories
    glock airsoft
    glock armorer
    glock apparel
    glock attachment
    glock and balls
    glock armorer school
    glock austria
    a glock 9
    a glock 40
    a glock gun
    a glockenspiel
    a glock 22
    a glock 18
    a glock with a drum
    glock bb gun
    glock blue label
    glock backpack
    glock box
    glock base plate
    glock bullets
    glock bb gun with drum
    glock beanie
    b glockner portsmouth ohio
    glock b&t chassis
    glock b&t stock
    b&t glock usw-g17
    b&t glock usw-g17/20 rh holster

    glock x grip adapter
    glock x ray
    glock x 43 review
    glock x 43 mos
    glock x 19 military
    glock yba
    glock youtube channel
    glock yeti
    glock year of manufacture
    glock you
    glock yellow
    glock year started
    glock young dolph
    key glock
    key glock net worth
    key glock age
    key glock yellow tape 2
    key glock height
    key glock cars
    key glock young dolph
    key glock twitter
    glock zippo
    glock zippo lighter
    glock zev frame
    glock zip up hoodie
    glock zev tech tarkov
    glock zev magwell
    glock zoraki
    glock zombie green
    dayz glock
    jon z glock
    19 z glock
    glock z tłumikiem
    glock z kolimatorem
    glock z gwintem
    glock z tektury
    spur z glockenankermotor
    glock 007
    glock 07
    glock 03374 disassembly takedown tool
    glock 00322
    glock 01034
    glock 0.40 caliber
    glock 0 mag extension
    romeo 0 glock 43
    romeo 0 glock 48
    condition 0 glock
    80 0/0 glock
    glock2. 0
    softair glock 0 5 joule
    airsoft glock 0 5
    1 glock lane lakeland ga
    1 glock 19x
    glock 1/3 co witness sights
    glock 1 pistol range bag
    glock 1-16
    glock 1-40
    glock 1 shot headshot
    glock 22
    glock 27
    glock 20
    glock 21
    glock 25
    glock 29
    2 glocks
    2 glocks named bonnie and clyde
    2 glocks no 22gz
    2 glocks no socks
    2 glocks lyrics 30 glizzy
    2 glock 9s
    2 glock 40s 80 problems
    2 glocks bone thugs
    glock 30
    glock 38
    glock 34
    glock 36
    glock 380
    glock 32
    glock 33
    glock 35
    3 glocken
    3 glocken center
    3 glocken center weinheim
    3 glocken case
    3 glocken center testzentrum
    3 glocken spiralen
    3 glock safeties
    3 glocken testzentrum
    glock 43x
    glock 42
    glock 44
    glock 47
    glock 48
    glock 58
    glock 53
    glock 51
    glock 50 round drum promag
    glock 5.7×28
    5 glocken resident evil
    glock 5 inch barrel
    glock 5 gen review
    glock 17 gen 5
    gen 5 glock 19 magwell
    glock 69
    glock 63
    glock 66
    glock 6 inch barrel
    glock 68
    glock 600
    glock 6lb striker spring
    glock 6lb trigger spring
    6 glock baby
    6 glock barrel
    6 glock baby clean
    6 glock 21 barrel
    6 glock 20 barrel
    6 glock baby lyrics
    6 glock lyrics
    6 glock lil loaded
    glock 72
    glock 73
    glock 78 vs 81
    glock 78 knife review
    glock 80 frame
    glock 81
    glock 86
    glock 89
    glock 84
    glock 82
    glock 86 fallout 4
    glock 8794
    8 glock barrel
    8 glockenspiel breakpoint
    glock 8 lb connector
    glock 8 inch barrel
    glock 8 pound connector
    glock 8 lb trigger spring
    glock 8 rounds
    tlr 8 glock 17
    glock 9 rapper
    glock 9 gen 5
    glock 90
    glock 9ine
    gloc 9 songs
    glock 9 song
    glock 9mm 24 round magazine
    glock 9mm clips
    9 glock pink
    9 glock 10mm barrel
    9 glock rapper
    9 glock prop gun
    9 glock magazines
    9 glock clip

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts
Dry Farming
Read More

Dry Farming in Humboldt

A small region along the Eel River in Humboldt County allows cultivators to grow cannabis without ever watering their plants.
Terpenes
Read More

Growing for Terpenes

Increasing terpene production can result in a more flavorful, enjoyable smoke.
Cultivation
Read More

Chadivation or Cultivation?

The cult of great cannabis and why legacy cultivators will always produce better weed than big business.
Mariposa
Read More

Predictive Plant Analysis

Developers at Texas A&M University and Mariposa Technology tackle THC levels and plant sexing.
Total
550
Share