In addition to harvesting massive amounts of outdoor cannabis, growers also use the season to showcase their genetic diversity. In addition to selecting strains from the unique genetics already in existence, we also cross different genetic varieties of cannabis to create new phenotypes. Film-makers must often balance the goal of creating an original film with one that will be a blockbuster.
“A lot of growers are trying to do what everyone else does,” said Kym Kemp, the cannabis industry expert in Humboldt County, CA.“They need a name that people will recognize quickly and easily, so they’re trying to pick something like Gorilla Glue or Gelato. Those are names that will undoubtedly be popular, no matter where you find them.
Direct from the farmers to your eyes, here are the top cannabis strains of the 2018 harvest season.
Purple Punch
Emerging as one of the best indica-dominant hybrids in recent years, Purple Punch live delivers on its name by crossing two classic strains—Larry OG and Grand Daddy Purple. The buds are heavily frosted with trichomes and emit a potent fruity candy aroma. Its heavy leafy berry finish and sedating effect make it a great choice for ailments such as nausea or depression. One of the most notable characteristics of Purple Punch is its resistance to mites, as well as a high yield.
Stephen Dillon, the founder of True Humboldt in Humboldt County CA said this year’s run is “just sparkly and beautiful. People think it’s indoor all day long.”
Sunset Sherbert
The ever-popular Girl Scout Cookies strain, combined with the heavy-hitting indica Pink Panties make up the genetics behind Sunset Sherbert—a full-bodied indica-dominant hybrid identified by its sweetly inviting smell and dense, resinous buds. This strain is quick to flower and makes up for a moderate amount of difficulty in outdoor cultivation. It should bloom with oranges and purples, just like a good Sherbert.
Zkittlez
For those who seek stress-relieving healing, Zkittlez is an indica-based hybrid known for its tropical fruit flavor and uplifting effects. The cross between Grape Ape and Grapefruit is an outdoor strain, resistant to mold and mildew, best grown with lots of sunlight.
Out in the greenhouses of Salinas, CA., the Weed Brand and Paradiso farms cure new cuts of Zkittlez crosses from award-winning breeders Terp Hogz.
Christina DiPaci, CEO of Cherry Zkittlez, OranZina, and Zmoothie says “Super icy Chunky. And smells amazing is the holy trinity that growers ask for when they look at a piece of fruit.”
Forbidden Fruit
You won’t send humanity into eternal damnation by indulging in this Forbidden Fruit. Instead, you’ll feel a burst of euphoric relaxation strong enough to melt away inflammation and the symptoms of stress. The terpene-heavy cross between Cherry Pie and Tangie is lightweight to grow in moderate conditions, but with high resistance against pests and crop-related diseases.
Flowerdaze Farms in the Trinity County of California crossbred a prohibited fruit with its purple cotton candy from Hyampom. It’s called Rose Lemonade, and grower Jacob Johnson said it “smelled like a drink. It’s this all-purple leafed flower with an amazing rose lemonade scent.
(Destined for Solful in Sebastopol, Barbary Coast in San Francisco, and People’s OC in Orange County).
Do-Si-Dos
Yet another child of Girl Scout Cookies genetics, Do Si Do is also parented by the strong indica Face-Off OG to provide a relaxing high with just enough energy to keep creative. With a simple and easy-to-grow process, Do Si Dos plants are bountiful in their yields. Aroma and color can be indicative of the best crops with deep purple flowers and an abundant amount of trichomes. Over the past year, we’ve been seeing Do-Si-Dos with a variety of flavors. Not only have they tasted delicious but they are named after those who made them popular.
Original Glue (Gorilla Glue, GG#4)
Gorilla Glue #4 is one of the world’s most popular glues, and like muscle cars or Coca-Cola, it’s a classic. This hybrid strain named Compromise is made from Sour D, Chem S, and Chocolate Diesel. Keep scissors sharp. These thick, aromatics colas flourish in warm and sunny environments to create remarkably sticky buds that will test the strength of your trimmers. Expect a year-long Glue-like effect.
Key Lime Pie
This lip-smacking phenotypic proves yet again that Girl Scout Cookies proves a bedrock of solid cannabis genetics. Sufferers of chronic pain and insomnia will benefit from the heady mixture of lime and mint, which can make for a refreshing alternative to chemical cues. Key Limes, the main ingredient for Key Lime Pie, are difficult to grow and typically require a lot of experience. Look out for key lime crosses this year and check the underside of your leaves to see if they are yellowing. Flowerdaze Farms in Trinity County created a Lime Candy this year, crossing Key Lime Pie with their heirloom purple Hyampom cotton candy.
Blue Dream
One of the most popular hybrid cannabis strains, Blue Dream is a must-try for newcomers and experts alike. It is a combination of the flavors Purple Haze and Blueberry. Blue Dream is not new for 2018, it has been one of the more popular strains of marijuana among California residents since many years ago. Blue Dreams, a brand new marijuana strain, has quickly become one of the most popular cannabis strains recreationally across the country. The buds are a mix of dark green and pastel green. It is half Sativa and half indica, best consumed in the evening when you are about to retire for bed. However, it should be consumed during the day, but minimally.
Wedding Cake
This year, Wedding Cake has grown more popular than ever; representing 35% of all mentions in 2018. Wedding Cake is a potent cross between GSC and Cherry Pie that combines the sweet doughy flavors of GSC with some light fruity notes.
Originally dubbed Pink Cookies about its home state of Colorado and a dessert quality, this marijuana strain has a spicy-sweet taste.
From San Diego to Seattle, the entire West Coast is celebrating the union of cookies and cherry pie. Wedding Cake has even sparked acclaim within the thriving cannabis community of Michigan.
