Every year we like to look back and recognize the rising stars of the cannabis world. Last year, Original Glue, Critical Kush, Candyland, and ACDC were among the fastest trending strains according to Leafly user strain reviews, but which strains stood out from the crowd this year?
To eliminate outliers that might skew the results, we restricted our search to the top 200 ranking strains of 2016. These strains tend to be more available nationwide, and we hope you’re able to find them in your area!
Budtenders and inventory managers—are these trending strains on your menu? If not, consider keeping an eye out for them. Because in 2016, they were flying off the shelves fast.
#10. Blue Cookies
We all know that customers swarm around anything containing the word “Cookies,” thanks to the GSC hype. But what makes Blue Cookies stand out from the many, many other Cookie crosses? The addition of Blueberry genetics, of course.
#9. Birthday Cake Kush
Another decadent Cookie cross, Birthday Cake Kush also pulls in genetics from Cherry Pie to achieve a dessert-like taste that’s not altogether unlike cake itself. It may not be your birthday, but the luxurious and relaxing qualities of this potent hybrid are certainly something to celebrate.
#8. Sour Tangie
The citrus-loaded strain Tangie can’t possibly be improved. Or can it? DNA Genetics has done it again, spinning their Tangie masterpiece with the help of East Coast Sour Diesel genetics. Sour Tangie improves the fuel-like taste of Sour Diesel without compromising Sour D’s high-flying creative effects, making this one a must-have for flavor enthusiasts and artists alike.
#7. Purple Candy
Purple Candy blossomed in British Columbia, Canada. Believed to be a cross between BC Sweet Tooth and Mendocino Purps, it’s as sticky and sweet as grape hard candy. But you won’t feel a sugar rush with this strain; instead, expect the heavy-hitter to prime you for bedtime or a solid nap.
#6. Quantum Kush
Quantum Kush tipped the charts in 2016 as one of the fastest trending sativa strains. While some strains bring on the buzz with a bit too much gusto, resulting in anxiety and paranoia, Quantum Kush manages to deliver creative, talkative, giggly qualities without what we like to call “The Fear.”
#5. God’s Green Crack
Who knew the not-so holy union of God Bud and Green Crack would result in something so heavenly? God Bud is known for producing mammoth yields of gargantuan buds, but the effects are a little heavy-handed for some. God’s Green Crack, a cross of the two, focuses all of its effort on elevating the mind to a place where laughing fits are inevitable.
#4. Gelato
A new generation of GSC has arrived, and its name is Gelato. From the same breeders that delivered fan favorites Sunset Sherbet and GSC, Cookie Fam Genetics from Bay Area, California isn’t finished with their royal line quite yet. Gelato, a descendent of Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint GSC, blooms in bright colors that are almost as inviting as its tantalizing dessert-like aroma.
#3. Grape Stomper
Grape Stomper isn’t a new strain, but a jump in Leafly reviews will show that not all good things are sparkly and new. Strong genetics inherited from Purple Elephant and Chemdog Sour Diesel equip this strain with the full package: flavor, potency, and consistency. Relaxing without encumbering social skills, the balanced Grape Stomper is an excellent choice for so many different activities. No wonder its popularity isn’t waning.
#2. Nuken
Nuken is also an older strain making a comeback. Originally found in Canada, it’s since proliferated throughout the Pacific Northwest to states like Washington and Oregon. Herbal and sweet in flavor, Nuken cradles you in a blanket of dreamy euphoria where your thoughts can float upward to bliss.
#1. Superglue
Last year, the top trending strain was Original Glue. This year it’s Superglue, which surprisingly bears no family ties to last year’s champ. A cross between Northern Lights and Afghani, Superglue develops a thick coat of sticky resin that will quite literally glue your fingers together. Though its parentage may lead you to believe Superglue will be a knockout, this strain is bred to deliver more light-footed effects. In fact, Leafly users have described this strain as focusing and creative while simultaneously relaxing the body.
