We live in a golden age of cannabis cultivation, an era in which acclaimed strains are plentiful, and new ones are constantly making their debut. So, when it comes to the best weed strains, the list is long and diverse. 

In this guide, Marijuana Marketing Xperts shares the top weed strains that consumers and industry leaders have been celebrating this year – and the ones we expect to become long-term dispensary staples.

Most Popular Weed Strains 2022

The following 11 strains are the best-sellers and award-winners of 2022, leading the pack as some of the top-trending options at dispensaries across America. You might recognize some of your longtime favorites, and you’ll definitely find a few new ones to try. 

Double OG Chem

Double OG Chem is a strain that pays homage to some of the greats of the late 90s, created through a genius combination of OG Kush, Chemdog, and Sour Diesel. Cultivated by Rebel Grown Seeds of Humboldt County, the seeds can now be found in a broad range of operations throughout the U.S. – and the flower is in countless dispensaries.

The Double OG Chem strain claimed victory at the Emerald Cup Awards of 2022. Thanks to its impressively potent THC levels, higher-than-average terpene profile content, and fresh flavor full of mint, pine, and hints of lemon. Effects of Double OG Chem are powerfully relaxing, with a pleasant combination of giggles and a hearty appetite. 

Animal Face

After emerging on the scene in late 2021, Animal Face took the cannabis community by storm. The cross of Animal Mints and Face-Off OG is a creation of Fig Farms and a winner at the Emerald Cup 2022. Animal Face also earned the coveted Leafly Strain of 420 (2022).

Clocking in at over 20% THC, this rare sativa-dominant hybrid delivers an all-encompassing mind and body high. Its flavor and aroma profiles blend pine, and cookie notes, making for a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

Dream Cake

Dream Cake has consistently been among the top trending weed strains of the year, drawing tons of attention for its inviting appearance and aroma. Dream Cake fans call it a new and exciting take on Wedding Cake and Ice Cream Cake, and California-based cultivator Foxy Cannabis gets to take all the credit.

The hybrid is a cross of Wedding Cake and Sunset Sherbert, grown and harvested in small batches. The icy sparkle of the bud will catch your eye, and the delicious flavor fulfills all expectations. 

Zoap

Zoap is one of several Zkittlez crosses born in 2022, and it quickly earned a reputation as the best of the best. It combines two impressive OZ Kush breeding projects from Deo Farms, Pink Guava (#16, F2) and Rainbow Sherbert (V2). 

Known for their highly secretive (but incredibly innovative) style, Deo Farms first dove into OZ Kush (Zkittlez x OG Eddy Lepp) to develop their Pink Guava strain, then mixed in Sunset Sherbert to produce a Rainbow Sherbert. From there, a thoughtful combination led to the birth of Zoap. 

This award-winning hybrid strain is said to be a powerhouse of beautifully balanced effects, with consumers reporting delightful relaxation and giggliness. For medical marijuana patients, Zoap has become a popular choice for chronic pain, nausea, depression, and stress.

Pearadise 

Team Elite Genetics’ Pearadise strain is a frontrunner for the High Times Cannabis Cup SoCal People’s Choice award of 2022, setting itself apart in the sativa category. A cross between Peach Oz and Kosher Kush, Pearadise is fittingly named for its fresh, pear-fuel aroma.

Providing hybrid sativa effects that are perfect for daytime, Pearadise is a popular complement for outdoor recreation and social activities.

Apple Tartz

Apple Tartz’s genetic lineage commands respect, harkening from a combination of the hugely popular Apple Fritter and Runtz strains. Both parent strains are counted among the top 20 in the nation, and Runtz took home the award for Leafly’s Strain of the Year in 2020. Particularly if you’ve enjoyed one or both of the parent strains, Apple Tartz is a spinoff you won’t want to miss.

Developed by the team behind Clearwater Genetics, this THC-rich hybrid walks the fine line between sweet and tart. It’s a solid option for a relaxing afternoon or evening, whether hanging out with friends or flying solo.

Red Bullz

For anyone that appreciates Runtz strains, Red Bullz is a must-try. Bred from a combination of White Runtz and Grape Gas, Red Bullz has a signature smell reminiscent of grape candy with hints of spice, fuel-like, and tropical flavor. 

This strain is part of a series that recently launched the Compound flower brand, making for a strong start for the California-based breeder Compound Genetics. Its effects are what you would expect from an intensely high-THC hybrid, setting you up for an enjoyable experience you’ll want to repeat.

Georgia Pie

Bringing home gold in 2022’s Oregon Leaf Bowl, Georgia Pie is a tasty blend of Gellati and Kush Mints. As the name suggests, this strain serves a generous slice of fruit flavors, complemented wonderfully well by an aroma of freshly-baked bread. 

Most Georgia Pie lovers say that smoking this strain is the way to go, especially if you want to get the full effect of its sweet peach flavor. Its THC levels hover around the 24% mark, so it’s a good match for individuals with a high THC tolerance. 

BernieHana Butter

You’re probably familiar with the terpene aromas of floral, fuel, and berry, but BernieHana Butter brings something different. With an irresistible combination of butter and dough, this GSC family cross (Jet Fuel Gelato x Guava crossed with Blue Cookies x Oreoz) is pleasantly unique. 

Its calming body high has been praised by iconic rap and weed mogul Berner, who considers BernieHana Butter one of the ultimate strains to banish negative energy.

Purple Octane

For anyone that’s exclusively loyal to purple weed, Purple Octane is a no-brainer. Produced by Seed Junky Genetics, Purple Octane has a genetic profile overrun with GSC genes. This translates into an aroma that interweaves gas, grape, and cookie elements and a next-level THC potency.

Purple Octane’s attention-grabbing hue guarantees that it will stand out on any dispensary shelf – but its fabulous effects follow through. 

Y2K

We kicked off our list with a throwback-style strain, so it’s only fitting that we close out with one.

Y2K is a nod to old-school San Francisco indicas, dreamed up by Ted Lidie from Alien Labs. They took their signature cross of Disodos x Gelato #41 and combined it with the classic purple strain (Purple Urkle S1), achieving an outstanding balance of a grape-infused terpene profile and indica power.

Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest Cannabis Trends

In terms of top weed strains, 2022 definitely delivered. And when you consider the innovative spirit of the cannabis industry as a whole, the future looks bright – and business is blooming. 

Whether you’re a cannabusiness owner or just someone who likes staying informed, MMX is your go-to source for industry news, trends, and more.

With years of experience as a specialized marketing agency for dispensaries, cannabis brands, and other marijuana professionals, we constantly have a finger on the pulse of the flourishing weed industry. And if you need a skilled team of professionals for cannabis marketing, social media marketing, branding, and related services, we have you covered there as well.

Connect with our MMX team today for more information about what Marijuana Marketing Xperts can do for you!

 

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