Strains & products

The top 10 cannabis strains in California

Published on October 11, 2019 · Last updated September 30, 2022
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Bailey Rahn and Dante Jordan contributed to this article.

Home to the famous Humboldt County, California is damn near synonymous with high quality cannabis. It’s blessed us with many legendary cannabis strains like OG Kush, Gelato, and Sherbert. With so many famous genetics coming out of the region, California is a great market to watch for potential trends—so we scoped out search interest on Leafly to see which strains are most popular in the Golden State.

1. Blue Dream

blue dream cannabis strain

This hybrid tops the charts in every major market, California included. Even in the state where OG Kush is expected to reign supreme, it would appear that Blue Dream still maintains a stranglehold. Leafly reviewers rant and rave over this uplifting berry-flavored hybrid, but do you think Blue Dream’s quality justifies its notoriety?

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2. Gelato

Gelato cannabis strain

Gelato is a cross of Sherbert and Thin Mint GSC. Being a California-bred strain from the Cookie Fam, it makes sense that it would be among the most commonly searched strains. Gelato blesses high-tolerance consumers with blissful, soaring euphoria—meanwhile novice consumers might find an early night’s sleep in this knockout strain.

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3. Purple Punch

purple punch cannabis strain

Purple Punch, a cross between Larry OG and Granddaddy Purple, pushes out earthy flavors with a fruity undertone. Many associate Purple Punch with deeply relaxing effects best suited for the latter part of the day—so if you’re looking for a strain to help you kick back and enjoy a Cali sunset, look no further.

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4. Wedding Cake

Wedding Cake cannabis strain

Wedding Cake, also called Pink Cookies, is a sweet and earthy cross of Cherry Pie and GSC. A reliable source of potent euphoria, this high-THC strain is sure to leave you feeling ultra stoned. Based on the powerhouse strains featured in this list, immobilizing potency like that found in Wedding Cake seems to be just the thing most Californians are looking for.

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5. Original Glue

original glue cannabis strain

The funky, earthy, and undeniably strong Original Glue was bred from Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel. Named after its tendency to superglue you to the couch, Original Glue a potent treasure that tops the charts in practically every legal state.

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6. Jack Herer

jack herer cannabis strain

Jack Herer is a legend among cannabis strains, providing an invigorating high that makes walks along Venice Beach that much better. This spicy, uplifting strain has given rise to many widely cherished hybrids like Jack The Ripper, Super Jack, and J1.

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7. GSC

gsc cannabis strain

This California native has sprinted its way to fame in recent years, gobbling up awards left and right for its potency. In masterful balance of soaring euphoria and deeply relaxing physical effects, it’s no wonder that GSC ranks #2 in the California market.

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8. Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel cannabis strain

No doubt, Sour Diesel is a staple that holds an esteemed position in most major markets. While some don’t like the strain’s funky fuel flavor, its weightless cerebral high is worth it. The uplifting effects can help you get up and out, making this strain a perfect pair for those warm, sunny California days.

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9. Granddaddy Purple

granddaddy purple cannabis strain

Granddaddy Purple is a legendary cross of Purple Urkle and Big Bud that needs no introduction. This California staple with its grape and berry-forward flavor is well-known for putting people riiight to sleep when consumed in higher doses.

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10. Sherbert

Sherbert cannabis strain

It wouldn’t even be right is this list didn’t have Sherbert, so rounding out the list is this sweet-scented cross of GSC and Pink Panties. Bred by California’s own Sherbinski, Sherbert can provide a variety of experiences from cerebral and thought-provoking to a relaxed, let’s-just-chill type of high—so give it a try if you’re looking for a nice treat from the Golden state.

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Danté Jordan
Danté Jordan
Danté Jordan is a cannabis writer based in Los Angeles. He's written for Leafly, Weedmaps, High Times, and many more publications.
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