The best cannabis strains of September 2026: The hunt for Strain of the Year

Morgan Rosendale, Leafly editor, cannabis journalist, and friend to all budtenders, takes you through the best weed strains of the month as we close in on Strain of the Year 2026.

Send the kids back to school, emerge from your fortified AC bunker to enjoy the cooler temperatures, and light a joint in honor of those poor, dankrupt souls down in Texas; September is here, and these are the top 10 strains that you need to be smoking, courtesy of me and the Leafly Picks team. We’ve got five new, hot strains that have been making 2026 tough to remember, plus five returning from last month that we just can’t forget. 

That’s not all; a few of these banger strains may find themselves in contention for Leafly Strain of the Year 2026, our highest honor. Stay tuned as the Leafly Picks team’s hunt for the strain that defines 2026 continues to the end of the year.

Although these strains are numbered, it doesn’t necessarily mean that strains higher on the list are better than ones lower down; these are 10 strains that you need to try, regardless of order. Most of the strains on this list are widely available in a variety of states, but if you spy a strain that sounds cool and isn’t available in your neck of the woods yet, keep an eye out, because it’ll be coming soon. Check out one of the other picks in the meantime.

I’ll be back next month with a fresh top ten, because the best strains of 2026 are still taking shape. As we get closer to the end of the year and the search for Strain of the Year picks up, make sure to check back in October to smoke the Leafly Picks strains that have made their mark on the big 2026.

Editor’s Choice

The strain a member of our team simply can’t get enough of right now, influenced by the data and your user responses. You may not be able to find it in your area yet, but keep your eyes peeled, because it’s well worth the hunt.

1. Glitter Bomb

You can say a lot of things about Glitter Bomb: impeccable fruity flavor and aroma, killer bag appeal, impressive potency. But what you can’t call it is subtle. The strain announces itself with a turned-to-eleven aroma that lets you know that yes, Glitter Bomb has arrived, and no, you won’t get it out of your nose, clothes, or hair anytime soon.

Glitter Bomb comes from Compound Genetics, who teamed up with NorCal IC Mag for the indica-hybrid cross between Grape Gas and OGKB Blueberry Headband back in 2022. It’s been growing in popularity ever since and is now some of the best after-dark weed on dispensary shelves right now in most legal US states. Get an eighth, your favorite TV show, and a snack of choice, and your Wednesday will hit in a way it never has before. 

Glitter Bomb is one of a handful of descendants of Compound’s Grape Gas that are having a moment (Gastro Pop is the most famous of the also-rans), but in all the metrics from our database, Glitter Bomb is the pick of the litter. I love this strain, and it’s also pretty popular with you all; Glitter Bomb is one of the most mentioned strains from August’s user poll. Vox populi, vox dei! 

Consumers, dispensary owners, and critics are all digging on Glitter Bomb, and it may just be a nominee for Strain of the Year this winter. If you haven’t tried it yet, jump on now; you don’t want to be the only one without some sparkle in your step.

2. Dante’s Inferno

You may have seen Dante’s Inferno on dispensary shelves already, tempting you into damnation with its frosty, resin-coated buds, and if you haven’t taken the plunge just yet, let me be the one to evangelize this sinful strain. The indica-hybrid is the result of a collab between Clearwater and Tiki Madman, who crossed Oreoz with Tiki Madman’s own Devil Driver for a spectacular strain that’s had an impressive rise and isn’t slowing.

Unlike the residents of the strain’s namesake, you’ll be having a pretty good time with Dante’s Inferno; its luscious, ammonia, pepper, and cream flavor will give way to a lifting euphoria that’ll help you leave your earthly worries behind. Dante was my editor’s choice last month, and another strain that we’re scouting for Strain of the Year; nothing’s guaranteed, but Glitter Bomb may have some stiff competition with Dante around.

3. Black Maple

A delightful descendant of Leafly Strain of the Year 2025 NomineeDulce De Uva and Sherbanger, Black Maple is a full, well-rounded sensory experience that leaves you feeling satisfied. Black Maple is the creation of Bloom Seed Co.’s Harry Palms, who is seemingly a person with an exceptional understanding of euphoria; this strain really is an all-purpose day improver.

It’s a harmonious smoke that helps you connect to your body and the natural world through its deep, woody flavors, and its exceptional THC percentage can lead you on an odyssey of good vibes and peaceful feelings, all without collapsing into a giggling heap.

I first encountered Black Maple last year, and it’s been in my heavy rotation ever since. Our data is showing that I’m not alone; more and more dispensaries are catching on and stocking Black Maple, and a SOTY nomination might be in the cards. If you haven’t caught it yet, try it now.

4. Scented Marker

Permanent Marker, Leafly Strain of the Year 2023 and one of the parents of Scented Marker, is one of my absolute favorite strains, and I’m pleased as goddamn punch that Seed Junky is still in the lab with this all-timer. One of their recent PM crosses, Scented Marker, definitely deserves your attention; it combines the chemical, antiseptic smell that made Permanent Marker a hit with a slight cut of citrus, courtesy of the other half of its parentage, Pineapple Fruz.

Of all the Permanent Marker crosses out there that I’ve tried, Scented Marker is easily one of the most interesting; in my experience, it’s certainly a strain that encourages you to color outside the lines. It’s going to bring you waaayyy up and keep you there, with a bright-eyed euphoria that gets a touch cerebral and abstract.

5. Toad Venom

The Animal Face x Sin Mintz aka Sinmint Cookies hybrid is one of the most hyped strains of this year by far (hyped it myself back in the Spring roundup, and in last month’s roundup as well), and yet, the strain is so good I felt compelled to bring it back and add more accolades to Ronin Seeds and Toad Venom’s rapidly growing pile of kudos, and it may keep coming back until Strain of the Year.

Underneath all the hype is a rock-solid strain that deserves the praise; a peppery, funky phenom that could be laying the foundation to become a superstar. It’s good enough that you’re going to want to start befriending budtenders to get the inside scoop on where you can find some. But be warned: if you’re in Seattle, you’re gonna have to fight me for it.

6. Blue Nerds

Blue Nerds has been building up a head of steam for a few years, and I think now is the ideal time to jump on the Blue Nerds train if you haven’t already been riding; it may even be pulling into Strain of the Year station. A few strains are going around under the name Blue Nerds, aka Blue Nerdz, so, to clarify, I’m talking about the Runtz x The Original Z cultivar out of Global Genetics LA, not the (also good, but different) Watermelon Z x Forbidden Fruit versions.

It’s just got a slight touch of fruity flavor over a bed of dankness that doesn’t overwhelm the palate and still maintains earthy notes, and it’s plenty potent besides. If strains like Lemon Cherry Gelato are your go-to but you’re tired of the same old, then pull this strain out of a locker and get to smoking.

7. Horchata

Another hit from the maestros at Compound, Horchata is Gelato done to perfection. It’s the child of two Gelato crosses, Jet Fuel Gelato and Mochi Gelato, but Compound has worked to really draw out some unique flavors in this particular variation of the famous genetics.

You really can smell and taste the cinnamon in this Horchata; it’s certainly the headline flavor, but there are notes of vanilla cream underneath that mellow out the spicy scent. It’s a relative THC lightweight that I’ve enjoyed as a strain to kick your shoes off to, or a wake-and-bake favorite with a book and a pastry.

8. Cadillac Rainbows

Cadillac Rainbows, called Cadillac Rainbowz by the breeders, 3rd Coast Genetics, is an evolution of their hit Pure Michigan strain, and you better believe that those genetics are strong. Even additional DNA from Runtz can’t contain that heavy, earthy flavor profile. We’ve been hyping up this strain for years, but Cadillac Rainbows has struggled with availability outside of some superstar states like 3rd Coast’s native Michigan or the West Coast.

If you’re a sunbelter or on the East Coast, then you may not have tried the strain, and you should fix that as soon as you can. Newbies out of the pool, though: Cadillac Rainbows is for real stoners only. It has swept me off my feet every time we’ve tangoed, even with my professional tolerance, so make sure you’re treating this beast with proper respect.

9. Baby Yoda

Baby Yoda comes to us from Compound Genetics, who developed the strain from a cut of Khalifa Kush and The Menthol, another Compound original. On the smoke, the indica-leaning hybrid gives the classic OG flavor with an icy edge that I really dig for the dog days; it’s a hearty, relaxing strain that won’t force you into an impromptu siesta despite being plenty potent.

You can also find this strain under the name Grogu, as well as sound-alike names like Baby Yo-Duh that are doing their level best to stay one step ahead of Disney’s legal Death Star.

10. Moroccan Peaches

A strain that produces rosin by the truckload and is built for the concentrate market, Moroccan Peaches has nearly conquered the West Coast and is setting its eyes on the whole USA. It’s a Purple City Genetics original, a sativa-leaning hybrid descended from Spanish Barbara and Lemon Tree Skorange.

That “Moroccan” isn’t just branding, either; PCG has been experimenting with Moroccan and Spanish genetics, applying the lessons of traditional hash makers into their cultivation practices. Lucky you, all you need to do to experience the fruits of their labor is heat up your rig. Hash heads head here.

The roaches

Strains from last month’s roundup that didn’t make the cut this month.

• Power
• Disco
• Trophy Wife
• Super Runtz
• Titan Express

How we make our picks

Every recommendation starts with editorial judgment. We combine firsthand experience from the Leafly Picks team with input from trusted contributors, experienced cannabis professionals, and patterns across millions of reviews from the Leafly community. We also consider availability, consistency, and seasonal relevance. Not every editor has personally tried every product we recommend, but every pick is reviewed through this editorial process before publication. This monthly effort informs our selection of Leafly’s highest honor: our annual Strain of the Year award.

Final thoughts

That’s it from me and the Leafly Picks team! Check back next month for even more strains and let me know what you’re smoking this month in the poll below; your favorite may find its way to the list next month. Happy smoking!

Morgan Rosendale: Content Editor

Morgan Rosendale is a Seattle-based writer, editor, and lover of all things cannabis.  She’s been with Leafly since 2022, where she currently works as the site’s Content Editor. She spends her time writing about and researching the wide and wonderful world of weed, surfacing innovative brands and products that treat both cannabis and the consumer with respect. She has been writing professionally for nearly a decade, primarily covering food and wine before her time at Leafly.  You can often spot her at the movie theatre or smoking Super Lemon Haze out of the weirdest bong she can find.

Anna Elliott: Senior Content Editor

Anna Elliott is a writer, editor, and longtime cannabis nerd based in Seattle. She joined Leafly in 2021 and currently works as the brand’s Senior Content Editor, where she helps shape stories about the best in weed from must-try strains to standout gear and gifts. Before Leafly, she spent nearly a decade reviewing products, covering emerging brands, and championing the people behind them. She’s passionate about making cannabis content accessible, fun, and genuinely helpful. And yes, she really does believe Space Mints hits different when you’re alphabetizing vinyl by mood.