Strain trends change fast. The infographic below shows the fastest-trending strain in every state in the nation (and Washington, DC) in 2017. You’ll see some similarities as well as several differences when you compare the map below to our map of the fastest-trending strains in every state in 2016.
To determine these strains, we omitted low-traffic outliers from our data, then looked at which strains had enjoyed the fastest increase in traffic from each individual market since the beginning of the year. A few data-driven takeaways about the evolving cannabis market are listed below.
Click to view enlarged image. (Amy Phung/Leafly)
Nationwide Strain Trend Takeaways in 2017
More states are searching indicas than sativas. Indicas are often sedative stress relievers, and 2017 has been a stressful year. Perhaps that’s why more people across the US are searching indicas now than in 2016, when only four states’ fastest-trending strains were indicas.
A more diverse array of lesser-known strains is represented. As more markets legalize and consumers quickly learn about the wide variety of options available to them, they’re less likely to be searching well-known strains like Blue Dream and Green Crack, and more interested in learning about the likes of Purple Trainwreck, Game Changer, or Mendo Breath.
Kush strains are popular nationwide.Banana Kush, Orange Kush, Lemon Kush, Blueberry Kush, Obama Kush, Bubba Kush, and Platinum Bubba Kush are all represented.
Many strains are trending in multiple places, but none dominate public interest.Strawberry Cough, Platinum OG, Gelato, Bubba Kush, Grape Ape, Cheese, NYC Diesel, Platinum Bubba Kush, and AK-47 are all trending in two states, but no strain is currently trending fastest in three or more states.
Cannabis Strain Trends in the Eastern and Western US
Click to view enlarged image. (Amy Phung/Leafly)
The West Coast still loves a balanced hybrid. Just like last year, Washington, Oregon, and California searches for hybrid strains are trending, though this year they’re for different strains: Liberty Haze in Washington, Rudeboi OG in Oregon, and (appropriately for the Golden State), 24k Gold in California.
Click to view enlarged image. (Amy Phung/Leafly)
The East Coast and Midwest are less interested in sativas. Last year, we saw a majority of budding interest in sativa strains concentrated in the eastern half of the country, and particularly in the Southern US. Now in these areas, only Mississippi, Arkansas, and Vermont are still riding the sativa train.
A few results may be misleading. For instance, there’s a good chance at least some in Wisconsin meant to search for cheese, the food, rather than Cheese, the strain. Then again, you never know.
