It’s hard work being the epicentre of the biggest cannabis market in the world. It’s coming up on 28 years since Proposition 215, allowing for the compassionate use of medical cannabis, and a lot has changed since 1996. California’s ever-evolving landscape of dispenaries, breeders, and ever-widening adult recreational use has enjoyed its boom years, but a decline in market sales post-pandemic was bucked slightly from 2022 to 2023. Nonetheless, California’s cannabis lovers continued to enjoy a diverse buffet of strains that not only met, but exceeded expectations. Cali’s sales may be down a little, but the standard of product remains as high as the average recreational user. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 best-selling cannabis flower strains in California in 2023, exploring the nuances of each strain that captivated the hearts of cannabis connoisseurs.
What Makes a Cannabis Strain Popular?
Understanding the factors that contribute to a strain's popularity is crucial. Terpene profiles, cannabinoid content, and the overall experience play pivotal roles. Additionally, heritage, flavor, and effects significantly impact a strain's success in the market. How well a strain performs in the garden can impact its success, too - cultivators will bypass a great strain if its known as a nightmare to grow. And let’s not overlook the influence of culture, especially in a place like California, where the music scene and the cannabis scene are oftentimes hand in hand. High THC content and word of mouth will do wonders for a cannabis strain, but an endorsement from a celebrity or a mention in pop culture can propel a strain’s reputation into the stratosphere (we’re looking at you, Granddaddy Purple).
Top 10 Best-Selling Cannabis Flower Strains in California in 2023:
1. Blue Dream
By now, most experienced cannasseurs have at least heard of, if not tried Blue Dream. For many, it’s become their staple strain, so it’s no surprise to see that this sativa-dominant hybrid, dominated the California market in 2023. Born from the inspired crossing Blueberry and Haze, its perfectly balanced effects, inducing a euphoric yet grounded state, appealed to a wide range of consumers, but is just as popular with growers thanks to its relative ease of cultivation. The sweet, berry aroma and the harmonious marriage of relaxation and creativity made Blue Dream a staple for many enthusiasts seeking a versatile and enjoyable experience. Blue Dream’s approval rating continues to trend up, and this popular hybrid is evidently the strain for the ages.
2. Gelato
A tantalizing hybrid, Gelato was a crowd-pleaser in 2023. Its parentage, Thin Mint GSC and Sunset Sherbet, bestowed upon it a creamy, dessert-like flavor that left consumers wanting more. Gelato's well-balanced high, combining physical relaxation with mental upliftment, made this potent strain an ideal choice for those looking for a delightful and euphoric journey. Gelato strains have been in high demand with consumers of the last few years, so it’s no surprise to see Gelato scoop second place on the list of most popular strains in the Cali market last year
Seedsman's sensational Gelato 41 BX is one of the best Gelatos you'll find anywhere. Boasting amazing flavor, it's easy to grow and has a THC content in the region of 30%. This is the real deal.
3. Pineapple Express
The sativa-dominant hybrid Pineapple Express, a cross between Trainwreck and Hawaiian, transported users to a tropical paradise with its invigorating effects. Its signature pineapple taste, combined with a lively and uplifting high, made it a popular choice among those seeking a burst of energy and a flavorful experience. Pineapple Express has been around for a while, and a Hollywood seal of approval won’t have hindered sales. Seth Rogan and James Franco’s epic 2008 stoner comedy of the same name put this strain front and centre, and demand has continued to rise ever since. In fairness, it’s a good enough strain without the celebrity endorsement; Pineapple Express will put a big grin on anybody’s face.
4. Mazar x Blueberry OG
This indica-dominant hybrid, born from Mazar I Sharif and Blueberry OG, offers a soothing and relaxing experience. Its sweet and fruity flavor profile, coupled with a mellow high, made it a favorite for users seeking tranquility and relief from stress. You might know this one better by its more popular pseudonym, Skywalker OG, and that name alone is enough to pique the curiosity of many a stoner – whether in California, or in a galaxy far, far away.
Skywalker OG Auto is available from Seedsman now!
5. Wedding Cake
The marriage of two bona fide all-stars - Cherry Pie and Girl Scout Cookies - Wedding Cake delighted consumers with its sweet, vanilla-like flavor and euphoric yet relaxing effects. The strain's balanced nature, delivering a serene experience without sedation, contributed to its widespread popularity in 2023. Wedding Cake (Known as Pink Cookies in Canada) has been a name on the lips of many cannabis enthusiasts over the last few years. The sumptuous flavor alone is deserving of a place on this list, but add the incredible uplifting effects and you’ve got yourself a contender. Whichever way you slice it, Wedding Cake’s placing on this list proves it’s here to stay.
6. Watermelon
We know surprisingly little about the origins of the Watermelon strain. Seemingly, a talented breeder created this one in secret, bestowed it up an unsuspecting world, and never stepped up to take credit for their masterpiece. This is a real shame, because watermelon-flavored cannabis is so remarkable that someone really deserves a pat on the back. That authentic, refreshing taste coupled with a delightful soothing body high made it a standout strain for Cali cannasseurs in 2023. This indica-dominant hybrid with a THC content around 22% became a go-to choice for those seeking relaxation and a distinctive flavor profile – and rightly so.
Watermelon Auto is available from Seedsman now, and is ready in just 8-10 weeks from germination!
7. Strawberry Cough
A potent sativa with a stand-out flavor is always a good bet to do well, and it’s no surprise to see Strawberry Cough breach the top 10. With lineage traced back to Strawberry Fields and Haze, Strawberry Cough lived up to its name with a sweet strawberry flavor and a powerful hit. This sativa strain delivered an energizing cerebral high, making it a favorite among creative minds and daytime users. Strawberry Cough’s purported stress-relieving properties would help its popularity – much like former High Times columnist Kyle Kushman did when he passed around clones of Strawberry Cough to his buddies in 2004. With approximately 19% THC content, this powerful sativa delivers a euphoric rush that’s not to be sneezed at.
8. Biscotti
Biscotti, an indica-dominant strain born from Gelato #25 and South Florida OG, captivated cannabis consumers with its sweet, earthy aroma and delicious flavor akin to the Italian cookies it shares its name with. The strain's relaxing, full-body high made it a sought-after choice for winding down after a long day. Biscotti glitters with trichomes, and it known for its powerful effect - THC levels in the 25% range doesn’t hurt, either. Need something tasty with a relaxing kick to it? This one takes the biscuit, and that amazing flavor makes it a big hit with makers of edibles.
9. Granddaddy Purple
A classic indica, Granddaddy Purple, a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud, boasted grape and berry flavors that pleased the palate. Its potent relaxing effects made it a nighttime favorite for those seeking deep relaxation and tranquility. This absolute banger was at one time said to be the favorite strain of Snoop Dogg, and as strain endorsements go, that’s hard to top. The quality of Granddaddy Purple is such that it would do well without the celebrity endorsement, however. Walk into any dispensary and you’ll probably find GDP lurking among the stock. It’s highly revered by medical users looking for relief from chronic pain, stress, and muscle spasms, and its famed sedative effects are just the things for insomnia sufferers.
10. Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel, a high THC sativa with parentage from Chemdawg 91 and Super Skunk, stood out with its distinctive diesel aroma. Known for its energetic and uplifting effects, this strain became a go-to for users looking to kickstart their day with a burst of creativity and motivation. Sour Diesel has been at the top since it burst on the scene in the early 1990s, thanks to its potency and the incredible sharpness to its flavor. 30 years is a long time to hang with the top strains, and its testament to Sour D that it’s managed to hold the line in the face of so many wonderful modern hybrids.
California's Best-Selling Strains: Conclusion
The cannabis market in California remained relatively stable after an unpredictable few years thanks to the pandemic, and sales remain good, driven by the popularity of diverse and captivating strains. You can’t deny the people of California have good taste - there are some exceptional marijuana strains here. From the well-loved Blue Dream to the invigorating Pineapple Express and the soothing Mazar x Blueberry OG, each strain brought something unique to the table. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, California remains at the forefront, offering a diverse array of strains that cater to every palate and preference. How many of these strains we can expect to see in the top 10 this time next year is anyone’s guess, but it will take something special to displace the mighty Blue Dream and Gelato strains.
