Top 10 Cannabis Strains Dominating the California Market In 2023

California, as the leading force in the cannabis market, wields significant influence on strain preferences nationwide due to its vast population and formidable media presence. This year, the West Coast has demonstrated a pronounced inclination toward dessert-themed strains, with six of the top ten varieties falling into this popular category. Noteworthy examples include Lemon Cherry Gelato, Apple Fritter, and Wedding Cake, while enduring classics like Blue Dream and Durban Poison maintain their popularity.

The preferences observed in California reflect a demand for stress and anxiety relief, dessert-like flavors, earthy and gassy aromas, and reliable herbal solutions for sleep. To gauge strain popularity in 2023, we examined the top-selling eighths based on the total number of units sold in California from January 1, 2023, to October 24, 2023, utilizing nearly 800,000 data points from New Frontier Data.

1- Lemon Cherry Gelato
Originating from Michigan, this energetic hybrid, a blend of Sunset Sherbert and Girl Scout Cookies, boasts approximately 25 percent THC. With a dominant presence of Caryophyllene, it offers a citrusy taste complemented by subtle notes of lemon and berry. Suited for experienced consumers, Lemon Cherry Gelato constitutes nearly 14 percent of all units sold in the top ten.

2- Apple Fritter
A native of Northern California, Apple Fritter, a hybrid of Sour Apples and Animal Cookies, holds a potent yet relaxing profile. With a sweet, earthy scent and a balanced 50/50 ratio of indica to sativa, it addresses anxiety and depression concerns. Apple Fritter comprises about 11 percent of the top ten sales.

3- Cereal Milk
Crafted by Berner’s Cookies, Cereal Milk results from the cross of Cookies pheno Y Life and the sativa-dominant Snowman. Boasting a sweet, milky flavor and euphoric effects, it caters to consumers seeking relief from depression and stress. Cereal Milk contributes just over 11 percent to the top ten sales.

4- Wedding Cake
Also known as “Triangle Mints #23,” Wedding Cake is an indica-dominant hybrid blending Triangle Kush and Animal Mints. With a THC content around 27 percent, it induces calming effects, appetite stimulation, and is associated with the munchies. Wedding Cake accounts for nearly 11 percent of the top ten sales.

5- GMO
Recognized as GMO Garlic Cookies, this newer indica-dominant hybrid, a cross between Chemdawg and Girl Scout Cookies, provides euphoric, uplifting, and sedating effects. Known for its spicy, garlic, mushroom, and onion flavor, GMO strain sales make up around 11 percent of the top ten.

6- Blue Dream
A California cannabis icon, Blue Dream, a Blueberry-Haze hybrid, offers 18 percent THC and traces of CBD. Ideal for energetic creativity and mood enhancement, it appeals to artistic consumers. Blue Dream constitutes nearly 10 percent of the top ten sales.

7- Maui Waui
Hailing from Hawaii, Maui Waui, a famous sativa, boasts tropical flavors and stress-relieving properties. It is known for energetic, uplifting effects, making it a seasonal choice for spring breakers and vacationers. Maui Waui accounts for nearly 9 percent of the top ten sales.

8- Durban Poison
Originating in South Africa, Durban Poison is a classic sativa celebrated for its uplifting and energizing effects. Suited for consumers seeking productivity and creativity, it addresses stress, anxiety, and depression. Durban Poison contributes just under 9 percent to the top ten sales.

9- Ice Cream Cake
An indica-dominant cross between Gelato #33 and Wedding Cake, Ice Cream Cake emits a French vanilla aroma and offers relief for anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. It is popular among medical patients and constitutes nearly 8 percent of the top ten sales.

10- Northern Lights
With origins near Seattle, Northern Lights is a potent indica-dominant strain, renowned for inducing “couch-lock” fatigue and heightened appetite. Known for its sweet and spicy flavor, it addresses stress, pain, and depression. Northern Lights accounts for around 8 percent of the top ten sales.