Across U.S. dispensaries, some cannabis strains have earned near-legendary status. Whether for flavor, potency, or consistency, these cultivars remain the top picks among everyday consumers and connoisseurs alike. From legacy strains like Blue Dream to newer favorites such as Lemon Cherry Gelato, here’s a look at the most in-demand strains lighting up dispensary menus nationwide.
Blue Dream
Few strains bridge old-school and new-school cannabis culture quite like Blue Dream. This sativa-dominant hybrid continues to dominate California sales charts thanks to its balanced effects and signature blueberry sweetness. Glass House Farms offers one of the most recognized Blue Dream flower lines, available at The Pottery in Los Angeles and Farmacy dispensaries across California. Known for its uplifting yet mellow high, Blue Dream remains a dependable go-to for daytime sessions or creative pursuits.
Wedding Cake
Wedding Cake—born from Triangle Kush and Animal Mints—has secured its place among the most sought-after hybrids for relaxation and euphoria. California’s Claybourne Co. produces a standout Wedding Cake flower that’s become a fan favorite at MedMen West Hollywood. On the East Coast, dispensaries such as The Vault in Massachusetts and Juniper Cannabis in Montana keep this strain in rotation. Its creamy vanilla aroma and full-body effects make it perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Runtz & White Runtz
Runtz and its frosty sibling White Runtz have transformed dispensary shelves with candy-like sweetness and high THC content. Consumers love their vibrant flavor profile and consistent potency. STIIIZY remains one of the leading producers of White Runtz flower, concentrates, and pre-rolls, which can be found at California staples like Harborside in Oakland and Wheelhouse in Ventura. With their mix of fruity and gassy notes, both strains deliver the flavorful punch modern cannabis consumers crave.
Learn More about the Runtz Strain
Lemon Cherry Gelato (LCG)
One of the flashiest strains in today’s cannabis scene, Lemon Cherry Gelato offers a sensory overload of fruit and dessert-like aromas. Cultivated by Cookies, this hybrid’s terpene-rich flavor has made it a favorite among younger consumers seeking both flavor and potency. Cookies-branded dispensaries in San Bernardino, Ukiah, and New Jersey frequently feature LCG drops—often selling out fast. Expect an uplifting, euphoric experience balanced by a gentle body calm.
Gary Payton
Named after the NBA legend, Gary Payton delivers a powerful and energetic high that matches its namesake’s intensity. Created by Cookies and Powerzzzup Genetics, this strain blends potency with pungent flavor. It’s consistently found at Cookies Maywood and Cookies Melrose locations in Los Angeles, as well as select Midwest retailers such as Lux Leaf in Illinois. With its spicy, diesel-forward aroma and fast-acting effects, Gary Payton remains a reliable favorite for experienced consumers.
Jealousy
Jealousy has become one of the most buzzed-about strains of the last few years. After winning major cannabis awards, it continues to hold its spot as a crowd favorite for its balanced hybrid effects. Mankind Dispensary in San Diego frequently stocks Jealousy and its popular crossbreeds, offering consumers a blend of mental clarity and mellow relaxation. Its complex flavor—earthy yet sweet—keeps it on “most requested” lists nationwide.
Permanent Marker
Permanent Marker, a newer “exotic” cultivar, has rapidly gained traction for its unique blend of flavor and potency. SeCHe’s version can be found at BEYOND/HELLO dispensaries in Pennsylvania, while Midwest retailers such as Lux Leaf in Illinois also feature pre-roll options. This strain offers an artistic high—creative, calming, and slightly euphoric—ideal for consumers who enjoy nuanced terpene profiles.
Gelato and the Gelato Family
Gelato remains the genetic backbone of many new favorites, including Lemon Cherry Gelato, Gelonade, and Gush Mintz. It’s a top seller nationwide, known for its dessert-like sweetness and balanced effects. Brands like Cookies, MedMen, and Harborside continue to stock Gelato flower and vape variants across multiple states. Consumers seeking a reliable hybrid experience rarely go wrong with Gelato or its flavorful relatives.
Cereal Milk, RS11, and Zoap
Emerging favorites like Cereal Milk, RS11, and Zoap have joined the ranks of modern classics. Their creamy and tropical flavor profiles are pushing dispensaries to expand “exotic” selections. These strains can often be found at Cookies and other premium retailers during limited drops, making them highly collectible among enthusiasts chasing the newest and rarest flavors.
Shopping Tips for Consumers
Finding these best-sellers depends on location and availability. Using menu hubs like Weedmaps or checking brand-specific pages for Cookies, STIIIZY, and Glass House Farms helps ensure authenticity. Established cultivators such as Claybourne Co., Glass House Farms, and STIIIZY maintain consistent quality and potency, giving consumers peace of mind when buying familiar names.
Regional differences matter, too—California often leads national trends, but states like Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts quickly follow with local versions of popular strains. Whether shopping for relaxation, creativity, or flavor exploration, these cultivars represent the most trusted and enjoyable experiences in today’s evolving cannabis market.