In some places, the legal age to consume cannabis is 18 with a medical card; some places it’s 21 with valid ID. That means young cannabis consumers, especially those of college age, are all over the place. Both groups are fully legal and justified, however the cannabis industry still runs from addressing these age groups due to the stigma surrounding “kids and weed.”
It’s silly, and because it’s silly, I’ve become more and more curious about younger consumers and the products they consume. After looking at Leafly’s data for the year-over-year growth of search interest in strains, I’ve put together a list of the 7 most trending strains among people 18-24 years old.
1. Mimosa
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (19-23% on average)
Mimosa is a cross of Clementine and Purple Punch. It has beautiful purple buds and a strong flavor of orange terpenes with a fruit punch kick on the smoke. It makes sense why this is the most searched strain among younger consumers—it’s absolutely delicious.
It has high THC levels, but its effects can be pretty mild. Of course, if you consume it heavily, you’ll be sat down, but really, it’s a pretty smooth ride.
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2. Purple Punch
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (16-20% on average)
Purple Punch is a cross of Larry OG and Granddaddy Purple. It has a sweet and fruity taste that comes from trichome-coated buds. The high can be heavy and potent, which is beautiful. The high starts out in the head then spreads to the rest of the body, and it will definitely relax you. Save this one for the evening if you want the maximum experience.
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3. Zkittlez
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (17-21% on average)
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Showing you dispensaries nearZkittlez is a cross of Grapefruit and Grape Ape. This indica produces chunky colas and dense flowers that hold super tropical flavors. A true rollercoaster of flavors, it has orange- and berry-flavored terpenes. Effects can vary by consumer and experience, but I will say that Zkittlez can be mild and manageable.
It’s not a strain that will put you in the couch and end your night, but you’ll definitely hear it telling you to sit back and relax.
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4. Wedding Cake
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (17-24% on average)
Wedding Cake is GSC crossed with Cherry Pie. It has a sweet, earthy flavor and its effects pack a punch—Wedding Cake is one of those euphoric strains that can be pretty heavy on the eyelids.
Taking a nap in the park? This is a great strain to consume before, as it’ll push you toward peak comfort levels.
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5. Dutch Hawaiian
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (15-21% on average)
Dutch Hawaiian is a smooth sativa created by crossing Dutch Treat with the pure sativa Hawaiian. Dutch Hawaiian expresses itself in multiple phenotypes, to the point that we are still learning more about its chemical profile and the various effects that come from it.
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6. Purple Trainwreck
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (15-18% on average)
Purple Trainwreck crosses Trainwreck and Mendocino Purps. Bright green buds kick off a sweet lavender aroma with citrus and pine influences too. A great combination of the best traits from both parents, this strain tends to leave people feeling creative in the head and relaxed in the body.
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7. Gelato
Cannabinoid profile: THC-dominant (15-21% on average)
Gelato crosses Sunset Sherbert and Thin Mint GSC. You’ll get a gassy, earthy, and sweet flavor. It’s a perfect strain that quickly went from new popular treat to superstar legend in a short matter of years.
It makes sense why the younger generation is seeking out this strain, as it has been bred into many popular hybrids across many dispensary menus.
