Variety is the spice of life, and trying new strains is a surefire way to switch up your sesh. Breeders are constantly on the hunt for phenotypes that inspire awe in consumers, and their hunger for quality results in an abundance of new genetics to explore. Discovering the next “fire” strain takes a lot of R&D, and the definition of what’s good weed can vary significantly between farmers and consumers. Some growers prioritize yield, seeking the most physical return for their investment of time and resources, while others vie for unique terpene profiles that fill their gardens with enticing aromas and exotic flavors. Nonetheless, many strains have been mainstays for decades due to highly desirable attributes, such as consistent effects after consumption and resilience of the plant itself to pests or challenging growth conditions.
In this blog, we’ll explore ten strains that are popular in the Illinois market as of August 2023 to learn more about what makes these cultivars so palatable.
- Jealousy
Genetics: Gelato #41 x Sherbet BX1
Breeder: Seed Junky Genetics
IL Cultivator: Floracal
Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene; sometimes Linalool & Humulene
Aroma/Flavor: earthy, funky, sweet
Effects: fatigue relief, relaxed, giggly
Fun Facts: Leafly Strain of the year 2022! Jealousy also won second place overall in the California High Times Cup in 2022. This strain is desired by many, and coveted so greatly that seed packs can go for up to $750 each. Jealousy can test up to 30% THC! Read more about this hard-earned genetic here.
- Durban / Durban Poison
Genetics: Unknown / Legendary – discovered as a landrace strain near the South African city of the same name.
Breeder: Sensi Seeds
IL Cultivators: UpNorth, Cresco, GTI
Terpenes: Terpinolene, Myrcene, Ocimene
Aroma/Flavor: woody, piney, earthy
Effects: energizing, uplifting, cerebral
Fun Facts: Durban is Africa’s busiest port city indicating that travel and commerce were significant factors in popularizing the strain worldwide. Durban is a very resilient strain and it can withstand hot and dry summers.
- GG4 [aka “Gorilla Glue”; “Original Glue”]
Genetics: {Sour Dubb x Chem’s Sister} x Chocolate Diesel
Breeder: GG Strains LLC
IL Cultivators: Aeriz, Cresco
Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene
Aroma/Flavor: pungent, piney, deep musk
Effects: pain relief, anti-anxiety, hunger-inducing
Fun Facts: Long-time award winner (Michigan & LA 2014 Cannabis Cups, 2015 High Times Jamacian World Cup & most recently 1st Place for Most THC in the 2018 Spannabis Cannabis Champions Cup). Fast-growing strain with high yields – flowers within 9-10 weeks.
- Captain Kush
Genetics: Cereal Milk x Fish Scale
Breeder: Revolution bred Captain Kush in house.
IL Cultivators: Revolution
Terpenes: Limonene, Linalool, Pinene
Aroma/Flavor: skunky, gassy, burnt rubber, cream
Effects: uplifting, energizing, euphoric
Fun Facts: This strain can be particularly helpful for managing fatigue and depression. Though they feature similar names, Captain Kush is different than GTI’s Cap’N Kush (Cereal Milk x Triangle Milk). Both variants feature the parent strain Cereal Milk, a Cookies original with a decadent, dessert-y flavor profile. On the other hand, Fish Scale is loved by many for its creative and focusing attributes.
- Afghan Kush
Genetics: landrace from the Hindu Kush Mountain range near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
Breeder: White Label Seed Company [partner of Sensi Seeds]
IL Cultivator: Aeriz
Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
Aroma/Flavor: tar, herbal spice, woody
Effects: sedating, comforting, stress-relieving
Fun Fact: Afghan Kush buds produce an ample amount of resin, making this strain an ideal choice for growers who wish to create extracts like hash from their flower.
- Gary Payton
Genetics: The Y x Snowman
IL Cultivator: Revolution
Breeder: Cookies & Powerzzz Genetics [Collab]
Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Limonene, Pinene
Aroma/Flavor: floral, fruity, peppery
Effects: even-keeled high, anti-depression, calming
Fun Fact: This strain is indeed named after the NBA Hall of Famer, Gary Payton.
- Florida Oranges
Genetics: Orange Daiquiri x TK BX1
Breeder: Jungle Boys
IL Cultivator: Aeriz
Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Terpinolene, Humulene
Aroma/Flavor: orange, citrus, pear
Effects: couchlock, appetite-stimulator, body high
Fun Facts: This is a newer offering in Illinois, but its parent strains have an interesting origin – Orange Daiquiri is the result of (Orange Cookies x Grape Pie) and TK Bx1 is the backcross of (Triangle Kush x Triangle Larry OG). Though they sound similar, this strain is different from Revolution’s Florida Orange.
- Jenny Kush
Genetics: Amnesia Haze x Rare Dankness #2
Breeder: Rare Dankness Seeds
IL Cultivator: Aeriz
Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Terpinolene, Humulene
Aroma/Flavor: lime/lemon citrus, og funk, earth
Effects: stimulating, anti-anxiety, upbeat
Fun Fact: Jenny Kush was developed and named after a dearly departed friend of the Breeder, Jenny. Jenny was regarded as being a profoundly positive light within the cannabis community and this strain was cultivated to spread the same positivity and happiness she had shared with others.
- MAC 1 [aka “Miracle Alien Cookies X1”]
Genetics: backcross of MAC (Alien Cookies x {Columbian x Starfighter})
Breeder: Capulator
IL Cultivator: Aeriz, Grassroots
Terpenes: Limonene, Pinene, Caryophyllene
Aroma/Flavor: butter, vanilla, citrus
Effects: euphoric, creative, stimulating
Fun Fact: The story of MAC has quite the epic beginning – after returning from a trip to South America to obtain a pack of fifteen (Starfighter x Columbian landrace) seeds, the seeds were tragically left in the pocket of his pants – pants soon destined to be put in the washing machine. His wife attempted to save the soapy seeds by germinating them in paper towels, but all of them sadly died simultaneously after being planted. However… one lucky seedling stuck it out! The sole seedling to survive was dubbed “Miracle 15”. Since Miracle 15 was a male, he was bred with an Alien Cookies female to create MAC as we know it today.
- Wedding Mints
Genetics: Wedding Cake x SinMint Cookies
Breeder: Sin City Seeds
IL Cultivator: UpNorth
Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene
Aroma/Flavor: sweet, peppery, vanilla
Effects: relaxed, aroused, appetite-inducing
Fun Facts: This strain has a relatively quick flowering cycle, growing buds within 56-63 days. Parent strain Wedding Cake was named Leafly Strain of the Year in 2019!
Have you tried any of these strains? What’s been your favorite cultivar this year? Let us know your thoughts! Keep your eyes peeled for the latest menu updates as well; we’ve got dank strains like these and many more to choose from! Happy smoking.
