The Chronic Magazine - December 2023

It’s the end of the year! 2024 is around the corner, and I hope you are excited and optimistic for what next year holds. Who knows how many different strains you consumed in 2023 and how many new ones you’ll try in 2024. Let’s take a look back at some of the most popular cannabis varieties of 2023.

Jealousy

This is a newer strain on the list and has acquired quite a lot of traction since being named Leafy strain of the year in 2022. This well balanced hybrid strain was made by crossing Sherbert Bx1 with Gelato 41.

Jealousy is commonly tested higher than 20% THC, which means it might be better for experienced cannabis users. For recreational users, people who have smoked it say they feel mentally relaxed and physically energized. Medical users have reported that they used this strain for mental and physical stress. According to Leafly, “the dominant terpene of this strain is caryophyllene, which is often associated with a fuel aroma. There's also limonene and myrcene and sometimes linalool and humulene.” If this sounds like a strain for you, be ready for an earthy taste!

Apple Fritter

One of Northern California’s top strains has traveled across the nation and become very popular. Apple Fritter (or Apple Fritters) is a hybrid strain created from crossing Sour Apple and Animal Cookies.

It was once named on the list of the World Strongest Strains by High Times, as it is hard hitting and still manages to be delicious. Typically testing at 25% THC, Apple Fritter typically gives its users a tingly body high, making them feel relaxed and content. It’s a great strain for medical users and is recommended for treating insomnia, chronic pain, depression, mood swings and chronic stress. If you’re interested in trying this one, be prepared for the sweet, fruity, and almost vanilla flavor of this sticky cannabis.

Cereal Milk

Just like the sweet sugary dregs at the end of a bowl of cereal, this strain is popular because of how delicious it is.

This Sativa dominant strain was created by crossing Y Life and Snowman. Cereal Milk (a.k.a Cereal Milk #2 or Milk) is known for its calming properties, even though it leans more toward a Sativa. Its terpenes are mainly caryophyllene, followed by limonene and myrcene, making it a great choice for medical users looking to treat their chronic pain and anxiety. As for recreational users, if you want to feel happy, giggly, and maybe even aroused, this is the strain for you. If you want to give it a try, the flavor to expect is a loud burst of sweetness.

Lemon Cherry Gelato HYBRID

Another more recently cultivated strain on the list is Lemon Cherry Gelato. This is a hybrid strain created by crossing Sunset Sherbet and Girl Scout Cookies. Lemon Cherry Gelato is another high testing strain, commonly at or above 25% THC.

Even though it is a hybrid, it is Indica dominant and reportedly makes users feel euphoric and relaxed. Medical users can choose this strain to treat their chronic pain and anxiety because, just like Cereal Milk, it is high in caryophyllene. Leafly says this strain has aromas of “lime, berries, and citrus with flavors of lemon, and sweet fruit.” If this sounds like your type of strain, the flavor will be just like its scent, fruity and so good.

Blue Dream

A classic strain that has been popular for years, Blue Dream is a strain that can be found in at least one dispensary in every legal state. This Sativa dominant hybrid was created by crossing Blueberry and Haze.

Although it is one of the most commonly seen strains, it is not extremely high in THC, testing at about 17%. That doesn’t mean Blue Dream isn’t a great strain though! This strain is well known as having a fast onset and making the users feel motivated and focused without feeling erratic and jittery. Medical users can choose this strain if they need to treat depression, nausea, headaches, and overall stress. If this sounds like the strain for you, expect the flavor and aroma to be that of sweet blueberries.

Gelato

In recent years, Gelato became a staple of the cannabis community and continues to be one of the most popular strains. Gelato (a.k.a. Larry Bird or Gelato #42) is a balanced hybrid strain that was created from Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, an Indica and a Sativa strain.

Just like Blue Dream, Gelato tests at around 17% THC and is still a well known powerhouse. Recreational users report that this strain makes them feel highly euphoric and equally relaxed very quickly after use. As for medical users, if they are looking to treat fatigue, insomnia, or pain, this is the strain to choose. If this sounds like something you might like, the flavors are fruity and creamy. (It’s one of my and my friends favorites!)

GMO

Although this may be more preferred in the medical community, recreational users know this strain too. GMO (a.k.a GMO Cookies, Garlic Cookies, or GMO Garlic Cookies) is an Indica dominant hybrid created from Girl Scout Cookies with Chemdawg.

This strain is known for being potent and giving its users “couch lock”. This sedating strain is popular among users who favor a high quality Indica. Its aroma is full of garlic and diesel, a nearly skunky scent that leaves users with a strong garlic flavor. Medical users would like this strain if they are looking to treat chronic pain, depression, insomnia, and nausea. Something that many users also agree on is that although they’re locked in the couch, they felt mentally euphoric. (This is one of my top 10 strains of all time.)

Runtz

Runtz has a wide variety of strains, but users can be confident that any version that they pick will leave them satisfied. Runtz (a.k.a Runtz OG or Gelato Zkittles) is a hybrid strain created from crossing Zkittles and Gelato.

This strain became instantly popular when it debuted, becoming Leafly’s Strain of the Year in 2020... and it still holds up! Recreational users say that this strain is well balanced giving them a light calming head high that slowly spreads to their limbs. Medical users can choose this strain to treat their nausea, insomnia, and anxiety. If this sounds like a strain for you, when trying it expect to taste the sweetness of fruit and berries.