What is responsible for the plant’s aromas?

By Rich Hamilton

THE 5 BEST STRAINS FROM THE USA

The US influence on current cannabis strain trends is undeniable. Visit any US dispensary and you will be treated to a wide selection of new, stronger, more potent hybrids that have been created from both classic strains and contemporary favorites.

Tastes change, and data from US dispensaries show that today’s consumers are favoring sweeter strains that mix fruit and gas flavors in varieties such as Gelato and Zkittlez. Whereas in years gone by, the focus was on predominantly on savory, gas/diesel flavors such as OG Kush and Sour Diesel.

Whilst some classic strains have remained, the demand for new, stronger “on trend” flavors means that the menu of most dispensaries will feature strains that are relatively unheard of and the result of intense cross breeding in an attempt to further influence current trends and market demands. By making these, super hybrid, boutique and artisan strains of cannabis the US genetic companies are trying to create the “holy grail”, the champion of strains! In doing this the legal cannabis market is ever changing, improving and evolving.

Trends and strains that occur in the US market gain popularity and become the stuff of urban legend, via the world wide online community of smoking and Growing forums, dispensaries and online seed distributors. As with any trend, before long, consumer tastes are influenced and trends are capitalized on and are replicated. This results in many new strains, with similar qualities entering the international market for widespread sale.

We have already seen this happening with the whole “Cali phenomenon” dominating the market in the wake of legalization and raising the bar in terms of quality and prices, prices that the industry just keep pushing up, so how do they do this? If Cali bud was the new black, what’s the new, new black? The new Cali, if you will?

Here are some of the newest and hottest genetics from the USA currently creating a buzz and taking the USA by storm.

1.Runtz

A perfect example of the market power and development of US genetics. Runtz is a cross between 2 of the most recent hybrid giants, “Gelato” and “ Zkittlez”. Given the 2 strains individual popularity it seems a no-brainer to combine them and create a super hybrid! Runtz is a colorful one, ranging from shades of purple and blues all nestled in between the orange pistils and shades of green. Taste wise, like its parentage it has a sugary-sweet, fruity flavor and scent.

There are several phenotyoes available featuring both Sativa and Indica dominant hybrids and for this reason the THC levels can vary. As it is such a new young strain, there is not much solid info on its THC and CBD levels but it has been a hit with consumers and reviewers who love its taste and effects.

Runtz induces a high that gives you everything, a euphoric high in the head and a relaxing hit to the body. It is reported to be helpful in treating anxiety and stress along with providing mild pain relief.

2.Ice Cream Cake

The sweet dessert flavor trend continues with Ice-cream cake. There are several strains doing the rounds but the most desirable is the cross bred creation of “Wedding Cake X Gelato no.33” which individually are already popular strains on both sides of the Atlantic. Ice Cream Cake is an Indica dominant strain (75%/25%) coated in frosty trichomes, layered on top of light green buds with dark purple flecks swirled throughout and thick orange pistils piercing through. The flavor is just as the name suggests a creamy sugary cake flavor with tones of sweet nut and vanilla.

The aroma is a pungent mix of creamy, nutty tones but with less sweetness and a more earthy scent. It gives a strong typically indica effect on the body, from its high THC levels of 20-35%, leaving you very relaxed. A great strain for relieving insomnia, depression and more severe pain conditions.

3.Purple Punch

This one is being lauded as the new “Blue Dream” which of course has been one of the best selling strains of cannabis across the legal US states since it emerged in 2014.

Purple punch is a mouth watering cross of 2 high quality Indica dominant parents, Grandaddy Purple and Larry OG that produces high Indica levels of 90% to 10% sativa. A very rare and expensive find outside of North America, the buds are heavily laden with trichomes, so much so that Purple Punch belongs to the category of brilliantly termed “Dankenstein” strains. This is where 2 already “dank” strains are crossed to create an even danker monster with stronger taste and potency!

Purple punch has high THC levels of 18-25%. In appearance it ranges from light fresh green to a bright yellowish green, accentuated by Grandaddy Purple’s signature violet hues that indi-