Blue Dream is once again at the pinnacle of California’s cannabis market, maintaining its crown as the top-selling flower strain for 2024. A favourite for its balanced effects, this Northern California native proves its enduring appeal by dominating not only the flower category but also pre-rolls and vapor pens.
With $25.9 million in sales from January to November, Blue Dream continues to outshine other heavyweights like OG #18, Gelato, and Wedding Cake. But what’s behind its staying power, and how do the rest of the contenders fare? Let’s break it all down.
Blue Dream Reigns Supreme
Blue Dream isn’t just another cannabis strain—it’s a cultural icon. With roots in Northern California, this hybrid of Blueberry and Haze delivers a blend of cerebral uplift and physical relaxation. Leafly reports that 37% of users cite its stress-relieving properties, which explains its appeal to a broad audience.
This year, Blue Dream:
- Generated $25.9 million in flower sales.
- Led pre-roll sales with $27.4 million.
- Dominated vapor pen sales, raking in $44.5 million.
Its 2024 triumph follows a similar win in 2023, cementing its reputation as a go-to strain for Californians.
OG #18 Makes a Strong Debut
Taking the runner-up spot, OG #18 burst onto the scene with $16.9 million in sales. Known as “Private Reserve” or “Reserve OG,” this phenotype of OG Kush isn’t just about popularity; it’s a decorated strain, winning the High Times Cannabis Cup in 2009 and 2010. Fans love its hybrid effects, balancing relaxation with a euphoric edge.
The Usual Suspects: Gelato, Wedding Cake, and Biscotti
Long-time favourites Gelato, Wedding Cake, and Biscotti have solidified their positions on the top 10 list for three consecutive years. Each offers unique profiles and effects, catering to diverse consumer preferences:
- Gelato: Known for its sweet, creamy flavour and calming effects.
- Wedding Cake: A potent hybrid that blends relaxation with a burst of creative energy.
- Biscotti: Loved for its rich aroma and relaxing properties.
These strains continue to anchor the market, proving that consistency pays off.
California’s Top Pre-Roll and Vapor Pen Strains
While Blue Dream’s dominance extended to pre-rolls and vapor pens, it wasn’t the only strain to make waves. Gelato joined Blue Dream as a multi-category champion, earning top spots in flower, pre-roll, and vapor pen sales.
Highlights:
- Pre-Roll Sales: Blue Dream topped the list with $27.4 million.
- Vapor Pen Sales: Again, Blue Dream led with $44.5 million, followed by Gelato and other favourites.
D Cure Shines in Concentrates
When it comes to concentrates, D Cure emerged as the standout performer with $3.8 million in sales. A cross between Chemdog and Grape Stomper, this strain boasts a terpene profile featuring myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene. Users often praise it for its ability to alleviate inflammation, pain, and arthritis.
The Top Concentrates:
D Cure’s success underscores the growing demand for targeted effects, particularly for medical and therapeutic use.
| Rank | Strain | Sales ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | D Cure | 3.8 |
| 2 | Gelato | 3.2 |
| 3 | Blue Dream | 2.9 |
| 4 | Wedding Cake | 2.5 |
| 5 | OG #18 | 2.2 |
What Makes These Strains So Popular?
The common thread among these best-sellers is their ability to deliver reliable, enjoyable experiences. Whether for relaxation, creativity, or therapeutic relief, each strain offers something unique:
- Balanced effects that cater to a wide range of needs.
- Distinctive flavours and aromas.
- Strong reputations built on quality and consistency.
Looking Ahead
The cannabis industry in California continues to evolve, but consumer loyalty to tried-and-true strains like Blue Dream and Gelato remains steadfast. As we move into 2025, it will be interesting to see if any newcomers can disrupt this well-established hierarchy.
Michael Brown is a seasoned journalist with a knack for uncovering compelling stories within the realm of cannabis. Through his investigative reporting and in-depth analysis, he sheds light on the regulatory challenges, market trends, and societal impacts of the burgeoning cannabis industry. Michael’s commitment to objective journalism and ethical reporting makes him a trusted voice in providing readers with balanced and informative articles about this rapidly evolving landscape.
