Top 7 Weed Strains You Need to Try
The 7 must-try weed strains in Canada — from Jealousy and Runtz to Gary Payton. Trending cultivars with the best flavor, potency, and effects.
The cannabis landscape is constantly evolving, and 2026 has brought a fresh wave of must-try strains to the Canadian market. From dessert-flavored hybrids bred by elite genetics programs to modern takes on classic cultivars, these are the 7 strains that every cannabis consumer in Canada needs to experience this year.
We selected these strains based on flavor innovation, potency, genetic lineage, availability in Canada, and overall consumer demand. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or exploring beyond the classics, this list will point you toward the best cannabis experiences of the year.
The candy-terp era continues: The biggest trend right now cannabis is dessert and candy-forward strains. Genetics from Gelato, Zkittlez, and Cookies families dominate dispensary menus — and for good reason. These cultivars combine incredible flavor with elite potency.
What Makes a Strain "Must-Try" right now?
The bar for quality cannabis has never been higher. Here is what separates the best strains right now from the rest:
- Complex terpene profiles — Today's top strains offer multi-layered flavors that evolve from inhale to exhale
- Elite genetics — Strains bred by renowned programs like Seed Junky, Cookies Fam, and Compound Genetics dominate the market
- Bag appeal — Dense, colorful, trichome-drenched buds that look as good as they smoke
- Consistent potency — THC levels above 25% with reliable, well-defined effects
- Cultural relevance — Strains that have earned a following through quality, not just marketing
The 7 Must-Try Strains right now — Ranked
Jealousy
Hybrid · THC: 25–31%
Jealousy delivers a premium experience that justifies the hype. The creamy, dessert-like terpene profile combines with fuel undertones to create something genuinely unique, and the balanced hybrid effects make it equally enjoyable for relaxation or socializing. With THC levels routinely pushing past 30%, Jealousy is as potent as it is flavorful — a rare combination that has made it the single most sought-after strain right now.
Why it's trending: Jealousy has taken the cannabis world by storm thanks to its incredible Gelato 41 x Sherbet parentage. Bred by Seed Junky Genetics, this strain has become the most talked-about cultivar in North America, with demand far outpacing supply across the Canadian market.
Aroma
Creamy gelato, fuel, earthy funk, subtle sweetness
Flavor
Creamy vanilla, light fuel, candy-like sweetness
Effects
Balanced euphoria, deep relaxation, mood elevation, social ease
Available at
Runtz
Hybrid · THC: 24–29%
Runtz delivers on its candy-store promise with a flavor profile that genuinely tastes like a bag of fruity sweets. The high starts with giggly euphoria that transitions into a comfortable body relaxation — never too sedating, never too racy. The bag appeal alone makes Runtz a standout, with dense nugs that display a rainbow of purple, green, and orange hues coated in crystalline trichomes.
Why it's trending: Runtz (Zkittlez x Gelato) won Leafly Strain of the Year and has maintained its massive popularity into 2026. The candy-like terpene profile and beautiful purple-green buds covered in frosty trichomes make it instantly recognizable.
Aroma
Sweet candy, tropical fruit, creamy sugar, berry undertones
Flavor
Sweet fruity candy, tropical smoothie, sugary exhale
Effects
Euphoric happiness, giggly, relaxing body high, creativity
Available at
Ice Cream Cake
Indica-dominant Hybrid · THC: 23–28%
If you want to end your night with something that tastes like actual dessert, Ice Cream Cake is unmatched. The Wedding Cake x Gelato 33 cross produces dense, purple-tinged buds dripping with resin that deliver exactly what the name promises — a creamy, sweet flavor that melts on your tongue. The effects build gradually into full-body relaxation and peaceful sedation, making it the ideal nightcap strain.
Why it's trending: Ice Cream Cake (Wedding Cake x Gelato 33) has cemented itself as the go-to premium indica for nighttime use. Its dessert-forward terpene profile and reliable sedating effects have made it a permanent fixture on dispensary menus across Canada.
Aroma
Sweet vanilla, creamy dough, nutty, sugary pastry
Flavor
Vanilla ice cream, sweet cream, buttery cookie dough
Effects
Deep physical relaxation, sleepy, calming, appetite boost
Available at
MAC (Miracle Alien Cookies)
Hybrid · THC: 23–28%
MAC stands out in a market flooded with dessert strains by offering something genuinely different. The sour citrus and diesel terpene combination creates a complex aroma that reveals new layers with every hit, and the effects are perfectly balanced — creative and euphoric without being anxious, relaxed without being sedating. MAC is also one of the frostiest strains in existence, with trichome coverage so dense the buds appear almost white.
Why it's trending: MAC was bred by Capulator using Alien Cookies, Colombian Gold, and Starfighter genetics. Its unique combination of sour citrus terps with diesel undertones and truly balanced hybrid effects have earned it a devoted cult following that continues to grow right now.
Aroma
Sour citrus, earthy diesel, floral, dank funk
Flavor
Sour orange, diesel fuel, creamy vanilla, herbal undertones
Effects
Creative euphoria, uplifting energy, relaxed focus, social buzz
Available at
Zkittlez
Indica-dominant Hybrid · THC: 20–25%
Zkittlez is the strain that launched the candy-terp revolution. Bred from Grape Ape and Grapefruit, this indica-dominant hybrid delivers a terpene profile so sweet and fruity it genuinely resembles the candy it is named after. But Zkittlez is more than just flavor — the calming, euphoric effects provide excellent stress relief while keeping your mind clear and functional. It is a perfect example of a strain that proves indica-dominant does not have to mean couch-locked.
Why it's trending: Zkittlez changed the game when it won Best Indica at the Emerald Cup. Its "taste the rainbow" terpene profile spawned an entire generation of candy strains including Runtz. right now, the original remains as popular as ever.
Aroma
Sweet mixed berry, tropical candy, grape, citrus
Flavor
Fruit candy mix, sweet grape, berry medley, tropical
Effects
Calming euphoria, happy, focused relaxation, stress relief
Available at
Wedding Cake
Indica-dominant Hybrid · THC: 24–30%
Wedding Cake earned its name from the tangy-sweet frosting-like terpene profile that coats your palate on every hit. This Triangle Kush x Animal Mints cross delivers heavy-hitting potency wrapped in a deceptively sweet package. Dense, frosty buds with rich purple hues produce a relaxing euphoria that melts away stress and tension while keeping you comfortably present. It is also a parent strain to Ice Cream Cake, proving its elite genetic lineage.
Why it's trending: Wedding Cake (Triangle Kush x Animal Mints) has been a top-shelf staple since winning Leafly Strain of the Year. Its reputation as a reliable, potent, and delicious indica-leaning hybrid keeps it at the top of dispensary charts heading into 2026.
Aroma
Sweet vanilla, tangy earth, peppery spice, creamy dough
Flavor
Tangy vanilla cake, peppery, sweet dough with an earthy finish
Effects
Relaxing euphoria, mood boost, body comfort, appetite stimulation
Available at
Gary Payton
Hybrid · THC: 24–30%
Gary Payton represents the pinnacle of modern cannabis breeding. This Cookies Fam creation pairs a sweet, fruity apricot aroma with diesel undertones and a hint of menthol that creates an incredibly layered smoking experience. The balanced hybrid effects deliver euphoric energy and creativity alongside gentle physical relaxation — making it versatile enough for any time of day. Its limited availability and celebrity association have made it one of the most coveted strains in Canada.
Why it's trending: Gary Payton is the brainchild of Cookies Fam and rapper Lil Wayne — a collaboration between The Y and Snowman genetics that was named after the NBA Hall of Famer. The strain has become one of the most hyped and hard-to-find cultivars in the entire Canadian market right now.
Aroma
Sweet apricot, diesel, earthy herbs, subtle menthol
Flavor
Sweet fruity, fuel-forward, herbal, slightly minty
Effects
Euphoric uplift, creative energy, relaxing body buzz, social
Available at
How We Selected These Strains
Our selection criteria for the must-try strains right now:
- Flavor innovation — Does this strain offer something unique to the palate?
- Potency and effects — High THC combined with well-defined, enjoyable effects
- Genetic pedigree — Bred by reputable programs with proven track records
- Consumer demand — Real popularity based on dispensary sales and community feedback
- Canadian availability — Accessible through licensed and mail-order dispensaries in Canada
Last updated: March 2026. THC ranges are approximate and vary by grower and phenotype.
Want more recommendations? Browse our Top 10 Gas Strains and Top 10 Sativa Strains guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weed strain right now?
Jealousy takes the top spot right now. Its Gelato 41 x Sherbet genetics produce a creamy, fuel-forward flavor with perfectly balanced hybrid effects that appeal to virtually every type of consumer. With THC levels regularly exceeding 30%, it delivers premium potency to match the hype.
What are the trending strains in Canada right now?
The biggest trending strains in Canada right now are Jealousy, Runtz, Gary Payton, and Ice Cream Cake. Dessert and candy-flavored strains from elite genetics programs continue to dominate dispensary menus across the country.
Are these strains available through mail-order dispensaries?
Yes — all 7 strains on this list are available through Canadian online dispensaries. Availability varies by season and grower, but popular strains like Runtz, Wedding Cake, and Ice Cream Cake are almost always in stock. More exclusive strains like Gary Payton and Jealousy may require checking multiple dispensaries.
Which strain on this list is best for beginners?
Zkittlez is the most beginner-friendly strain on this list. With moderate THC levels (20-25%) and calming, euphoric effects that rarely overwhelm, it provides a pleasant and manageable experience. Its sweet candy flavor also makes it one of the most enjoyable strains to smoke for newcomers.
What strain has the best flavor right now?
For pure flavor, Runtz and Ice Cream Cake are widely considered the most delicious strains available. Runtz delivers an authentic fruity candy taste, while Ice Cream Cake tastes like vanilla dessert. Both are testaments to modern terpene-focused breeding programs.
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Written by
Kate L
Hi! Im a cannabis researcher and writer based in British Columbia, covering strains, dispensary reviews, and harm reduction education. I've has been writing about cannabis culture in Canada since 2019 :3
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