Whether you are a newbie to the world of cannabis and you need some advice, or you’ve been involved in this scene for many years and have just run out of ideas, today we’re going to provide you with a list of the top ten weed strains in New York. The reality is that the NY cannabis market is set to expand massively this coming year.

These are THC-heavy cannabis strains that have been exceedingly popular over the past few years in New York, and for good reason, because they’re potent, flavourful, and have desirable effects. We’ve done our best to put together a very diverse list of weed strains that are popular in The Empire State, ones that have plenty of THC and are sure to get you high, have varying flavours, and have a variety of effects.

Our goal was to put together not only a list of the most popular cannabis strains in NY, but also a list of strains diverse enough so that everybody should be able to find at least one that suits them.  

Is Weed Legal in New York?

For anybody living in New York, you’re lucky, because cannabis is legal. Anybody over the age of 21 can legally possess up to three ounces of cannabis in the state of New York for personal use. This means that the world is your oyster as far as choosing from the best weed strains in NY are concerned. New York, at the time of writing, is set to have nearly 40 adult-use cannabis stores. 

Top 10 Weed Strains in New York

Let’s get right to looking at the top 10 weed strains in NY. We’ve got a great selection for you to check out so let’s get to it.

1. Apple Fritter

New Yorkers love to do everything big, and it’s one reason why this Apple Fritter cannabis strain is so popular. It has super sweet flavours combined with massive THC levels. 

Genetics

In terms of genetics, this is an extremely well-balanced hybrid strain that features elements of both indica and sativa. This is a combination of Animal Cookies and Sour Apple strains. Sour Apple, also known as Sour Apple Diesel, is a hybrid strain with around 17% THC.

We then have Animal Cookies, another hybrid strain with around 19% THC. It would appear that the Apple Fritter strain gets a lot of its sweet flavour from both of its parents, although exactly why the Apple Fritter strain is so much more potent is yet to be explained.

Potency – THC Content

As for the overall THC content of the Apple Fritter strain, this sits at around 24% on average, although it may range anywhere from 22% to 26%. As you can tell, this is therefore an extremely potent and high-THC strain, one that should get everyone and anyone very high with just a few puffs.

This is certainly a strain designed for more experienced cannabis connoisseurs, not for beginners who have a low THC tolerance. Just one or two puffs should be more than enough to get your head floating up in the clouds.

Appearance

The Apple Fritter strain has a very interesting appearance, featuring small, rounded, yet irregularly shaped nugs with almost more purple on them than they have green. 

These nugs also have a good deal of orange pistils and green accents, along with one of the thickest layers of white trichomes that you’ve ever seen on any cannabis buds. 

This is of course where all of that awesome THC is contained. As far as beautiful-looking strains of cannabis are concerned, this is certainly one of the best ones out there.

Flavour and Aroma

Thanks to the various terpenes contained in this strain, such as caryophyllene, limonene, and pinene, it has a very interesting yet complex flavour profile, one that resembles sweet, baked goods, and of course, there is a certain hint of apple. Many people also report tasting cheese, butter, earth, and in some cases even diesel. It will definitely tantalise your palate. Interestingly, these terpenes may also have a synergistic effect with THC, thus leading to the effects discussed below. 

Effects

The effects that you will feel from the Apple Fritter strain should be strong and fast. Remember, this is an extremely potent hybrid strain. Generally speaking, the high should start out with the sativa side of things, and you should feel insanely giggly, creative, and uplifted, more or less ready to tackle anything ahead of you.

However, don’t move too quickly, because the indica side of things will quickly take over and have you sinking into your couch while finishing all of the snacks in your home.

At the end of the day, it’s a very sedating and tiring strain that is ideal for people who just need to relax, and it’s great for people who need help with relieving symptoms of insomnia and various types of chronic pain.

2. Lemon Cherry Gelato

Staying with sweet-tasting strains of cannabis that have high THC levels, here we have Lemon Cherry Gelato, yet another one of the most popular cannabis strains found in The Empire State.

Genetics

Lemon Cherry Gelato is an interesting cross between two other very popular strains: Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbet. First, we have Girl Scout Cookies, which is a hybrid cannabis strain made by crossing OG Kush with Durban Poison, and it features a THC level of anywhere between 19% and 21%.

We then have Sunset Sherbet, which is a mix between Girl Scout Cookies and Pink Panties, an indica-dominant hybrid strain that features THC levels ranging from 18% to 21%. The result is Lemon Cherry Gelato, a very sweet-tasting, potent cannabis strain.

Potency – THC Content

Lemon Cherry Gelato is another one of the most potent cannabis strains on our list today, coming in at an average of 24% THC, although there are specimens that have been measured with THC levels ranging up to 27%.

This is of course a whole lot of THC, and even the most seasoned of cannabis veterans should be careful with it. 

It will only take a few puffs of this cannabis strain for you to feel the full effects of it, which means that a little bit goes a long way. Beginners should absolutely exercise caution when trying the Lemon Cherry Gelato strain.

Appearance

Lemon Cherry Gelato has a very interesting appearance, with buds that are fairly elongated and shaped somewhat like a flame. You could imagine it looking almost like the Olympic flame, although instead of red, it features various green hues and accents, along with bright orange pistils, a select few purple sugar leaves, and an extremely thick coating of white crystals. Those white crystals contain all of that THC that we all love. The buds themselves are quite airy and light as opposed to dense and compact.

Flavour and Aroma

Thanks to the various terpenes it contains, mainly caryophyllene, limonene, and humulene, the Lemon Cherry Gelato strain has a very interesting and complex flavour profile. 

As you can probably tell, it features flavours of sweet fruits, citrus flavours such as lemon and lime, as well as berries. If you like sweet and fruity cannabis strains, then this is certainly one worth checking out.

Effects

Although this cannabis strain is fairly well-balanced, it would appear to be slightly more indica-dominant. 

Therefore, you can expect this strain to start out as being somewhat uplifting and creative, but that won’t last long, because that uplifting nature will soon give way to the indica side of things, which means that you’ll start feeling very sedated.

This is a strain that is well known for making you feel very tingly, giggly, relaxed, tired, sedated, and very calm and mellow overall. It’s also a strain known for inducing the munchies. If you suffer from insomnia, anxiety, or chronic pain, then this may be a good strain for you to check out.

3. Ice Cream Cake

Next on the list, we have Ice Cream Cake, which is a potent indica cannabis strain, one that’s made by crossing some very popular parent strains, so let’s take a look at what you can expect from it.

Genetics

In terms of where this strain comes from, it has two very popular parents: Gelato #33 and Wedding Cake. Gelato #33 is an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain, a cross between Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbet, with a THC level of roughly 20%.

We then have Wedding Cake, which is also an indica-dominant cannabis strain, a cross between Animal Mints and Triangle Kush, with a THC level of 24%. Overall, you can expect most of the flavour to come from Gelato #33 whereas the high potency comes from the Wedding Cake.

Potency – THC Content

Ice Cream Cake is quite the potent strain. First, it contains a little bit of both CBD and CBG, which some people may appreciate. 

However, what we’re really here for is that whopping 22% THC. Interesting to note is that a cannabis strain with 22% THC is still considered very potent, although it is the least potent strain on our list so far today.

All of that being said, 22% THC is nothing to snub, and it’s still something that beginners should have a bit of respect for. Although it is suitable for beginners as long as you just take a few puffs, keep in mind that the high hits hard and fast.

Appearance

The Ice Cream Cake strain has some fairly interesting yet unassuming-looking buds. The buds of the Ice Cream Cake strain appear to be quite elongated and dense in nature, almost like elongated little pebbles. In terms of colour, these buds are very brown and green with a combination of various orange, brown, and green hues. It looks like quite the average cannabis bud.

Flavour and Aroma

Thanks to the various terpenes which the Ice Cream Cake strain contains, mainly caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool, it features a very sweet, vanilla-like, buttery, and cake-like flavour. Many people say that it does in fact resemble an Ice Cream Cake, with many people also saying that it somewhat resembles sugary cookie dough.

Effects

This is an indica cannabis strain, and this means that you’ll feel its effects rather quickly. This is a great late-afternoon or nighttime strain to consume when you just want something that’s going to help you relax, make your body feel heavy and tingly, and put your mind at ease.

It’s also a fantastic strain if you need something to help induce hunger and take care of some insomnia. It’s a rather classic indica in terms of producing a strong and sedating body high, along with a slightly euphoric cerebral high.

4. Runtz

If you like fruity cannabis strains with moderately high THC levels, then the Runtz strain is certainly something worth checking out, another one of the most popular cannabis strains in New York.

Genetics

What we have here is a fairly evenly balanced hybrid that is made by crossing Gelato with Zkittlez. Zkittlez is a potent cannabis strain, one that features roughly 20% THC, an indica that is a mix between Grape Ape and Grapefruit.

We then have Gelato, which features 21% THC, an evenly balanced hybrid cannabis strain made by crossing Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies with Sunset Sherbet. The result here is a moderately to very potent cannabis strain, Runtz, with a very sweet and fruity flavour profile.

Potency – THC Content

Runtz, which may also be referred to as Runtz OG, is relatively potent, although interestingly enough it has less THC than anything else on the list so far today. That said, the THC level of this strain comes in at roughly 21%, which is still quite strong. 

21% is more than most beginners would usually start with, although it’s technically not too much, as long as you take it slow. Just remember that it is a hybrid strain, so you’ll feel both a cerebral and body high from it.

Appearance

The Runtz strain is definitely one of the most interesting ones in terms of appearance. The buds here are extremely elongated, more than twice as long as they are wide, and they feature many small individual buds attached lengthwise on a stem. 

Unlike most other buds that feature orange pistils, these ones have pistils that are redder and more amber than anything else, combined with a dark green overall appearance. These buds are also fairly light and fluffy.

Flavour and Aroma

Thanks to the various terpenes contained in this strain, mainly myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene, you can expect this strain to have a very sweet flavour. It has an extremely fruity flavour profile, and it’s almost like something that came from a candy store. It’s extremely sugary and sweet, with flavours resembling various berries and tree fruits.

Effects

Interesting to note is that this is one of the more creative and uplifting strains on the list today. This is a relatively evenly balanced hybrid, although the sativa side of things really seems to take over. 

For the most part, people report feeling extremely euphoric, giggly, creative, uplifted, and energetic. It’s certainly a very strong cerebral high. 

After a couple of hours, you might start feeling a bit more sedated, but that’s more of an afterthought compared to the other effects. 

5. Do-Si-Dos

If you’re looking for a hybrid cannabis strain that has the potential to contain absolutely insane amounts of THC, over 30%, then you’ve come to the right place. Thanks to its big time potency, it’s by far one of the most popular weed strains in NY.

Genetics

The Do-Si-Dos cannabis strain is a moderately balanced hybrid. It is made by crossing Girl Scout Cookies with Face-Off OG. As we’ve mentioned before, Girl Scout Cookies is quite a high-potency strain with an aroma that resembles a dessert, with Face-Off OG being a CBG-rich cannabis strain with plenty of great medical benefits.

Potency – THC Content

What really stands out about the Do-Si-Dos cannabis strain is of course how extremely potent it is. On average, it contains anywhere between 28% and 30% THC, although in some cases this may range up to 32% THC.

Do-Si-Dos is therefore by far the most potent strain on our list today, and it’s something that will get even the most seasoned cannabis connoisseurs to the moon and back. 

This is a strain that anybody and everybody should exercise a bit of caution with. If you like being so high that you barely remember where you are, then it’s certainly something worth checking out.

Appearance

The appearance of this strain is quite interesting and visually appealing. It features a mixture of lavender-coloured leaves, a main body of various hues of green, and extremely bright orange pistils. 

However, what really stands out here is that extremely thick layer of white and resinous trichomes, a thicker layer than most other buds have. The reason for this is that this particular cannabis strain has such high THC levels, which are contained in those trichomes.

Flavour and Aroma

The Do-Si-Dos strain has a variety of active terpenes, including caryophyllene, humulene, linalool, and myrcene. The result here is an extremely strong yet complex flavour profile with hints of earth, flowers, skunk, and sweetness. It’s quite the pungent and strong-smelling strain.

Effects

Keep in mind that this strain is around 70% indica, so you can expect the effects to be focused mainly on your body. Also remember that this strain contains upwards of 30% THC, so you’ll definitely feel a very strong body high.

This is the kind of strain that you consume when you know that you have nothing else left to do for the day except to watch a movie that you probably won’t remember by the time you’re done watching it. 

With such high THC levels combined with indica genetics, you’re more likely to pass out after raiding your refrigerator than anything else.

6. AK-47

If you’re looking for something a bit mellower–and ironic due to its name–we have AK-47, one of the least potent cannabis strains on our list today, and one that also happens to be a sativa.

Genetics

What is very interesting to note about the AK-47 cannabis strain is that it’s one of the most diverse ones as far as genetics are concerned. 

In fact, it is made from four different landrace strains, landrace strains from Colombia, Thailand, Mexico, and Afghanistan. 

This means that it has one of the most diverse genetic profiles in the whole world. The result is a sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain with moderate THC levels.

Potency – THC Content

The AK-47 strain features an average THC level of roughly 19%, and as you can recognize, it is the least potent cannabis strain on our list so far today. That being said, 19% is still nothing to look down your nose at, and it’s still more than enough to get most people feeling high.

As far as being ideal for beginners is concerned, AK-47 is so far the best one for newbies on the list today. It’s not overly potent, so you can take quite a few puffs without getting far too stoned at once. People who are used to much higher THC levels may want to try one of the strains that we discussed above.

Appearance

The appearance of the AK-47 strain is simply beautiful. It features a myriad of colour combinations, including green hues and tints ranging from the lightest to the darkest of greens, combined with both red and orange pistils, a select few orange and purple sugar hairs, and a relatively thick layer of white trichomes. The buds themselves are fairly rounded and pebble-like in nature, although they are also quite light and airy.

Flavour and Aroma

Some of the most dominant terpenes contained in the AK-47 strain include myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene. 

This leads it to have quite an interesting flavour profile, one that resembles flavours including skunk, tobacco, and spicy herbs. It also has a delicate undertone of sweet floral notes as well as sour earthiness.

Effects

This is a very sativa-heavy strain, so you can expect it to be focused mainly on your mind. The cerebral-centric high starts out by you feeling quite creative and uplifted, but that soon gives way to you feeling ridiculously euphoric and giggly. 

Some people also report that this is a great strain for social activities as it keeps people alert and engaged. It’s a fantastic strain for daytime use, because it’s one of the few ones that won’t put you down for the count.

7. Gary Payton

Going back to higher-THC cannabis strains, here we have Gary Payton, a potent weed strain with hybrid genetics that will leave you feeling relaxed yet uplifted, one that is named after none other than Gary Payton, an NBA legend. What’s interesting to note is that this particular cannabis strain has won a variety of awards, including first place in the 2022 Errl Cup in Arizona and second in 2022’s The Emerald Cup in California.

Genetics

This hybrid cannabis strain is a combination of The Y and Snowman. The Y, also known as Y Griega, is a sativa cannabis strain with citrusy and sweet floral notes, an energising high, and THC levels of roughly 20%. We then have Snowman, a sativa-dominant hybrid strain that is made from Girl Scout Cookies, one with a relatively high THC level of 23%.

Potency – THC Content

In terms of the overall potency, the Gary Payton strain comes in at an average of 23%, although it may range up to 25% in some cases. It also contains around 1% CBG, along with negligible levels of CBD. 

Thanks to this relatively high potency, we recommend that the Gary Payton strain be reserved for the more experienced cannabis consumer. Yes, a beginner may try it, but beware that you should start slow, because it hits like a brick.

Appearance

The Gary Payton cannabis strain looks very nice, and one of the reasons for this is that it tends to have an extremely thick layer of white trichomes on the outside, and this makes it look almost like it has been snowed on. 

These snow-covered buds also feature a plethora of purple sugar hairs, orange pistils, and green highlights. The buds themselves are generally quite airy, although the high THC levels also make them very sticky.

Flavour and Aroma

If you’re looking for something very flavourful to try, this is certainly a great strain to consider, especially if you like the taste of lavender, apricot, and pepper. It’s quite the fruity, herbal, and spicy strain.

Effects

This is a great hybrid strain to consider if you want a combination of an uplifting cerebral high with a relaxing body high. At first, you should feel a bit talkative and giggly, as well as euphoric. However, this experience will then soon give way to a much more relaxed and sedated feeling.

It’s quite the classic hybrid in that it starts out by having you feel uplifted and then slowly transitions to a much more relaxed high. For this reason, it’s a good mid or late-afternoon strain, and it also happens to be ideal for dealing with symptoms associated with depression, stress, and anxiety.

8. Oreoz

We then have Oreoz, a hybrid strain that although it’s not overly potent, has an amazing flavour, and yes, it does resemble the cookie.

Genetics

What we have here is a balanced hybrid cannabis strain, one that is made by crossing two other very popular parents, and this includes Cookies & Cream and Secret Weapon.  

Cookies & Cream is a hybrid cannabis strain with around 20% THC, and it happens to be very sweet. Secret Weapon is also a hybrid cannabis strain, one made by crossing White Widow with Cheesequake, which also happens to be extremely potent with roughly 25% THC.

Potency – THC Content

The Oreoz strain itself is moderately potent, coming in with an average THC level of roughly 20%. This therefore makes it ideal for most people, whether beginner or expert. 

It’s more than strong enough for a seasoned cannabis consumer to get reasonably stoned, and it’s certainly more than enough for your average beginner as well. 

This one is known for being a bit of a creeper as well, which means that you might not feel much at first, and then all of a sudden the high will hit you.

Appearance

We very much like the appearance of the Oreoz cannabis strain, as it features very light, fluffy, and airy elongated nugs that look almost like little flames. 

They feature a variety of green hues, mainly light greens, accented by very dark purple sugar hairs and bright orange pistils, combined with a healthy layer of white crystals that contain all of that juicy THC.

Flavour and Aroma

As you can probably tell from the name of the strain, this is one of the sweeter and more enjoyably-flavoured cannabis varieties out there. 

People note that it has an aroma that is characterised by s’mores around a campfire, chocolate, and icing, along with an interesting hint of diesel. If you like really sweet cannabis strains, then this is certainly one to check out.

Effects

If what you are looking for is a high that starts out by having you feeling euphoric and uplifted, but then quickly transitions to one of the longest-lasting and most relaxing highs out there, then the Oreoz strain is certainly something you should check out. 

It should end up making you feel extremely happy and relaxed, hungry, and sedated. Many people use this strain in an attempt to treat a variety of conditions related to anxiety, stress, and depression.

9. Blueberry Kush

One of the all-time most favourite strains in NY is Blueberry Kush, a somewhat mild indica strain that has been enjoyed for many decades.

Genetics

Blueberry Kush is an indica strain, one that should make you feel quite sleepy. In terms of its genetics, it is a combination of OG Kush and Blueberry. 

OG Kush is an indica-dominant cannabis strain made by crossing Hindu Kush with a variety of other cannabis strains, it features notes of spice, skunk, and fuel, and has a THC level averaging about 18%. 

We then have Blueberry, which is a low-potency indica strain with around 17% THC, a strain made by combining various cannabis strains from Thailand.

Potency – THC Content

In terms of overall potency, the Blueberry Kush strain is one of the least potent ones on our list today. Although it’s not overly potent, coming in at just 18% THC on average, New Yorkers really seem to love it. 

What’s really nice about this strain is that because it’s not overly potent, it’s a great one for beginners to check out. A beginner could easily smoke a whole joint of this strain and still not be too high.

Appearance

Blueberry Kush generally features very small, rounded, and compact buds. They’re usually somewhat dark green in nature, combined with dark purple sugar hairs, a bit of dark orange pistils, and some white trichomes. 

You’ll notice that these buds aren’t quite as white and crystally as others, which is generally because they don’t contain all that much THC.

Flavour and Aroma

Some of the most dominant terpenes contained in the Blueberry Kush strain include myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene. The result is a cannabis strain that is quite sweet and fruity, yet also peppery. As you can probably tell by the name of it, you should taste a good deal of blueberries and sweetness.

Effects

This is a relatively low-potency indica strain, so one thing that you can be sure of is that it will relax you. This is a bit of a creeper, so it won’t hit you right away, but instead will slowly transition from you feeling completely sober to a very relaxed and sedated state.

It’s not way too strong, so it won’t outright knock you out, but it will definitely make you want to sit on your couch for an extended period of time. Many people also note that it’s a great way to help combat various forms of pain, stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness.  

10. Skywalker OG

Last but not least we have Skywalker OG, which is an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain with a moderately potent THC level, another fan-favourite cannabis strain in New York.

Genetics

Skywalker OG is a cross between two different strains, with one being Blueberry OG and the other being Mazar. 

Blueberry OG is a phenotype of DJ Short Blueberry, which is combined with OG Kush, resulting in a hybrid strain with a relatively low THC level of 16%, along with a sweet flavour. 

Mazar is an indica cannabis strain, the lowest-potency one on our radar today, with just 13% THC. This is a strain known for growing in Afghanistan.

Potency – THC Content

Skywalker OG features a moderate to high potency level of 20%, although it can range up to 22% in some cases. It also happens to feature a CBD level of roughly 1%. In the grand scheme of things, this is a strain that should be ideal for most people, both beginners and experts alike.

Appearance

The appearance of Skywalker OG is quite unassuming yet appealing. It features light and airy nugs that have various green hues ranging from the lightest to the darkest of greens, combined with orange, purple, and white accents, and some white crystals.

Flavour and Aroma

The flavour and aroma of this strain are quite interesting. In general, you can expect it to taste like spices, herbs, and earthiness. People also note that there are flavours including pine and diesel. It’s definitely a naturally-tasting strain.

Effects

If you are somebody who suffers from a lot of stress, and need a strain that is going to make you feel quite relaxed, then Skywalker OG is certainly something worth checking out. Although it does contain elements of sativa, it’s the indica side that comes to the forefront. 

You should feel extremely tired, sleepy, sedated, relaxed, and tingly. You might just pass out on the couch, but not before eating all of the snacks you bought in the past week.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain for You

If you’re wondering why these are the 10 best cannabis strains in New York, it’s because there are various factors that people tend to pay attention to when rating their favourite cannabis strains, something we do as well. 

In general, you want to pay attention to things like the effects, genetics, potency, THC level, flavour, and aroma of the cannabis strains in question. Here we have a great guide on exactly how to choose the best cannabis strains for you.

Conclusion

There you have it folks, the top 10 cannabis strains in The Empire State. We aimed to be diverse to provide you with a great selection. 

However, at the end of the day, these are quite simply some of the most popular cannabis strains not only in New York, but in the USA and North America in general.

We’ve done our best to choose both indica and sativa strains, as well as low and high-potency strains, so there should be something here for everybody. Now it’s up to you to figure out which of these cannabis strains is your own personal favourite.