2025 felt different from the moment the first big drops hit the shelves. You could tell by the way people talked about the new strain they tried, describing how it tasted like a citrus grove after rain, or swearing their new favorite hybrid made Tuesday feel like Saturday for an hour. Week after week, new genetics showed up with louder terpenes, richer resin, and effects that didn’t blend into what came before.

Inside RISE stores, the pattern was impossible to miss. Certain strains kept selling out before noon. Others built quiet cult followings with regulars coming back with a grin like, “Yeah, that one hit just right.” The data lined up with the stories: 2025 was all about bold flavor, dialed-in potency tiers, and effects that actually matched what people were looking for. So this roundup isn’t theory; it’s built from what you shopped for, asked about, and came back to buy again.

By the time summer rolled around, a few strains had made it clear they weren’t just passing trends. You could see it in how fast they moved and how often people asked for them by name. Some earned their spot through steady word-of-mouth, others because the flavor or the effects simply hit

the way people wanted. What they all shared was reliability with batches that stayed true to what customers expected and effects that matched the experience buyers came back to describe. These were the strains that shaped the year.

Animal Face

Animal Face didn’t take long to find its lane. Customers looking for something strong but still collected gravitated to it almost immediately.

• Lineage: Indica-dominant Hybrid

• THC Tier: High to Very High

• Flavor: Sweet, nutty, earthy, with a dry diesel edge that hangs around in a good way.

• Effects: Relaxing without shutting you down. People used it for those “I finally have a minute to myself” evenings — cooking, catching up on shows, sketching, or just decompressing without losing clarity.

Our Favorite Product

If you want Animal Face at its best, keep it simple. The flower version delivers the full profile without anything watering it down — clean, loud, and exactly what keeps shoppers coming back for it.

Brownie Scout

Brownie Scout didn’t really need an introduction; once someone tried it, they usually came back talking about the flavor first and the effect second.

• Lineage: Indica-dominant Hybrid

• THC Tier: Very High

• Flavor: Rich chocolate with warm spice. This is the kind of aroma that gets your attention as soon as the jar opens.

• Effects: It kicks in with a strong euphoric rush and then smooths out into a heavy, full-body unwind.

Our Favorite Product

If you want something that’s easy to use without drawing attention, the RYTHM Brownie Scout Vape is the way to go. It keeps that warm, dessert-like flavor people love, and the discreet format makes it simple to enjoy when you want the effect without the whole setup.

Afternoon Delight #4

Afternoon Delight grew steadily through the year. The people who tried it early on were the same ones recommending it to friends a month later.

• Lineage: Balanced Hybrid

• THC Tier: Moderate to High

• Aroma: Pepper, earth, and a hint of diesel from its GMO side.

• Experience: A clean, even lift with just enough body ease to make the day feel more manageable. Perfect for that late-afternoon reset, errands, tidying, or transitioning out of work mode without feeling weighed down. A solid midday strain that doesn’t demand anything from you.

Our Favorite Product

The Dogwalkers Multipack lines up perfectly with how people use this strain — small, dependable pre-rolls you can spark without turning the moment into a whole thing.

After looking at the strains that dominated 2025, it’s clear that flavor, terpene complexity, and dependable effects are shaping what people reach for. With that momentum, a new group of genetics is already building

interest heading into 2026. These strains are showing up in early drops, gaining attention for their aroma profiles and balanced effects, and starting to appear more often on RISE menus.

Durban Z

Durban Z is quickly becoming the go-to recommendation for people who want daytime energy without losing smoothness. Early batches have shown a level of terpene clarity that stands out — not every citrus-forward strain manages to keep its brightness after curing, but Durban Z holds onto it well, which is part of why it’s picking up attention.

• Lineage: Sativa-dominant Hybrid

• THC Tier: Moderate to High

• Terpenes & Flavor: Ocimene, Limonene, and Myrcene combine for a sharp citrus opening, followed by tropical notes that don’t get overly sweet.

• Effects: Durban Z delivers a buoyant, uplifting high that stays clear and functional. It has the kind of upbeat euphoria that brightens the mood without pushing into restlessness, making it easy to stay productive while still feeling noticeably elevated.

Our Favorite Product

Cartridges or concentrates show off Durban Z’s bright, citrus-driven terp profile especially well. These formats keep the flavor sharp and clean, letting the strain's natural citrus-and-tropical mix come through without dilution.

L’Orange

L’Orange is rising quickly among people who want sativas that feel genuinely refreshing rather than simply “uplifting.” Its orange-forward aroma is strong in the best way — fresh, bright, and unmistakable — and the resin content in early drops suggests it’ll keep gaining traction among flavor-focused shoppers.

• Lineage: Sativa

• THC Tier: Moderate to High

• Profile: Sticky, resin-heavy flower with a fresh orange aroma that stays consistent from batch to batch.

• Experience: L’Orange leans into a lively, energizing experience that sharpens your outlook and keeps the mood lifted. It offers the kind of focused, upbeat clarity sativa fans look for, with a brightness that stays

Our Favorite Product

Sativa-leaning edibles or craft flower maintain L’Orange’s fresh orange character beautifully. These formats help preserve the citrus tones that make the strain stand out, offering a fuller expression of its signature aroma.

Bananaconda

Bananaconda stands out for people who love hybrids with a dessert-like flavor but don’t want a heavy, couch-forward effect. The banana, vanilla, and citrus notes create a rounded, tropical profile that’s easy to recognize and easy to enjoy.

• Lineage: Hybrid

• THC Tier: High

• Flavor: A layered mix of banana, vanilla, and citrus that gives it a smooth, sweet finish.

• Effects: Bananaconda opens with a light, uplifting buzz that’s noticeable without feeling overwhelming. As the high settles, it shifts into a calm, gentle relaxation that smooths out the edges without taking you out of your day.

Our Favorite Product

Banana-flavored gummies or a balanced vape pair naturally with Bananaconda’s tropical profile. They echo its banana-vanilla-citrus mix and make it easy to enjoy the strain’s character in a simple, anytime format.

OMG

OMG has been gaining traction among fans of heavier strains that still offer a well-rounded terpene experience. The Myrcene, Limonene, and Caryophyllene mix gives it both depth and balance, making it a strong contender for evening use.

• Lineage: Indica-Leaning Hybrid

• THC Tier: Very High

• Terpene Profile: Myrcene provides body depth, Limonene adds brightness, and Caryophyllene creates a grounded finish.

• Effects: OMG brings a strong euphoric surge upfront — a heady, uplifting wave that gets your attention — before easing into a steady sense of calm and body relief. It’s the kind of shift where the tension softens gradually and the rest of the experience settles in smoothly.

Our Favorite Product

RISE live resin and gummies complement OMG’s heavier, evening-leaning qualities. These formats highlight its deep terpene profile and make the strain’s relaxing, wind-down nature even more pronounced.

White Durban

White Durban appeals to shoppers who want a sharper Sativa with some body nuance. The spicy, fuel-forward aroma stands out immediately, and the effects have shown a nice balance between uplifting mental clarity and a mild physical buzz.

• Lineage: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

• THC Tier: Moderate

• Aroma: Spicy, pungent fuel with cracked black pepper — bold and unmistakable.

• Effects: White Durban kicks in quickly with a burst of euphoria and alertness, giving a sharp lift that feels clean and engaging. Over time, it transitions into a mild, tingly body high that adds ease without muting the mental clarity.

Our Favorite Product

Daytime flower suits White Durban’s energetic start and smooth finish, and micro-dose edibles offer a lighter way to explore the strain’s distinctive sativa profile without committing to a full session.

Jack Herer

Jack Herer continues its resurgence, especially among shoppers revisiting the classics. It remains one of the most reliable strains for a clean, creative headspace, and 2026 looks to be another strong year for it.

• Lineage: Classic Sativa

• THC Tier: Moderate

• Flavor: Sweet and sour citrus with pine, staying true to its signature profile.

• Effects: Jack Herer delivers a clear, immediate lift — the kind that helps sharpen focus and spark creativity right away. It stays bright and steady throughout the experience, making it one of the most reliably uplifting classics available.

Our Favorite Product

Pre-rolls or disposable vapes let you tap into Jack Herer’s signature clarity quickly. These formats keep things simple and direct, aligning well with the strain’s creative and focus-oriented feel.

Head Cracker

Head Cracker is gaining early momentum thanks to its ability to offer both mental lift and body relaxation in one consistent package. The lineage shows clearly, and its flavor profile makes it appealing to hybrid fans who want something balanced.

• Lineage: Indica-dominant Hybrid

• THC Tier: High

• Flavor: Earthy diesel supported by sweet citrus and pine notes.

• Effects: Head Cracker offers a strong blend of mental and physical effects: a noticeable cerebral uplift followed by a gradual, grounding body relaxation. It reflects both sides of its lineage without tipping fully into sedation, giving it a balanced hybrid feel with some weight behind it.

Our Favorite Product

Flower and 1 g live resin capture Head Cracker’s full potency and terpene depth. These formats give experienced consumers the most complete version of its diesel-citrus-pine character.

VelcroZ

VelcroZ is shaping up to be a strong weekend strain thanks to its quick, noticeable onset and layered flavor. Its blueberry-pine profile gives it a distinct presence, and early feedback suggests it’s both enjoyable and dependable.

• Lineage: Balanced Hybrid

• THC Tier: Very High

• Flavor: Sweet blueberry kush with pine and pepper for added depth.

• Effects: VelcroZ hits fast with a wave of bright, upbeat euphoria, followed by a warm, mellow body sensation that smooths everything

out. The transition feels natural — energetic at first, then comfortably grounded.

Our Favorite Product

As a weekend pick, VelcroZ works well for both newer and seasoned consumers. Its balanced profile makes it inviting, while its potency ensures the experience stays engaging for people who want something a bit stronger.

Bubba Fett

Bubba Fett is drawing attention for being one of the heavier nighttime strains landing on menus heading into 2026. The aroma alone — dank diesel and skunky cheese — tells you exactly what kind of experience to expect.

• Lineage: Indica-dominant Hybrid

• THC Tier: Very High

• Flavor: Bold, dense aroma with strong diesel and skunky cheese notes.

• Effects: Bubba Fett begins with a strong euphoric rush that lands quickly. From there, it settles into heavy, full-body sedation — the kind

that’s deep, weighty, and unmistakably indica-driven, with classic couch-lock written all over it.

Our Favorite Product

A natural fit for experienced consumers, Bubba Fett works best as a nighttime option for those looking for a potent, slow-down strain with significant physical depth.

Finding the right strain for you doesn’t have to be complicated. The better you understand how cannabinoids, terpenes, and formats work together, the easier it becomes to choose something that fits your moment instead of guessing. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Understanding Effects: Sativa, Hybrid, Indica

Sativa, Indica or Hybrid? The old chart that says “sativa = energy,” “indica = relax,” and “hybrid = middle” still gets thrown around, but most experienced consumers know it only tells part of the story. What matters more is how terpenes shape the feel of a strain.

Here’s a straightforward way to think about it:

• Sativas: Often feel more upbeat, alert, and sensory. You’ll see these paired with terpenes like Limonene (bright, mood-lifting) or Terpinolene (clear and stimulating). Great for daytime when you want a bit more spark.

• Hybrids: Where most people end up. They pull traits from both sides, and the balance depends on the dominant terpene. A Myrcene-heavy hybrid might feel relaxing; something leaning towards Pinene or Limonene will feel cleaner and more focused.

• Indicas: Tend to lean calming, grounding, and body-heavy, especially those rich in Myrcene, Linalool, or Caryophyllene. These usually show up in evening routines or quiet wind-down moments. When in doubt, choose by mood, not label. That’s the most reliable way to predict how a strain will actually feel.

2. Picking the Right Format: Flower, Vapes, Live Resin, Edibles

Even with the right strain, the format changes the experience more than most people expect. Here’s how to think about it from a practical standpoint:

• Flower: Best for people who want the full strain experience — flavor, onset, and a sense of the plant’s whole character. Onset is quick, effects are easy to adjust, and you’ll notice terp differences right away.

• Vapes: Great for convenience and discretion. They highlight terpene flavor well, especially citrus-forward strains, and work when you want something clean with minimal smell. Onset is fast, but effects don’t last quite as long as flower.

• Live Resin: If you care about flavor and want to experience a strain at its most expressive, live resin is often the closest you’ll get. It preserves more terpenes, hits quickly, and tends to feel more “complete” than standard distillate.

• Edibles: These change the timeline entirely. Edibles take longer to kick in but last much longer, and they create a deeper body feel compared to inhaled formats. If you want long-lasting calm or a sustained mood shift, edibles are the most dependable choice.

A good rule of thumb: Choose your format based on how quickly you want the effect and how long you want it to stay with you.

3. Using RISE Tools to Shop Smarter

RISE’s menu filters are built around convenient browsing — not just strain names. If you use them well, they remove a lot of the guesswork.

Here’s how to get the most out of them:

• Filter by Feeling: This is often more accurate than category labels. If you want energy, click Energized. If you want to unwind, click Calm. These filters group products by the kind of effect shoppers report most often.

• Filter by Activity: This is underrated but incredibly useful. Looking for something for creativity, social time, focus, or chilling at home? Start here — it narrows down options quickly.

• Filter by Brand: If you’ve found a brand that feels consistent to you — RYTHM, Dogwalkers, Good Green, etc. — sort by brand. You’ll notice patterns in terp profiles and potency that make shopping easier.

• Check Local Inventory: Availability shifts fast, especially with popular strains or new drops. Always look at what’s in stock at your local RISE store instead of assuming every strain is everywhere.

A lot of repeat shoppers end up building a personal “shortlist” of formats and terp combos that work best for them. The menu filters help you recreate that same experience even when the strain names change.

Looking back, 2025 was shaped by strains that didn’t just test well — they tasted memorable, felt consistent, and built real followings. Animal Face, Brownie Scout, Afternoon Delight #4, L’Orange, and the rest of the year’s favorites earned their place because people came back for them, not because they were passing trends. They set a clear expectation for what shoppers want: fuller terpene expression, strong but reliable potency tiers, and effects that match what’s promised.

And if the early signs are right, 2026 is going to push that even further. The next wave of sativas is getting brighter, hybrids are becoming more dialed-in, and indica-leaning strains are carrying more depth without losing flavor.

Whether you prefer flower, vapes, live resin, or edibles, you’ll see these profiles show up across more formats and with more range than before.

If you’re curious where the new year is heading — or just want to revisit the standouts that defined 2025 — your local RISE dispensary is the best place to start. You’ll find these strains in multiple formats, fresh drops as they arrive, and the tools to help you choose what fits your moment. The next wave is already on the shelves — now’s the time to explore it.

Disclaimer:

• Product availability is dependent on state, dispensary, and/or inventory.

• THC percentages are directional and not guaranteed among each dispensary and product.