Strain of the Week: March 8–14, 2026

Seven strains, seven days. Each entry in this weekly roundup was chosen for its genetic significance, flavor complexity, or sheer potency. From the legendary OG Kush to the exotic Rainbow Pave, this week's picks span classic heritage and cutting-edge breeding.

OG Kush

OG Kush remains one of the most consequential cannabis cultivars ever produced. This hybrid from Royal Queen Seeds tests at approximately 22% THC and descends from an enigmatic cross involving Hindu Kush genetics. The flavor profile is unmistakable: a dense, resinous kush base layered with pine, diesel, and a bright lemon finish. Earthy undertones round out the exhale.

The effects lean toward full-body relaxation paired with a clear, euphoric headspace. Users consistently report feelings of happiness and calm without heavy sedation, making OG Kush a versatile choice for evening use or social settings where deep relaxation is welcome. Its influence on modern breeding cannot be overstated. Dozens of elite crosses trace their lineage directly back to this cultivar.

Runtz

Runtz is a hybrid bred by Yung LB, crossing Gelato with Zkittlez. At 24% THC, it delivers a potent, balanced experience. The terpene profile reads like a candy shop: berry, fruity, and sweet notes dominate, with candy and cream undertones that linger on the palate.

Euphoria hits quickly, settling into a happy, relaxed state that works well for creative tasks or winding down. The Gelato x Zkittlez parentage gives Runtz a dense bud structure coated in trichomes, with hues of purple and green. Growers should expect a moderate flowering time and medium yields. The bag appeal alone has made Runtz a mainstay in dispensaries worldwide.

Rainbow Pave

Rainbow Pave is a high-potency hybrid from Compound Genetics, testing at 27% THC. It crosses Apples N Bananas with Pave, producing a complex flavor spectrum of berry, mint, sweet, and tropical notes. This is a strain engineered for connoisseurs who value both potency and terpene depth.

The effects are powerful and full-spectrum, combining cerebral stimulation with physical relaxation. Rainbow Pave's dense, frosty buds and exotic terpene blend make it a standout in any garden. Compound Genetics has built a reputation for pushing genetic boundaries, and this cultivar is a prime example of their craft.

Gelato

Gelato from Premium Cultivars is a hybrid crossing Sunset Sherbert with Thin Mint GSC. At 22% THC, it produces a rich flavor profile of fruity, orange, vanilla, citrus, and mint. The taste is smooth and layered, evolving from a sweet citrus inhale to a cool, creamy exhale.

Gelato's effects are balanced and approachable. It delivers cerebral uplift alongside gentle physical relaxation, making it suitable for daytime or early evening use. The plant produces compact, colorful buds with deep purple hues. It prefers a warm, Mediterranean-style climate and rewards attentive growers with excellent resin production.

GSC

GSC (formerly Girl Scout Cookies) is a sativa-leaning cultivar at 19% THC, born from OG Kush crossed with Girl Scout Cookies genetics. The flavor combines orange, mint, sweet, and earthy notes into a profile that is both refreshing and grounding.

GSC delivers a clear-headed, uplifting high with enough body presence to keep things comfortable. It has won numerous Cannabis Cup awards and spawned an entire family of "Cookies" crosses that dominate the modern market. For growers, GSC offers moderate yields with exceptional trichome coverage and a flowering window of roughly 9 to 10 weeks.

GG4

GG4 (Gorilla Glue #4) from Fast Buds is one of the most potent commercially available strains, testing at a staggering 30% THC. The genetics trace back to a cross of Sour Dubble and Chems Sister, producing a hybrid with overwhelming resin production. Flavors are bold: pine, diesel, and chemical notes with an earthy backbone.

The name says it all. GG4 produces so much trichome resin that scissors stick together during trimming. The effects are heavy and sedating, best suited for experienced consumers seeking deep physical relaxation. This is not a daytime strain. Reserve it for evenings when nothing else is on the agenda.

Alien Mints x Permanent Marker

Alien Mints x Permanent Marker from Seed Junky Genetics is a 25% THC hybrid that brings together two elite flavor profiles. Mint, floral, and candied notes create a distinctive aromatic experience unlike most strains on the market today.

Seed Junky Genetics is known for producing top-shelf cultivars with exceptional bag appeal, and this cross is no exception. The effects combine mental clarity with physical ease. The mint-forward terpene profile sets it apart from the typical dessert or fuel strains, offering something genuinely different for collectors and connoisseurs seeking novel flavor territory.