The Top 10 Best-Selling Flower Strains in California in 2024: Blue Dream Reigns Supreme as Consumers Seek Stress Relief

Blue Dream has solidified its position as the back-to-back champion in California’s thriving cannabis market, once again claiming the title of the most popular cannabis cultivar of the year. This iconic strain, a sativa-dominant hybrid that marries Blueberry and Haze, is celebrated for its balanced effects, offering cerebral stimulation alongside full-body relaxation. According to a survey conducted by Leafly, 37% of users reported Blue Dream’s effectiveness in alleviating stress—a key factor in its widespread appeal.

Blue Dream Tops the Sales Charts in 2024

Commanding an impressive $25.9 million in sales from January to November, Blue Dream dominated California’s flower market. Its success eclipsed other leading strains, including OG #18 ($16.9 million), Gelato ($16 million), and Wedding Cake ($15.7 million), as reported by Headset, a cannabis-focused data analytics firm.

This isn’t Blue Dream’s first moment in the spotlight. It ascended from the No. 4 spot in 2022 to claim the top position in 2023, and it retained its crown in 2024.

A Closer Look at the Top 10 Best-Selling Flower Strains

While Blue Dream led the charge, OG #18 emerged as a noteworthy newcomer to the list. Known also as “Private Reserve” or “Reserve OG,” this phenotype of OG Kush boasts a pedigree that includes consecutive wins at the High Times Cannabis Cup in 2009 and 2010.

Familiar names like Gelato, Wedding Cake, and Biscotti continued their streak as consumer favorites, maintaining their spots in the top 10 for three consecutive years. These strains are celebrated for their unique terpene profiles and balanced effects, which appeal to both recreational users and those seeking therapeutic benefits.

Blue Dream’s Dominance Extends Beyond Flower Sales

Blue Dream’s appeal extends far beyond its role as a best-selling flower. In 2024, the strain also took the top spot in two other major categories:

Pre-Rolls: With $27.4 million in sales, Blue Dream outperformed its competitors in the pre-roll category, a testament to its versatility and popularity among consumers seeking convenience.

Vapor Pens: Blue Dream also led vapor pen sales, generating a staggering $44.5 million.

This triple-category dominance highlights the strain’s enduring appeal across various consumption methods, cementing its status as a staple in California’s cannabis industry.

Breakdown of the Top 10 Lists for Pre-Rolls and Vapor Pens

Blue Dream and Gelato proved to be versatile favorites, securing spots in the top 10 lists for flower, pre-rolls, and vapor pens. These strains’ consistent performance underscores their universal appeal to consumers with diverse preferences.

Other cultivars also made notable impacts within these categories, reflecting shifting consumer trends and a growing demand for high-quality cannabis products that cater to specific needs such as relaxation, focus, or pain relief.

Spotlight on Concentrates: The Rise of D Cure

While Blue Dream dominated the flower, pre-roll, and vapor pen categories, a different strain took center stage in the concentrate market. D Cure, a cross between Chemdog and Grape Stomper, emerged as the No. 1 best-selling concentrate in California, with $3.8 million in sales in 2024.

Renowned for its “loud and delicious terpene profile,” D Cure features prominent notes of myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene. These terpenes are not only responsible for the strain’s unique flavor and aroma but also contribute to its relaxing effects, making it a popular choice for those managing inflammation, pain, and arthritis.

Consumer Preferences Drive Market Trends

The enduring popularity of Blue Dream and the rise of strains like D Cure underscore the importance of understanding consumer preferences in the cannabis industry. As more consumers seek cannabis products tailored to their specific needs—whether for stress relief, pain management, or recreational enjoyment—strains that deliver consistent results continue to lead the market.

The Future of California’s Cannabis Market

California remains a hub for innovation and growth in the cannabis industry, with sales trends reflecting the dynamic interplay between consumer demand, product quality, and brand reputation. As the market matures, strains like Blue Dream are likely to maintain their prominence, while emerging cultivars have the opportunity to carve out their own niches.

For now, Blue Dream stands tall as California’s reigning cannabis champion, offering a reliable, stress-relieving experience that has captured the hearts—and wallets—of consumers statewide.