As the New Year dawns once more, and the yearly cycle of resolutions begins, terp-chasing canna-heads inclined to a bit of indoor or outdoor gardening should have only one thing on their list of must-dos: to make sure that 2024 comes with a true abundance of lip-smacking, tolerance-building premium ganja seeds to fuel their cultivation journey.
But with the ungodly tsunami of strains available hitting the market in the past 365 days (and in the decade preceding), whittling down the list to just the best of the best is easier said than done.
So, to make sure that the resolutions of 2024 are met with premium success, we went searching and landed on Premium Cultivars. One of the true up-and-comers of the US seed bank scene, PC has been making waves throughout 2023, and so we thought it was about time to aim the spotlight at our favorite feminized strains coming fresh from their breeding rooms.
We bring them to you in no particular order but rest easy knowing that every last one of these seeds is destined to make for a dank 2024.
Kicking off the party is the Lemon Cherry Gelato strain.
And it makes sense, as this beauty is a direct descendant of GSC, which has been the Queen of the scene for a good few years. And there are more Girl Scout Cookies in the genetic pool, as Sunset Sherbet (a cross of GSC and Pink Panties) is chucked into the mix, along with a mysterious unnamed third completing the triple parentage), although we're pretty sure it's Lemon Haze.
Lemon Cherry Gelato is a pretty evenly split hybrid with just slight Indica dominance, and while it will resonate with experienced growers, even those new to the game will have little issue getting this one to pump out mountains of the good stuff. It's a classic cookie high, starting out with clear-headed focus and a gentle but constant pull towards euphoric sensations, then unhurriedly offering a more Indica dollop of mellow relaxation and deep calm as the session draws to a close.
The terpene count is insane, with a heavy lean to the citrus side of the spectrum, and a sprinkling of earthy pine to top things off.
Permanent Marker has quickly solidified itself as a fan favorite up and down the West Coast, and so now it's time for it to make its mark country-wide.
Purple as the day is long, Permanent Marker is the lovechild of three legends, Biscotti/Jealousy/Sherb Bx. It's 70% Indica, with all the potent gut kick you'd expect from such a lineage, tipping 35% THC when grown in perfect conditions. The effects stay in line with that heavy Indica dominance, although there's some Sativa sneaking in with its focus-enhancing qualities, all whilst keeping that body buzzing deeply. Not one for the faint-hearted, but a delicious little bundle of joy all the same.
The terpene profile is dominated by Caryophyllene, which lays a base of spicy pepper and clove, with some sweet herbal notes (likely from Biscotti) thrown in. Limonene is also present for roll call, but not in the high quantities we usually see for the citrus powerhouses. The end result is a smoke that lingers almost permanently.
If the plus 35% THC range of Permanent Marker is a little above your pay grade, then Sticky Buns might be more up your alley. Coming in hot and super sticky with an average THC range of 20-23%, this is the true epitome of a perfect all-rounder.
This pure, even, 50/50 hybrid split is what gives Sticky Buns its unique high, which starts out as a cerebral buzz with accompanying chuckles and creative energy. If you're looking for a strain to enjoy while watching your favorite old-school comedy, Sticky Buns is hard to beat, with giggles galore on offer. But at some point it takes an unexpected turn down body alley, slowly relaxing every muscle fiber from tip to toe.
And talk about trichome coverage. An extractor's wet dream, Sticky Buns is just that — sticky and dripping in resin. Trimming is a real chore, but the best kind, with finger hash absolutely everywhere once you're done. But the aroma and flavor are truly where this one makes a name for itself. With an overwhelming sweetness, with cinnamon and vanilla dominating, and a flavor that's all banoffee pie.
Need the giggles and the munchies, followed by a high that will have you tranquil and laid back for hours? Chuck some Sticky Buns in the oven.
The Slurricane strain has been about as successful as any strain in the past 6 months, and for a few key reasons. But first up, not all Slurricane seeds on the market have been created equally. Every now and then a strain floods the market, and this one is a perfect example of counterfeit seeds being sold, albeit rarely, to make a quick buck. If you want the real deal, the seeds coming out of Premium Cultivars should be your go-to.
This strain is a symphony of fruit and dessert aromas that really stand out. Tantalizingly sweet, with a gassy kick in the background, Slurricane boasts a complex terpene profile that makes for a truly mouth-watering smoke. She's no one-hit wonder, either, as there's plenty going on beyond the first puff or two.
The mid-20s THC percentage combined with the ease of cultivation, the deep purple and red hues that are easily brought out, the ridiculous fur coat of trichs, and the beautiful high that's an equal split between cerebral and physical effects all make Slurricane a cultivar that you should all try to get your hands on as soon as the growing season kicks in.
Any NBA fans who were around in the '90s and '00s will forever thank Gary Payton, one of the greatest defensive point guards of all time. And now, over 20 years after he was drafted, GP's legacy is far from done — as he's had a strain named in his honor by Cookies.
This one's a bit of an oddity but in all the right ways. Cookies have been dominating the scene for years, and this is a Cookies strain through and through. The parentage of Gary Payton is as complex as anything ever released by Cookies, starting with 'The Y' and working back through 'Gelato' and 'Sunset Sherbet'.
The high is clean, effective, and highly potent. No couch lock, but a copious amount of relaxation with an especially strong sense of cerebral focus and clear-headedness. It should come as a little surprise that this strain grows tall, especially when compared to the other cultivars on this list. But with a little effort and patience, you'll be slam-dunking buckets full of the densest, dankest, and most potent bud imaginable.
The inhale is all spice and sweetness, with the slightest hint of creamy citrus at the end. But the exhale? All pure, unadulterated gasoline with hints of that musky herbal goodness of true ganja gurus' love. She's a loud one, ladies and gentlemen.
Seed banks are a dime a dozen in this brave new world of adult-use weed legality, but not all were created equal. We've tried and tested some of the biggest and most popular names in the game, and it's safe to say that Premium Cultivars can match it against even the strongest competition. Go into your next grow with confidence — knowing that you'll be rewarded with top-quality genetics from trusted sources.