Welcome to The Straight Dope, our new weekly series that explores the best cannabis products in Michigan.
Winter in Michigan is long, dark, and brutally cold.
But it doesn’t have to be a season of misery.
When it’s too cold or snowy to venture outside, long winter days are a perfect excuse to slow down, stay inside, and light up some cannabis. The right strain can make the winter a little easier to enjoy, whether you’re sinking into the couch, getting lost in a good book, or binging a Netflix show.
This time of year calls for cannabis that’s full-bodied, soothing, and packed with flavor. A heavy indica can turn a dreary night into the perfect excuse to stay in and relax, while an uplifting hybrid can help shake off the winter funk and inspire you to do something productive or creative indoors. Or maybe you want an energizing strain to head outside for winter hiking, sledding, or shoveling.
As someone who has spent many winters in search of good weed, I can tell you that not all strains are built for the winter months. Some are too racy, too mild, or just don’t have the right flavor or richness.
After sampling more strains than I care to admit, here are my favorite picks for the winter.
For the ultimate couch-lock:
Sometimes you just need a strain that glues you to the couch and shuts up your brain. For this, my favorite strain is Hypnostank from Michigrown, a large cultivator on the state’s west side that consistently manages to balance flavor, potency, and affordability.
A pungent, potent, and sedating strain, Hypnostank is an indica-leaning hybrid that combines Garlic Grove and Grape Gasoline. The buds are coated in trichomes.
This strain carries a sharp citrus aroma with a strong gassy funk in the background. The inhale is smooth with a burst of fruit and cream, while the exhale produces dank, fuel-like notes.
This strain delivers a creeping high that builds into full-body relaxation. If you’re looking to hibernate, Hypnostank is the strain for you.
For beating the winter blues:
It’s easy to slip into a winter funk. If you’re looking for something uplifting without making you jittery, Super Boof is the way to go.
Named Leafly’s Strain of the Year in 2024, this evenly balanced strain is a zesty cross of Black Cherry Punch and Tropicana Cookies, and it produces an invigorating, euphoric high. It’s one of the top-selling strains in Michigan for a reason.
My favorite cultivator of Super Boof is Kai, a small batch grower with an eclectic mix of top tier strains.
Super Boof is a mood-boosting high that keeps you uplifted and focused without being too racy. It eventually gives way to a relaxing body high. It’s a solid choice for any time of the day.
The aroma is unique, with a nutty, citrusy flavor combined with earthy, skunky undertones. The taste translates well, delivering orange and berry notes upfront, followed by an earthy spice on the exhale.
If you can’t find Kai’s version of this strain, other good cultivators of Super Boof are Chronicseur Farms, Hytek, and Pro Gro.
For deep sleep:
Some strains relax you. Others tuck you in for the night. For me, that strain is Party Foul by Michigan Loud Flower, a small cultivator in Jackson that produces some of the most nose-curling GMO strains.
A cozy cross of GMO and Ice Cream Cake, Party Foul is an indica-dominant hybrid that starts out with a burst of euphoria before delivering a deeply relaxing, full-body sedation.
Party Foul has a complex aroma of garlic, diesel, and cream.
It’s not always easy finding this strain in metro Detroit. If you can’t find it, Michigan Loud Flower has other great strains for deep relaxation, including Fader’s Fuel, GMO, and Garlic Cocktail.
For staying productive indoors:
Not every winter day is meant for lounging. Even when the bitter cold makes you want to curl up and do nothing, sometimes you need to stay engaged and focused, whether you’re working, cleaning the house, or cooking a warm meal.
Peach Tree by Doja is an energetic, sativa-leaning hybrid that combines Gelonade and (Gelato #41 x Afternoon Pineapple). It delivers an uplifting high that won’t make your heart race.
With a bright citrus aroma and a blend of sweet lemonade and ripe fruit, Peach Tree has a flavor profile that reminds you of summer.
For social winter nights:
Winter doesn’t have to mean being alone. Whether you’re hanging out with friends or hosting a party, Sherb Smoothie by Favrd keeps the energy light and social.
The high is upbeat but also eases tension without knocking you out. If you struggle with anxiety like I do, this could be a good choice.
The flavor alone is reason enough to try this hybrid strain. It has a sweet, dessert-like profile, with notes of cream, skunk, and citrus.
Everything about it makes me feel cozy and social.
For snowy adventures:
When you’re tired of being pent up and want to embark on a cold, snowy excursion or just want to head downtown for a night out, the right strain can lift your mood and make the cold a little less brutal.
For me, that strain is Vanilla Sunshine’s Creme Smoothie, a sativa-leaning hybrid that wakes you up without overwhelming you. The high starts off uplifting and euphoric and then settles into a gentle, happy calm.
A cross between C.R.E.A.M and Gelonade, Cream Smoothie is a dessert-like blend of creamy vanilla, berries, and tangy zest.
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