Welcome to The Straight Dope, our weekly series that explores the best cannabis products in Michigan.
Michigan’s cannabis industry is booming, with new cultivators, strains, and innovations cropping up every day.
But with all this growth comes a question: What separates the good weed from the truly exceptional? Last year, I embarked on a mission to find out, sampling more than 150 strains from 45 cultivators to identify the pinnacle of Michigan-grown flower.
High-quality cannabis is an art form, not unlike a finely brewed beer or a top-shelf whiskey. It’s about appreciating the craftsmanship — the rich flavors, the enticing aromas, the dependable quality, and the perfectly tailored effects.
Michigan’s cannabis scene is full of innovation, but it’s also rife with mediocrity. For every gem, there are a few duds that don’t live up to their hype. After countless joints, bowls, and bongs, these are the strains that stood out as truly exceptional — each perfect for a particular occasion.
For blasting off:
Let’s face it. Sometimes we just want to escape the noise with some potent, mind-bending weed. Sometimes, getting really high is about finding a different kind of freedom — creativity, laughter, or just a total reset.
These three strains sent me to the cosmos.
One of my favorites was AK47 x Afghani from Tip Top Crop, a small-batch cultivator in Hazel Park. Not for the faint of heart, this hybrid is a true test of tolerance. It hits hard and fast, starting with an intense cerebral rush, followed by a euphoric body buzz.
Another heady strain is Tear Gas #9, a potent hybrid from Favrd, and it reeks of gas, rubber, and skunk. A combination of Skunk Piss and Sherb Cake, this strain packs a serious punch and goes straight to the head and body. But finding this strain may be difficult because it sells out fast. The Refinery in Detroit carries a large selection of Favrd and keeps this strain in stock when it’s available.
When it comes to reliable, expertly grown cannabis, few in the state can rival Michigan Loud Flower, a small cultivator in Jackson that produces some of the most delightfully nasty GMO strains. My favorite is Jar Jar Stinks #21, an indica-dominant cross between GMO and Chem91/Deathstar Bx1. It starts with an uplifting euphoria that eventually settles into a deep, full-body calm. The flavor profile is loud and complex, a bold mix of gassy diesel, pungent garlic, and sweet cookies.
For relaxation:
Sometimes, cannabis is my way of pressing pause and finding calm. The right cannabis strains have a way of slowing things down, helping you breathe a little deeper, and letting the tension melt away.
After a long day, few things are as soothing to me as Ice Cream Cake from GhostBudsters Farm, an award-winning grower known for their exceptional lineup of premium strains. True to its namesake, Ice Cream Cake has a creamy aroma with hints of vanilla and sugary dough. A cross between Wedding Cake and Gelato #33, this strain is deeply relaxing and serene. It’s what I often turn to when I need to let go of the day’s stress.
Another ideal strain for relaxation is Moonbow #133 from Pro Gro. A combination of Zkittlez and Do-Si-Dos, this strain bursts with a fruity aroma and a sweet candy taste. The result is a euphoric, tranquil escape from the daily grind.
Bubblegum Gelato from Pro Gro is also a deeply relaxing strain, and as an added perk, it’s a tasty treat. With sweet bubblegum and creamy gelato flavors, this cross between Gelato #45 and Indiana Bubblegum provides a cheerful lift and a soothing calm.
For productivity/creativity:
For me, cannabis is like hitting reset on my brain. It clears the clutter, brings things into focus, and turns even the most boring chores into something satisfying. It helps me find my groove.
Here are my three favorite strains that produce an energetic, focused, and clear-headed high.
Cream Smoothie from Voyage Bloom is my reliable pick for focus and drive. A combination of Gelonade and C.R.E.A.M., this hybrid has a sweet, orange-creamsicle flavor. Unlike some energizing strains, Cream Smoothie offers a sense of peace and won’t burn you out. It’s my go-to daytime strain.
Pink Lady by Grown Rogue is a sativa-dominant hybrid that will keep you active, inspired, and focused. The high is cerebral, but it can be heavy-hitting if you smoke a lot. A cross between Apples & Bananas and Sourdough #1, these buds are full of character, with a bold pine scent and a surprisingly sweet, fruity taste.
Gelonade is one of my favorite strains because it’s mood-boosting, uplifting, and keeps me focused. My favorite Gelonade strains come from Hytek and Local Grove. A cross between Lemon Tree and Gelato #41, Gelonade is a mix of sweet and zesty citrus flavors, softened by a smooth vanilla and nut-like finish. A few hits of this, and you’ll be locked in and focused.
For flavor:
For many, cannabis is more than just a way to unwind — it’s an experience for the senses. The right strain can be like a fine wine or gourmet meal. The flavor becomes part of the ritual — a moment to pause, enjoy, and connect with something beautifully crafted.
Very few cultivators grow for flavor as meticulously as 710 Labs, a Colorado-based company known for its extracts like live rosin. But don’t miss out on their flower. My favorite of their recent flower drops is Cherry Zest #4, a crisp and effervescent hybrid, with a sweet cherry burst and a lingering ginger ale finish. It’s almost hard to believe cannabis can smell and taste this good.
Another strain packed with flavor is Z-Lato, a two-time award winner in 2023 and the signature strain from Tip Top Crop. The hybrid combines the tasty genetics of Bacio Gelato x Skittlez, providing a sugary candy sweetness on the inhale that transforms into a smooth, creamy, gassy finish on the exhale.
Slurmz, an exclusive strain by Voyage Bloom, has a bold aroma of grape and crisp apples, complemented by the tangy punch of a classic energy drink. The indica-dominant hybrid is a combination of Gastro Pop and Red Bullz #2, and the taste translates well. Not surprisingly, Slurmz cleaned up in the 2024 Zalymix competition in Michigan, winning for best overall flower, best terps, and best tasting.
For sleep or couch-lock:
When you want to drift off to sleep or sink into the couch without a care, the right strain can deliver. These strains helped me disconnect and melt into tranquility.
Donny Burger by GhostBudsters Farm is a funky, pungent strain that knocks me out. A cross between GMO and Hans Solo Burger, this indica-dominant strain lulls me into a serene, unhurried state. It’s also potent and heavy-hitting.
No strain helps me transition to sleep better than Donkey Butter by Fractal Cannabis. A fusion of Grease Monkey and Triple OG, Donkey Butter boasts a chem profile, rounded out by a smooth and creamy finish that’s pure gassy indulgence. The strain delivers an uplifting cerebral buzz that quickly gives way to a deeply relaxing, sedate high.
One of my favorite sedate strains is Los Muertos by Hytek, a Detroit cultivator known for producing pungent, well-grown cannabis. An indica-dominant hybrid that combines the genetics of Motorbreath 15 and Project 4516, the high starts with an intense wave of euphoria before settling into a deeply relaxing state. You can snag this from Hytek’s sister dispensary, the Refinery, for just $25 an eighth.
For socializing:
Cannabis isn’t just for relaxing solo — it can be the perfect catalyst for connection, laughter, and socializing. Whether you’re at a party, chilling with friends, or going to a concert, cannabis adds a playful, lighthearted energy to the moment.
These strains are my favorites for hanging out with people.
Vanilla Sunshine, a small cultivator that sells its high-quality flower at Nature’s Remedy in Ferndale, churns out an invigorating strain called Papaya Juice. The fruity, tropical buds deliver a cheerful, refreshing buzz – that kind that makes you want to venture outside.
Frieza by Michigrown is a potent, flavorful combination of Gelato #41 and Jealousy #4, two strains known for their rich terpene profiles. A few hits of these lush, resinous buds, and I’m ready to get out of my shell. The strain is uplifting and dissolves my anxiety. Michigrown has a huge collection of terpene-rich weed.
Another invigorating strain is Pink Zoap from the Hive, a woman-owned dispensary and small-craft cultivator from Hazel Park. This combination of Rainbow Sherbet and Pink Guava has a unique soap-like flavor with earthy and citrus undertones. A well-balanced hybrid, Zoap is a perfect strain to socialize and do something fun.
Cultivating an experience:
No matter what you’re looking for — whether it’s relaxation, creativity, flavor, or simply a good night’s sleep — cannabis offers something unique for every moment. My journey across Michigan’s cannabis scene over the past year has been a reminder of just how versatile and impactful this plant can be.
What stood out most to me is how cannabis cultivators, especially the small-batch growers, are pushing boundaries and redefining what high-quality flower can be. They’re creating not just products, but experiences — ones that connect us to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us.
So the next time you’re browsing for a strain, don’t settle for the ordinary. Talk to your budtender. Explore, experiment, and find the one that matches your moment. Because with cannabis, the possibilities are endless — and Michigan’s growers are proving that the best is yet to come.
If you want us to sample your cannabis products, send us an email at [email protected].
