Head Magazine Assistant Editor Paul Adler has been on a mission to find the hottest new strains on the cutting edge. This is the result of his search.

Permanent Marker 

When it comes to new strains that have made a major splash, few can compare to the wildly popular Permanent Marker. A cross between Jealousy, Biscotti, and Sherbert BX, this Indica-leaning hybrid is coveted for its relaxing effects and flavor that combines a fruity sweetness with diesel notes. And with more than 34% THC content, it will bring a sigh of relief to even the most hardened smokers. 

Blue Lobster

After Permanent Marker, this strain has probably been the most coveted recently—partly due to the difficulty many have in procuring it. Another Indica-dominant strain, Blue Lobster is a cross between Apples N Bananas and Eye Candy and was originally bred by Cipher Genetics. With a THC content between 26% and 30%, this strain is most popular for the flower’s color, which combines purple, bright green, and electric blue tints, as well as for its uplifting high and candy-like taste. 

Durban Z

A bright, energizing, Sativa-dominant strain, Durban Zkittles—known widely as Durban Z—boasts the blockbuster parentage of Durban Poison and Zkittles. Blending the spicy, aromatic taste of Durban Poison with Zkittles’ sour and sweet, citrusy notes, this strain may offer a somewhat modest 23% to 27% THC content, but it makes up for it with its bright, happy high that serves a perfect mid-day pick-me-up and a great way to help alleviate stress, fatigue, or depression.

Superboof

It’s easy to see why this almost perfectly balanced 50% Indica and 50% Sativa strain is incredibly popular right now. Superboof (a.k.a. Super Boof) is cross between the bright and fruity Black Cherry Punch with the deliciously citrus-forward Tropicana Cookies. With a THC level hovering between 28% and 32%, its cerebral high is perfect for artists, writers, or anyone hoping to get a bit creative after they toke. 

Devil Driver

A Sativa-dominant strain with a fun, energetic high that lasts for hours, Devil Driver is cross between the beloved strains Melonade and Sunday Driver. Predictably, this parentage yields a delicious bud with sweet, sour, lemon, and vanilla notes that features a THC content between 28% and 30%. Great for helping to treat conditions like ADHD and anxiety, this 70% Sativa and 30% Indica strain is yet another bud making major waves in the modern cannabis scene. 

Paul Adler is Head Magazine’s Assistant Editor. Paul is the recipient of Columbia University’s David Craig Austin Poetry Prize and, in 2025, was honored with the Impact Award by ArtsWestchester, New York’s largest private nonprofit dedicated to the arts, for his career highlighting Westchester’s culture through journalism. He loves his family, travel, and of course, a good smoke.