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, says a new guide published by Metro Times.
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.
To read the rest of this review, click on Metro Times