Recent years have seen cannabis come a long way. No longer regarded as taboo, cannabis has burned away its many stereotypes to be embraced as a legitimate holistic alternative for the health and wellness market. As a result, the cannabis industry is growing rapidly, providing a strain to suit just about everyone’s preferences, including those who prefer the finer things in life. Luxury cannabis offers premium, high-end strains to satisfy this swanky market segment. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy them, too!
Like all luxury items, these cannabis strains carry an exclusivity that average strains can’t match. So, what exactly makes these cannabis strains so chic? Come with us as we take a deep dive into the posh world of luxury cannabis as we examine the seven most expensive strains in the world and why these extravagant nugs command the high-end cannabis market.
Luxury cannabis strains are extremely rare and potent cannabis flower cultivated by skilled growers using painstaking production techniques. And like all luxury items, these cannabis strains have a very high price point. Whereas the average price of good quality cannabis can range from $160-$300 per ounce, luxury strains can fetch anywhere from $400 to upwards of $1400 or more per ounce.
An immense amount of expertise and resources go into growing these top-shelf strains from seed to harvest. The environmental, agricultural, and commercial challenges of growing, maintaining, and harvesting luxury cannabis crops require heavy investment from farmers. But these costly and meticulous production methods are absolutely necessary to produce these golden nugs. The last thing a luxury strain cultivator wants to do is provide a product that doesn’t live up to expectations. That’s why these luxury strains are best left to seasoned growers who know how to cultivate them properly.
The unique qualities of a specific strain and how good it is at delivering on its implied benefits also drive up the price of these high-end strains. Luxury cannabis flower typically contains genetics from several iconic landrace strains. As a result, luxury flower generally has a higher potency than average cannabis strains. These high-quality buds also boast one-of-a-kind terpene profiles that give them their distinctive flavor and aroma.
When it comes to cannabis, luxury strains are the cream of the cannabis crop. And since most growers aren’t in a rush to cultivate resource-heavy luxury strains, expect these rare strains to retain their top-shelf status for many years to come.
Thanks to their scarcity and high price point, there’s a good chance that you won’t find these luxury strains at your local dispensary. Like buying any luxury good, you’ll have to go to retailers that specialize in selling these top-shelf buds. And if you can’t find a retailer near you, you might want to try your luck shopping online. However, don’t be naïve when shopping for these expensive strains.
Whether you’re shopping at traditional brick-and-mortar dispensaries or online stores, here are some ways you can shop smarter to ensure you end up with a top-shelf luxury strain and not a low-quality knockoff!
Luxury strains are always in peak condition. You can easily tell a low-quality bud from a high-quality one by examining its appearance. A low quality-bud will typically be a dull to dark brown color. It will also lack its signature teardrop shape and look stunted and wispy. You’ll also notice a significant lack of aroma due to terpene degradation.
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a certified document from a third-party laboratory that provides consumers with a detailed analysis of a strain’s purity and potency. COAs are very expensive to obtain and indicate a quality product. All reputable cannabis industry brands provide COAs for their goods. You’ll be glad to know that Hollyweed is one of them.
Like many big-ticket items, luxury cannabis strains do not go on sale. They’re generally the same price all year round, and discounts are extremely rare, if ever. So if you find a luxury strain at a low price that’s hard to believe, that means it is. Chances are you’re being scammed with a low-quality version of the strain or worse, a counterfeit.
Cannabis connoisseurs have dubbed these seven cannabis cultivars the most expensive strains in the world. So if you and your wallet — especially your wallet — are up to it, treat yourself or show off at the next kickback by indulging in these luxury cannabis strains.
Price: $350 per ounce
Strain Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
Average THC Content: 24%
What happens when you cross the mother of all Skunk strains, Skunk #1, with Jack Herer? You get a well-balanced Sativa-dominant hybrid simply referred to as J1. The strain has an unmistakably skunky aroma balanced by fruity sweetness and splashes of rosemary. The flavor is very similar but with an added spicy kick.
Enthusiasts might also call the strain by its monikers J-1, Jack 1, or Jack One. But despite its many names, J1 is best known for its clear-headed euphoria that energizes both mind and body. Consumers will experience a cheery mood, inspired bursts of creativity, and better fluidity of movement. The holistic properties of J1 further add to the strain’s mystique and already hefty price tag.
Price: $400 per ounce
Strain Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
Average THC Content: 22%
No, we’re not talking about Jaguar’s fabled XJ13 prototype racing car. We’re talking about the Sativa-dominant hybrid strain of the same name. The offspring of the pure Indica strain G-13 and the Sativa-dominant hybrid Jack Herer, XJ-13 contains 22% THC and 1% CBG.
Also available under the names XJ13 (sans the hyphen) or XK Thirteen, XJ-13 delivers what many consider to be the most authentic experience a Sativa-dominant hybrid can provide. You’ll feel uplifted and motivated by XJ-13’s energizing cerebral sensations with just enough Indica qualities to keep you mellow without knocking you out. In addition to stimulating your mind, XJ-13 provokes your senses with its minty fresh flavor and sharp citrus aroma with pine notes. The medicinal benefits of XJ-13 are a bonus for the lucky few who have tried this luxury strain.
Price: $400 per ounce
Strain Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Average THC Content: 22%
This rare strain is the brainchild of the Northern California-based cannabis breeders Alien Genetics. Containing Granddaddy Purple, Green Ribbon, and Tahoe Alien genetics, Fruity Pebbles set the cannabis industry ablaze in the mid-aughts with its visually stunning conical buds and 22% THC content. An Indica-dominant hybrid, Fruity Pebbles took even the most seasoned cannabis enthusiast aback with its powerful full-body high and couchlock effects.
Fruity Pebbles also features a unique terpene profile that gives consumers a burst of nostalgia. The saccharine aromas and toothsome fruit flavors will rekindle long-forgotten childhood memories of carelessly slurping away at a big bowl of sugarcoated breakfast cereal while watching morning cartoons. The strain became so popular that Alien Genetics created a different variety called Fruity Pebbles OG and released limited edition cannabis seeds selling for $1,000-$1,500 per pack!
Price: $600 per ounce
Strain Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Average THC Content: 28%
If you’re ready to light up your life, then White Fire OG is the answer. Southern California breeders OG Raskal Genetics created this Indica-dominant strain by crossing The White with Fire OG. Also known as WiFi OG, the strain’s dense green nugs have a frosty layer of trichomes that make it easy to see where its 28% THC content comes from. But don’t let the White Fire OG’s Indica-leaning genetics fool you.
White Fire OG has many stimulating qualities that make consumers feel energized, creative, and outgoing yet chill. This balanced blend of effects is great for social gatherings or indulging in some personal time at home. Regardless of where you enjoy White Fire OG, an herbaceous blend of sour, spicy, and loamy aromas and flavors will always embrace your senses.
Price: $800 per ounce
Strain Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Average THC Content: 16%
Instead of putting you to sleep, Loud Dream will keep you wide awake! Although Loud Dream is an Indica-dominant hybrid, the strain produces more of an energetic buzz that will have you overflowing with stamina despite its 16% THC content. The spicy aromas and the flavorful blend of tropical fruits, spices, and earthy soil further accentuate its stimulating qualities that are perfect for daytime consumption.
Many believe the Loud Dream strain is a backcross of itself. However, some claim that it is actually the result of backcrossing Blue Dream or Blueberry. Whatever its origins, Loud Dream is a prime example of the types of rare luxury strains expert cannabis breeders can produce.
Price: $800 per ounce
Strain Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
Average THC Content: 27%
In 2015, rapper 2 Chainz featured Isla OG on his YouTube show “Most Expensivest Shit” and rolled it into a joint using no less than 24 karat gold rolling papers. The appearance shot the strain’s popularity into the stratosphere and helped bring the luxury cannabis market into the limelight. Despite the exposure, the strain’s genetics remain a guarded secret by its breeder Los Angeles-based LA Island. Many speculate that OG Kush and Hawaiian are the parent strains of Isla OG. This would explain the strain’s skunky aroma, spicy citrus flavor, and invigorating Sativa-leaning sensations.
The strain’s flavors are the result of its unique curing process. Once cut and trimmed, Isla OG flower is placed into an aluminum canister and allowed to cure. The containers are sealed and sold to consumers ensuring the strain’s freshness. This careful attention to detail in preserving the strain’s quality is why Isla OG is highly sought-after by cannabis aficionados everywhere.
Price: $1400 per ounce
Strain Type: Sativa, Indica, or hybrid
Average THC Content: 91%
Also known as Caviar Gold, Caviar Moon Rocks, and Marijuana Caviar, Cannabis Caviar holds the title of the most expensive cannabis strain in the world. And boy, is it expensive. Expect to pay a few months worth of car payments for an ounce! However, calling Cannabis Caviar a “strain” is misleading. Rather, it’s more appropriate to call it a cannabis product instead. Making this cannabis product is very similar to moon rocks.
To make Cannabis Caviar, premium buds are soaked in hash oil typically obtained from the Grape Ape strain and rolled in kief. What results are highly concentrated nugs with THC levels as high as 91% — nearly double that of moon rocks! Cannabis Caviar can be either a Sativa, Indica, or hybrid, depending on the type of strain used to make it. Regardless of the strain, this potent stone is best enjoyed when you can set aside an entire day to indulge in its powerful effects.
TLDR: Luxury cannabis strains offer consumers an unparalleled smoking experience. Bred to be the crème de la crème of cannabis, these elite strains boast higher THC levels and have more intense flavors and aromas than your average cannabis strain. So if you’re looking to take your cannabis experience to the next level and have a couple of extra zeros in your bank account, luxury strains are definitely worth checking out. Take it from us — the experience alone is worth every penny.
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