The rescheduling hearings have finished, the World Cup’s last goal has been scored, and even your neighbors have fired off the last of their fireworks. Yes, all of summer 2026’s big events are in the books, and all that’s left is to kick back and enjoy the waning days with some excellent weed. And we are here to provide.
Our strain list for August includes some of the same picks that were in our last summer roundup. It’s definitely still summer, so it still counts, but also, we felt this handful of strains deserve a little bit more time in the sun. If your last trip to the dispensary didn’t include these strains, give them, or one of our other favorites, a nod the next time around.
Keep your eyes peeled; we’re going to start updating this page every month with fresh recommendations. Check back in September for new picks! We know you love hearing about the latest and dankest, so we’ve committed to working our lungs over time to meet your demand for the hottest nationwide strains.
| Strain name | Indica, sativa, hybrid | Top effect |
|---|---|---|
| Dante’s Inferno | Indica-leaning | Relaxed |
| Toad Venom | Hybrid | Energetic |
| Power | Sativa-leaning | Energetic |
| Blue Nerds | Hybrid | Focused |
| Disco | Hybrid | Euphoric |
| Trophy Wife | Indica-leaning | Energetic |
| Super Runtz | Hybrid | Relaxed |
| Titan Express | Sativa | Energetic |
| Baby Yoda | Indica-leaning | Talkative |
| Black Maple | Indica-leaning | Relaxed |
Editor’s Choice
The strain a member of our editorial team simply can’t get enough of right now. You may not be able to find it in your area yet, but keep your eyes peeled, because it’s well worth the hunt.
Dante’s Inferno
You may have seen Dante’s Inferno on dispensary shelves already, tempting you into damnation with its frosty, resin-coated buds, and if you haven’t taken the plunge just yet, let me be the one to evangelize this sinful strain. The indica-hybrid is the result of a collab between Clearwater and Tiki Madman, who crossed Oreoz with Tiki’s own Devil Driver for a spectacular strain that’s had an impressive rise and isn’t slowing. Unlike the residents of the strain’s namesake, you’ll be having a pretty good time with Dante’s Inferno; its luscious strawberries-and-cream flavor will give way to a lifting euphoria that’ll help you leave your earthly worries behind.
Newly added
Toad Venom
The Animal Face x Sinmint Cookies hybrid is one of the most hyped strains of this year by far (hyped it myself back in the Spring roundup), and yet, the strain is so good I felt compelled to bring it back and add more accolades to Toad Venom’s rapidly growing pile of kudos. Underneath all the hype is a rock-solid strain that deserves the praise; a peppery, funky phenom that could be laying the foundation to become a superstar. It’s good enough that you’re going to want to start befriending budtenders to get the inside scoop on where you can find some.
Newly added
Power
Power, the slightly sativa-leaning hybrid descended from Gary Payton and Scotty 2 Hotty, is another standout from Exotic Genetix, the prolific Washington breeders. If you’ve been enjoying Gary Payton’s time in the limelight, then Power certainly deserves the nod. It’s just got the juice; Classic Gary flavor profile with a little bit extra gas in the tank courtesy of the strain named for Mr. 2 Hotty. The cut of Power I tried was pretty, well, powerful, so make sure you’re prepared to tango before lighting up. You’ve been warned!
Blue Nerds
Blue Nerds has been building up a head of steam for a few years, and I think summer 2026 is the ideal time to jump on the Blue Nerds train if you haven’t already been riding. A few strains are going around under the name Blue Nerds, aka Blue Nerdz, so, to clarify, I’m talking about the Runtz x The Original Z cultivar out of Global Genetics LA, not the (also good, but different) Watermelon Z x Forbidden Fruit versions. It’s just got a slight touch of fruity flavor over a bed of dankness that doesn’t overwhelm the palate and still maintains earthy notes, and it’s plenty potent besides. If strains like Lemon Cherry Gelato are your go-to but you’re tired of the same old, then pull this strain out of a locker and get to smoking.
Disco
Disco (Wedding Cake x Lime Vines) is about as good a dancing weed as you can get your hands on. It’s an indica-leaning hybrid courtesy of Fountainhead Seeds, in collab with Cookies, but boasts a pulsing, cerebral high that is usually more associated with strains on the sativa side of the line. It’ll keep you grounded without vegging out, focused without losing touch, and if you’re the type to get a bit paranoid while stoned in a crowd, then Disco is a peerless partner on the dance floor. Disco then, disco now, disco forever.
Newly added
Trophy Wife
Just like a ninety-year-old multi-millionaire with an ailing heart and a wandering eye, we have more than one Trophy Wife running around. For this rec, we’re specifically talking about the Trophy Wife from Surfr Seeds, which crystallized the Triangle Mints flavors and genetics into a pure diamond worthy of the gaudiest engagement ring, not the high-CBD strain from HGH. Trophy Wife has children of her own now that have risen to some prominence; you may know Point Break, but I still recommend going back to the dame to experience the indica-leaning hybrid’s unique notes.
Newly added
Super Runtz
It’s still too early to be reminiscing about 2020, and there’s not much good to remember, but nobody would blame you for missing the Runtz of bygone days. I know I do. If the heyday of the candy terps still calls to you as it does to me, then Super Runtz is the strain that you need to relive the era, and without strapping on a face mask. The hybrid muscles up the classic Runtz genetics with some umph taken from Lemon Cherry Gelato, and the little extra mustard helps to polish up the flavors that may have lost their luster in recent years. We can’t promise it’ll feel like the first time, but Super Runtz will help you remember what made the strain a standout in the first place.
Titan Express
While great weed is timeless and a truly exceptional strain will treat you right throughout the year, we must admit, Grassroots’ Titan Express was simply made for summer. It’s the terps that make this true-blue sativa descended from Citradelic Sunset and Modified Muffin #10 perfect for the long days; you’ll be getting sweet lemon, earthy notes reminiscent of fresh cut grass, and a sharp, pungent dankness that will make you think of an old muscle car. It’s Norman Rockwell in a grinder, folks, but don’t expect to feel pastoral after you smoke. Prepare for some straight nitro and hold on tight, because the express doesn’t ever slow down.
Newly added
Baby Yoda
Baby Yoda comes to us from Compound Genetics, who developed the strain from a cut of Khalifa Kush and The Menthol, another Compound original. On the smoke, the indica-leaning hybrid gives the classic OG flavor with an icy edge that I really dig for the dog days; it’s a hearty, relaxing strain that won’t force you into an impromptu siesta despite being plenty potent. You can also find this strain under the name Grogu, as well as sound-alike names like Baby Yo-Duh that are doing their level best to stay one step ahead of Disney’s legal Death Star.
Black Maple
A delightful descendant of Leafly Strain of the Year 2025 NomineeDulce de Uva and Sherbanger, Black Maple is a full, well-rounded sensory experience that leaves you feeling satisfied. Black Maple is the creation of Bloom Seed Co.’s Harry Palms, who is seemingly a person with an exceptional understanding of euphoria; his strain really is an all-purpose day improver. It’s a harmonious smoke that helps you connect to your body and the natural world through its deep, woody flavors, and its exceptional THC percentage can lead you on an odyssey of good vibes and peaceful feelings, all without collapsing into a giggling heap.
Good things can’t last forever, and that’s all we’ve got for this list. See you next month, and happy smoking!
