The Ultimate 420 Checklist: What’s Trending and How to Sell More

Sell more on 420 with profiles of trending cannabis strains, premium products, and expanded portfolios. Happy Holidays!

The Black Friday of cannabis is only a few short weeks away, but you can still get everything you need to formulate major money-making products! 

Through their retail partners, Headset determined that 2024 consumers spent $83.6M on 420 across the US and Canada, with over 6 million units sold.¹ Plus, it’s worth noting that 420 fell on a Friday last year. With it falling on Sunday this year (Easter Sunday, no less), consumers will likely shop and celebrate ahead of time. So, while holiday traffic provides massive opportunities, having products ready ahead of time could mean even more revenue this year.

It’s about more than just putting products on the shelf, though. Having the right products with the right strains, flavors, and formulations can make or break a brand's success. So, what products are going to be in demand? What are consumers looking for? Are your products ready for 420?

From trending cannabis strains and flavors to emerging product categories, we’ve got details on what’s in demand, strategies for expanding your portfolio, and how your brand can sell more products on 420. Time is ticking, so let’s get started!

Stock Up on Profiles of Trending Cannabis Strains

First and foremost, 420 is a HOLIDAY. It’s a celebration of cannabis, and consumers use this time to purchase everything from long-time favorites and seasonal specials to the latest strains that have hit the scene. Bottom line? Get the most out of 420 hype by giving customers the aromas and flavors of trending cannabis strains.

For example, Super Boof was recently named Leafly’s 2024 Strain of the Year, and people CAN’T stop talking about it! Leafly Senior Editor David Downs told Business Wire, “Its tangy smell is on-trend for modern orange strains. And its versatile, friendly effects meet the needs of today’s consumers while introducing a delightful twist to the market.”² Think tropical citrus with a mild sour twist, sweet berries, and a grounding diesel aroma that’s dank and floral.

There’s also BIG demand for strains from all ends of the exotic cannabis aroma spectrum. Gassy giants like Bacio Gelato, King Louie XIII, and GMO bring that intensely loud, in-your-face gas that can’t possibly be ignored. You also can’t rule out pungent classics like Jack Herer and Super Sour Diesel or fuel-forward tropicals like Orange Apricot.

Plus, don’t forget the powerful hold that citrus-forward strains have on cannabis consumers. In particular, vapes and edibles (we’re looking at YOU gummies!) infused with the profiles of juicy Mimosa, zesty Super Lemon Haze, and tropical Pineapple Express are almost guaranteed to fly off the shelves.

Want to find that sweet spot between trending strains and offering something consumers can’t get anywhere else? Even better! According to Mintel, as the cannabis market becomes more competitive, flavor innovation is the key to differentiating your brand. “Overarching trends, like sour flavors and fun textures, should be applied to edibles and can help brands stand out among crowded dispensary shelves.”³

Offering a unique twist on trending aromas and flavors is a fast, efficient way to craft novel products. Maybe that looks like a Pineapple Express vape with a burst of Coconut Cream or a Bacio Gelato gummy with an explosive Cherry twist. The possibilities are endless.

Engineer Your Vape Carts & Disposables for 420 Success

Sure, other categories are growing. However, there’s no denying that vape carts and disposables are still WILDLY popular. According to Headset, Vapor Pens were the second most popular product type last year (after flower), making up 23.9% of 420 sales.

So, what sorts of vape carts and disposables are consumers shopping for this 420? Offering products infused with the profiles of trending strains is a great place to start. There’s something so iconic about that first pull of a Blue Dream vape or hopping from party to party with that on-the-go Durban Poison disposable. 

But that’s just the start! Flavor and aroma innovation is JUST as vital to vapes and disposables as it is to other emerging categories. Differentiating with high-intensity flavors is a great way to make your products stand out and appeal to the celebratory nature of the holiday.

For an explosion of flavor that hits and lasts, the Cloudburst Series offers maximum intensity that can stand alone or add additional complexity to cannabis profiles. Infusing a vape with something like Watermelon Splash will give it BOLD melon flavor, and combining it with a strain like Blackberry Kush can help round out its innate diesel characteristics while complementing those floral notes.

Want to craft a vape cart with sky-high levels of sweet, sour, and tart? Reach for Blue Raspberry Rush. Are your consumers craving something tropical? Mango Sunrise captures the juicy flavor of that sultry, ripe stone fruit. From candy-like Peach Rings to the intensity of Sweet Strawberry, there’s something for everyone.

Plus, you don’t have to stop at adding flavor to vapes and disposables. Every blend in our Entourage Series contains just as many terpenes as our Premium Strain Profiles. That means customers can experience the effects of cannabis but in fun flavors like Rainbow Sherbert and Blue Milk. For consumers who prefer products that DON’T smell like cannabis, this is a game-changer!

Formulate the Best Tasting Edibles & Gummies For 420 Indulgence

A 2024 Mintel report identified edibles as a category with significant opportunity. Of those surveyed, 59% of consumers were interested in edibles, and “44% of edibles consumers are using more edibles than last year.” Gummies, in particular, are driving demand sky-high. Over three months, 74% of edibles consumers purchased gummies compared to 51% who purchased chocolates and 49% who purchased cookies.

It’s important to note, however, that just any old edible won’t make the cut. Consumers are particularly responsive to quality and flavor innovation in this category.

Mintel emphasizes this idea in their report by stating, “The edibles of previous generations were of dubious quality, and perhaps more a means to an end than what's currently on shelves. There's no room for flavor − and flavor innovation − to be an afterthought in 2024 and beyond.” Basically, high-quality formulations with phenomenal flavors should be the starting point for gummies.

Fortunately, that’s the entire purpose of the Gellies Collection. We created these blends using our Cloudburst Series flavor technology to harmonize with cannabis flavors instead of masking them. Cannabis naturally contains exotic flavors like “berry,” “citrus,” and “fruity.” Rather than using off-the-shelf flavorings that were never meant to be combined with cannabis, we’ve used the unique flavor compounds natively found in cannabis to complement that natural dank flavor rather than clash with it.

Want to formulate must-have gummies with tropical flavors? Mango Wango Tango balances notes of ripe stone fruit to perfectly complement tropical cannabis strains. For high-intensity tartness, you’ll want Scary Blue Raspberry, while in-your-face berry lovers will love gummies infused with Sticky Icky Strawberry. With the explosive growth this category is seeing, 420 is the perfect time to excite your customers with the BEST gummies they’ve ever tasted.

For a full breakdown of all required equipment, ingredients, dosing recommendations, and MORE, access our complete Gellies Mixing Guide HERE.

Expand Product Portfolios This 420 With Premium THC Drinks

Speaking of edibles, let’s talk cannabis drinks! While drinkables technically fall under the edible category, the rapid evolution of this segment means big opportunities for brands… but only if they can do them justice.

As predicted in 2023, cannabis beverages are one of the fastest-growing product segments, with usage jumping from 20% to 27% between 2023-24. Demand is being fueled by interest in functional, discrete products…. Subsequently, companies are innovating with a wide array of cannabis-infused beverages, including energy drinks, relaxation elixirs and mood-enhancing teas. With a strong focus on flavor, functionality and precise dosing, cannabis beverages are set to capture a growing share of the market.

Cannabis in Food and Drink – US – 2024

Mintel

They also explain that while drinkables are still somewhat of a novelty, these products have fewer consumers abandoning the category. The key then becomes getting consumers to actually TRY the products. A limited-edition 420 cannabis drinkable has the perfect combination of urgency and seasonal celebration to encourage branching out. Of course, having a delicious beverage is non-negotiable in this scenario.

An important driver of increased consumer interest in THC Drinks is simply that brands are now capable of formulating higher-quality beverages compared to previous years. Advancements in cannabis extracts have made it easier to infuse beverages with fewer undesirable flavors. Some don’t impart any flavor whatsoever, which is a big win for consumers who wish to consume cannabis without the actual taste of cannabis. Conversely, some consumers WANT a beverage with authentic cannabis flavor and aroma.

Fortunately, our advancements in water-soluble beverage solutions make crafting high-quality cannabis drinks fast, efficient, and cost-effective. Brands can quickly expand into the drinkable product segment with trending flavors and aromas or even use the flagship flavors customers already love and apply them to various product offerings.

Ready to expand into beverage offerings and access new streams of revenue? Fill out this form and get premium beverages on dispensary shelves for 420!

Abstrax Tech | Differentiate 420 Products With Innovative Formulations

With 420 fast approaching, now is the time to get ahead with strategic product differentiation. That means innovative formulations that meet consumer demand, attract NEW customers, and grow a loyal following. At Abstrax Tech, that’s precisely what we’ll help you do. 

We know what it takes to make the best cannabis products, and we’re ready to help you expand your product portfolio and access new revenue streams. Trends are showing increasing demand for terpene-rich, high-flavor cannabis products, and we have the resources and expertise to help you formulate the products that will fly off the shelf this 420.

Want to test a few profiles and blends before going all in? Experiment with Sample Kits from ALL our collections and start finalizing your 420 formulations today. Remember that supply chain issues can impact availability, so secure your bulk orders ASAP.

Schedule a free consultation with our terpene experts & customize your 420 lineup today!

1. Headset’s Annual 420 Cannabis Sales Analysis. Headset. (n.d.). https://www.headset.io/420

2. Leafly Announces Super Boof as the Leafly Strain of the Year 2024. Business Wire. (2024, December 11). https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241211290405/en/Leafly-Announces-Super-Boof-as-the-Leafly-Strain-of-the-Year-2024

3. Scott, Michelle. (2024, October 17). Cannabis in Food and Drink – US – 2024. [Market Report]. Mintel. https://www.mintel.com/ 

Sell More Products on 420 With Trending Profiles and Blends!

SHOP Super Boof

Don’t let the name fool you. Leafly’s 2024 Strain of the Year may sound goofy, but Super Boof has won hearts, minds, and multiple awards with notes of fruit-forward cherry, subtle berries, and dank Tangie gas. Embrace the boof!

SHOP Bacio Gelato

Out of the tens of thousands of cultivars we’ve analyzed, Bacio Gelato reigns supreme as the gassiest strain ever measured. Created in partnership with Mario Guzman of Sherbinskis, this is the world’s only authentic and official Gelato terpene profile.

SHOP Jack Herer

Born from thousands of hours of research and development, the Signature Series represents a brand new age of authenticity in cannabis. Made in full collaboration with the Herer family themselves - this is the definitive Jack Herer.

SHOP King Louie XIII

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Indeed, this monarch carries the traditional OG impact concentrated in a pleasantly cranial direction. This profile is just straight gas. If you want to get loud, look no further. The king is here.

SHOP GMO

As the first to benefit from our breakthrough discovery, GMO is kicking off the next era of botanical aromatics. Flavorants Skatole and Indole multiply its notoriously savory and funky notes for a loud, gassy, and undeniably pungent finish.

SHOP Super Sour Diesel

As a cross between Super Silver Haze and Sour Diesel, it should come as no surprise that Super Sour Diesel is fuel-forward with pungent notes of pine, earth, and citrus. Prepare for a sauce that’s unforgettably potent.

SHOP Orange Apricot

Revel in the next evolution of botanical aromatics with bright petroleum-fueled Orange Apricot. Tropicannasulfurs create an exhilarating medley of Tangie-forward citrus with deafeningly loud notes of sweet gas. Welcome to the future.

SHOP Mimosa

Mimosa is sweetly citric with a flowing undercurrent of berry goodness. Hailing from the widely popular Clementine and Purple Punch, this blend embodies the spirit of taking a moment for yourself. Enjoy a Mimosa without the bubbles.

SHOP Super Lemon Haze

Super Lemon Haze has a zesty lemon aroma that’s candy-like without overpowering the senses. The subtlest hint of pine sets off the flavor and makes it a heady solution for daytime errands, hikes, or afternoon lulls.

SHOP Pineapple Express

Once upon a time, a tropical Hawaiian beauty met and fell for a brute from abroad. Their lovechild, Pineapple Express, took the best attributes from both parents; resulting in the earthiest, most tropical catapult you’ve ever seen.

SHOP Coconut Cream

Coconut Cream has all the smooth richness you’d expect from ripe coconut flesh. Its warm, nutty notes and delicate sweetness will send your senses somewhere with soft sand, abundant sunshine, and invigorating ocean breezes.

SHOP Poppin' Cherry Bomb

Poppin’ Cherry Bomb sets off a chain reaction that there’s no point running from. Deceptively light floral notes hit you first, and then the high-intensity sweetness of dark stone fruit will knock you off your feet.

SHOP Blue Dream

After years of searching, we’ve discovered the best version of this cultivar and modeled it from a particularly juicy sauce. This invigorating blend of sweet blueberries captures the sexiest, most iconic version of Blue Dream.

 

SHOP Durban Poison

The name may sound ominous, but Durban Poison is the dank wake-n-bake option you’ve been waiting for. The sweet pine and citrus provides a jolt of cerebral stimulation that heightens the senses and sharpens focus.

SHOP Watermelon Splash

Prepare for an undeniably juicy watermelon experience. This flavor is bright, fruity, and promotes an immediate face-splitting grin. As the sharp Watermelon Splash flavor envelops your palate, brace yourself for delicious waves of candy-like heaven.

SHOP Blackberry Kush

This blend has the diesel notes you love from Kush strains with the lush sweetness of blackberries. It’s a surprisingly sophisticated aroma that’s lightly floral and herbaceous with notes of tart dark berries.

SHOP Blue Raspberry Rush

Blue Raspberry Rush balances sky-high levels of sweet, sour, and tart for an extreme flavor that inspires obsession. Recommended for thrill-seekers and daredevils, the manic surge of candy-like floral berries is not for the faint of heart.

SHOP Mango Sunrise

An island sunrise dances with color - pinks bloom and soften before bursting into light. Add juicy mango and you’ve got our Mango Sunrise blend! It’s sweet, lightly sour, and dripping with island flavor.

SHOP Peach Rings

The sugar-coated, peach-flavored gummies may have inspired it, but Peach Rings has an eye-widening level of sweet and sour that puts the original to shame. Relax and enjoy the tantalizing juiciness of ripe stone fruits and berries.

SHOP Sweet Strawberry

Sweet Strawberry intensifies everything you love about that classic red berry. It’s fresh and bright, sweet and perfectly tart. This is how you always hope a strawberry will taste. Try it for yourself and experience the candy-like paradise of Sweet Strawberry.

SHOP Rainbow Sherbert

Some have said the sherbet is an unwanted, half-breed offspring between ice cream and sorbet. Others love the idea of a fruit-punch fist wrapped in icy cream. Sweetly balanced, Rainbow Sherbet is a creamy combo of lime, orange, vanilla, and raspberry.

SHOP Blue Milk

Blue Milk sends tastebuds to a galaxy far far away. Tropical dragon fruit and pineapple elevate notes of citrus and watermelon, while hints of coconut cream create an uplifting, out of this world experience. Try the fruit punch from a different dimension.

SHOP Mango Wango Tango

It’s zee Mango Wango Tango! This creamy ripe mango has been sweepin’ the nation with tempting notes of stone fruit and a sweet tropical sensation. Mango mango! Wango wango! Tango Tango! Ooh yeah!

SHOP Scary Blue Raspberry

Looking for frighteningly sharp notes of raspberry? Candy-like levels of dark berry sweetness? Scary Blue Raspberry delivers all that and more for those who can withstand its spine-chilling tartness.

SHOP Sticky Icky Strawberry

Sticky Icky Strawberry wants to be binged. Its syrupy floral nectar practically begs to be devoured, one ripe summer berry after another, until your face is smeared with bright jammy fruit and your fingers may never be clean again.