A Look at Digital Interest in 2025
Search engines have become a window into cannabis culture. Every month, millions of people type strain names into Google and dispensary search bars, hoping to learn more about flavor, potency, or effects. But online curiosity doesn’t always equal a purchase. In fact, the gap between what consumers search and what they actually buy reveals important insights into how the cannabis market is evolving.
Based on 2025 data from cannabis trend trackers, here are the strains leading search interest:
- Permanent Marker – Known for vibrant colors, heavy resin, and relaxing effects.
- Zoap – Striking purple buds with a sweet-soapy aroma.
- RS11 (Rainbow Sherbert #11) – Sweet, candy-like profile, often linked to social settings.
- White Truffle – Funky, savory aroma with smooth relaxation.
- Lemon Cherry Gelato – A fruity favorite dominating menus in California.
- Cereal Milk – Balanced hybrid with creamy vanilla undertones.
- Gary Payton – Peppery, energetic strain backed by celebrity branding.
- Han Solo Burger – Skunky garlic funk, prized for nighttime use.
- Georgia Pie – Doughy sweetness with mellow body effects.
- MAC 1 (Miracle Alien Cookies) – Gassy citrus flavors and euphoric uplift.
These strains trend high in search rankings because of their novelty, eye-catching aesthetics, or social media presence. But which ones make it into the shopping cart is another matter.
Curiosity vs. Purchase: Why the Split Exists
Curiosity phase: Online activity often reflects consumers chasing hype. A flashy name or Instagram post can spike searches, even if the strain isn’t widely available or sits at a premium price point. Much like window shopping, this stage is about exploration, not necessarily commitment.
Purchase phase: Research shows consumers anchor their final decision on more practical factors. Price, potency, aroma, availability, and even packaging weigh heavily in whether someone buys. For example, a report in the Journal of Cannabis Research notes that product quality, route of administration, and affordability rank highest when consumers choose between options.
Industry data also shows a shift in buying habits: medical users often spend more per visit than recreational buyers, and flower is slowly losing ground to pre-rolls and concentrates. What people search for—usually unique flower strains—doesn’t always align with what they actually take home.
What Online Data Teaches the Industry
- Searches highlight awareness. Permanent Marker and Zoap aren’t always easy to find, but high search traffic shows they’ve captured consumer imagination.
- Sales reveal practical preferences. Georgia Pie and Lemon Cherry Gelato, both widely distributed, often outsell trendier strains because they’re more accessible at consistent prices.
- Analytics connect the dots. Dispensaries now track search queries, menu views, and point-of-sale trends to forecast demand. Businesses using advanced analytics can bridge curiosity with actual inventory planning.
In other words, search engines function like the top of a funnel. They capture early interest, while dispensary shelves reflect the bottom line of purchase decisions.
The Takeaway for Brands and Dispensaries
To convert search interest into sales, the cannabis industry must recognize the motivations behind both behaviors. Curiosity is fueled by novelty, branding, and digital chatter. Purchases, however, are grounded in value, quality, and convenience.
For brands, this means leveraging digital buzz but backing it up with consistent product experiences. For dispensaries, it means aligning menus with strains that not only trend online but also meet everyday consumer needs.
The lesson? Search data is a map of potential, but purchase data is the proof of demand. Successful companies in 2025 will be those that can navigate both.