When you hear the phrase “exotic weed strain,” you probably think it contains extraordinary amounts of THC, hence its exotic nature. In today’s modern world of weed, that’s not entirely true.
Cannabis is truly a complex plant, and its flower or “buds” are similarly complex in their makeup. From rare genetics to high terpene levels to unique aromas, there’s a wide threshold for what can be considered exotic on shelves today.
So, if you’re looking to try the best exotic weed strains, you’re in the right place. This guide from Elevated Exotics, the leading source for the best exotic strains in Michigan, will walk you through everything you need to know on the topic.
Keep reading to keep up with high-end weed strains, and learn how cultivation quality and content can affect the exotic elevated experience.
What Makes a Weed Strain Exotic?
Before trying exotic marijuana strains for yourself, you’ll need to know what actually makes it “exotic.” To answer, what is exotic weed, look to one of the following characteristics:
- Genetics and lineage: The best exotic weed strains are often limited-edition genetics or heritage landrace strains with a long-standing tradition of excellence. They often include the most notable or recognizable varieties, or those that have been highly crossbred for specific flavors or effects.
- Terpene complexity: The more you wonder, “mmm, what’s that flavor?” the more exotic a weed strain is. Terpene complexity, or a variety of flavors, is a key indicator of exotic weed strains and contributes to a premium experience. This includes strains with gassy, floral, fruity, skunky, and other notes.
- Appearance: Bag appeal is another common way to identify exotic marijuana strains. Luxury cannabis strains often look the part with a heavy coating of glistening trichomes, unique or bold colors, like purples or pinks, and a sturdy structure that begs to be broken up and enjoyed.
- Cultivation methods: In today’s modern industry, you might find packaging that boasts “sun-grown” cannabis or “hydro-grown” and wonder what the terminology references. These cultivation styles or methods (outdoor or in hydroponic systems) are well-known for producing or supporting high-end weed strains, which makes them essentially, “exotic”.
Lab testing will typically verify all of the above and help you determine whether the strain is exotic. Another overlooked exotic trait is consistency in experience and effects, which demonstrates optimal care and quality.
Best Exotic Weed Strains to Look For
In general, today’s consumers commonly seek out exotic weed strains that fit into five distinct categories. These include:
- Dessert-style strains
Think Wedding Cake-crossed everything, or a Gelato variety for any type of taste or palette. These sweet, complementary strains are among the best exotic weed strains due to their unique hybrid combinations.
- Gas-forward strains
The OG consumers and connoisseurs specifically seek out gas-forward strains not only for their unique flavors but also for their satisfying, heavy effects. Anything with the term “diesel” is a surefire bet for fuel-forward flavors, but other hybrids can be gassy from cross-breeding, too.
- Fruit-forward terpene profiles
People prefer fruit-forward terpene profiles as their top exotic cannabis strains for their bright and fresh flavors, and lively experience or effects. Thanks to the terpene limonene, these premium cannabis strains often offer sativa-forward or energizing effects ideal for daytime use.
- Balanced hybrid exotics
One of the top traits sought by most smokers is hybrids with well-balanced effects. These exotic weed strains may vary in flavor or aroma but are known for producing relaxing, not sedating, euphoric effects.
- Heavy-hitting indica-leaning exotics
Lastly, so many consumers seek out heavy-hitting exotic weed strains that are indica-leaning in effects. These are the strains that are notorious for couch-locking effects, or that’ll have you sleeping before the movie starts, for exotic and elevated nights in.
Exotic Weed Effects: What to Expect
Outside of flavor, or aroma, what should you expect from the best exotic strains in Michigan? In general, the experience from top exotic cannabis strains is mental and physical in effects.
Mentally, and depending on the strain’s exact contents, you may experience a mild or strong mood lift, with an overall sense of euphoria. Often, strains can enhance focus and creativity, leading to more productive types of buzzes
Physically, many consumers seek a body buzz or body high that provides a sense of calm and comfort. This represents the relaxing side of premium cannabis strains, where you feel like you melt into your seat with the utmost sense of serenity.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that every exotic marijuana strain will affect individual users differently, depending on their unique physiological makeup. Everything from weight and metabolism to potency and what you ate that day can affect tolerance and experience.
Exotic Weed Vs Regular Weed
Now, you might be wondering… what’s the big difference between exotic weed vs regular weed? Below are the key differentiators between what you may consider “mid” or “regs” and the best exotic strains in Michigan.
- Price: It should come as no surprise that luxury cannabis strains or those that are exotic will cost more than regular weed strains. This reflects their genetic rarity or specialized cultivation methods to enhance quality.
- Quality: Speaking of, you can expect the top exotic weed strains to be higher in quality than regular weed strains. Again, this is due to their enhanced traits, such as appearance, effects, or taste.
- Flavor and aroma: In general, exotic weed is usually more pungent in aroma and flavor than regular weed. It may exhibit higher terpene levels due to cultivation practices or be naturally rich in distinctive aromas or flavors.
- Effect duration: The best exotic weed strains will often have even the most experienced user wondering, “How am I still high?” Their potency and quality often produce a longer-lasting experience than regular strains.
How To Choose the Right Exotic Strain For You
Still unsure about how to choose the right exotic strain for you? Rather than choosing blindly based on a strain’s name or relying on random Google results, we recommend identifying your desired effects, flavors, contents, and consumption method.
First, are you looking for something that’s relaxing or energizing in effects? This is the initial question to ask yourself when choosing the best exotic weed strains for your needs and the effects you want.
From there, are you looking for high levels of THC due to tolerance issues (or maybe lower levels, due to sensitivities?). This is the next trait to explore, in addition to reviewing terpene levels if you prefer higher levels of flavor over potency.
Next, consider your preferred flavors to further refine the exotic marijuana strains you want to try. Choose from one or two of the most common flavor profiles, such as fruity or sweet, gassy or skunky, earthy or herbal, and narrow down the options from there.
Lastly, some strains might not be available in your preferred consumption method. For instance, you may decide on one strain, and find out you can only find it in concentrate form, and you’re not a dabber. Look in the product category you prefer, rather than for specific strains.
Why Exotic Strains Are Popular In Michigan
Premium cannabis strains, or exotic marijuana strains, thrive in Michigan. It’s not only the Midwest’s premier source for high-end weed strains, but arguably the U.S.’s alongside California, Colorado, etc.
Exotic strains are especially popular in Michigan for a few reasons. For one, the state is home to a strong recreational market that serves not only its own citizens, but those from neighboring states such as Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois.
The state’s regulations hold cultivators to high standards, and a competitive market drives quality through competition among growers. It helps that Michigan is also home to a growing community of consumers with a high demand for premium products.
This network of Michigan cultivators is equally passionate for the craft. This means you can find access to some of the top exotic cannabis strains here in the state, thanks to the grower’s desire to seek out unique and diverse genetics.
Finding Exotic Weed At Elevated Exotics
There’s a good reason why the Michigan cannabis community turns to Elevated Exotics for the best exotic strains in Michigan. We’re proud to offer consumers exemplary service, including:
- Curated premium strain selection
- Knowledgeable staff guidance
- Multiple Michigan locations
- Focus on quality and consistency
With over 10+ years of experience, our team knows the top exotic cannabis strains and works with the state’s greatest cultivators and brands to ensure they’re on the shelves for purchase.
Final Takeaway: Exotic Weed Is About Experience, Not Just Potency
All in all, the best exotic weed strains aren’t only about high levels of THC or potency, they’re about the experience they provide. The top exotic cannabis strains on shelves today offer consumers superior flavor, smoothness, and effects, they can rely on consistently.
For a cannabis retail store you can always count on for the best exotic strains in Michigan, look no further than Elevated Exotics. With 3 locations in the Upper Peninsula, we’re the U.P.’s premier source for all things exotic marijuana strains.
