New York’s cannabis scene has undergone a dramatic transformation. Remember those early days of legalization in 2023? The flower was…well, let’s just say it lacked the “oomph” many connoisseurs craved. Limited by outdoor growing restrictions and scarce greenhouse space, the state’s initial offerings didn’t quite deliver the “Zaza,” “chronic,” or “loud” that seasoned smokers sought. But times have changed, and the “pain” is finally turning into pleasure.

A new era has dawned. Indoor cultivation is now the norm, and existing brands are rapidly upgrading their menus to reflect the availability of superior bud. Plus, a wave of newly licensed cultivators from the legacy and out-of-state markets are showcasing their top-tier products on dispensary shelves, thanks to the state’s expanded micro-business and cultivation licenses. For 2025 and beyond, here’s a curated list of craft and commercial brands delivering exceptional flower to New York dispensaries:

The Reigning Champ: Runtz

(Leafly)

By unanimous decision, Runtz has seized the crown as New York’s top flower. This 2019 Leafly Strain of the Year has evolved into a national powerhouse, fueled by Lemon Cherry Gelato-adjacent genetics and masterful marketing by co-founders Ray Bama and Yung LB. The official Runtz packs, including Obama Runtz and Trump Runtz, have been flying off dispensary shelves. If you spot them, grab them!

Craft Excellence:

  • The Mechanic’s Farm: A legend in the legacy market, The Mechanic’s Farm is now partnering with top dispensaries like Good Grades and Torches for limited, highly sought-after drops. Keep an eye on their menus for restocks.
    • Follow The Mechanic’s Farm: Check dispensary menus on Leafly for updates (Good Grades, Torches)
  • Rolling Green: Highly respected by budtenders, Rolling Green is consistently praised for its exceptional flower.
  • Rec Roots: Led by OGs from New York’s legacy scene, Rec Roots offers top-notch genetics like Red Sangria and Sour Zkittlez.
  • ADK: A favorite in Albany, ADK’s strains like White Truffle x Devil Driver and Alien Apple Kush are in high demand.
    • Find ADK: Check dispensary menus on Leafly.
  • Synergy: Catering to high-end smokers, Synergy offers sweet and pungent strains like Blue Gushers, Sour Space Rocks, and Pink Guava.
    • Find Synergy: Check dispensary menus on Leafly (Bleu Leaf, Torches, Weedside)
  • Rhythm: Known for its impressive nug structure and terps, Rhythm’s Zoap and Animal Mintz strains are available statewide.
  • STA Exotic (Cultivated by Torrwood Farm): Grown in 200-year-old living soil, STA Exotic offers premium flower and infused pre-rolls.
    • Find STA Exotic: Check dispensary menus on Leafly.
  • Super Dope: A high-demand craft brand, Super Dope offers unique strains and packaging. Check Good Grades and Happy Munkey for availability.
    • Follow Super Dope: Check dispensary menus on Leafly (Good Grades, Happy Munkey)
  • Pinks: Working with multiple farms, Pinks delivers high-end flower and pre-rolls, including rose petal joints.
    • Follow Pinks: Check dispensary menus on Leafly.
  • Sensei Cultivation: A micro-license brand with a legacy background, Sensei Cultivation’s legal flower reflects their dedication to quality.
    • Find Sensei Cult: Check dispensary menus on Leafly.
  • Cookies: Featuring strains like That Badu and Apples & Bananas, Cookies brings Cali classics to New York.
  • Heady Tree: A rare find, Heady Tree is a favorite among budtenders.
    • Find Heady Tree: Check dispensary menus on Leafly.
  • Leal: Known for its pristine attention to detail, Leal delivers high-quality flower in large volumes.
    • Find Leal: Check dispensary menus on Leafly.
  • Milkweed: Offering classic strains like Lemon Cherry Gelato and Sherbert, Milkweed is a favorite at GOTHAM.
    • Find Milkweed: Check dispensary menus on Leafly.
  • Rolling Stoned: Featuring New York essentials like Uptown Haze, Rolling Stoned is available in limited supply.
    • Follow Rolling Stoned: Check dispensary menus on Leafly (The Bronx Joint)
  • House of Strains Staff Picks: Visit House of Strains in Flushing for their top picks of New York flower.
    • Order from House of Strains: Check their online menu or in-store.
  • Zizzle: With strains like Wet Dream and WAP, Zizzle is a popular choice.
    • Find Zizzle: Check dispensary menus on Leafly (House of Strains)
  • Doobie Labs: An instant buy for true tokers, Doobie Labs is a popular brand on dispensary shelves.
    • Find Doobie Labs: Check dispensary menus on Leafly.
  • Ghost: Offering strains like Hot Glue and BBK, Ghost’s 7-gram jars are a hit.
    • Find Ghost: Check dispensary menus on Leafly.

New York’s cannabis scene is thriving, and these brands are leading the charge in delivering high-quality flower to dispensaries across the state. Happy hunting!

SHARE
Previous articleLA’s Hottest Weed Contest: Zalympix 2025 Winners and Where to Find Them
Bert Blaze
https://dabconnection.com
Bert has over 10 years experience in cannabis, vape and law. He has managed a dispensary, participated in product development, testing and legal research. He hits mostly vape cartridges and joints. He prefers nice distillates and wickless carts. In addition to reviewing products in California, Colorado, and Nevada, Bert is the editor of DabConnection.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR