By this point in 2023, cannabis has become as much a part of the leisure time zeitgeist as whiskey and burgers were five decades ago. The best part? We’re only just getting started. As cannabis continues its upward climb in market share, more companies than ever are vying for their piece of the pie.
The blitzkrieg of new strains, strands, products, bongs, pipes, oils, vapes, and more can be talking points in their own right for those outside the cannabis community. However, most cannabis users are overwhelmed by the multitude of options these days. We’ve been fortunate enough to test out a lot of cannabis and products this year, forming some strong opinions in the process.
So, we’ll spare you the rantings and ravings by compiling the best of the best products for each category. You’ll see what they are, what we loved about them, and a couple of quick X-factors on why we’ll be partaking in these brands and strains well into 2024 and beyond.
We Love Glass Blunts!!! If You Don’t, You’re Seriously Missing Out. Learn More Here
Best THC Cartridge
Mountaintop Extracts – Cloudberry
Let’s start with the most popular category around the Magnetic studio, which I know was the most hotly contested by our team. The standout choice for the “Best THC Cartridge” in 2023 is the Mountain Mist range by Mountaintop Extracts – specifically the Cloudberry flavor. These cartridges set a new standard in purity and experience and use an innovative live-resin extraction process. In doing so, Mountain Mist captures the essence of cannabis at its peak.
The result? A 100% strain-specific, full-spectrum cannabis oil that’s completely free of additives.
Here’s Why We Love It
- Strain-Specific Full-Spectrum Oil: Each cartridge offers a genuine full-spectrum experience, ensuring you get the unique profile of the specific strain.
- Live-Resin Extraction: This method preserves the delicate trichomes of the cannabis plant, maintaining the integrity and potency of cannabinoids and terpenes.
- No Additives, Pure Enjoyment: Unlike many other cartridges, Mountain Mist avoids any form of triglycerides like vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol, prioritizing your health without compromising smoothness.
Best Bong
Stündenglass
In the “Best Bong” category for 2023, the Stündenglass Gravity Hookah emerges as a clear favorite within our team. Transforming the traditional gravity bong into a sophisticated, table-top masterpiece and a newfound set piece in this author’s own studio, this device is a true innovation in cannabis consumption. It’s not just a bong; it’s a statement piece that combines the essence of gravity bongs and hookahs, offering an unparalleled smoking experience that can hit like a brick truck if you need it to.
Here’s Why We Love It
- Sophisticated Design: The Stündenglass Gravity Hookah is elegantly crafted, making it a coffee table-worthy centerpiece, not just a smoking apparatus.
- Efficient and Shared Experience: Its unique design allows for smooth, effortless hits that can be easily shared, promoting a communal smoking experience without direct mouth contact.
- Versatility and Ease of Use: Whether used for individual or group enjoyment, the Stündenglass offers various configurations, including a contactless inhalation option and compatibility with shisha and cannabis.
Best Vaporizer
New Puffco Peak Pro
In the “Best Vape” category for 2023, the New Peak Pro stands out as an established game-changer but continues to push the boundaries of cannabis tech. Redefining the e-rig experience, it’s a perfect blend of innovation and practicality. After three years of meticulous development, this device marks a new era for concentrate enthusiasts. It’s not just an upgrade; it’s a complete overhaul of the traditional dabbing movement.
Here’s Why We Love It
- Advanced Temperature Control: With four built-in settings and a customizable app, the Puffco Peak Pro offers unparalleled precision in temperature control, catering to every preference.
- Enhanced Vapor Quality: The larger atomizer and improved carb cap design ensure evenly distributed heat, providing potent, flavorful hits without the harshness, even at higher temperatures.
- Superior Manufacturing Quality: The Peak Pro sports a sleek, matte finish and an improved design that prevents water splash-back, plus a larger, more efficient atomizer and an aesthetically pleasing Oculus carb cap.
Best Communal Piece
In the “Best Communal Piece” realm for 2023, the OOKA emerges as a formidable contender, challenging the long-standing supremacy of traditional tabletop vaporizers in a way that’s more sharable at parties and get-togethers. Merging the charm of a hookah with the high-tech precision of a vaporizer, this device is a statement of innovation and a social centerpiece, perfect for shared sessions.
Here’s Why We Love It:
- Elegant and Sociable Design: The OOKA boasts a sleek, Apple-like design coupled with the traditional hookah form, making it an attractive addition to any gathering. Its hose and wand-like mouthpiece ensure an enjoyable and communal vaping experience.
- User-Friendly and Safe: It’s designed with ease of use in mind, featuring intuitive controls and safety measures like auto-shutoff to prevent spillage, making it a hassle-free choice for any group setting.
- Consistent and High-Quality Vapor Production: The OOKA delivers consistent, excellent, high-quality vapor over extended sessions, thanks to its innovative water-cooling system and careful engineering.
Best Gummies
In the “Best Gummies” category 2023, the Ladylike line by The Flower Shop stands out on its flavor and tasteful potency that doesn’t go overboard. Designed specifically with women in mind, these gummies tackle the stigma around female cannabis use while offering a sophisticated, enjoyable experience. The Ladylike gummies are more than just edibles; they remind you of self-care and liberation wrapped in elegant, eye-catching packaging.
Here’s Why We Love It:
- Sophisticated and Discreet Packaging: Resembling high-end cosmetics, the Ladylike gummies come in stylish, vibrant packaging that appeals to the modern woman, making them a discreet and fashionable choice.
- Tailored for Women’s Needs: With a focus on anxiety relief and discreet use, these gummies are ideal for on-the-go consumption, offering benefits like relaxation, sleep aid, and energy boost.
- Advanced Formulation for Quick Effect: Utilizing nano-emulsion technology, Ladylike gummies ensure rapid onset of effects, making them efficient and reliable for those new to cannabis or seeking precise dosing.
Best Pre-Rolls
Shorties
In the “Best Pre-Rolls” category for 2023, the pre-roll offerings from this innovative brand are setting a new standard. Housed in cool, organic packaging that’s as environmentally conscious as it is eye-catching, these pre-rolls cater to a wide range of preferences and occasions.
Here’s Why We Love It:
- Compact and Eco-Friendly Packaging: The pre-rolls come in a small tin to fit in your pocket, boasting an eco-friendly design that aligns with a sustainable lifestyle.
- Perfectly Sized for Solo or Social Smoking: Each Shortie pre-roll, weighing 0.35g, is ideal for a quick solo session or for sharing in a group, ensuring you enjoy without overcommitting.
- Wide Array of Strain-Specific Flavors: From Chem D to Strawberry Night Cap, the variety in flavors caters to all palates, whether you’re looking for something intense or mellow, making each smoking experience unique and enjoyable.
Best Vape Pen
Vessel’s Craftsman Series Vape Pens
For the “Best Vape Pen” category in 2023, we found a clear winner that stands out for its user-friendliness all-naturale design, and exceptional vaping experience. This vape combines cutting-edge technology with sleek design and unparalleled functionality, all while fitting right into the Pacific Northwest vibes from where this writer is reviewing it.
Here’s Why We Love It:
- Advanced Technology: The vape pen features the latest technological advancements, ensuring a smooth and consistent experience with every use.
- User-Friendly Design: Designed for new and experienced vapers, this pen is intuitive and easy to use, focusing on convenience and portability.
- High-Quality Vapor Production: This vape pen delivers rich, flavorful vapor, enhancing the overall experience and making it a top choice for vape enthusiasts.
Best Flower
In the “Best Flower” category for 2023, the Lamb’s Bread strain emerges as a clear favorite. Descended from a Jamaican landrace strain, Lamb’s Bread is celebrated for its potent effects and unique characteristics. Available at select dispensaries, this Sativa strain is a must-try for cannabis enthusiasts seeking an authentic, high-quality smoking experience.
Learn To Save Flower By Smoking Out Of Steamrollers. We Dive Deep Here
We legit feel bad for anyone who doesn’t have access to this strain because there’s no going back once you’ve toked it.
Here’s Why We Love It:
- Rich Aroma and Flavor: Lamb’s Bread is renowned for its dank smell and great flavor, offering a sensory experience that is both herbal and earthy, yet not overwhelmingly heavy.
- Potent and Enjoyable Effects: Known for delivering an intense, euphoric high, this strain is ideal for those seeking an intense yet enjoyable cannabis experience, perfect for both relaxation and creative endeavors.
- Quality and Consistency: With a delicate, sticky grind and a clean, light draw, Lamb’s Bread is not only potent but also consistent in quality, ensuring a satisfying experience with every use.
Best Cannabis Concentrate
Wedding Cake Shatter – Concentrate (Oregon)
In the “Best Concentrate” category for 2023, Wedding Cake Shatter is a premier choice for those seeking a high-quality, potent cannabis experience. This concentrate, a hybrid cross between Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Cake, sometimes known as Pink Cookies, offers a unique blend of flavor, potency, and consistency that sets it apart in the concentrate market that hits perfectly no matter how you smoke it (we were hitting it from the Stündenglass above).
Here’s Why We Love It:
- Excellent Consistency and Flavor: Its shatter-like consistency makes it easy to use, while the clean and delicious taste at low temperatures ensures a delightful consumption experience.
- Relaxing and Joyous Effects: Known for inducing a deeply relaxing and blissful state, Wedding Cake Shatter is perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy a moment of tranquility.
Best Topical Cream
Wonderbear Salve
In the “Best Topical Cream” category for 2023, WONDERBEAR TOPICAL is a superior choice, especially for those who lead an adventurous and active lifestyle. This salve, infused with CBD and THC, is designed to provide balance and comfort, making it a go-to solution for various physical and mental needs.
Perfect for after a long day of hiking, you need a way to relax and rest the muscles before moving on to the next activity (for us, it means hitting a brewery after hiking Mount Hood)
Here’s Why We Love It:
- Dual Infusion of CBD & THC: The unique blend of CBD and THC offers a balanced approach to managing discomfort and stress, catering to physical and mental well-being.
- Versatile Use for Active Lifestyles: Ideal for those who embrace adventure and activity, this salve provides targeted relief and comfort, enhancing your ability to enjoy life’s pursuits.
- Holistic and Natural Approach: Focusing on natural ingredients, WONDERBEAR TOPICAL is crafted for those seeking a more holistic approach to wellness and self-care.
Best Craft Cannabis Strain
In the “Best Cannabis Strain” category for 2023, the hybrid Golden Pineapple stands out as a top performer. This strain perfectly balances indica and sativa properties, offering a unique and enjoyable experience. Its tropical and fruity flavor, reminiscent of its namesake, along with its potent effects, makes it a favorite among cannabis connoisseurs.
Ever Wonder Why Weed Is Purple But Are Too Scared To Ask? We Got You…
Here’s Why We Love It:
- Balanced Hybrid with Tropical Flavors: Golden Pineapple offers a delightful sensory experience with its tropical, sweet pineapple flavor and aroma and visually appealing bright green buds with golden pistils.
- High Potency for Effective Relief: With THC levels between 25-29%, it provides significant relief from stress, anxiety, and pain, making it an ideal choice for both mental and physical wellness.
- Uplifting and Energizing Effects: Known for inducing euphoria and a relaxed yet energetic state, it’s perfect for daytime use, allowing users to stay productive and uplifting.
Best Cannabis-Infused Snack
TSUMo Snacks – Snazzle Os
For the “Best Weed-Infused Snacks” category in 2023, the collaboration between Snoop Dogg and TSUMo Snacks has resulted in an outstanding product: Snazzle Os. These cannabis-infused, crispy onion-flavored rings represent a significant leap in the edibles market, especially in the savory snacks segment. Snazzle Os isn’t just a snack; it’s a nostalgic trip with a modern cannabis twist, providing a unique, flavorful, and enjoyable munching experience.
Here’s Why We Love It:
- Innovative Savory Flavor: Snazzle Os stands out with its crispy onion flavor, a welcome change from the usual sweet cannabis edibles, catering to those who prefer savory treats.
- Perfect Dosing for Enjoyable Experience: With carefully measured dosing, these snacks offer a controlled and enjoyable experience, making them suitable for both new and experienced cannabis users.
- Snoop Dogg’s Touch of Nostalgia: Endorsed by Snoop Dogg, these snacks bring a touch of nostalgia and authenticity, reminiscent of classic corner store treats but with an added cannabis kick.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
