Cannabis connoisseurs are buzzing about standout varieties—from the fruity allure of Zoap to the nostalgic appeal of RS11 (Rainbow Sherbet #11) and the intense potency of Permanent Marker. But who are the breeders and growers bringing these strains into the spotlight? Let’s shine a spotlight on the passionate cultivators turning seed genetics into sensory sensations—with their knack, drive, and a little bit of magic.
1. Alien Labs × Talking Terps – Brainwash
The latest collaboration between Alien Labs and Talking Terps yielded Brainwash, a cross between Z and Oz Kush #18. This hybrid blends a classic OG aroma with candy-Z undertones and a layered high that’s both memorable and mellow. Born from a 60-seed phenohunt in Sacramento, Brainwash has quickly risen to become Alien Labs’ top-selling strain, earning awards in Arizona and standing out in dispensaries across multiple states.
Alien Labs’ founder, Ted Lidie, described the strain’s impact: it “sticks with you” while weaving in that playful Z twist. Though no personal website is listed, you can follow their work via Alien Labs and Talking Terps social channels and dispensaries carrying their cuts.
2. Zero Gravity Exotics – Zunicorn
The striking Zunicorn—a sweeter, more vigorous version of the classic World War Z—comes from Zero Gravity Exotics in Oakland. A pheno selected just from six seeds acquired at Ego Clash 2025, Zunicorn’s candy-fumed profile and unicorn-worthy aesthetics made it an instant smash.
Zero Gravity Exotics operates out of California; while they don’t maintain a formal website, you can find their work featured through local excerpts and grower showcases.
3. Jeu Green – PINK DIRT
PINK DIRT burst onto the scene thanks to phenohunting savant Jeu Green, mixing Skunktek Sour Diesel × ECSD/Stardawg × Sour Face to unearth pink pistils and tight bud structure. Named after a childhood tale of a “pink weed legend,” Green’s single-pack hunt resulted in one of Massachusetts’s most talked-about strains.
Jeu Green doesn’t appear to have a public-facing website, but you can follow coverage of his success through cannabis media outlets.
4. Legacy Crosses & Consumer Favorites
Beyond the phenohunt stars, cannabis lovers continue to flock toward beloved hybrids:
- Zoap, with purple hues and fruity notes, riding the wave of visual and aromatic appeal.
- RS11 (Rainbow Sherbet #11) remains beloved for its candy-sweet flavor and social buzz.
- Permanent Marker, known for its ~34 % THC, candy-floral nose, and reliable calm—with popularity rooted in both potency and palate.
Though their respective breeders aren’t always front-and-center, many of these hits trace back to licensed seedbanks and boutique breeders—some connected to legacy names such as DNA Genetics, “Shantibaba” (Scott Blakey), or even pioneering icons like Nevil Schoenmakers—all giants in the backrooms of cannabis pedigree.
Why These Cultivators Stand Out
- Visionary Phenohunts: Green, Alien Labs, and Zero Gravity specialize in uncovering rare, expressive traits in small sample pools.
- Collaborative Power: Brainwash proves that partnerships—Alien Labs plus Talking Terps—can yield something more than the sum of its parts.
- Flavor-First Innovation: PINK DIRT’s pink lemonade tones, Zoap’s fruity visuals, and RS11’s candy-buzz show how breeders chase terpene harmony with precision.
- Potency & Consistency: Permanent Marker demonstrates the demand for bold THC numbers married to flavorful calm.
Final Thoughts
These growers are more than cultivators—they’re genetic composers, storytelling through scent, color, effect, and experience. From California phenohunts to Massachusetts pink-weed legends, each one brings a unique chapter to the tapestry of 2025’s cannabis conversation.