The holidays are all about connection. They’re a time to gather with friends, family, and community to unwind, celebrate, and reflect.
And at Electric Avenue, we believe cannabis can be part of that ritual. Whether you’re relaxing by the fire or keeping the vibe high at a family party, the right strain can make all the difference.
To help you find your match this season, we sat down with Gabriel Cruz, one of our experienced budtenders here in Jurupa Valley.
Gabriel shared his favorite parts of the holiday rush, what holiday cannabis products are trending, and which holiday cannabis strains the team can’t get enough of this time of year.
What’s your favorite part about helping customers find the right strain during the holidays?
The holidays bring all kinds of energy into the shop. Some customers come in looking for something calming to end a busy year; others want a social strain to pair with festive gatherings.
Every interaction feels a little more meaningful when people are shopping with connection in mind.
“Honestly, it’s seeing how cannabis brings people together. Around the holidays, everyone’s energy is different. Some folks are looking to unwind after a long year, while others want something fun for family gatherings. At Electric Avenue, we love those one-on-one conversations where we help match someone’s vibe with the perfect strain. There’s nothing better than hearing a customer come back saying, ‘That one hit the spot.’”
From our perspective, that’s what sets Electric Avenue apart. We want you to have genuine conversations with people who care.
Our team focuses on understanding your vibe first, then recommending something that fits perfectly. It’s all about curating experiences, not just products.
Do you notice people shopping for different types of products this time of year?
The holidays shift shopping habits in fun ways. Rather than simply shopping for themselves, a lot of customers are drawn to easy-to-share items or products that make great gifts.
“Definitely. People love easy-to-share products like pre-roll packs, gummies, and cartridges. Giftable items and premium eighths always move fast, too. We see a lot of customers treating themselves to something top-shelf, kind of like grabbing that nice bottle for a special occasion. It’s all about spreading good vibes and good flower.”
At Electric Avenue, we curate our holiday lineup with that in mind, making it easy for everyone to find something they’ll love, whether you’re gifting or enjoying solo. Here are some options you might want to look into:
- Pre-roll multipacks for effortless sharing
- Flavorful gummies for gifting
- Premium eighths for special occasions
- Cartridges for on-the-go convenience
What are the best holiday cannabis strains to relax and unwind with?
When the lights dim and the year winds down, cozy nights call for smooth, relaxing strains.
“For those cozy nights in, we’d point you toward something with a heavier, relaxing profile [like] RS11, Zkittlez, or Gelato 41 are some favorites around here. They melt away that end-of-year stress and set the mood for a chill evening. If you really want to elevate the experience, try an infused pre-roll or a little solventless rosin — smooth, flavorful, and perfect for winding down.”
We couldn’t agree more with Gabriel’s picks. These strains are fan favorites because they’re packed with flavor, rich in terpenes, and perfect for finding your calm.
What about strains that keep the energy up for parties and family gatherings?
Not everyone wants to melt into the couch. Instead, some prefer a creative, upbeat strain that keeps the vibes light and festive.
“When it’s time to stay active or social, we lean toward uplifting sativas. Super Lemon Haze, Jack Herer, or Pineapple Express keep the energy light and positive. [They’re] great for cooking, decorating, or just vibing with family. We also love hybrids like LCG or Wedding Cake that balance focus with fun, so you can stay engaged without feeling too heavy.”
Our team loves suggesting these strains for exactly that reason — they pair perfectly with laughter, playlists, and good company.
Are there any local or California-grown brands you’re especially excited about right now?
California’s cannabis scene continues to lead the industry, and we’re proud to showcase brands that represent the state’s craftsmanship.
“Absolutely. We’ve been loving what Claybourne, Nameless Genetics, and 710 Labs are putting out. [They are] always consistent, [and] always flavorful. On the local side, we love supporting Inland Empire-based growers and brands that share that same passion for quality. There’s something special about stocking products grown and made right here in SoCal — it keeps the community strong.”
For us, local sourcing isn’t just about inventory. It’s also about showcasing community pride. Supporting California-grown means you’re uplifting the same creative energy that built the culture.
What’s one underrated strain or product that deserves more love this season?
Every season brings its hidden gems, and this one’s no exception. There’s always something new waiting to surprise even our most seasoned customers, adding excitement to every visit.
“Hash rosin and cold-cure badder deserve way more shine. A lot of people still haven’t explored solventless products, and they’re missing out on that clean, terp-forward experience. For flower, Garlic Cocktail and Sour Runtz are still sleeper hits. [They’re] smooth, flavorful, and perfect for the holidays. We love introducing customers to those hidden gems that become their new go-to.”
At Electric Avenue, we’re all about education. Our team always wants to guide customers toward quality products that hit great. Solventless products, in particular, are having a moment right now because of how great the experience is when you use them.
Do you have any personal holiday rituals or favorite ways to enjoy cannabis responsibly?
Cannabis and the holidays go hand in hand when you’re intentional with it. It’s about slowing down, connecting, and savoring the moment.
“My favorite ritual is lighting up something smooth after a long day of holiday chaos, usually a joint or a low-temp dab, and just taking a minute to breathe and appreciate the season. Around here, we like to call it ‘lighting up the holiday spirit, one session at a time.’”
At Electric Avenue, we share that philosophy. The holidays are about presence and gratitude, not just presents. Enjoying cannabis responsibly means embracing those moments of calm and connection that make the season special.
Visit Electric Avenue to Discover Your Favorite Holiday Strain
Whether you’re seeking something mellow, creative, or social, our team’s here to help you find it — and make this holiday season a little brighter, one session at a time.
Stop by Electric Avenue in Jurupa Valley and find your perfect holiday strain today.