Alright let’s talk about CA hype strains and where they’re coming from.
Jungle Boys - most of their strains come from Seed Junky or Cannarado. You can buy seeds from either breeder anywhere in the country. They are about to start selling seeds they’ve bred themselves, but they haven’t dropped yet, they will be overpriced (more than likely) and they will sell out immediately. While they have a history of finding the next hype clones in big pheno hunts, they haven’t really released any of their own crosses before. Going with Cannarado or Seed Junky would be much more likely to provide quality.
Cookies - they grow and sell their own crosses. Crosses that you can buy from many seedbanks and have shipped anywhere in the country. The seeds are horrifically overpriced and at least one cross had severe germ issues.
Connected CA - these guys grow a lot of their own crosses. They sell seeds too from time to time. They’re mostly known for growing Gelato 41 (really damn good) and a lot of crosses using Gelato 41. They sell seeds from time to time, but it’s only at a few of their dispensaries and they’re very expensive. You can get crosses using Gelato 41 from other breeders for cheaper.
Alien Labs - Old Family Purple is a cross made by CSI Humboldt. You can get a pack sent anywhere in the country for $100.
Big Al’s - Ugh. Super overpriced. They made Gushers. They don’t sell seeds as far as I know.
Basically, if you want the next “hype” cross from seeds, you don’t need to come to CA for them. Anything that’s going to be available in seed form can already be bought from about a dozen different seed banks and have sent anywhere in the country. Just buy some Seed Junky or Cannarado crosses. They consistently make really good shit that becomes very popular.
Clones are a different story. It’s easier to find the elites in CA. But in that case you gotta know someone, be prepared to spend a lot, and there’s always the risk you’re going to get ripped off. A lot of fake clones are being bought and sold.