While there are hundreds of cannabis strains out there, some are certainly more potent than others.
What makes them rather strong is a higher THC content among other things that we shall talk about further in a bit.
For now, it is important to clarify that the majority of the strains regardless of how/where they are grown or cultivated are only hybrids that are derived from just two of the main subspecies of the plant called Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica.
Cannabis Sativa has a higher THC content; whereas, C. Indica boasts a higher CBD content.
So when it comes to guessing the potency or strength of a strain, Sativa-dominant ones will be your best bet.
Yet, it is not so simple after all!
As a complex and mysterious plant, many factors go into making your joint particularly strong, effective, or potent.
Cannabis potency refers to the percentage of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)- the main psychoactive compound of marijuana, in a weed product.
The higher the THC, the higher the ‘high,’ and the stronger the desired effects including its therapeutic properties.
At the same time, the more potent a drug, including pot, the more the possibility of its addiction or dependency.
So when using these highly potent cannabis products, be it in any form, you must be reasonable and not exceed your daily weed limit.
With growing acceptance and legalization of it as of late, more and more cannabis strains are coming out in the market with a higher THC content.
To give you a perspective, while the usual percentage of THC in weed used to be about 2% at best through 1960-80s; the same was noted to be 17–28% by 2017.
And that’s when we talk about dry buds, flowers, and leaves that are generally used for smoking or vaping.
For an advanced or experienced user, there are even more THC-rich products and concentrates that range from resinous extracts, oils, and tinctures to all kinds of mouthwatering and delicious edibles.
In that, connoisseur-level products such as dabs, diamonds, and shatters may have a very high THC concentration of about 95% or more making them some of the most potent cannabis products.
Along with a higher THC content, many of these products boast a rich terpene profile to give you a unique experience and flavor while also adding to their overall effects and potency.
Factors That Influence Strain Potency
As we mentioned above, the average potency of THC levels of marijuana used to be well under 2% before the 1990s.
However, everything changed when the weed industry took inspiration from the tobacco and alcohol manufacturers and started developing a barrage of higher-THC-containing strains for experienced and regular users to give them the desired effects.
To make that possible, various elements were used and considered, for starters, interbreeding or hybridization.
Likewise, some of the most common factors that are used to influence the ratio of THC in a particular strain include its genetics, breeding technique, growth, environmental conditions, and ultimately the type or form of the end product.
Let’s go through it quickly before we reveal our top picks for the strongest strains of cannabis:
• Genetics
Genetics include choosing the desired strain from Indica, Sativa, or a hybrid. Indica for higher CBD-to-THC ratio and Sativa vice versa.
Apart from the strain, breeding techniques can also play a crucial role in strengthening the strain with higher THC and other cannabinoids that are believed to enhance the overall effects of cannabis.
• Growth and cultivation techniques
Next up, we have the process of growth which revolves around managing the right balance of essential nutrients, ideal lighting, and proper timing for harvesting, trimming, and curing which is necessary for optimal cannabinoid production including the infamous THC for higher potency.
• Environmental factors
The growing conditions and the environment go hand-in-hand when it comes to preserving a higher cannabinoid content in a strain.
As such, some of the most important factors that come into play include temperature, humidity or moisture, and the quality of air.
Similarly, the medium of growth, be it soil, water (hydroponics), or air (aeroponics) can also influence the potency of cannabis.
Furthermore, environmental stressors such as pests, diseases, and extreme weather can also affect the growth and potency of the plant.
• Type of the product
Last but not least, the end product, whether it is a resinous extract, an edible, or a distillate can also impact the final potency of different products despite being derived from a single strain.
The same applies to tens of hundreds of all the cannabis strains cultivated worldwide.
So, you can have an idea about the long list of strong and potent strains of weed that you can find.
To help you out, here’s a list of some of the strongest weed strains.
Top Strongest Weed Strains
To fairly describe the characteristics of each of these strains, we will go through their THC content, effects, experience, as well as their medical uses to further assist you in making the right choice of weed for both your body and mind.
1. Godfather OG
Named after its supposed laid-back and sedative effects, Godfather is nicknamed the Don of all OGs (which originally meant ‘Ocean Grown Marijuana’).
Despite being an Indica-dominant strain, Godfather OG proposes a superior THC content of up to 30% with minimal CBD of about 2% or less.
As a result, it is considered one of the most potent strains of cannabis if not the most potent.
Apart from a higher THC content, Godfather OG also contains a rich terpene profile and densely packed trichomes that give it an earthy, piney, and fresh taste of cannabis with a subtle hint of grapes for a juicy swirl of smoke.
With a mouth-friendly taste and strong aroma, Godfather OG delivers a pleasant “high” which is deeply relaxing and calming both cerebrally and body-wise.
As far as its therapeutic effects are concerned, the Don can provide much-needed relief from pain and anxiety for a better and healthier sleep every night.
2. Strawberry Banana
Strawberry Banana is another famous Indica dominant hybrid with a higher THC concentration.
Also known as the Strawnana strain, it is a cross between Banana Kush and the Strawberry phenotype of Bubble Gum and is thus defined by a sweet and fruity flavor with a hash-like and spicy punch.
In terms of potency, it has a high THC content of about 18-22% and very low CBD levels which makes it a powerful and psychoactive strain.
As a result, Strawberry Banana is claimed to provide both relaxing and uplifting effects that range from strong bursts of happiness, joy, and euphoria to intense focus, imagination, and creativity.
Great for those suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression, it may also offer significant health benefits such as relief from nausea, chronic pain, lack of appetite, and insomnia.
3. Bruce Banner
Bruce Banner aka the Original Bruce Banner is a sativa-dominant strain that is an interbred of either OG Kush or Ghost OG and Strawberry Diesel.
Despite the unclear source, it is considered the strongest Sativa strain with a staggering 25% THC on average which can reach up to 33% in certain plants depending on the cultivars.
Alluding to the incredible strength of the fictional character ‘Hulk,’ the original Bruce Banner boasts an instant boost of euphoric energy and enthusiasm for creativity and all things art.
Apart from that, it also delivers some of the most powerful pain-relieving properties and the ability to fight depression, anxiety, nausea, and restlessness.
As powerful as it is, Bruce Banner has an equally powerful and pungent taste that has a sweet and citrus underlying tone.
4. Gorilla Glue #4
Another potent strain of cannabis with at least 25% of THC is none other than Gorilla Glue #4 which is known for being one of the most potent strains of cannabis.
As a Sativa-dominant strain, it can have an even higher concentration of THC with the highest being recorded at 33.5%.
With a sticky and viscous feel, Gorilla Glue #4 or GG4 has a sharp and earthy aroma that is both sour and spicy with a stench of diesel and pepper.
Upon consumption, you may feel a quick onset of effects depending on the method of intake including a heavy and staunch couch-potato type feeling which is deeply relaxing and calming.
As a result, Gorilla Glue can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression.
5. Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)
GSC is an Indica-dominant strain that is made by crossbreeding a sub-type of OG Kush with an intermediate strain called F1 Durban.
With a high THC concentration of up to 28% and negligible amounts of CBD i.e. only 0.09–0.2%, Girl Scout Cookies can make you quite ‘high’ or ‘stoned’ with intense euphoria followed by strong waves of full-body relaxation.
Along with a proper balance between energy and relaxation, GSC also maintains a pleasant blend of sweet and earthy aromas.
Its effects can range from focus and creativity to relief from anxiety, depression, and stress.
6. King Louis XIII
Commonly referred to as King Louis, it is an Indica-dominant cross that is made by mixing OG Kush and L.A. Confidential.
Also known as the “King of Couch-lock,” it has an average THC content of 20-24% which can reach up to 28% for strong and potent effects.
Speaking of which, it is usually recommended for users who can bear the potentially intense effects of both the bodily high and mental sedation.
While somewhat lethargic for both your body and mind, King Louis happens to be extremely beneficial for those suffering from sleep-related issues such as insomnia and other nocturnal misbehaviors.
With a rich terpene profile including Myrcene, Limonene, and Caryophyllene, King Louis XIII offers a plethora of flavors in the likes of spicy, citrusy, earthy, piney, and hoppy.
7. Chemdawg
Chemdawg or Chemdog is a well-balanced hybrid of 60% indica and 40% sativa which makes it a true powerhouse when it comes to highly potent cannabis strains.
With a chemical and fuel-like scent, it showcases a diverse taste profile ranging from sweet and fruity flavors to piney, citrusy, and sour aromas.
Due to relatively higher amounts of both CBD and THC, Chemdawg is claimed to deliver superb euphoric effects that are both calming and uplifting.
Along with a creative side to it, Chemdawg also delivers significant anxiolytic and pain-relieving properties, making it a perfect option for those looking to gain an upper hand in the therapeutic aspects of cannabis compared to its psychoactive high.
How to Choose the Right Strong Strain for You
Choosing the right strain of cannabis with high THC content depends on several factors such as your requirements and tolerance level.
That said, some of the rather useful tips that you can use when selecting the right strain of cannabis include:
• THC vs CBD levels
Go for strains with a high THC ratio of at least 20%.
• The strain type
Indica for relaxation, sedation, pain relief, and sleep. Sativa for a more energetic and uplifting high for recreational use.
• Terpene profile
Terpenes are the main aromatic compounds that give a plant including cannabis its distinct taste and smell.
Finally, the method of consumption or the type of product you use to have your fill of cannabinoids can also play a crucial role in choosing the most suitable strong strain of weed.
Consumption Methods for High-Potency Strains
While there are numerous methods of consuming marijuana, some of the most common include:
1. Smoking
Smoking refers to the process of burning the cannabis content and inhaling the resulting smoke through some device or mechanism such as a bong, pipe, or joint.
Fortunately, there are tons of cannabis extracts and concentrates that you can smoke or add to your weed to further enhance its potency and effects.
2. Vaping
If you don’t like to smoke or trying to quit smoking, you can always go for the relatively safer medium known as vaping.
Contrary to smoking, vaping involves heating the content to the mark of vaporization to avoid harsh inhales as well as harmful carcinogens.
Again, there are plenty of vape juices or oils that you can vape using a variety of vaping devices like a portable and refillable vape pen.
3. Edibles
Out of all the products, cannabis-infused edibles have the longest-lasting effects that can go on for hours and even the whole day.
As potent as they are, edibles can also be quite high in calories depending on the product and hence may pose certain risks to people who are trying to lose weight or extra fat.
4. Concentrates
Concentrates are rich cannabis extracts that come in many forms including oil, resin, and distillates.
Compared to dried smokeables, concentrates happen to have higher amounts of THC and other cannabinoids depending on their chemical concentration.
As you can see, the strength of cannabis products is not just limited to their parent strains but a lot of other factors including the type of the end-product.
So when looking for a strong strain, be wary of these things.
FAQs
While several factors can be considered, it is the THC content and the terpene profile that makes a strain “strong” or not.
Regardless of the product, you can always refer to the description label to get a fair idea about the potency of THC levels of a strain.
High-potency strains as mentioned above are usually quite high in their THC content which makes them rather addictive and dangerous especially when consumed in higher doses.
Yes, regular and heavy use of marijuana daily can increase your tolerance level or the severity of dependence, especially, if you are young.
To be safe, stick to low dosages and allow longer gaps between each session.
