Top 15 Highest THC Strains Of Cannabis

Summary:

• Marijuana strains are commonly separated in 2 groups: Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid 
• THC is one of the main compounds that is responsible for intoxicating feelings. For example sativa has more THC then indica strains. Which can cause more intense feelings.
• The more THC the strain the more powerful the psychoactive effect is in general, although there are some other factors like terpene content as well. 

Cannabis has become significantly more potent over the years. As average THC percentages continue to climb, keeping up with the highest potency strains out there can be a little tricky.  
 
That’s exactly why we’ve put together this handy list. First, let’s look at some key facts about marijuana potency—then we’ll dive right into a list of the top 15 highest THC strains of cannabis currently available on the market. 

Understanding cannabis potency 

Cannabis potency continues increasing due to two primary factors: growing techniques and genetics.  

You probably have seen or heard about strains with THC levels as high as 30%. So why can’t it get even higher? The answer is genetic limits. By crossbreeding, cultivators can raise this amount. Crossbreeding one high-THC strain with another high-THC strain results in the most potent strain that can be produced.   

In addition to genetics, growing techniques, with a focus on ideal lighting and soil conditions, also help the flowers of the most potent strains of cannabis reach their highest expression in terms of THC. (That said, the THC percentages of strains tend to vary from harvest to harvest, so even more potent strains may not consistently rank among those with the highest THC content.) 

So how do genetics and growing techniques work together to produce high THC strains?  

Well, if genetics set up a maximum potential for a specific strain, the methods used during the plant’s growth can maximize the THC amount within that limit. 

To get high THC strains, it’s important to combine genetics with growing techniques. 

Another interesting factor is the biosynthetic pathways of cannabinoids. The marijuana plant does not synthesize THC and CBD while growing. Instead, it synthesizes tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). These later can be transformed into THC and CBD by heat treatment, a.k.a. decarboxylation. (Which is why knowing the right way to decarb marijuana flower is also important!) 

Other variables that impact THC potency include: 

• Nutrients 
• Temperature 
• Humidity 
• pH Levels 
• Carbon Dioxide levels 
• Lighting factors 
• Plant age/maturity 

Keep in mind the THC percentages below may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Be sure to read the actual product labels at your local dispensary for more exact percentages. 

High-THC indica strains 

Indica strains and in general indica, is usually reported to be more relaxing and sedating effects than sativa. However, just like sativa strains, not every type of indica strain will neatly fit that description. And, of course, when it comes to feeling effects, every individual will have a different experience.  

Yoda OG 

• Average THC:15-24%* 
• Average CBD:<1%* 
• Dominant terpene:Myrcene 
• Reported Feelings: Relaxed, Sleepy, Euphoric 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. 
  A prime example of what happens when you keep breeding OG Kush strains for maximum potency, Yoga OC has one of the highest THC levels of any indica weed strain. It’s dominant terpene myrcene gives it a fruity yet herbal aroma that will keep you coming back for more. 

Gas Monkey 

• Average THC:20-26%* 
• Average CBD:<1%* 
• Dominant terpene:Myrcene 
• Reported Feelings:Happy, Sleepy, Hungry 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD.Individual results may vary. 
  Looking for the strongest THC strain of indica? You may not need to look any further than Gas Monkey, which tops high THC levels and is in high demand among those looking for the most potent strain in this category. Big doses of both myrcene and caryophyllene give this one a spicy, herbal taste and some potential boosting when it comes to mental effects. 

Scones 

• Average THC:20-24%* 
• Average CBD:<1%* 
• Dominant terpene:Limonene 
• Reported Feelings:Motivated, Happy, Energized 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. 
  The most amazing thing about Scones may not be serious THC content but the fact that it can potentially give you an energizing buzz despite the fact that it’s an indica. Allow us to explain. This is caused by the dominant citrusy limonene terpene and has earned Scones a reputation as one of the most potent marijuana strains in the world (even among those who usually swear by sativa). 
    

Do-Si-Dos 

• Average THC:20-27%* 
• Average CBD:<1%* 
• Dominant terpene:Limonene 
• Reported Feelings:Relaxed, Euphoric, Happy 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. Individual results may vary. 
  Do-Si-Dos (often simplified to Dosi) is an indica-dominant strain with lime green and lavender leaves. With Limonene as a dominant terpene, this indica combines fantastic aromas with an especially high THC content that can reach up to 27%. 

A-Dub 

• Average THC: 17-28%* 
• Average CBD: <1%* 
• Dominant terpene: Myrcene, Limonene 
• Reported Feelings: Relaxed, Happy, Focused 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. 
  Those that think indicas are strictly relaxing should try this strain, quite possibly the highest-THC strain of indica seen yet. With hearty helpings of both myrcene and limonene, expect a sweet and earthy aroma and the potential to make you feel surprisingly focused. 

High THC sativa strains 

Sativa strains are sometimes considered to be more energizing and headier, with a strong clean buzz. However, keep in mind that there are plenty of sativa strains that may not fit neatly into this box, and every individual will experience different effects when using different strains. Additionally, the classifications of indica and sativa have more to do with plant origins than potential effects, which instead come from specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles. [Source] 

L’Orange 

• Average THC:25-30%* 
• Average CBD:<1%* 
• Dominant terpene:Caryophyllene 

Reported Feelings: Energetic, Creative, Mind Stimulating, Active 
*This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. 
With an average THC level of 30%, L’Orange is one of the highest-THC strains you are going to find. But with a delicious citrus and cracked pepper bouquet (the latter due to the dominant terpene of this strain typically being caryophyllene), it’s more than just a blast off to outer space. Small amounts of CBD (around 1%) may potentially give this high-THC strain additional relaxing qualities. 

Ultra Sour 

• Average THC: 20-25%* 
• Average CBD: <1%* 
• Dominant terpene: Myrcene, Caryophyllene 
• Reported Feelings: Energetic, Creative, Mind Stimulating, Active 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. 
  This high potency THC strain is on average 20% pure THC, making it one of the most potent strains on the market. With myrcene as the dominant terpene, expect some spiciness. However, this is typically overshadowed by hefty helpings of other flavors, including limonene, which gives the strain a lemony tang. 

Bruce Banner 

• Average THC: 20-30%* 
• Average CBD: 1%* 
• Dominant terpene: Myrcene 
• Reported Feelings: Euphoria, Relaxation, Energy, Creativity 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. 
  Named in reference to a certain superhero with super strength, this strain is unsurprisingly one of the most potent on the market. Bruce Banner’s dominant terpene is linalool, which has an herbaceous spicy aroma, potentially good for those who may want to get the creative juices flowing. 

Tropicana 

• Average THC: 16-24%* 
• Average CBD: 1%* 
• Dominant terpene: Myrcene 
• Reported Feelings: Focus, Uplifted, Euphoric 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. 
  Although the THC level of Tropicana is lower than the ones we’ve covered so far, this complex-smelling strain is especially potent due to high levels of different terpenes that may actually boost the effect of THC. Myrcene is the dominant terpene, a fragrant compound also found in mangos and hops, but Tropicana also contains hefty amounts of pinene and spicy caryophyllene for a robust flavor profile that gives it a true punch. 

Trainwreck 

• Average THC: 18-25%* 
• Average CBD: <1%* 
• Dominant terpene: Myrcene 
• Reported Feelings: Relaxed, Happy, Euphoric 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. 
  A standard among connoisseurs looking for maximum THC levels, Trainwreck is perhaps one of the strongest cannabis strains in the world. Myrcene is the dominant terpene in Trainwreck, an earthy smelling compound also found in hops and reputed to have its own psychoactive characteristics. 

High-THC Hybrid Strains 

Hybrid strains combine both indica and sativa genetics to produce new ranges of potential effects. Here, you’ll find some of the highest THC content strains as well as terpene flavor combinations that defy conventional classifications. 

Sex Candy 

• Average THC: 18-28%* 
• Average CBD: <1%* 
• Dominant terpene: Caryophyllene, Limonene 
• Reported Feelings: Chatty, Happy, Laughing 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. 
  This is one of the most potent strains of hybrid cannabis on the market right now, but that’s not the only reason why it’s in high demand. Consumers are attracted to the unique terpene profile, which includes high levels of both caryophyllene and limonene, giving it a chocolate-like taste and (according to some) an aphrodisiacal quality. 

Bubble Bath 

• Average THC: 20-27%* 
• Average CBD: <1%* 
• Dominant terpene: Caryophyllene, Limonene 
• Reported Feelings: Chatty, Happy, Laughing 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. 
  New consumers are advised to start small with Bubble Bath, one of the strongest cannabis strains on the market right now and one of the highest-THC content strains in the hybrid category. With high levels of THC and caryophyllene, limonene and humulene, this powerful strain has a spicy, citrusy, pine forest aroma that adds to the overall striking effect. 

Mandarin Cookies 

• Average THC: 19-26%* 
• Average CBD: <1%* 
• Dominant terpene: Myrcene, Caryophyllene 
• Reported Feelings: Relaxed, Happy, Uplifted 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. 
  The dominant terpene here is myrcene, although large amounts of caryophyllene are present too, giving Mandarin Cookies a sweet citrus aroma and a potentially uplifting yet chilled-out buzz. 

Vegas Nights 

• Average THC: 18-24%* 
• Average CBD: <1%* 
• Dominant terpene: Myrcene 
• Reported Feelings: Relaxed, Happy, Euphoric 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. 
  Even though Vegas Nights boasts one of the highest THC strain contents out there, it’s more well known for its potentially relaxing, calming yet cerebral effects. These are due to its unique terpene profile which includes large amounts of limonene, caryophyllene and linalool.  

Burkle 

• Average THC: 19-26%* 
• Average CBD: <1%* 
• Dominant terpene: Caryophyllene, Limonene, Linalool 
• Reported Feelings: Relaxed, Happy, Euphoric 
  *This % may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product. Consumers should review the actual product label for exact % of THC/CBD. Individual results may vary. 
  With its deep purple and bright green flowers, Burkle is an attractive bud that also sports a THC profile that ranks it as one of the most potent marijuana strains available. A high-THC content is enhanced by a half dozen flavorful terpenes including dominant limonene and linalool, which give it a citrusy and pine-like scent that lifts the mood. 

The relationship between THC and effects 

THC is the psychoactive compound present in cannabis and is responsible for the intoxicating sensation experienced when the plant is consumed. There are also several other factors involved in marijuana potency, including terpene content, delivery method, marijuana dosage, your metabolism etc. But in general, more THC tends to mean stronger effects. 

Why would you want a strong cannabis strain? 

There are many reasons for seeking out the most potent indica sativa strain of cannabis. When considering indica or sativa strains some people have such a high tolerance that they may need the highest-THC content strains to give them the effects they are looking for. Others want to consume as little as possible per dosage while still getting the effects they want, making high potency strains a natural fit. 

Then there are those who are using THC for medical reasons, such as the potential management of discomfort. Finally, some of us may simply want to explore the market and experiment with the highest THC potencies currently available. 

Whatever the reason for your interest, you probably have plenty of questions—and we’re here to help! To learn more about the high-THC strains, visit your local RISE Dispensary and talk with our staff today.