engin akyurt / Unsplash
From easing pain to boosting energy, these potent picks stand out as the strongest strains of the year.
When we talk about the strongest weed strains, we’re talking about the level of the primary psychoactive compound, THC, within the strain. While terpenes and other cannabinoids may guide your experience regarding some of the effects, THC is responsible for the potent effects of cannabis strains.
THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, creating its potent psychoactive effects. As such, high THC percentage strains are highly sought after. These high THC strains may help provide several therapeutic benefits. Cannabis consumers often report that high THC strains help manage chronic pain, relieve anxiety, and combat fatigue.
Whether you’re looking for a particular strain with high THC for managing symptoms or want to experience some energizing and uplifting effects, we’ve curated a list of the most potent strains just for you.
Herb
An extremely potent cannabis strain, Godfather OG sure earns its name. Its exact lineage is still debated, with some saying it’s a mix of Bubba Kush, L.A. Confidential, and Granddaddy Purple. Others say it’s a cross between XXX OG and Alpha OG (with Alpha Media Inc. winning Best Indica strain at the 2013 High Times Cannabis Cup for this cross).
With an elevated THC content of 34%, it is one of the strongest weed strains on the market today. Users can expect sedation, deep relaxation, and a spicy-earthy flavor profile rounded out by hints of pine and berries. Medicinal cannabis users often look to Godfather OG to help with pain relief, stress, and insomnia. Terpene-wise, it has a profile of myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, with a touch of pinene and linalool, making it a perfect blend of chill, comfort, and clarity.
Thinking about growing it? Godfather OG isn’t exactly beginner-friendly. It thrives in warm, low-humidity environments (think 68 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with 30 to 40% humidity) and needs around 4 to 5 feet of vertical space to stretch out. Godfather OG has a flowering cycle of about 8 to 10 weeks, but the payoff is worth it. This cultivar can deliver high yields when treated right, making it a top-tier choice for expert growers who want both quality and quantity.
Lake Effect
One of the only sativa strains on our list for high THC strains, Jelly Donutz is a sativa-dominant strain created by Humboldt Seed Company. A tasty backcross of Jelly Donutz with Hella Jelly and White Runtz, Jelly Donutz has THC levels ranging from 30% to 35%, making it a great runner-up to the strongest weed strain. As a sativa-dominant hybrid, Jelly Donutz is known by users for its energizing and uplifting effects, making it suitable for daytime use. With an aroma and flavor profile of cotton candy, caramel, and a creamy strawberry milkshake, Jelly Donutz’s primary terpenes consist of caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool. Other contributing aromatic compounds found in Jelly Donutz may include cannasulfur compounds (CSCs), which contribute to that notable gas aroma in many popular strains.
According to the breeder, Jelly Donutz thrives indoors, particularly under LED lighting. It flowers in about 7 to 8 weeks when grown indoors and is ready to harvest in late September/early October if grown outdoors. Jelly Donutz is a smaller plant, reaching up to 5 ft tall, and growers report an average yield of 3 ounces per plant.
Herb
Not the strongest, but still a high-potency strain, Super Boof was crowned Leafly’s 2024 Strain of the Year. Formerly called Blockberry, the parent strains of Super Boof are Black Cherry Punch and Tropicana Cookies. This cultivar from Blockhead hits with potent, earth-cherry aromas and THC percentages between 25% and 32%. Users say you can expect feelings of euphoria, mental clarity, and pain relief with just a few hits.
Its dominant terpenes, myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene, add flavor and effect. This strain thrives in medium humidity with warm temperatures around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Growers should allow for up to 5 feet of vertical space for Super Boof to reach its full height. Ideal for experienced growers, Super Boof flowers in 8 to 9 weeks, and the yields are moderate in size.
Moe Weed
Alien Mints from Alien Labs is a balanced hybrid strain, resulting from a backcross of Animal Mints from Seed Junky. Its genetic lineage includes Animal Cookies and SinMint Cookies. Its flavor profile blends fresh mint, cookies, and hints of lavender and apricot. Along with a robust aroma, Alien Mints boasts a high THC content, typically ranging from 27% to 30%, making it suitable for experienced users seeking a strong psychoactive experience. Alien Mints’ dominant terpenes include caryophyllene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, and pinene. Users often report that effects are cerebral and promote euphoria and focus, leading to a relaxing body high. Medicinal cannabis patients commonly use it to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
Alien Mints is a strain that thrives in warm, humid climates with temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Alien Mints cannabis plants benefit from pruning techniques like topping to encourage bushier growth and increased yields. The flowering period for Alien Mints is approximately 8 to 10 weeks, and while specific yield data is limited, proper cultivation techniques can enhance production.
Important note for consumers: Several genetic versions of Alien Mints are floating around the market, with Strane creating an Alien Mints by crossing Alien Cookies and Kush Mints 11. Other variations include crosses of Alien OG and GSC.
Dutchie
Doja Exclusives created Permanent Marker in collaboration with Seed Junky Genetics, this potent hybrid strain crosses Biscotti x Sherb with Jealousy for a punchy profile that smells just like it tastes: floral, candy-sweet, and gassy. A potent strain, THC levels can range from 25% to 30%, so newer consumers might want to take it slow. Known for delivering a deeply relaxing, mood-lifting buzz, users often reach for Permanent Marker to help manage symptoms like depression, fatigue, and pain, just be ready for the munchies.
A dominant terpene lineup of myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, linalool, and pinene backs the flavor and effect. Permanent Marker is also beginner-friendly to grow. This cultivar thrives in warm conditions between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with moderate humidity, and stays relatively compact at 3 to 4 feet tall. With a flowering time of 8 to 9 weeks and a moderately sized yield, it’s a solid pick for beginner cultivators.
Ant Farm
Don’t let the name fool you, Jealousy is made to be shared. This vibrant weed strain from Seed Junky Genetics is a mix of Sherbert Bx1 and Gelato 41, and it hits with a balanced mix of physical relaxation and mental energy. THC levels range from 20% to 30%, so new consumers might want to take it slow.
Jealousy’s dominant terpenes are caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene, and linalool. It thrives in a warm 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit climate with about 40% humidity and grows to about 5 feet tall. Flowering of Jealousy finishes in 8 to 9 weeks, and the yield is moderately sized. Jealousy is ideal for experienced cultivators.
Leafly
When it’s time to wind down, Gelato #41, aka Bacio Gelato, knows how to deliver. Created by Sherbinskis in California, this relaxing, mood-boosting cultivar is a cross between Sunset Sherbert and Thin Mint Cookies. Gelato 41 smells like dessert with vanilla, orange, chocolate, and spice notes. The high is full-bodied, perfect for unwinding into a great night’s sleep. The THC level of Gelato 41 comes at 29%.
Expect a strong terpene profile dominated by caryophyllene, limonene, linalool, and humulene. Growers can expect plants to reach 3 to 4 feet indoors and 6 to 8 feet outdoors. It prefers a well-lit setup with less than 60% humidity and temperatures between 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Flowering takes 8 to 10 weeks, and the yield is moderate. Gelato 41 is best left to those with some cultivation experience for the best results.
Hey Abby
Zoap has a distinctly earthy, floral, and sweet flavor. Bred by Deo Farms in Oakland, this balanced hybrid strain comes from Rainbow Sherbet and Pink Guava. Medical users often turn to Zoap for its potential to ease depression, manage anxiety, and relieve stress. The high is known to enhance euphoria and may spark a little giggle fit, with THC levels landing between 22% and 26%.
Flavorful and terpene-rich, Zoap’s dominant lineup includes caryophyllene, limonene, humulene, and linalool. Zoap thrives in a medium-humidity environment at 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can stretch up to 6 feet outdoors and usually flower in 8 to 9 weeks, producing a medium yield best suited for experienced growers.
Leafly
Blue Zushi brings calm without knocking you out. This hybrid strain, born from Zkittlez and Kush Mints, has a tropical mint and blue cheese flavor combo that’s more delicious than it sounds. Blue Zushi’s high THC levels range between 20% and 26%. Patients turn to it for a boost in creativity and relief from anxiety, depression, and stress.
Terpenes include linalool, myrcene, caryophyllene, humulene, and limonene. Blue Zushi prefers medium humidity and a warm 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. Blue Zushi grows between 3 and 6 feet tall, flowers in 8 to 9 weeks, and offers a moderate-sized yield. Growing Blue Zushi is best left to those with experience.
Low Price Bud
Blueberry Crumble is a potent indica strain made by crossing Blueberry and OG Kush. Dominant terpenes include pinene, caryophyllene, and humulene, and its flavor and aroma profile consists of sweet blueberry, skunky, floral, and earthy notes. Blueberry Crumble is said by cannabis consumers to be great for relaxing at the end of a hard day, managing stress, and relieving aches and pains. Blueberry Crumble boosts a whopping 22% to 26% THC, leaving it on the lower end of the strongest weed strains.
Blueberry Crumble can grow between 5 and 8 feet tall indoors and outdoors. In addition, it thrives in warm climates with good air circulation. Depending on conditions, you can expect a flowering time between 8 and 9 weeks, with a moderate to high yield (650 to 700 grams per plant).
Leafly
Bred by Justice Cannabis Company, Hash Burger is an indica-dominant strain created by crossing Han Solo Hash Plant with Double Burger. It boasts THC levels ranging from 17% to 27%, delivering a euphoric high that leads to deep relaxation. The flavor and aroma profile combines notes of spicy lemon and woody, earthy undertones. Hash Burger’s dominant terpenes typically include myrcene and limonene. Consumers say that Hash Burger helps with depression, PTSD, stress, and insomnia.
Growing the Hash Burger strain is relatively easy, making it perfect for growers with a couple of cycles under their belts. It thrives indoors and outdoors, with a quick flowering time of roughly 5 to 6 weeks. Hash Burger is known to produce moderate yields with dense, trichome-covered buds.
*An important note for consumers: This variety of Hash Burger is not to be confused with the variety from Skunk House Genetics, a cross of a HanSoloBurger and Black Triangle Kush cannabis plant, with Double Burger.
Leafly
Also known as Cali Octane, California Octane is a highly potent strain that blends Dream Queen, I-369, and Papaya. Its genetic lineage includes powerhouse strains like Blue Dream and Space Queen. Created by the infamous Humboldt Seed Company, Cali Octane is an indica-dominant hybrid known for its relaxing, sedative body effects and mental buzz.
Depending on the batch, the THC level of California Octane often hits around 26%. California Octane can be a staple strain for medicinal cannabis users looking to manage stress, insomnia, or pain. The dominant terpenes of Cali Octane include myrcene, linalool, and caryophyllene, contributing to its floral, herbal aroma and calming effects. Its aroma and flavor also have a distinct gas profile with hints of sweet cream, guava, and caramel.
California Octane is a great strain for growers of any level and thrives in almost any environment. It is also reported to be highly pest- and mold-resistant. Cali Octane typically flowers in around 8 weeks, and outdoor plants are ready to harvest in the first few weeks of October. Growers also report that California Octane has high yields, reaching roughly a pound of flower per plant.
Herb
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, new cannabis strains continue to emerge with exceptional potency and unique terpene profiles. From the classic sativa strains to newer hybrids, today’s high THC strains aren’t just about getting high. High THC strains are used by medical and recreational cannabis users for pain management, boosting mood, and providing stress relief.
Whether you’re just entering the cannabis community or are a long-time cannabis connoisseur, it’s important to choose your cannabis strains wisely. Always start low and go slow when it comes to your cannabis use. While these strains offer a high THC content, they may also come with stronger withdrawal symptoms compared to other strains with a lower level of THC.
Herb Recommended Products:
READ MORE