Experienced cannabis advocates may reach for their favorite strains to address anxiety, pain or even depression. With literally countless strains available in the world and new phenotypes constantly being developed, it can help to have the strongest marijuana strains curated for your ease of access.
Today, we are going to take a closer look at ten of the strongest cannabis strains currently available.
First, however, we must learn exactly what makes cannabis strong or weak.
What Makes a Strain ‘Strong’?
We’ve all experimented with cannabis strains that have left us glued to the couch or racing through the halls with bursts of energy. While much of cannabis research is focused on THC % as an indicator of cannabis strength, it shouldn’t be the only indicator looked at. As it turns out, THC content is only one aspect of what makes your cannabis so powerful.
Let’s take a closer look at a few different elements that can impact the strength of your favorite marijuana strains.
- THC: While THC isn’t the only number worth monitoring for cannabis strength, it is an important one. THC content can range from close to 0% in CBD-dominant plants to north of 30% in high-THC grows. THC affects many of the psychoactive elements that users know and love, though high THC strains are also commonly associated with paranoia and anxiety.
- Terpene Content: Terpenes are compounds within cannabis (as well as many other plants!) that impact the way our weed smells, tastes and feels. Terpenes are naturally occurring chemicals and they add unique elements to the consumption experience.
- Genetics: More than anything, the genetics of a strain will impact the overall strength and potency during your experience. Certain strains impact our bodies in certain ways and that is determined by the mother and the father plant, or by whatever seeds you choose to grow with!
Another thing to consider when analyzing different cannabis strains is just how far things have come since the ’60s. The average cannabis potency in pot during the ’60s and ’70s was roughly 3.5%, at least according to reports by the U.S. federal government. Cannabis strains today can eclipse 30%.
What Should I Consider When Picking a Strain?
Plant genetics are the rhyme and the reason for the strength of cannabis today. Within the genetics of each plant, we can find the origins of its taste, odor, THC and CBD levels, as well as the physical characteristics that we know and love.
Cannabis cultivators today focus on curating seeds from reputable seed banks so that they can acquire steady genetics. Steady genetics mean that a landrace will always grow like a landrace, imparting similar characteristics with every grow.
Top 10 Strongest Marijuana Strains
While there are as many unique strains as potential cannabis seeds, finding the right strength for your needs can be difficult.
Today, we are going to outline ten of the most commonly accepted super-strength strains on the market. Keep in mind that everybody will react differently to cannabis, so use this information as a guideline rather than an almanac.
Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush is an indica strain best known for its stress-reducing capabilities. With average THC content in the mid-to-high 20s, consumers can expect an experience that is as relaxing as it is therapeutic, ideal for both daytime and nighttime use.
Bubba Kush rose to prominence despite its mysterious genetic background, rising to the top of the industry with strong effects and vibrant purple hues. Growers can bring home Bubba Kush hybrid marijuana seeds to develop their heavy plants packed with resinous flower.
Sour Diesel
Also known as Sour D, Sour Diesel has been a popular part of cannabis smoking circles since it first gained ground in the early ’80s. Sour Diesel provides invigorating relief that can turn a smile upside down while giving the consumer a reason to get moving in the morning.
Sour Diesel can range in THC percentage depending on the grow, though it is most commonly found around the 18.5% mark. Sour Diesel will impart a unique blend of Diesel, fruit and citrus directly to the nose.
Sour Diesel remains a top-tier strain thanks to its punchy effects that both energize and uplift, making it an ideal choice for individuals with bipolar disorder or depression.
Grandaddy Purple
Revered for its pure indica lineage, Grandaddy Purple looks as impressive as it feels. GDP grows well in humid climates where it can expand outdoors to truly thrive. Grandaddy Purple averages around 23% THC with notable sedating effects.
Grandaddy Purple is known for offering individuals notes of euphoria alongside deep bouts of physical relaxation.
Chemdawg #4
A soaring high greets every Chemdawg #4 consumer. Packed with fuel and brimming with pain relief, this indica-dominant hybrid will expand your mind while melting your body into the couch. Chemdawg is revered by cultivators and celebrities alike as it was named by Seth Rogen as one of his favorite strains. Chemdawg can feature THC levels exceeding 25%.
Bruce Banner
If you’ve ever seen The Incredible Hulk, you know what to expect from Bruce Banner. Also known as OG Banner, this hybrid strain is powerful with euphoric notes that send consumers into space with a heady, relaxing and creative high. Bruce Banner can be found with THC levels exceeding 29%.
Bruce Banner requires roughly 8 to 10 weeks to flower. Bruce Banner is available in several phenotypes with another edition making our list later on.
Also known as the Original Glue or GG4, Gorilla Glue #4 is a world-famous hybrid strain that provides as much euphoria as it does relaxation, and it brings about plenty of both. Gorilla Glue is a cross between Sour Dubb, Chocolate Diesel and Chem’s Sister.
Smoking Gorilla Glue can leave consumers comfortably ensconced in their favorite blanket while waves of relaxation undulate over them.
Strawberry Banana
A 70/30 hybrid, Strawberry Banana is also known as Strawnana in some markets. Strawberry Banana is a world-class hybrid strain that provides notes of fruit with a deep strawberry smell. Growers will appreciate the high resin production of this strain, which leads to powerful highs that are as creative as they are sensory-filled.
Blue Dream Feminized
One of the mainstays of the cannabis cultivation world, Blue Dream Feminized cannabis is a hybrid strain with Sativa dominant notes known for its high levels of THC. A cross of Blueberry and Haze, Blue Dream provides giant beautiful buds that are easy to cultivate due to their natural pest and disease immunity.
Blue Dream Feminized cannabis can be grown both indoors and outdoors, though a lot of space is required to accommodate the large canopy the plant creates.
Bruce Banner
Also known as BB, Bruce Banner is a famous hybrid that gets its name from the alter ego of The Incredible Hulk. As one of three phenotypes from the famous Bruce Banner strain, #3 provides bursts of euphoria that slowly transition into waves of relaxation.
With a Diesel undertone and a sweet finish, Bruce Banner #3 is an ideal strain for mindful relaxation as well as our creative pursuits.
Lemon Kush
Lemon Kush is a fascinating strain brought forth by Lemon G and South American to provide a 50:50 hybrid that perfectly balances both its Sativa and indican characteristics. Heralded for its unique flavor and cerebral high, Lemon Kush is commonly sought after by artists and other creative individuals that want to wake up as they create.
Lemon Kush can be grown both indoors and outdoors with an average flowering time of roughly 10 weeks while cultivated under a roof. THC levels range between the low teens and the low 20s with minimal, if any, amounts of CBD.