Every marijuana smoker knows about THC. It’s the main cannabinoid that causes most of the psychoactive effects in the marijuana plant. The main thing smokers, vapers, and dabbers enjoy about high THC weed is those mind-blowing highs. High THC strains can have you sitting on the couch lost in your own mind-bending thoughts. Or can have you giggling uncontrollably as you and your friends come up with high ideas. It all depends on the strains you use.
As we approach the end of 2023, we've compiled a list of the best high THC cannabis strains for both medicinal and recreational use. Here are the most potent cannabis strains that made it onto our top 10 shortlist....
- What are the 10 highest THC cannabis strains of 2023?
- Godfather OG (The Strongest Marijuana Strain)
- Gorilla Glue (Strongest Balanced Hybrid Strain)
- Bruce Banner #3 (Strongest Sativa Strain)
- Gelato (Best Desert-Like Tasting Strain)
- Mimosa (Most Sativa-Dominant Strain)
- Runtz (Leafly Strain Of The Year 2020)
- Sunset Sherbet (Strongest Indica-Dominant Strain)
- Do Si Dos
- Girl Scout Cookies
- Wedding Cake
- Are cannabis strains getting stronger?
- How does THC get you high?
- Is THC the only cannabinoid that gets you high?
- What is the entourage effect?
- The Benefits Of High THC Weed
- What can you do to make your highs more intense?
What are the 10 highest THC cannabis strains of 2023?
Godfather OG (The Strongest Marijuana Strain)
The best strains stand the test of time, and Godfather OG is the perfect example. Hitting the streets, a decade ago, this heavy-hitting cross of Alpha OG and XXX OG took out the top gong for "Best Indica" at the 2013 High Times Cannabis Cup and in 2017 was lab tested at 34% THC making it the most potent strain in the world.
Godfather OG is one of the thickest trichome-producing strains we have ever had the pleasure of toking. After an initial cerebral buzz which lasts around 20 to 30 minutes, Godfather OG will plunge you into a heady sedative state, calming your entire being.
Easy to grow, and perfectly suited to both indoor and outdoor cultivation settings, with the best THC counts coming from indoor hydro-grown plants - but if you are looking to boost the terp percentage then it is best to run her outdoors in a super soil blend.
Either way, Godfather OG will do anything but disappoint.
| THC%: | Over 25% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | End Of September, Early October |
| Yield: | 500-600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | Indica Dominant |
| Height: | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| CBD Content: | <1% |
| Climate: | Temperate, Mediterranean |
| Medical Conditions: | Anxiety, Insomnia, Stress |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | XXX OG x Alpha OG |
| Effects: | Calming, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste: | Fruity, Sweet, Woody |
| Terpene: | Myrcene, Limonene, Beta-Caryophyllene |
Gorilla Glue (Strongest Balanced Hybrid Strain)
Gorilla Glue is a strain that combines two things many smokers love - a high THC content and all the pain relief you need. Gorilla Glue averages a THC content of around 25-28%, which is higher than pretty much every strain except for Godfather OG. It will leave users with that calming high they’re looking for. Growers will appreciate its easy cultivation, delivering a massive yield of over 600gsm in just 8-10 weeks. Standing tall at 180cm-220cm, this award-winner thrives in warm climates. With origins from Chem's Sis, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel, its taste profiles are earthy, pine, and pungent, while its aroma features dominant terpenes of Caryophyllene, Myrcene, and Limonene.
| THC%: | Over 25% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | End Of September |
| Yield: | Over 600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | 50/50 |
| Height: | Tall: 180cm-220cm |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| CBD Content: | <1% |
| Climate: | Warm |
| Medical Conditions: | Depression, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | Chem's Sis x Sour Dubb x Chocolate Diesel |
| Effects: | Uplifting |
| Taste: | Pungent, Pine, Earthy |
| Terpene: | Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene |
Bruce Banner #3 (Strongest Sativa Strain)
Known as BB3 to its many friends, Bruce Banner #3 is one of the strongest strains to try in 2023 and is a cross between OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel. With a 60/40 sativa make-up Bruce Banner is one of the highest THC sativa strains, with an average THC of 25% to 27%, so it packs a hulking, pain-killing punch. The overall effect is a burst of that classic Sativa euphoria followed by a stretch of deep Indica relaxation. Taste-wise, you get a rich, satisfying base of Kush and Diesel, topped with the sweetness of strawberry.
| THC%: | Over 25% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | End Of September |
| Yield: | 500-600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | Sativa Dominant |
| Height: | Tall: 180cm-220cm |
| Difficulty: | Medium |
| CBD Content: | <1% |
| Climate: | Temperate, Arid |
| Medical Conditions: | Depression, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | OG Kush x Strawberry Diesel |
| Effects: | Uplifting |
| Taste: | Diesel, Earthy, Fruity |
| Terpene: | Linalool, Caryophyllene, Humulene |
Gelato (Best Desert-Like Tasting Strain)
If you like your THC on the sweet side, then you’ll love Gelato. It’s a cross between modern classic Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbert. Even though it’s slightly Indica-leaning, it has average THC of about 26% so it’s medically effective as well as tasty. The effect of Gelato is potent but balanced. It starts with a rush of uplifting energy which gets rid of both pain and stress and then transitions into a soothing body buzz. Taste-wise, it really is one for people with a sweet tooth, but it’s mostly fruity sweetness rather than candy sweetness and there are notes of earth and citrus for body and freshness.
| THC%: | Over 25% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | End Of September |
| Yield: | 500-600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | 50/50 |
| Height: | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty: | Medium |
| CBD Content: | <1% |
| Climate: | Sub Tropical |
| Medical Conditions: | Depression, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies x Sunset Sherbert |
| Effects: | Relaxing |
| Taste: | Sweet, Fruity, Earthy |
| Terpene: | Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene, Humulene |
Mimosa (Most Sativa-Dominant Strain)
Like the brunch drink you love, Mimosa will deliver a refreshing start to any day and is one of the most potent sativas you are likely to smoke. Mimosa is well-known for exhilarating and energetic effects that are perfect for daytime use, or wake-and-bakes, too. The popular hybrid is also just as notorious for its high levels of THC. This variety is easily capable of reaching up to 20-24% THC for a buzz that’ll get you through everyday aches, pains and stresses.
| THC%: | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | October |
| Yield: | 500-600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | Sativa Dominant |
| Height: | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty: | Medium |
| CBD Content: | <1% |
| Climate: | Temperate, Warm, Cool |
| Medical Conditions: | Arthritis, Depression, Pain |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | Purple Punch x Clementine |
| Effects: | Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste: | Citrus, Earthy, Fruity |
| Terpene: | Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene |
Runtz (Leafly Strain Of The Year 2020)
Runtz was recently named the Strain of the Year’ by Leafly, and for good reason. The strain that’s sweet like the candy it's named for in flavor, is just as fulfilling in THC levels too. This variety typically contains 20-24% THC and is well-balanced in effects. Considering, it’s indica to sativa ratio is nearly equal at 55% and 45%. Its high potency will deliver a rush of euphoria, that’s ideal for night or day and always good for an elevated buzz.
| THC%: | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | October |
| Yield: | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | Indica Dominant |
| Height: | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| CBD Content: | <1% |
| Climate: | Warm |
| Medical Conditions: | Arthritis, Nausea, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | Zkittlez x Gelato |
| Effects: | Arousing, Energising, Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste: | Sweet, Fruity, Berry |
| Terpene: | Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene |
Sunset Sherbet (Strongest Indica-Dominant Strain)
Sunset Sherbet comes from classic, award-winning genetics and is quickly taking its place as one of the industry’s favorite newcomer strains. The hybrid is a cross of the notable Girl Scout Cookies x Pink Panties and shows off its genetics with potent levels of THC. This variety can reach anywhere from 20- 25% THC and produces soothing, relaxing effects ideal for nighttime use and unwinding. While also uplifting the mind and elevating moods with a dreamy euphoria.
| THC%: | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | End Of September |
| Yield: | 300-400gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | Indica Dominant |
| Height: | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| CBD Content: | <1% |
| Climate: | Warm |
| Medical Conditions: | Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Stress |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | Girl Scout Cookies x Pink Panties |
| Effects: | Creative |
| Taste: | Sweet, Tropical, Citrus |
| Terpene: | Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene |
Do Si Dos
Do Si Dos is rising in popularity as one of the best and strongest hybrids available on the market today. This knockout strain is infamous for producing up to 25% THC for a potent experience, all-around. Upon first inhale, you’ll feel the first hint of Do Si Dos’ clear-headed buzz that instantly uplifts moods. As time goes on the high melts your body into a relaxing ‘stone’ with heavy sedating effects and couch-lock type symptoms.
| THC%: | Over 25% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | End Of September |
| Yield: | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | Indica Dominant |
| Height: | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty: | Medium |
| CBD Content: | <1% |
| Climate: | Tropical, Sub Tropical, Warm, Pest Resistant |
| Medical Conditions: | Inflammation, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | Girl Scout Cookies x Face Off OG |
| Effects: | Calming, Creative, Relaxing |
| Taste: | Earthy, Skunky, Sweet, Pine |
| Terpene: | Linalool, Beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene |
Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies has been with us since way back in 2009 and it is still one of the strongest cannabis strains on the market today. A potent cross of OG Kush and Durban Poison, Girl Scout Cookies is slightly Indica-dominant and has an average THC of 25% to 28%. GSC is known for its energizing, creative, basically fun high, but it’s still mainly Indica, so this is followed by a period of deep relaxation for both body and mind. Taste-wise, there is a base of sweet earth, but it's smoothed by creamy flavours. This is topped by sweet spices which are balanced by mint for freshness.
| THC%: | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | End Of September |
| Yield: | 400-500gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | Indica Dominant |
| Height: | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty: | Medium |
| CBD Content: | <1% |
| Climate: | Sub Tropical, Temperate, Warm, Mould Resistant, Pest Resistant |
| Medical Conditions: | Depression, Pain, Stress |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | OG Kush x Durban Poison |
| Effects: | Relaxing, Uplifting |
| Taste: | Earthy, Sweet |
| Terpene: | Beta-Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene |
Wedding Cake
A balanced high, sweet, craveworthy flavors and high levels of THC? What more could you ask for. Wedding Cake is a triple-threat in potency, effects and flavors while easily producing 22-25% THC. As a cross of two classics, Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie we’d expect nothing less. This variety delivers a fast-acting high with an invigorating boost of energy that slowly soothes into a calm, relaxing body buzz. The hybrid is ideal for day or night, whenever you need a punch of potent benefits.
| THC%: | 20%-24% |
|---|---|
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 Weeks |
| Outdoor harvest: | End Of September |
| Yield: | 500-600gr/m² |
| Indica/Sativa: | Indica Dominant |
| Height: | Medium: 100cm-180cm |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| CBD Content: | 1-2% |
| Climate: | Warm |
| Medical Conditions: | Depression, Stress |
| Seed Type: | Feminized |
| Genetics: | Girl Scout Cookies x Cherry Pie |
| Effects: | Relaxing |
| Taste: | Vanilla, Sweet, Earthy |
| Terpene: | Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene |
Are cannabis strains getting stronger?
Up until the early 80s, the idea of a cannabis strain topping the 20% mark was almost laughable. Sure, secretive breeders throughout the pacific northwest had probably already created some cultivars around this mark, but availability to the general weed-smoking population was just not there.
Fast forward to 2021, and there are now strains that top the scales of commercial testing labs right up around 30% - and some even higher! But, at this point in time, we still consider any flower that tests over 25% as "High Potency", and for good reason...
Unless you have the tolerance of a mythical beast, a solid-sized bowl of anything in the +25% range will, quite literally, put you on your ass. At this point in time, commercial cannabis producers seem to be trending towards the 25-30% range as their goal when breeding new hybrids, and with the current stock of strains floating around this is pretty easily achieved.
For the year 2023, it's expected that there will be an increased variety of cannabis strains available at higher potency levels, some even pushing the +32% mark. So, the threshold for what is considered "high THC" is likely to continue to move higher and higher! With more recreational markets opening up, and more research being done into the effects of higher levels of THC, it's safe to say that in 2023/24 we can expect to see a bunch of amazing new options.
How does THC get you high?
It all comes down to the endocannabinoid system (ECS). We have seemingly evolved alongside cannabis, and that has resulted in almost all mammals having a network of cannabinoid receptors, located throughout the brain and body.
THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, and when it's smoked or ingested, it binds with the cannabinoid receptors throughout your body and brain. This interaction changes the way your body and brain naturally process information, resulting in a range of effects – ranging from altered perceptions of time, to feelings of elation and joy, and a whole range of other effects - including medicinal benefits.
Is THC the only cannabinoid that gets you high?
No, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is not the only cannabinoid that causes psychoactive effects, but it is the most studied compound in cannabis responsible for the "high." There are between 80 and 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis, THC and CBD being the most well known. We know that CBD doesn't cause any psychoactive which is why high CBD strains do not make you high. However, one of the lesser known cannabinoids THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), can produce psychoactive effects, though it is less common and not as well studied as THC. At low doses, THCV may actually act to counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC, but at higher doses, it can produce a clear-headed, stimulating high. So while there are lots of other cannabinoids, it is fair to say that THC is the main primary compound that is responsible for causing the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
What is the entourage effect?
The "high" associated with THC is one of the most sought-after and enjoyable effects, but it is important to point out that this is not the same with all strains. The potency levels, terpene profile, and cannabinoid levels of each strain will affect how it makes you feel, so it's important to be mindful of this when choosing the right strain. This harmony between the different compounds contained in everyone's favorite plant is known as the entourage effect.
As cannabis legality becomes a reality in many parts of the USA (and hopefully federally sooner rather than later), and in many other regions across the globe, researchers are finally being allowed access to the plant. With this increased study has come a whole new understanding of how the compounds interact with each other, and with our bodies.
Gone are the days when we considered the Indica/Sativa split the absolute be-all and end-all of strain effects. New research is pointing to the fact that it's much more of a “choose your own adventure” type of situation. We have access to information about unique terpene profiles, potency levels, and other strain-specific data that can help us find the right experience for any given moment.
This research is still in its infancy, but as we move forward into this brave new world of cannabis understanding and acceptance, it's sure to become more and more prominent in the way we choose our favorite flower.
The Benefits Of High THC Weed
Using the strongest cannabis strains isn't always just about getting high, for some people high potency strains can be beneficial. Here's why....
- Medicinal Benefits: Using the highest THC weed strains provides significant relief for chronic pain sufferers. For some people it also helps to relieve the nausea often associated with chemotherapy, helps to treat glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure, and offers therapeutic effects for stress, anxiety and insomnia.
- Recreational Benefits: The strongest strains have a more potent high, so for smokers that over the years have built up a tolerance level strains with high THC levels can still deliver the effects they are used to. Potent marijuana strains are known for helping some people with relief from stress and anxiety and others also use them to amplify sensory perceptions and stimulate creativity.
- Other Benefits: Beyond its medical and recreational applications, high THC weed can stimulate appetite, proving beneficial for individuals dealing with appetite loss.
What can you do to make your highs more intense?
Sometimes smoking that same weed just doesn't cut it anymore. There are a couple of ways that you can increase the intensity of our highs when both smoking and consuming cannabis products.
Smoke potent marijuana strains
The first would be to ensure we choose strains with higher potency levels or go for the ridiculously potent extracts that are becoming more available by the day. As discussed, there are lots of options on the market that have THC levels in the mid to high twenties, with some on the market pushing thirty-two percent or higher. Extracts can hit the 99% mark, so be very careful if you decide to go down this route!
Eat terpene rich foods with weed
The second would be to ensure we deduce which terpenes are present in the strain and make sure to match them with foods that have similar flavors. This has been observed with food like mango, for example, having the ability to enhance the effects of certain strains due to their similarities in flavor profiles.
Take a tolerance break
There is also this little thing called tolerance - don't be coy, you've heard of it. Being mindful of our intake is important when it comes to getting the most intense experience from our cannabis. The more often we medicate, the less effective it becomes, so it’s important to take breaks and ensure we build up our tolerance over time. Strain-specific tolerance is also something to keep in mind. If you are smoking one strain all the time, try switching it up for an option that has a very different terpene profile, or one with a totally different genetic heritage.
Try consuming THC in other ways
Finally, it might be beneficial to try different methods of consumption. Smoking, vaping, and dabbing are all great options, but each method will provide a slightly different experience. Trying something like edibles or tinctures might just be the key to unlocking that next-level experience you're looking for.
