If potency is your passion, you won’t want to skip this list. We’ve gathered together the cream of the THC-rich crop to create a list of the most potent strains on the market today. If you’re new to cannabis, this is probably a great list to follow of what not to get, too, because you’re going to want an admirable tolerance level in order to handle these strains even at moderate doses. 

In this guide, we’re going to share:

• What is the Strongest Marijuana Strain Available?
• What are the Top 5 Strongest Indica Strains?
• What are the Top 5 Strongest Sativa Strains?
• Are Marijuana Strains Getting Stronger?
• What Makes a Strain So Potent?
• FAQs About Potent Marijuana Strains
  
  

When it comes to classifying a strain as the world’s strongest, most of the cannabis community looks to High Times. They’ve been running strain competitions for as long as they’ve been around. Right now, the one holding the title for the most potent marijuana strain available is Godfather OG. It’s not just the strongest indica strain, it’s the strongest strain. Period.

Godfather OG packs a mind-blowing 34% THC, and according to certain sources, it might be even higher. This strain came from a cross of OG Kush, Cherry Pie, and the legendary Granddaddy Purps, a combination of potent plants that earned their own places on numerous High Times charts. The thing about Godfather OG is that while it is absolutely potent, it’s also loved by cannabis enthusiasts for the way it pairs perfectly with a relaxing day. Of course, how you feel when you enjoy Godfather OG is dependent on your endocannabinoid system, so if you decide to get a hold of this strain, start slow.

When it comes to indica-dominant hybrids, we wouldn’t be able to put every potent one on our list. The five strongest indica strains represent some of our favorites sold across the country.

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

This strain just tips the scales into indica dominance with its 60/40 split of indica to sativa. A cross made from other powerful strains, including Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel, Gorilla Glue packs a chocolate-meets-diesel sensory punch with both its flavors and aroma. Don’t get lost in that weird, chocolatey goodness, though. Gorilla Glue carries a startlingly strong 32% THC. 

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

We have Serious Seeds to thank for this indica-dominant hybrid strain. Strawberry Banana is the perfect mix of sweet, strawberry flavor and just a hint of an earthy, aromatic undertone that reminds you you’re not sipping on a smoothie. As sweet as it is, remember not to overindulge. Strawberry Banana has a THC range that starts at 22% and goes all the way up to 26%. 

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

What happens when you cross the #1 strain on our list, Gorilla Glue, with Cookies & Cream? Grease Monkey, that’s what. This strain slides in just like its name implies, hitting you with up to 27% THC the second you inhale. This strain can’t hide behind its sweetness, though, like the others on this list. Grease Monkey is potent, pungent, and everything that classic marijuana bud should be.   

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

This strain isn’t easy to find, but it’s worth picking up if you spy it on the shelves of your dispensary. Sweet and chocolatey, with a hint of berry in there too, Lava Cake is a delicious bud that hails from a cross of the strains Grape Pie and Thin Mint Cookies. While it doesn’t have the highest THC on our list at 15-18%, don’t let it fool you. This one can still hit hard if you don’t take it low and slow. 

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

At 85% indica and 15% sativa, Skywalker OG has the highest indica-to-sativa content on this list of hybrids. This sweet, pungent tasting and smelling strain can have up to 25% THC in it, and 2% CBD, so make sure you’re settled in for the night before sparking up. Many cannabis enthusiasts love to enjoy their Skywalker OG at the end of the day because of its potency.

While the most potent strain in the world is an indica-leaning strain, that doesn’t mean sativa hybrids shouldn’t get their due. Here are some of the most potent sativa-dominant strains on the market today.

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

There’s a reason this strain has its name and that it made this list. Trainwreck, the product of Mexican and Thai landraces crossed with the Afghani landrace, will take you off the rails with its up to 25% THC level. While Trainwreck does have a lemon-meets-pine scent and aroma, its potency is definitely what keeps this strain flying off the shelves at your local dispensary.

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

Back in 2012, Ghost Train Haze was the pinnacle of potency for sativa hybrids. High Times magazine even named it one of the most potent strains on earth, thanks to its 27% THC. Add to that that it has a sweet, citrus flavor and a pungent, sweet aroma, and there’s no wonder why there was a rush to find this strain wherever it was available. While it’s no longer the most potent strain in the world, it is still potent, so you’re going to want to take this one slow. 

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

You might think that because this strain is named Bruce Banner, it’s going to be the less-potent cousin to the Incredible Hulk. You’d be wrong. Bruce Banner comes in at a you-won’t-like-me-when-I’m-angry 24-29% THC. With a splash of CBD and CBN in it too (both at 1%), you’re going to get a punch right to your endocannabinoid system with this strain. Fortunately, it also comes with sweet flavors and aromas, much like strawberry, so at least it’ll taste good while it’s taking you into orbit.

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

When you cross Amnesia Haze and Face Off OG, you know you’re going to get a potent powerhouse designed to level the playing field—and that’s exactly what Memory Loss does. Memory Loss is the strongest indica strain on our list, so don’t be fooled by its bubble gum flavor and fruity aroma—it packs an ultra-high 31% THC. You’re going to want to have all your tasks done for the day before you settle into this sativa-dominant strain.

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

It would be hard to make it far in the marijuana world without hearing of the prolific Sour Diesel. Its strangely sweet candy flavor and aroma mixed with diesel undertones make it one of the most easily identifiable strains when sparked. But that’s not the only reason Sour Diesel is popular. It packs a whopping 26% THC, along with 2% CBD and 4% CBN. 

Yes, marijuana strains are getting stronger. According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the potency of marijuana was around 4% THC in 1995. By 2014, it had increased to 12%. By 2017, it had gone up to 17.1%. That number continues to climb, which is why you should always check your strain’s labeling (or talk to your budtender) to ensure you know how much THC is in a strain you’re planning to purchase.

There’s one major factor to making a strain potent—tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. This psychoactive cannabinoid is the one we can point to for the intoxicating effects we experience when we consume cannabis. THC works with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids to create an entourage effect, which is the effect all those compounds have when they enter your body.

It’s good to be informed when deciding on which potent marijuana strain you want to try. Before you head over to your dispensary, make sure you know these important facts.

Which is stronger: sativa or indica?
This might blow your mind, but there isn’t much of a difference between sativa and indica. That is to say, neither one is necessarily stronger than the other. Strength is based on breeding and THC levels. Right now, the strongest strain in the world, at 35% THC, is an indica-leaning hybrid but that doesn’t mean a sativa hybrid won’t take the title in the coming years.

What is the highest THC percentage ever recorded?
Different strains have taken the title of the most potent over the last few decades. Currently, Godfather OG is topping all other flower with a skyrocketing 35% THC.

What THC percentage is considered high?
A high THC percentage can be a subjective thing. For example, you may smoke a strain that has 10% THC, and it hits you harder than another strain at 15% THC. It’s all in how your endocannabinoid system reacts to the strain’s compounds. 

That being said, there is a pretty good rule of thumb when looking at THC percentages. If it’s over 15% THC, we start getting into the moderately high category of THC. Strains with 20% to 25% THC are firmly high, and they should be treated with a bit of caution if you’re not used to those percentages. Over 25%? That’s high enough to be in space.

If you’re interested in taking to the stratosphere with your next cannabis session, these ten potent strains are a great place to start. Because of the variety, you should be able to find some of these strains in your local dispensary, but on the off chance you can’t, don’t worry. Your budtender will know the strongest marijuana they have in stock that you can snag during your next shopping trip.