There is not a day that goes by that our budtenders across the country aren’t asked about the strongest strain in the world. While there are always new strains coming out from breeders around the world, so far, no one has produced a strain that can compete with the most potent of them all. In this guide, we’re going to talk all about the most potent strain in the world and a few contenders that are worthy of note too.

The Godfather OG, aka the Don of all OGs or Don of all Kush, was named by High Times as the most potent marijuana strain on Earth thanks to its whopping THC content—34%. Some say that it’s possible that’s even a conservative estimate. But that’s not the only award it has ever won. In 2013, it was named the “Best Indica” at the Cannabis Cup, a vaunted position worthy of the Don of all OGs.

In addition to its high THC levels that put your endocannabinoid system into overdrive, the Godfather has both a pleasant, albeit earthy, flavor with slightly sweet undertones that some people say tastes like grape. Those same notes are found in its aroma, though there’s an added spiciness there that isn’t in its flavor.

Godfather OG has great company when it comes to other high-potency strains. Best of all, there’s a flavor and aroma profile for everyone, ranging from sweet to skunky. Some of our favorite high THC strains and bestsellers are:

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

This super tasty strain comes from Serious Seeds, a marijuana breeder that crossed Strawberry Bubblegum and Crocket’s Banana Kush to make Strawberry Banana or Strawnana. Though it is an indica-dominant hybrid, many cannabis connoisseurs report having a more balanced hybrid experience when they consume it. Not surprisingly, the flavors of this strain are a combination of sweet, fresh-picked strawberries and creamy banana, and the scent of it matches the taste. Of course, it’s not on this list for its flavor—it boasts a THC potency that ranges from 22-26%.

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

You would think of the two strains dedicated to this comic book character, Bruce Banner would be milder than Incredible Hulk. You’d be wrong. While Incredible Hulk has a moderate THC potency range of 15-19%, Bruce Banner ranges from 24-29%. It also has a small percentage of both CBD (1%) and CBN (1%), though don’t expect that CBD to mellow out the THC because this strain packs a Hulk-sized punch. While this sativa-leaning strain is sweet, there are also diesel undertones to both the flavor and the aroma of this strain, making it a pleasant transition strain from something super sweet like Sherbet to something more pungent like OG Kush.

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

Wedding Cake, also called Pink Cookies, is an indica-leaning hybrid created from a cross between Triangle Kush and Animal Mints. Its terpene profile creates a delicious flavor and scent combination expected with a strain with cake in the name—a mix of cookies and cherry turnovers, without any hint of skunkiness. It’s sweet from top to bottom. While it is a potent strain (25-27%), it’s also a go-to strain for some medical marijuana patients, making it popular both for therapeutic and recreational purposes.  

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

This almost balanced hybrid (it leans more indica by 5%) is a perfect strong strain for cannabis consumers who want to start increasing the potency of their premium flower. While Chemdog has the lowest THC potency on this list at 19%, it is still on the high end of moderate and worth a nod. As far as history goes, we don’t know a lot about Chemdawg (maybe its name comes from its original creator?), but we do know its popularity spans the country. If you’re a cannabis consumer who prefers strains without any sweet in them, this one is definitely for you. Both its flavor and aroma are earthy, reminiscent of diesel fuel, and ultimately pungent.

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

If you know your strains, you probably know the parents of this one—The White, Tahoe OG, and a cultivar of Girl Scout Cookies. White Tahoe Cookies might be the most potent strain on this list at 29% THC levels, so it’s definitely not the strain to start with if you’re going to work your way up to the Godfather. Still, it’s worth a try when your tolerance levels allow for it because it’s sweet and fruity with a spicy, nutty aftertaste and scent that are more reminiscent of a granola bar than a cannabis strain.

Did you know cannabis comes in a variety of flavors, including grape and strawberry?

Yes, marijuana strains are definitely getting stronger. In fact, the University of Bath in England gathered data from over 80,000 tested cannabis samples over the last five decades. These samples came from the UK, France, Denmark, Netherlands, Italy, New Zealand, and the United States, and researchers discovered that THC concentrations in flower have risen 14% between 1970 and 2017. In resin, the THC potency has increased by 24%. Interestingly, while THC potency has increased, CBD potency has not.

THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, specifically) is what gives strains their potency. Every strain of marijuana has THC in it in some capacity, ranging from very low to Godfather-levels high. Add the fact that breeders and growers know that potency can create sales, and it’s likely that hybrids will continue their current growth trend of THC potency. Of course, that’s just flower. We already know that concentrates can be even more potent than bud.

For some cannabis enthusiasts, consuming high-potency strains can be a bit of a novelty and, of course, enjoyable. That said, there can be downsides to high THC cannabis to highly potent products, so it’s important to always know your limits and when trying some of these strains, take it slow. No one wants an uncomfortable experience when you’re just trying to have a good time.

If you’re ready to purchase some high THC strains, head to one of our dispensary locations and talk to our budtenders. They’ll be able to show you the strains in stock that have the potential to knock your socks off.