Top 10 Strongest Marijuana Strains 2024
Cannabis strains come in various potencies: some are more mild and preferred by beginners and microdosers, while others are more mighty. If you’re looking for the strongest indica and sativa strains of marijuana, look no further.
In this guide, you’ll learn more about:
- What Defines the Strongest Marijuana Strain?
- What is the Strongest Marijuana Strain Available?
- Top 5 Strongest Indica Strains
- Top 5 Strongest Sativa Strains
- How to Choose the Right High-Potency Strain
- Are Marijuana Strains Getting Stronger?
- FAQs About Potent Marijuana Strains
What Defines the Strongest Marijuana Strain?
THC is the main factor that contributes to a strain’s potency, and the plant compound works with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids to produce an even stronger experience—known as the entourage effect—once the cannabis strain enters your body.1 However, the genetics of the cannabis flower, its growing conditions, and how and when it was harvested and cured will ultimately determine its overall potency.
What is Considered a High THC Percentage?
Most experts generally agree that a 15-20% THC cannabis strain is high, with levels in the 20s considered to be quite potent.2 A strain that has a 30% or higher THC level is considered exceptionally strong. However, it’s important to remember that there is no clear-cut answer for what THC percentage is highest for YOU because the experience of cannabis is so unique from one person to the next.
What is the Strongest Marijuana Strain Available?
Two of the strongest marijuana strains currently available are Bruce Banner #3 and Godfather OG. Both have been named to High Times’ “Earth’s Strongest Strains” list several years in a row.3
Bruce Banner #3
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid
Named for the Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner #3 packs a punch with an average THC content of 23-29%. This sativa-dominant hybrid strain was made by crossing OG Kush with Strawberry Diesel, and that fruity-diesel lineage shines through in its taste and aroma. It features notes of spicy ginger, earthy diesel, and sweet strawberries.3 Its potency is highlighted with a powerful terpene lineup, led by myrcene, and followed by caryophyllene and limonene.4
Godfather OG
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
Also called Godfather, The Don of All OGs, and OG Godfather, this potent indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain, with a 60% indica to 40% sativa ratio, has a high THC content, ranging from 22-25%. However, THC levels can reach upwards of 30-34%.5 But it’s not just THC that makes Godfather OG so potent; it’s also this strain’s remarkably robust terpene profile. Limonene takes the top spot, and the lemon-y taste and smell is rounded out by beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, pinene, and linalool.5
Top 5 Strongest Indica Hybrid Strains
There are many strong indica-dominant hybrid strains you can choose from. But start with these top five.
Garlic Juice
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
Calling all garlic-lovers: this strain is for you. With strong herbal notes of garlic, zesty sage, and rich pine—plus an insanely high 35-36% THC level—Garlic Juice is a full meal.6 It’s a child of GMO and Papaya, and it’s sure to delight foodies everywhere.
OG Cake
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
Skip right to dessert with OG Cake, a delicious 80:20 indica-dominant hybrid strain boasting an average 30-35% THC level. It’s a product of OG Kush and Cheesecake, which becomes obvious at first burn. Your sweet tooth will rejoice amidst lush flavors of vanilla cheesecake and candied lemon, and your nose will revel in spicy floral aromas.7
Strawberry Banana
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
Strawberry Banana lives up to its name in both flavor and aroma. This strong cannabis strain has a sweet tropical strawberry taste and an earthy sweet smell reminiscent of a smoothie. With parents like Strawberry Bubblegum and Crocket’s Banana Kush, it’s no wonder that Strawberry Banana has 22-25% THC levels.8
Biscotti
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
A rare find, Biscotti is a rich, cookie-fueled experience. It was made by crossing Gelato #25, GSC, and South Florida OG, giving it an average 25% THC level. Sugar cookie takes center stage for Biscotti’s flavor and aroma, followed by herbal fruity notes.9 It’s like biting into your favorite ginger snap, the kind grandma used to make.
Platinum Widow
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
A child of Platinum OG and White Widow, Platinum Widow is not for the cannabis newbie with its soaring 30-35% average THC content. It’s also a delicious experience, featuring sweet cherry and vanilla flavors coupled with an aroma of earthy pine.10 Picture eating cherry pie at a forest picnic.
Top 5 Strongest Sativa Hybrid Strains
Sativa-dominant hybrid strains can be just as potent as indica-dominant hybrids. Here are our five favorite strong sativa strains.
Death Valley OG
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid
The infamous Death Valley OG is reserved for only the most seasoned cannabis enthusiasts, as its THC levels hover around a whopping 34%. The child of Deathstar and SFV OG Kush, it’s definitely sativa-heavy with a 70:30 sativa-to-indica ratio. The flavor is woodsy, earthy, and sweet like pine sap, with spicy lemon herbs that round out the aroma.11
Bahama Mama
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid
Bahama Mama will make you feel like you’re on a beach vacation – without the expensive travel costs. As a cross between Tropicana Cookies and Black Bananas, Bahama Mama has a 70/30 sativa-to-indica ratio and brings a super fruity profile with hints of sweet berries and sour citrus, plus 21-34% THC levels.12
Chem Berry
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid
A child of Chem Dawg #4 and Strawberry Sour Diesel, Chem Berry has big shoes to fill. And it rises to the challenge with an average 25-32% THC content. Its parentage gives it a unique flavor and aroma profile of sour diesel and sweet strawberries.13
Emperor Cookies
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid
It’s not a code-red situation with the potent sativa-dominant Code Orange strain. Code Orange has impressive THC levels, ranging from 30% to 34%. The strain’s flavor is sweet with a zesty citrus undertone, while the aroma is spicy citrus with hints of earthy herbs.13
Ursa Major
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid
Cannabis cultivators brought a constellation earthside with Ursa Major. A product of Cereal Killer and Jet Fuel Gelato, this strain has sky-high THC levels at an average 32-28%, and 1% average CBD. Its flavor and aroma features strong sour citrus notes, with a touch of fresh, pungent herbs and spicy black pepper.15
How to Choose the Right High-Potency Strain
Each of the above strains and all high-THC strains should be approached with some caution, especially if you’re relatively new to cannabis. There are plenty of low-THC strains to try first. Aside from considering your tolerance level, choosing the right strain really depends on your situation. High-THC strains are going to bring a powerful psychoactive effect—be sure that’s something you want.16 Are you going to be hanging out with friends? Watching a movie? Eating a big meal? Trying to get a good night’s sleep? Consider the situation and your desired outcome in consuming cannabis.
Are Marijuana Strains Getting Stronger?
Yes, marijuana strains are getting stronger. Since the 1970s, the level of THC has been increasing by 0.29% every year,17 resulting in cannabis strains being 10-14% stronger today.18 This data takes into account more than just the rising potency of flower; it also includes the proliferation of THC cartridges, concentrates, and edibles in the marketplace, all of which can be manufactured with incredible potency.17
Why are cannabis plant strains getting stronger? The answer is simple: because that’s what cannabis farmers want. There’s still high demand for it, and they can charge more for potent plants. Breeders are using cultivation techniques and selective breeding to grow high-THC strains.18
Historically, cannabis users desired the best “bang for their buck,” often looking for the most potent flower to make what little amount they could buy last longer. Cannabis cultivators bred stronger and stronger strains to meet this demand, and the mindset stuck around. It continues to this day.19
Is Stronger Always Better?
No, a strain with a high level of THC isn’t automatically better than its low-THC counterparts. It really depends on the experience you’re wanting to have and your cannabis tolerance level. High-THC strains can be well-suited to medical marijuana patients and cannabis enthusiasts. But for many other people, a high level of THC won’t be right for them. There are more metrics to consider when selecting a strain that are unrelated to THC potency. The cannabinoid composition, the terpene lineup, the flavors and aromas; they all play a part in the overall experience of a certain strain.19
FAQs About Potent Marijuana Strains
Fascinated by strong cannabis strains? Check out these commonly asked questions.
Do terpenes play a role in strain potency?
Early research suggests that terpenes play a role in the entourage effect. This means that terpenes could contribute to overall potency.20
What’s the difference between recreational and medical high-potency strains?
Many people assume that medical marijuana is always more potent than recreational, but that isn’t true. Recreational and medical cannabis products are made from the same cannabis plants—there are just different regulations that dictate their use. In some states, medical marijuana is allowed to be more potent and sold in higher doses because it’s taken with a healthcare professional’s approval.21
Which is stronger: sativa or indica?
Sativa and indica strains can be equally potent since a cannabis strain’s potency depends on breeding and THC levels. For example, indica-dominant Permanent Marker has THC levels of 34-35%,22 while sativa-dominant Code Orange has 30-34% THC levels.23
What is the highest THC percentage ever recorded?
Different strains have won the title “strongest cannabis strain,” over the years, but as of 2016, Godfather OG secured the top spot with a record THC level of 34.04%.5
What THC percentage is considered high?
What’s considered to be a high THC percentage is subjective, but generally, a cannabis strain with 15-20% THC is high, and anything higher than that is considered very potent.
Purchasing High THC Strains
If you're after something that’s super potent, start with these 10 strong cannabis strains. These indica and sativa-dominant hybrids are popular, so it’s likely you’ll find what you’re looking for at your local dispensary. But on the off-chance it’s out of stock, ask your budtender about the most potent marijuana strains available to find the strain that’s right for you.
Sources:
1. “Potency vs THC Content,” The Stash, September 3, 2022, https://www.wikileaf.com/thestash/potency-vs-THC/
2. “What Is Considered ‘High THC’?” Leafwell, October 7, 2024, https://leafwell.com/blog/what-is-considered-high-thc
3. “Bruce Banner #3 Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/bruce-banner-3
4. “Bruce Banner 3” CannaConnection, https://www.cannaconnection.com/strains/bruce-banner-3
5. “Could Godfather OG Be the World’s Strongest Strain,” MSNL, https://www.marijuana-seeds.nl/blog/could-godfather-og-be-the-worlds-strongest-strain
6. “Garlic Juice Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/garlic-juice
7. “OG Cake Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/og-cake
8. “Strawberry Banana Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/strawberry-banana
9. “Biscotti Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/biscotti
10. “Platinum Widow Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/platinum-widow
11. “Death Valley OG Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/death-valley-og
12. “Bahama Mama Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/bahama-mama
13. “Chem Berry Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/chem-berry
14. “Emperor Cookies Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/emperor-cookies
15. “Ursa Major Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/ursa-major
16. “How to Decide Which Marijuana Strains to Try,” Leafwell, October 7, 2024, https://leafwell.com/blog/how-to-decide-which-strains-to-try
17. “Is cannabis today really much more potent than 50 years ago?” New Scientist, October 11, 2023, https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396976-is-cannabis-today-really-much-more-potent-than-50-years-ago/
18. “Cannabis Resin Today Is Much More Potent Than 50 Years Ago, Says Study,” Vice.com, November 19, 2020, https://www.vice.com/en/article/5dpg7d/study-says-cannabis-today-more-potent-than-in-1970s
19. “How the High THC Potency Obsession Impacts Cannabis Companies,” AlphaRoot, September 9, 2023, https://alpharoot.com/insights/high-thc-potency-obsession/
20. “Terpenes/Terpenoids in Cannabis: Are They Important?” National Library of Medicine, August 10, 2020, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8489319/
21. “What’s the Difference Between Medical Marijuana and Recreational Weed?” GoodRx, February 13, 2024, https://www.goodrx.com/classes/cannabinoids/medicinal-vs-recreational-weed-marijuana
22. “Permanent Marker Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/permanent-marker
23. “Code Orange Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/code-orange
24. “Strongest Weed Strains: 17 Highest THC Strains to Try in 2024,” SacBee, April 26, 2024, https://www.sacbee.com/health-wellness/cannabis/article270746947.html
Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Ohio and Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.