It’s difficult to pinpoint which marijuana strain contains the highest levels of THC, as strains aren’t an exact science. They can differ between sources, and new ones are constantly emerging.
Then there’s the issue of THC and CBD, two of the most well-known compounds in marijuana.
THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the high that marijuana produces. When people mention that a particular strain of cannabis is very potent, it’s likely a high-THC strain.
High-THC strains produce strong psychoactive effects and may be beneficial for:
- Reducing nausea
- Increasing appetite
- Reducing pain
- Decreasing inflammation
- Improving muscle control issues
We’ve compiled a list of strains that tend to have the highest THC levels, according to Leafly’s strain explorer.
These strains are categorised into three groups, depending on their effects:
- Sativas (energetic)
- Indicas (relaxing)
- Hybrids (a combination)
Bear in mind that there’s some debate as to whether sativa and indica strains differ significantly from one another.
High-THC Sativa Strains
Sativas typically contain higher levels of THC and lower levels of CBD. They generally produce a stimulating or energising effect, making them more suitable for daytime use.
Lemon Meringue
This sativa strain contains around 21 percent THC. It’s considered to have an uplifting effect. People typically use it for:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mild headaches
- Fatigue
Users report feeling:
- Happy
- Uplifted
- Energetic
Some also say it boosts creativity.
Laughing Buddha
Laughing Buddha is an award-winning sativa strain, with 21 percent THC. Its name is fitting, as users report it has the ability to induce happiness and laughter, even during moments of depression.
It’s popular among people dealing with:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Pain
Along with happiness, it can make you feel euphoric and energetic.
Hawaiian
Hawaiian is said to be the strain of choice for those seeking to feel happy and relaxed, much like being on holiday. It contains 22 percent THC. Users report feeling both relaxed and uplifted.
Like other high-THC sativa strains, people use Hawaiian to relieve:
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Pain
- Fatigue
Associated feelings include:
- Happiness
- Creativity
- Relaxation
- Energy
- Euphoria
Thai
Thai is a popular strain with 22 percent THC, known for inducing an uplifting and focused effect.
Users claim it helps alleviate:
- Pain, including headaches
- Stress
- Depression
Based on reviews, this strain is said to leave users feeling happy, energetic, and relaxed.
Silver Haze
Silver Haze packs a punch with 23 percent THC. Its name comes from the abundant THC glands that cover the buds, which give it a shimmering appearance.
People use Silver Haze for:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Poor appetite
- Pain
User reviews mention feelings of:
- Happiness
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
Memory Loss
Technically a hybrid, this strain is mostly sativa and has THC levels ranging from 26 to 31 percent. It’s fast-acting and known for producing intense mental effects.
This strain is mainly used for:
- Stress
- Depression symptoms
- Fatigue
- Nausea
High-THC Indica Strains
High THC Indica Strains usually contain more CBD than THC, although this is not always the case. Therefore, there are fewer pure indica strains with high THC percentages.
While sativa strains are known for their invigorating effects, indica strains are associated with relaxing effects, making them better suited for night-time use (or days when you have less to do).
They are commonly recommended for those dealing with:
- Sleep problems
- Pain
- Nausea
- Low appetite
Kosher Kush
Kosher Kush originated as a clone-only strain in Los Angeles. With 21 percent THC, it’s known for its powerful relaxation and pain-relieving properties.
It often causes sleepiness, which may explain why it’s sought out for treating insomnia.
It may also help with:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
Users typically report feeling:
- Relaxed
- Sedated
- Happy
- Euphoric
- Hungry
Triangle Kush
This strain averages around 23 percent THC and is a favourite among creative individuals, as it’s known for boosting creativity.
People also use it for relief from:
- Chronic pain
- Stress
- Depression symptoms
Users report feeling especially:
- Creative
- Euphoric
- Relaxed
High-THC Hybrid Strains
Hybrids are the result of crossbreeding sativa and indica strains, often resulting in what is thought to be the best of both worlds.
The effects of specific hybrid strains depend on the ratio of indica to sativa and the combination of strains used in the hybrid.
Death Star
Death Star is an indica-dominant hybrid with 21 percent THC. The effects are said to start slowly but eventually lead to a strong sense of relaxation and euphoria.
Users claim it helps relieve:
- Stress
- Anxiety symptoms
- Depression symptoms
- Insomnia
Ghost OG
If you’re seeking a balance between mind and body effects, this indica-dominant strain might be ideal.
With up to 23 percent THC, it’s sought after by those wanting to manage:
- Stress
- Pain
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
Users report that it produces a calming, sleep-inducing effect.
GMO Cookies
This indica-dominant strain, also known as Garlic Gookies, contains up to 24 percent THC. It has a sedative effect and is known to induce sleepiness.
Medically, it’s mainly used to relieve:
- Chronic pain
- Stress
- Anxiety symptoms
- Insomnia
White Tahoe Cookies
Another indica-dominant strain, White Tahoe Cookies offers 23 percent THC. Some dispensaries report THC levels as high as 30 percent.
People use it for:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Stress
- Insomnia
Reports from user forums suggest that it also has a mild aphrodisiac effect, making users feel relaxed, euphoric, happy, and sleepy.
Banana OG
Banana OG is an indica-dominant hybrid that contains 23 percent THC. It’s referred to as a “creeper” because it can initially leave you in a stupor before surprising you with intense hunger and sleepiness.
It’s used for:
- Muscle pain
- Low appetite
- Insomnia
Other reported effects include:
- Relaxation
- Euphoria
- Hunger
Lemon Kush
A 50/50 hybrid, Lemon Kush averages around 22 percent THC.
It’s mostly used for relaxation, increasing euphoria, and stimulating appetite.
Additional effects include:
- Increased creativity
- Happiness
- Stress relief
- Hunger
Gorilla Glue
Another 50/50 hybrid, Gorilla Glue (also known as GG for legal reasons) delivers a potent punch with 23 percent THC.
This strain is known for its cerebral and physical effects, which come on quickly and last longer than those of many other strains.
It’s mostly used for relaxation and sedation, making it helpful for stress relief and insomnia. People also use it for pain, including menstrual cramps, according to online reviews.
The White
This potent indica-dominant hybrid contains around 23 percent THC.
Many users report it helps relieve:
- Pain
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Stress
- Depression symptoms
Effects include:
- Relaxation
- Sedation
- Euphoria and happiness
Bruce Banner
With around 25 percent THC, Bruce Banner hits hard and fast, eventually leading to a state of euphoria and heightened creativity, according to users.
It’s used to relieve:
- Stress
- Depression symptoms
- Pain
High-THC Risks
THC can cause temporary side effects, which may be more pronounced at higher doses or for individuals new to marijuana.
These include:
- Increased heart rate
- Decreased blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Coordination problems
- Slower reaction times
- Short-term memory loss
- Panic
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
Safety Tips
If you plan to use cannabis, particularly high-THC strains, consider the following harm reduction tips:
- Start with a low THC strain and gradually increase the dose to avoid severe side effects.
- Explore non-smoking methods, such as edibles or oils, to protect your lungs.
- If you do smoke, avoid deep inhalation and holding your breath to limit exposure to harmful by-products in the smoke.
- Limit your marijuana use, particularly with high-THC strains, to reduce the risk of long-term health issues, including addiction.
- Don’t drive for at least six hours after using cannabis — longer if you’re still feeling its effects.
Avoid marijuana entirely if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.