The 7 Most Potent Weed Strains (and What Makes Weed Strong)

There's no single most potent weed strain, because THC levels depend as much on how a plant is grown as on its genetics, but today's strongest strains top out at around 30% THC. Picks like Cookies Gelato, Hulkberry, Runtz and Royal Gorilla regularly land in the 25-28% range. As cannabis use, awareness and the industry keep growing, so does the number of crosses out there, which is why so many new smokers ask which strain is the best.

There are so many strains because legalization in several countries has led to an explosion of new genetics, with breeders chasing plants with sky-high THC and CBD levels. THC is the compound in cannabis buds responsible for the high, but it's not the only thing that makes a bud potent. Other factors come into play.

What makes a weed strain more potent?

Several external variables affect how potent your plants turn out:

• Location (indoor or outdoor),
• growing medium (soil or hydroponic),
• nutrient levels,
• light source,
• temperature,
• humidity
• carbon dioxide (CO2) levels.

Keep in mind that genetics affect potency too. In fact, genes hold all the information about the plant: how much THC and CBD it makes, how it smells and tastes, and how it grows.

So which weed strains are the most potent? Honest answer: it depends. Which strain hits the highest THC depends on a lot of growing factors, which makes it almost impossible to crown one single strain the strongest of all. Right now, the strongest strains test at around 30% THC, and that number is expected to keep climbing.

7 high-THC strains worth knowing

Figuring out which strain you've got isn't hard. We always recommend buying seeds from a reputable, well-known seed bank, where you can check the strain's traits, THC and CBD levels and more. With that in mind, here are some of the most potent strains and what makes each one stand out.

Cookies Gelato

This strain mixes the sugary vibes, and the names, of Girl Scout Cookies and Gelato. Cookies Gelato is a fan favorite because, on top of inheriting the sweet flavor and aroma of its parents, it packs a lot of THC: about 28%, to be exact.

Being such a high-THC strain, it delivers a euphoric high with a relaxing edge that keeps you from drifting too far from reality. Fair warning, though: if you're a beginner, you're better off with a lower-THC strain, since this one could be too much.

Royal Gorilla

No list of heavy hitters is complete without Royal Gorilla from Royal Queen Seeds, which also reaches 27% THC. It's one of those strains that delivers a killer high: you'll feel strong yet relaxed and less tense, with an upbeat, uplifting buzz on top.

Royal Gorilla comes from Sour Dubb, Chem's Sister and Chocolate Diesel genetics, and its flavor is made for anyone who loves sweet, earthy, piney and lemony notes.

Hulkberry

After a huge showing at the 2014 High Times Cannabis Cup, Hulkberry quickly became a cult classic. Plenty of strains out there are strong, but this one's potency is unmistakable, with THC above 28%. A cross of OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel, it delivers a powerful mix of indica and sativa effects with a delicious fruity flavor.

Triple G

We'll admit this isn't the strongest strain on the list on paper (26-28% THC), but its heavy indica dominance means that, rather than a gentle, euphoric chill, it sends you flying.

Patients report using Triple G for symptoms like insomnia, chronic pain and loss of appetite. Its berry, caramel and chocolate flavors stick to your tongue, while its spicy, fuel-like and earthy aromas hang in the air around you.

L.A. Amnesia

There are all kinds of cannabis strains, but this one means business: it has an impressive lineage crossing Amnesia Haze with Kush. You can expect huge, sativa-dominant buds loaded with 24% THC.

L.A. Amnesia is packed with citrusy, fruity flavors that please both your nose and your palate. A couple of hits and you'll relax instantly, with long-lasting waves of euphoria that keep you smiling for hours.

Runtz

Plenty of people call it the best strain out there, and it owes a lot to its parents: two heavyweights, Gelato and Zkittlez. That's exactly why you should take it slow with this one. As a balanced hybrid, 50% sativa and 50% indica, it gives you the best of both worlds.

It has delicious flavors and sweet aromas, and the taste follows suit: sweet and fruity, with hints of candy and citrus.

Now for what you really want to know: the high. Runtz's effect is incredible: at 27% THC, it's euphoric, powerful and stimulating, and works any time of day.

Critical Kush

If you're after a knockout punch, Critical Kush delivers. This nearly pure indica is a heavy-hitting cross of Critical Mass and OG Kush.

Smoke it and you'll pick up really pleasant earthy, herbal aromas that blend beautifully. Its citrus and pine flavors go down easy for just about any palate.

Even though the high is very strong, Critical Kush turns relaxing as it settles in, which makes it ideal for a nighttime session. It sits at a THC level of 25%.

Most of these strains are known worldwide, and nearly all come from European or American seed banks. There are also plenty of potent strains coming out of Latin America's young cannabis industry, and you can find many of them at the Argentine site semillalibre.com.ar

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