20 Highest THC Strains of 2023
If you’re one of the world’s 147 million cannabis enthusiasts, you know that potency is king. The higher the concentration of Delta 9, the lesser the need to use large quantities of cannabis to achieve desired effects.
Delta 9 is one thing. Cannabis farmers also consider the ratio of cannabinoids and terpenes in cross-breeding strains to grow a hybrid with a strong psychoactive effect.
If you’re searching for a list of high-THC strains that will give you the strongest experience, look no further. Here’s a compiled list of the 20 most potent Delta-9 THC strains of 2023.
What Makes a THC-Rich Strain Potent
THC content measures a strain’s strength or potency. The higher the THC level, the more potent it is.
Research shows that the THC levels of weed are increasing. In 2003, the average THC level in weed was only around 6.4%. By 2023, the THC level can reach 30%+.
Strains with THC level content of more than 20% and above are regarded as high potency. Those on the 18% mark are considered mid-range.
List of the Highest THC Strains
The top-pick strains below have high Delta 9 potency, good smokeability, and lasting effects. Minimal hits of these strains can render strong effects. So, start with one to two puffs before consuming the whole joint.
The list is arranged from the strain with the highest THC concentration down to the lowest.
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GM-UHOH – 35.23% THC |
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| Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Terpenes profile: Myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene Taste and smell: Strong smell and taste of funky gas and onion Effects: Soothing and sedating Best for: End-of-the-day euphoria |
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| Final Verdict:
Gm-uhOh, aka Garlic Cookies, is known for its high Delta 9 content and rich terpene profile. This strain hits just as strong as it smells. It can sedate and provide tranquility even for experienced users. |
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Umami Butter – 35% THC |
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| Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Terpenes profile: Caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool Taste and smell: Sweet and tangy Effects: Soothing, sedating, and relaxing Best for: Unwinding by the end of the day |
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| Final Verdict:
Styled in the Japanese word “Umami,” which means the essence of deliciousness, the Umami strain is a euphoric Indica-dominant. Its sweet and tangy flavor balances the hard-hitting high of the strain. |
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Beyond Blueberry – 34% THC |
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| Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Terpenes profile: Pinene, caryophyllene, ocimene, and linalool Taste and smell: Ripe blueberries, sweet cream, and earthy lavender and mint Effects: Relaxing and euphoric Best for: Recreational and restorative purposes |
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| Final Verdict:
Best known for its tasty aroma and flavor, Beyond Blueberry almost hits instantly after the first exhale. As your body starts to take in the full effects of the strain, you feel your limbs relaxing. |
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Runtz x Z x AC – 33.72% THC |
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| Type: Hybrid
Terpenes profile: Linalool, myrcene, and limonene Taste and smell: Lemon, hops, and cinnamon Effects: Euphoric and uplifting Best for: Great strain for any time of the day |
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| Final Verdict:
The Runtz x Z x AC strain is known for its fruity and candy-like flavor. The buds, rich in green and purple hues, produce a lingering high with an uplifting effect. |
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Xeno – 30.5% THC |
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| Type: Hybrid
Terpenes profile: Limonene, caryophyllene, linalool Taste and smell: Fruity, gassy, and sweet Effects: Arousing and elicits creativity and giggles Best for: Experienced cannabis users |
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| Final Verdict:
Xeno is 50% Sativa and 50% Indica. It’s a rare strain that’s sweet but with a diesel kick. The dominant terpene for Xeno is linalool. Some of its reported effects include arousal, creativity, and laughter. |
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Triple Lindy – 28% THC |
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| Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Terpenes profile: Caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool Taste and smell: Floral, fruity, and candy gas notes Effects: Heavily euphoric and relaxing Best for: End-of-the-night relaxation |
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| Final Verdict:
Triple Lindy is a product of Blueprint that once garnered the attention of the Zalympix Winter Olympics. The strain exudes a nuttiness with rubber notes. It’s heavily euphoric but mellows down as a relaxant. |
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Blue Face – 28% THC |
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| Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
Terpenes profile: Myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene Taste and smell: Rubbed eraser, redwood bark, berry, and ginger Effects: Relaxing, euphoric, and happy Best for: Whenever you want to feel uplifted during the day |
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| Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for a potent, flavorful, and smooth strain. Look no further. Blue Face has all that and more. It has a searing lemon-gas smell with intense sativa-hybrid effects. |
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Ghost Train Haze – Over 27% THC |
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| Type: Hybrid
Terpenes profile: Terpinolene, limonene, and myrcene Taste and smell: Earthy, citrus, and spicy Effects: Energetic, euphoric, happy, Best for: Low doses of the strain boosts concentration and creativity. |
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| Final Verdict:
The Ghost Train Haze by Dankness has a sour citrus and floral aroma. It delivers a potent dose of THC users report knocks out their pain and appetite loss. People who want to focus for the day might benefit from a low dose of this strain. |
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Durban Poison – Over 26% THC |
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| Type: Sativa
Terpenes profile: Linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-pinene Taste and smell: Spicy and earthy Effects: Energetic, focused, and uplifting Best for: Experienced users who want to banish fatigue during the day. |
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| Final Verdict:
As a pure sativa originating from Durban, this strain is well-recognized for its sweet aroma and uplifting effects. It’s the perfect strain for exploring the outdoors or whenever you want something motivating for your busy day. |
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Godfather OG – Over 25% THC |
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| Type: Indica
Terpenes profile: Myrcene, followed by limonene and caryophyllene Taste and smell: Spicy, kushy, with hints of grape Effects: Sedating and relaxing Best for: People with high tolerance to THC, wanting to be lulled to sleep |
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| Final Verdict:
This is the go-to strain of experienced users who want a sedating effect. Its flavor profile is spicy with hints of grape. Users are advised to smoke only a tiny dose of it due to its high THC content. |
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Gorilla Glue – Over 25% THC |
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| Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Terpenes profile: Caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene. Taste and smell: Earthy, pungent, and sour Effects: Euphoric and relaxing Best for: Experienced cannabis users who want to relax |
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| Final Verdict:
Gorilla Glue, aka GG4, is a potent strain that delivers a euphoric and relaxing high. It features pungent, piney, and earthy flavors. This strain has been awarded multiple times in Michigan and Los Angeles Cannabis Cups. |
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Bruce Banner – Over 25% THC |
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| Type: Hybrid
Terpenes profile: Caryophyllene, followed by myrcene and limonene. Taste and smell: Strawberry, diesel, and tea Effects: Euphoric and creative high Best for: Enjoyed during daytime |
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| Final Verdict:
Bruce Banner is thick with dense nugs rich in THC content, explaining why it packs a punch. If you’re a newbie, expect Bruce Banner to hit strong and quick. However, once it mellows, it dissipates into a euphoric high. |
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Gelato – Over 25% THC |
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| Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Terpenes profile: Limonene, myrcene, and caryophyllene Taste and smell: Cinnamon, orange, lavender Effects: Euphoric and relaxing Best for: People with high tolerance |
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| Final Verdict:
Gelato, aka Larry Bird, is an evenly-balanced strain that produces a euphoric high and a relaxing experience. Users report feeling numbed to pain but mentally productive. This sweet strain is legendary among connoisseurs. They like it so much that they produce hybrids inspired by it, such as Gelato #3, #33, #41, and #45. |
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Super Silver Haze – Over 25% THC |
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| Type: Sativa
Terpenes profile: Myrcene, followed by caryophyllene and limonene. Taste and smell: Spicy, citrus, and skunk Effects: Energetic, creative, and uplifting Best for: Looking to relax from stress or when suffering from a lack of appetite |
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| Final Verdict:
Super Silver Haze is a sativa rockstar garnering first prize awards from multiple High Times Cannabis Cups. It’s a sticky strain meant to boost your energy and appetite. |
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DO SI DOS – Over 25% THC |
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| Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Terpenes profile: Beta-Caryophyllene, Humulene, Linalool, Myrcene, Pinene Taste and smell: Pine, lime, and skunk Effects: Sleepy and relaxing Best for: Experienced users with high tolerance. Depending on the user, it could induce good sleep. |
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| Final Verdict:
This Indica-dominant strain has glittering trichomes that are pungent and earthy but sweet. A few puffs of DO SI DOS give a powerful cerebral high. The head and body high combo makes it the perfect strain for sharing a bowl wth friends. |
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Pineapple Express – 25% THC |
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| Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
Terpenes profile: Caryophyllene limonene and Ocimene Taste and smell: Pineapple and earthy pine Effects: Buzzy, alert, and creative Best for: Great for those looking to reduce stress the whole day |
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| Final Verdict:
Pineapple Express has a long-lasting energy-boosting effect felt right away. It’s predictively citrusy in flavor with notes of pine. Users report it’s best taken in the morning, afternoon, or early evening. |
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Blue Dream – 24% THC |
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| Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
Terpenes profile: Myrcene, followed by pinene and caryophyllene Taste and smell: Blueberry, berry, and sweet Effects: Stimulating and relaxing Best for: Those looking for a stimulating high during daytime |
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| Final Verdict:
Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant hybrid. It produces a balanced high accompanied by cerebral stimulation and full-body relaxation. Experienced and novice users will enjoy this strain as it is among the most-searched strains across dispensaries. |
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Green Crack – 24% THC |
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| Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
Terpenes profile: Limonene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Pinene, and Terpineol Taste and smell: Tropical and citrus notes Effects: Creative, focused, happy Best for: An excellent wake-bake strain for daytime use |
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| Final Verdict:
Green Crack is a potent sativa-dominant hybrid known for its long-lasting and hard-hitting effects. It’s beloved among users because of its energizing effect. Its tangy and citrusy flavor profile makes it a good daytime strain to fight stress and fatigue. |
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Tangie – 24% THC |
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| Type: Sativa
Terpenes profile: Myrcene, terpinolene, and pinene Taste and smell: Orange, citrus, and tropical Effects: Energizing and uplifting Best for: Intermediate and advanced users who want to get a shot of energy during daytime |
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| Final Verdict:
Tangie is a popular sativa strain in Amsterdam because of its refreshing citrusy flavor. The strain produces a euphoric yet relaxed effect. |
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Mimosa – 20%-24% THC |
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| Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
Terpenes profile: Myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene Taste and smell: Citrusy, fruity, herbal, and woody Effects: Energizing and motivating Best for: Those looking to battle chronic fatigue |
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| Final Verdict:
Mimosa, aka Purple Mimosa, is a Sativa-dominant hybrid that, in small doses, produces a happy, level-headed effect. In high doses, Mimosa can make you feel sleepy and relaxed. |
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How to Handle High-THC Strains?
This section lists the most essential information you’ll need to responsibly use high-THC strains, such as the ones listed above.
1. Buy Cannabis Strains From Licensed Dispensaries and Reputable Online Cannabis Stores
Shopping cannabis, especially high-THC strains, is best done in licensed dispensaries and legitimate online stores like Direct Delta 8 Shop. They eliminate the risk of consuming low-quality and potentially hazardous cannabis products.
These shops operate under the local protocols on cannabis set by their state and federal law. Products from these stores are labeled correctly with the accurate percentage of THC levels and other cannabinoids present.
2. Start With a Low Dose, Slowly Increasing Until You Reach Your Desired Effect
A significant factor in the safe consumption of cannabis is the amount of THC you smoke per session. Going beyond your usual dose can yield intense but uncomfortable effects such as anxiety, red eyes, etc.
Thus, it’s important to know your dosage limit. This is identified by starting with the lowest dose possible and slowly increasing until you find that ideal dosage level.
| 💁 Helpful Article
How you smoke matters to getting the best out of each strain. See how the pro smokers are doing it and learn how to apply it in your next session. |
3. Moderation is Key
This is key in reducing the short and long-term risks of marijuana. It also prevents the rapid increase of tolerance to THC. Here are some tips to consider:
- Use cannabis infrequently (take two to three days regular breaks or more)
- Consume small amounts
| 💁 Helpful Article
You can effectively reduce the smell of weed after a session inside your house or car by following some quick tips. |
4. Dedicate a Schedule Free From Responsibilities
Cannabis, even in low doses, can reduce cognitive abilities. It’s important not to consume cannabis around children.
Other inappropriate moments include driving or other activities where you need to engage your full mental capacity.
5. Avoid Using When in Conflict With a Unique Medical Condition
Smoking, regardless of the substance, is advised against. Certain people should altogether avoid cannabis smoking if they’re:
- not of legal age
- pregnant and breastfeeding moms
- currently suffering from or have a history of psychosis or bipolar disorder
- Under specific medical prescriptions
Conclusion
For those looking for an intense and long-lasting high, the cannabis space has a lot of high-THC strains to offer. There is something for everyone, from Indica-dominant to Sativa-dominant hybrids.
Choosing is just a matter of preference, whether you favor energizing over sedating effects. However, remember that potency is everything. Strains will have different effects when taken in a high or low dose.
With that said, most of the strains listed are more suitable for experienced cannabis users.
FAQs
What are the best low-THC strains for beginners?
Some of the best low-THC strains for beginners are ACDC, Hindu Kush, Blue Dream, and Jack Herer.
What are the highest THC-rich Sativa strains of 2023?
Three Sativa strains with the highest THC contents are Durban Poison, Super Silver Haze, and Tangie.
What are the most potent Indica strains of 2023?
Some of the Indica-type strains with the highest THC content are Godfather OG, Sherbet Queen, Royal Cookies, Gelato, and Runtz.
Which strains have the highest terpene content?
Some strains with the highest terpene content are Blue Dream, Marionberry, OG Kush, Dutch Treat, Sour Diesel, and Fire Alien Strawberry.
What are the top 10 strongest THC strains?
From the strongest down to the weakest – GM-UHOH, Umami Butter, Beyond Blueberry, Runtz x Z x AC, Xeno, Triple Lindy, Blue Face, Ghost Train Haze, Durban Poison, and Godfather OG.
