Marijuana strains are commonly separated in 2 groups: Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid

THC is one of the main compounds that is responsible for intoxicating feelings. For example sativa has more THC then indica strains. Which can cause more intense feelings.
The more THC the strain the more powerful the psychoactive effect is in general, although there are some other factors like terpene content as well.

Cannabis has become significantly more potent over the years as per the National Library of Medicine article linked.

As average THC percentages continue to grow keeping up with the highest potency strains out there can be hard!

We have come up with a list of our High THC strains for you.

First though lets look at some key facts about marijuana potency before we have a look at our top 15 High THC strains.

Cannabis potency continues to increase due to two primary factors: growing techniques and genetics.

You have probably heard or read about strains with THC levels as high as 30% but why can’t it get even higher?

The answer being genetic limits. By crossbreeding, cultivators can raise this amount. Crossbreeding one high THC strain with another high THC strain results in the most potent strain that can be produced.

In addition to genetics, growing techniques, with a focus on ideal lighting and soil conditions, also help the flowers of the most potent strains of cannabis reach their highest expression in terms of THC.

What Is Considered ‘High THC’ in Cannabis Strains?

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is one of the most well-known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It is thought to be responsible for the psychoactive properties of marijuana, alongside many of its therapeutic benefits. Before decarboxylation (loss of carbon dioxide, usually by applying heat), THC is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA or THCa). Some packages will therefore show high THCA percentages, not high THC ones.

Each cannabis strain can vary wildly in THC/THCA content, with some plants containing little to no THC and others containing THC percentages in the 30s or 40s. What constitutes “high THC content” can also differ from one expert to another. However, the rule of thumb is that 15%-20% is considered high, and more than 30% is very high.

Despite this general rule, the definition of “high THC” can vary from product to product. While 15%-20% THC content may be considered high when the marijuana is inhaled in its dried form, this may be relatively low for concentrates, with values above 60%. In this way, different amounts of THC can have different effect strengths when consumed via other methods.

Other variables that impact THC potency include:

Nutrients
Temperature
Humidity
pH Levels
Carbon Dioxide levels
Lighting factors
Plant age/maturity

Keep in mind the THC percentages below may represent an aggregate of THC/CBD, THCa/CBDa, THCb/CBDb within the product.

Does the Amount of THC in Cannabis Matter?

There could be marked differences in the type and duration of psychoactive effect between a cultivar that is 15% THC and one that is 25%-plus THC. However, when it comes to cannabis concentrates measuring 60%+ THC, it does not necessarily get users “higher.” One study conducted by the University of Colorado shows that:

“Despite differences in THC exposure, flower and concentrate users showed similar neurobehavioral patterns after acute cannabis use. The domains of verbal memory and proprioception-focused postural stability for both groups were associated with THC.”

This suggests that, after a certain point, the amount of THC in a product does not necessarily mean “more psychoactive.” Other cannabinoids and terpenes also play a part in the sort and length of effect a particular cannabis variety has.

Potential Benefits and Risks of Using High THC Strains

Benefits

Cannabis strains higher in THC can have many potential benefits, one of the main ones being that lower doses need to be consumed to get to a person’s therapeutic zone. High amounts of THC have shown particular efficacy in cancer treatment, including:

Reduction of tumors
Reduction of breast cancer cell proliferation
Reduction of nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undertaking chemotherapy

The use of high-THC strains can also aid in treating multiple sclerosis symptoms, chronic pain, and glaucoma.

THC can ease the symptoms of depression, PTSD, and various eating disorders in terms of mental health. It is especially helpful in reducing stress, which can positively affect the overall quality of life.

Risks

Despite the above benefits of high-THC strains, some users report potential adverse effects, including:

Drowsiness or lethargy
Unwanted psychedelic effects and hallucinations
Increased heart rate
Panic attacks
Paranoia
Increased sensitivity to pain

A “bad reaction” to marijuana, often due to high-THC ingestion, usually only lasts as long as the “high” lasts. However, this small window does not minimise the unpleasantness of the symptoms.

Further research suggests that the negative effects of high-THC intake can sometimes last longer than the high. It may interact with specific neurotransmitter systems and promote schizophrenic-like symptoms that can last long. Individuals with genetic or environmental predisposition are more likely to develop psychosis by consuming high-THC strains. This is why individuals with relatives with schizophrenia may want to limit the ingestion of high-THC content.

It is important to note that these adverse effects can vary with the amount and type of cannabis ingestion. Without predisposing factors, they can be rare.

Credits to RISE Cannabis and Ruth Lemon (VP of Operations) Leafwell

Please find below our top 15 High THC Strains

Timeloop – THC 37%