5 Top and Strongest Marijuana Strains of 2024

If you believe the annual reports from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, weed is getting stronger. According to research, the average THC content of weed in 2014 was 12%, compared to just 4% in 1995. Marijuana has continued to get stronger ever since.

These days, there are plenty of strains with a THC content of over 20% and some with an eye-popping 30% or more! This article highlights five of these remarkably potent strains, which are also regarded as among the best around. It also discusses delta-9 THC and briefly outlines why modern-day weed is so strong.

Here Are the 5 Best and Strongest Marijuana Strains of the Year

The following strains are not necessarily “new” strains for this year. Rather, several of them are OG classics that have simply “evolved” with the times to contain more  THC over the decades.

More accurately, they have been “selectively bred” over multiple generations of numerous breeders to contain only the female genetics which produce buds with the highest THC content. So, how does “selecting” for a strain with high THC content work, you might be wondering?

Well, after harvesting a crop you can “test” each plant specimen for its: A) flower (bud) production and B) THC content. This testing can be done in an actual HPLC laboratory where they chemically examine the THC levels or by smoking a sample of each plant’s flowers and seeing which one gets you higher.

When you find a plant with specific genetics that you like, simply clone that one over a new generation, and voila – you’ve selectively bred cannabis for high THC content.

Anyway, without further ado, here are our picks for five of the year’s strongest and highest-potency cannabis strains. There are a lot of high-THC strains out there in this day and age, but these are our personal favorites.

Enjoy!

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1 – Godfather OG (The World’s Strongest Marijuana Strain?)

According to High Times, Godfather OG is the most potent marijuana strain on the planet. This indica-dominant hybrid is reported to have a THC content of over 34%! Since it is an activated THC value, there is a good chance that the figure is conservative.

Godfather OG is cultivated by California Herbal Remedies (CHR) and is believed to be a cross of Cherry Pie, OG Kush, and Granddaddy Purps. With this information, it is no surprise that Godfather OG is often referred to as the ‘Don of all Kush’ strains. Even a typical strain should have a THC of over 25%.

Of course, strength means nothing without quality — and Godfather OG has absolutely no shortage of quality.

This strain has won the High Times Cannabis Cup for best indica strain in the past, and when you smoke the bud, it will hit you with an incredible cerebral high that soon results in a whole-body euphoria. Users tend to feel calm and happy, with the euphoric effects oozing over both mind and body. Godfather OG provides you with a feeling of total relaxation and could even render you immobile or couch-locked for the afternoon; such is its potency.

2 – Chemdawg (The Pungent Marijuana Strain)

Chemdawg previously held the record for highest THC content when it won the coveted Cannabis Cup title with a THC level of 32.13%. Cultivated by Next Harvest in Denver, CO, it is one of the most mysterious marijuana strains. People know little about its genetics or history. However, rumor has it that Chemdawg is a cross of a Thai and Nepalese sativa.

Whatever its ancestral lineage, it should go without saying that Chemdawg is not for the newbie. It is an indica-dominant hybrid renowned for its pungent scent. This aroma carries more than a hint of diesel. In fact, this strain is used to create Sour Diesel — another one of the world’s most popular (and potent) marijuana strains.

When you smoke Chemdawg, it will provide you with a wonderful cerebral high that is incredibly enjoyable —  that is, once you know how to handle it!

The nugs have a powerful relaxing effect that is ideal for calming down a mind that tends to race. Furthermore, if you are stressed at work and need something to help you chill out, strains like Chemdawg are perfect because of their uplifting effects.

Moreover, it is also a strain conducive to creativity and has been a preferred favorite among artistic types for many years in California and the West Coast in general.

3 – Irish Cream (This Marijuana Strain is the Real McCoy)

This is yet another case of “selectively breeding” to yield an exceptionally powerful marijuana strain. Mighty Irish Seeds developed Irish Cream. It is an indica and a crossbreed of Real McCoy and Cookies and Cream. The result is a strain that the company claims clocks in with an average THC content of over 27%.

If you smoke this strain with the belief that it will taste like Bailey’s, though, you’re in for a disappointment as it offers classic, dank weed flavors instead. You will find that this bud offers the taste of fresh herbs and pine, and while it doesn’t taste quite like the Sweet Cream strain, it is nonetheless a pleasant experience.

Irish Cream is a highly potent strain, which means it could help with the relief of anxiety, depression, stress, and even chronic pain. The initial high is primarily cerebral, but soon, you’ll feel happy, relaxed, and sociable all at once. Eventually, your body starts to feel the effects, and you’ll begin to feel sedated and ready to hit the sack for a deep, naturally healthy night’s sleep. This is what we like to call a “carefree” strain due to the fact that it is ideal for evening and nighttime use.

4 – White Tahoe Cookies (This Marijuana Strain is the New Kid on the Block)

This exciting new strain was initially grown by Kush4Breakfast and is a cross of The White, Girl Scout Cookies, and Tahoe OG, so the hybrid’s name became obvious to the creator. White Tahoe Cookies has become extremely popular on the West Coast, according to its breeders, and its THC content clocks in at over 27% — making it one of the world’s strongest as a whole.

This is an indica-dominant strain and is one of the most aesthetically-pleasing marijuana strains around. Archive Seed Bank is the distributor of White Tahoe Cookies. It is certainly worth trying if only so you can enjoy the sweet, flavorful notes with obvious OG undertones.

In terms of effects, it may shock you how quickly White Tahoe Cookies starts to hit the senses. Within minutes, you should feel euphoric, and your mind should become filled with great ideas because this strain is fantastic for creativity.

In fact, all it needs is a single toke to understand that you’re dealing with a potent monster of a strain.

Ultimately, you will feel a relaxing body buzz that turns into a feeling of sedation. The high sometimes lasts for hours. For this reason, make sure you’re safely wrapped up in bed.

5 – Strawberry Banana (The Marijuana Strain That Tastes Like Dessert)

This indica-dominant hybrid is a cross of Crocket’s Banana Kush and Strawberry Bubblegum, and was developed by those crazy creative geniuses at Serious Seeds. It is a mainstay on the High Times ‘Strongest Strains on Earth’ list, selected three years in a row. On at least one phenotype of the strain (a specimen grown by Greenwolf LA & Green Country Rebellion), average THC levels of 31.62% were detected by the growers.

In all honesty, however, the average THC level of this strain is probably closer to 26-28%. This still makes it one of the most reliably potent marijuana strains in the world. Strawberry Banana is known for its incredible taste, which is akin to, erm, strawberries and bananas. The taste is accompanied by an amazingly sweet and fruity scent, as well as a delicious banana exhale.

Don’t let the “tropical” name of Strawberry Banana fool you; with max THC levels pushing 32%, it is an expert-only bud that packs a serious punch.

Strawberry Banana begins with a cerebral head high and ensures you feel relaxed and focused throughout the entirety of the experience. Eventually, you will feel sedated and possibly even couch-locked. This is a fantastic strain to handle chronic pain. It may also prove useful for users suffering from depression, PTSD, and insomnia.

Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol: What Is It?

When it comes to ranking these marijuana strains, the focus is on THC. Its real name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, but that doesn’t roll off the tongue quite as easily as THC! It is arguably the most famous compound (cannabinoid) in marijuana and is famed for its intoxicating high. Incidentally, THC is found as an acid in the raw form of marijuana.

THC was first isolated in 1964, but the binding sites for THC in the brain were not discovered until 1988. In that year, Dr. Allyn Howlett discovered that the compound attached itself to our cannabinoid receptors (a group of special cell sites). Each one of these receptors acts as part of our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a cell receptor network responsible for regulating various body functions.

In simple terms, THC binds to a receptor, and the result is the ignition of a series of chemical reactions that lead to changes in the mind and body. Once THC engages your brain, you’ll experience altered cognitive and behavioral abilities. Basically, you see and experience things in a completely different way when you consume THC.

Is Too Much Delta-9-THC Dangerous?

While it is exciting and often fun to get completely stoned, we advise you to use potent marijuana sensibly. The long-term effects of regularly using strong weed are not fully known. However, a study by Di Forti et al., published in The Lancet in May 2019, claims that regular use of strong marijuana could lead to an increased risk of a later psychotic disorder.

According to the research, heavy use of weed with a THC content of 10%+ could be harmful to mental health. To be clear, the study looked at 901 patients who had a first-time episode of psychosis over five years and compared them to over 1,200 individuals who had not suffered an episode of psychosis.

30% of those who reported a psychosis episode admitted to using marijuana daily compared to 7% of people in the control group. The group with psychosis episodes also admitted to using higher-strength products, 37% of users against 19% of users in the control group. Di Forti said that high-potency marijuana contributes to instances of psychotic disorder but doesn’t completely explain it.

Therefore, it is clear that if you have suffered an episode of psychosis in your life, it is wise to avoid high-potency cannabis until further notice. If you fall into this category, we strongly advise you NOT to use any of the five marijuana strains we have mentioned above.

Why Are Today’s Marijuana Strains So Powerful?

One of the main reasons for the extra potency is the focus on producing sinsemilla, which is the name for the tops of unfertilized female plants (these happen to contain the highest amount of THC). In the modern era, harvesters remove the trimmings and get rid of water leaves containing little to no THC.

It is also likely that cannabis strain production has contributed to the greater strength of pot; growers prefer marijuana strains with high cannabinoid levels, and today, the strongest selections are hybrid crosses of well-known strains.

Moreover, we are uncovering stronger combinations on an almost daily basis. Back in the halcyon days of the 1960s and 1970s, finding weed with a THC content of over 10% was a rarity. Today, a significant number of strains have well over 20% THC.

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Final Thoughts: The World’s Strongest & Best Marijuana Strains for the Year

Whatever strain you decide to try, remember that the terms ‘strong’ and ‘potent’ don’t always mean ‘high-quality.’ We have worked hard to find (what we expect to be) the world’s most powerful marijuana strains of the year. These strains lead the way today in terms of a kick-ass high. Plus, these strains can lead to a memorable and enjoyable experience for many years to come.

Naturally, you can expect this list to change regularly year by year. Growers find new and improved ways to boost marijuana potency frequently. Realistically, how long will it be before a strain appears that produces buds with 40% THC? Will this be the year? We can’t wait to find out!