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Strongest strains of weed

Strongest Strains Of Weed: 2023 Must-Tries

The strongest strains of weed are the holy grail of modern marijuana breeding. Weed scientists are crossing existing cultivars for various purposes, but one goal seems to stand above all—boosting THC production.

What we see there is a natural desire to explore the limits of our favorite green plant. Regular tokers share the same tendency, seeking powerful pot to take them sky-high.

We’re here to help you push the boundaries. Join us as we discuss potency, present the seven strongest strains from our library, and drop handy tips on enjoying mind-bending marijuana.

Bud in nature
Bud in nature

Cannabis potency: The role of THC

Before diving into our selection of the strongest weed strains in the world in 2023, we have to get several theoretical matters out of the way. What makes cannabis potent in the first place? The answer lies in a nifty little molecule called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC for short).

This compound is present in all marijuana plants in varying amounts. The community picked up THC-rich landraces and modified them to intensify production. As a result, the modern market is brimming with THC powerhouses.

What does THC do? What is its relationship with the strongest weed? In short, THC is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana. It binds with receptors in our brain, influencing pain perception, hunger, mood, and other processes. This avalanche of effects culminates into the ‘high.’

Once THC enters your bloodstream, you go through several stages of being high. The details differ depending on your body composition, tolerance levels, and the chemical composition of your weed.

Two other factors play into potent weed. CBD contents reduce the high by inhibiting THC, and terpenes define the effect scope. That’s why the landscape is so varied. Two strains with the same THC percentage feel different due to their chemical makeup.

Despite this variance, one thing’s for sure—more THC means that the high hits you harder.

Benefits and downsides of high-potency strains

Smoking the strongest weed ever is invariably a good thing, right? That’s not always the case. We want to introduce some nuance to this discussion to keep our community safe.

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of choosing the strongest strains of weed for your next growing and smoking adventure.

Strong weed: The advantages

We’ll start with the obvious. If you enjoy getting high, getting higher is a positive. A blunt couldn’t touch you before, and now, you’re seeing the world in a new color, and you’re only halfway in!

Indeed, intense effects are the main selling point of potent weed. Here are other perks:

  • You feel it faster. Whether you’re smoking medically or recreationally, the desired effects reach your mind and body in less time.
  • Your stash lasts longer. You don’t have to smoke as much with the strongest strains of weed. That way, you double the duration of your harvest.
  • The experience amplifies. Typically, high-THC cultivars bring fun perks that turn a light buzz into a soaring high. A mellow sativa strain might get you creative, but trippiness ensues after a super-powerful one.

Strong weed: The disadvantages

The strongest strains of weed come with some cons to consider. 

If you’re a novice, the risk is obvious. The intoxication might be too much to handle, turning an enjoyable ride into something much less so. Even seasoned tokers should keep the following concerns in mind:

  • You may get paranoid and anxious. Strong weed affects the brain, inducing negative responses upon overconsumption. Always stop if you sense your heart rate rising, have some water, and let yourself calm down.
  • You might get stronger side effects. Cottonmouth and red eyes are inevitable after pot-smoking, but they’re mostly mellow. THC-rich strains strengthen these effects, potentially leaving you dry and with a stoneover.
  • Your THC tolerance increases. Constant exposure to the cannabinoid might make you more resistant, making you smoke more to compensate. Take days off and know how much weed is too much to avoid this issue.

As you can see, these negative sides of the most potent marijuana strains can appear, but they’re relatively easy to bypass with enough mindfulness. Check yourself to get the good without the bad.

Smoking weed
Smoking weed

How to enjoy potent variants?

Potent strains of Marijuana can be a blast, but we want to stay responsible while enjoying them. Nobody wants to turn into one of those stoner stereotypes, getting high out of their mind and becoming completely unaware of their surroundings. 

The following five tips apply no matter what you’re smoking, but they double in importance with potent weed. Read through them to keep your experience positive from start to finish.

#1: Take it slow

Go low and slow is something we always tell rookies. In this case, it applies across the board. Tokers develop habits with their favorite cultivars. For example, you might know that you can take four puffs in quick succession with your 15% THC buds. It’s a different story with the strongest strains.

You’ll need to practice mindfulness with this pot. Take a small hit instead of a deep drag and wait for several minutes. Some marijuana immediately makes itself known, while other types creep up on you bit by bit. Be certain you’re not feeling it before another inhale. 

Your first several sessions should all look like this. Only let yourself indulge once when you know you’re steady.

#2: Set the stage

A potent strain of marijuana calls for respect. These cultivars aren’t something to smoke on a quick break and get back to whatever you’re doing. They deliver a psychoactive experience, and it only gets better if you set everything up before lighting up.

If it’s your first session, it doesn’t hurt to go the extra mile. Get the best rolling papers or your favorite bong, put on some good music, and switch your mood lights on.

Turn your smoking session into a ritual to increase mindfulness. Don’t take the herb for granted, but savor each beat of the adventure lying ahead.

#3: Know what you want

The strongest marijuana strains come in all shapes and sizes. Higher THC levels only amplify the high—other factors determine what it feels like.

Consider the following questions while choosing strains:

  • When do I want to smoke? Am I after a wake ‘n’ bake or an evening variety?
  • Is cerebral action something I want? Would I enjoy trippiness, or do I want to smile and let my mind wander?
  • Do I want to move while intoxicated? Does a couch-lock sound more appealing?
  • Do I want to smoke alone or with friends? Would I like to engage in activities or chill out?

There’s strong weed for every purpose. Choose wisely to tailor the high to your needs.

#4: Choose the right time and place

Again, the most potent weed isn’t something to enjoy on a work break. These cultivars hit hard and fast, and you’re not likely to stay completely clear-headed after a puff.

Timing and location are vital for making the most of it, but these two categories aren’t set in stone. You need a chill night at home for couch-lock weed, while some specimens of sativa put you in a partying mood.

Ideally, do the first test at home with a sober person you trust. Don’t make any commitments or set any goals, but light up and see what happens. That way, you’ll discover how the cultivar affects you and which setups pair best with it.

#5: Get your mind right

Put yourself in the proper mindset for the strongest strains of weed. You’re already halfway there after picking a strain, planning your session, and adding extras to make it enjoyable. 

The rest is all internal work. Get your mind right with the following tips:

  • Don’t set your expectations too high. Know what you can anticipate, but let the herb take you on a ride.
  • Don’t smoke while you’re agitated. A gentle indica works like a charm against stress, but it’s different with strong weed. Mild onsets of anxiety and paranoia are more likely to occur if you start frazzled.
  • Prepare for an adventure. An enthusiastic mindset does wonders for pot smoking. If you’re open for enjoyment, that’s what you’ll get.

All it takes is five to ten minutes of a meditative state before combustion. It’s a small investment, and it takes your session from good to excellent.

Smoking marijuana in a pipe
Smoking marijuana in a pipe

7 strongest strains of weed in 2023

The strongest weed ever grown is Godfather OG, with a whopping 34% THC. This cultivar is hard to come by commercially, though. Plus, its potency isn’t much beyond the strains you can easily get at Homegrown.

We’ve rounded up our seven most potent specimens for this 2023 overview. Check out the most potent strains of weed to date, available to all customers.

Note: If you’re interested in learning more about these herbs, click the link provided with the profile. Also, note that we shared photoperiod variants here. These cannabis seeds tend to produce more THC than their autoflowering counterparts.

1. Gorilla Glue #4

We can’t discuss the strongest strains of weed without mentioning Gorilla Glue #4. This sticky crop is a three-way cross between Chem Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel. Its parent cultivars make it high-yielding, aromatically complex, and supremely potent.

This cultivar delivers a body slam of physical and psychological effects. Why choose between indica and sativa when you can ride the energy wave straight to relaxation land with a single blunt?

TypeHybrid
THC26–28%
FlavorsChemical, earthy, cheesy
EffectsElevating, creativity-boosting, relaxing
Flowering time8–9 weeks
Yield15–19 oz./m² indoors / 21–23 oz./plant outdoors
Gorilla Glue #4
Gorilla Glue #4

2. Bruce Banner 2.0

Bruce Banner 2.0 has reached the strongest form of weed. Breeders took the Incredible Hulk of cannabis and amplified it, taking things to the next level.

Adding another shot of Strawberry Diesel to the mix turned this wake ‘n’ bake to a full-day sativa. A surge of energy immediately follows the initial inhale, and this invigoration lasts. Your senses sharpen, giving you near-superhuman capabilities against any endeavor.

TypeSativa-dominant
THC25–30%
FlavorsDiesel, citrus, strawberry
EffectsEnergetic, uplifting, cerebral
Flowering time8–10 weeks
Yield14–17 oz./m² indoors / 19 oz./plant outdoors
Bruce Banner 2.0
Bruce Banner 2.0

3. Do-Si-Dos

Do-Si-Dos is proof that you can have the strongest weed without the pungent qualities usually associated with potency. It’s a mellow cross of the renowned Girl Scout Cookies and Face Off OG, delivering a body-buzz so deep that no massage can match it.

One puff of this stuff makes you forget all about physical and mental discomfort. Your mind fills with blissful positivity, interrupted only by desires to grab a snack and sink even deeper into your couch cushions.

TypeIndica-dominant
THC26–30%
FlavorsSweet, earthy, cotton candy
EffectsEuphoric, relaxing, sleepy
Flowering time8 - 10 weeks
Yield14–17 oz./m² indoors / 14–17 oz./plant outdoors
Do-Si-Dos
Do-Si-Dos

4. Blood Diamond OG

Blood Diamond OG carries a name worthy of its power. This OG Kush-derived herb dials up the much-loved qualities of the original. What we get is a deeply therapeutic strong weed strain that leaves you stoned and smiling.

This one is for nighttime use only—even an afternoon nap isn’t enough to shake off the immense sleepiness that follows. As you’re relaxing in your seat, your body recuperates after the daily stresses. The mind lets go of whatever’s no longer serving you.

TypeIndica
THC24–27%
FlavorsEarthy, citrus, herbal
EffectsHappy, sedating, sleepy
Flowering time9–10 weeks
Yield17 oz./m² indoors / 15 oz./plant outdoors
Blood Diamond OG
Blood Diamond OG

5. Stardawg

Stardawg is a Chemdog #4 x Tres Dawg cross suitable for space travel. The rush of energy you get with these flowers will make you feel like you’re on top of the world. Nothing seems impossible, from the most mundane task to the greatest struggle.

The effects of this potent weed shoot your mood to the stars. Fits of giggles are unavoidable, and creative juices freely flow through your carefree mind. Physical energy isn’t lacking, either, making this one ideal for daytime use—as long as you don’t have to keep a straight face.

TypeSativa-dominant
THC17–25%
FlavorsLemon, pine, diesel
EffectsEuphoric, creative, stress-busting
Flowering time9–10 weeks
Yield3.5 oz./m² indoors / 3.5 oz./plant outdoors
Stardawg
Stardawg

6. 5 Alive

5 Alive has a title that matches its effect profile. This entry on our list of strongest strains of weed is one for every day of the week, infusing you with creative energy to turn any frown upside down. It’s a Bubblegum x Orange Juice x Grape Pie cross, as sweet as it is powerful.

The body is light and relaxed after several puffs of this bud. The relaxation is only muscle-deep, leaving you free to move without a hint of laziness. Light up and lose yourself in important and enjoyable activities without a care in the world.

TypeSativa-dominant
THC20–27%
FlavorsTropical, sweet, citrus
EffectsEnergizing, euphoric, creativity-boosting
Flowering time8–10 weeks
Yield10 oz./m² indoors / 10–15 oz./plant outdoors

7. Hellfire OG

Hellfire OG is yet another derivative of OG Kush that gained fame in its own right. This sativa adds a unique spin to the best of its parentage. What you get is a dash of relaxation and a whole lot of joy.

This strong weed strain is ideal for afternoon use. It leaves you with enough motivation and energy to engage in creative hobbies and chat with friends. After a while, it beckons you in the kitchen for a wholesome meal and gets you ready for a healthy eight hours of sleep.

TypeSativa-dominant
THC28–30%
FlavorsHerbal, pine, spicy
EffectsEuphoric, stress-busting, relaxing
Flowering time8–9 weeks
Yield14–17 oz./m² indoors / 21–24 oz./plant outdoors
Hellfire OG
Hellfire OG

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is among the most potent weed strains for kickstarting your day, as the effects inspire productivity. It’s a South African landrace discovered in the early 1970s.

The Durban Poison strain is a favorite among medical and recreational users for its intense cerebral high and soothing mental buzz. Its resinous, dense buds offer uplifting sensations that may benefit depression and anxiety patients.

The cultivar boasts THC levels of 17–25% and about 0.2% CBD, potentially benefiting those with inflammation, migraines, and fatigue.

Durban Poison feminized seeds deliver tall, female-only cannabis plants that may reach ten feet tall. They’re a breeze to grow for beginners and produce decent yields indoors and outdoors.

They flower for 8–10 weeks, so expect 14–18 oz./m² of dense buds indoors and 16–23 oz./plant outdoors. After lighting the buds, the smoke produces woody, pine, and earthy flavors. You feel happy, uplifted, and energetic after a few tokes.

Jack Herer

Jack Herer contains up to 28% THC and 0.6% CBD with 55% sativa and 45% indica genetics. It’s an offspring of Shiva Skunk, Northern Lights #5, and Haze and probably the best creation of Amsterdam-based Sensi seeds.

The Jack Herer strain is popular in medicinal and recreational circles for its effective therapeutic properties. It induces sensations with possible benefits for fatigue, migraine, stress, and arthritis.

The sativa-leaning cultivar is a 7th High Times Cannabis Cup winner.

Plants grown from Jack Herer feminized seeds can reach six feet tall and love a warm climate. They’re easy to maintain and highly resistant to sudden weather changes, bugs, mold, and mildew.

The crops are incredibly simple to grow indoors, outdoors, and in greenhouses, making them ideal for novices. Jack Herer flowers for 8–10 weeks with a bud harvest of 14–18 oz./m² indoors and 18 oz./plant outdoors.

Lighting the buds produces spicy, tropical, and earthy flavors. The effects stimulate the mind and make you share positivity with everyone nearby. You feel energized, uplifted, euphoric, and creative after indulging in this potent weed strain.

Jack Herer Feminized Bud

Gary Payton

Gary Payton contains THC levels of 15–25% and 0.5% CBD. It’s a perfectly balanced hybrid with 50% indica and 50% sativa genetics, crossing The Y and Snowman.

This cultivar delivers buzzing warmth and pleasurable sensations that quickly influence the mind and body. It’s a suitable early morning toke that boosts energy, improves moods, and encourages creativity.

Gary Payton is famous among tokers for its energizing, deeply relaxing, calming, and soothing properties. It contains terpenes such as caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool.

Plants grown from Gary Payton feminized seeds can reach six feet tall due to their sativa roots, making sufficient growing space necessary. They’re effortless to develop or maintain and love average humidity with warm temperatures.

After flowering for 7–9 weeks, expect a bud harvest of 14 oz./m² indoors and 18–20 oz./plant outdoors.

Enjoy dark green, grape-shaped nugs coated with trichomes and orange pistils. Smoking emits mint and pine flavors, and the dense buds induce effects that improve mental awareness. You feel inspired and creative after a few tokes.

The world’s strongest weed: Now in your garden

Now that you’re aware of the strongest strains of weed, the next step is obvious. Visit our seed library, find your favorite, order seeds, and get growing. Trust us—nothing beats smoking a mind-blower from your homegrown stash.

Remember the tips we shared to keep yourself happy and safe. Take precautions against the disadvantages and let the advantages take you where you want to be. Check our blog for more educational and fun overviews. We share resources on all things cannabis, ensuring you never miss out.

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