Thanks to Where’s Weed for this:
2020 has been a year that people will never forget. It was a truly overwhelming one, full of many surprises and changes that have been completely unprecedented. To deal with the bleak shit-show that was 2020, people are turning to their favorite stress reliever marijuana, like never before. Even though everyone is wishing for a much smoother year to be in store for 2021, we’ve made a list of the most potent strains on the market, just in case you need to take the edge off.
What is THC?
We all love our beloved herb, cannabis, but do we know what it is and how it works in the body? To begin, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the 100+ known compounds found in the cannabis plant.
THC is a cannabinoid. Another cannabinoid you might recognize is CBD.
THC is the compound that provides the cannabis user the psychoactive feelings.
THC affects both the mind and body through a little-known system called the Endocannabinoid System. The endocannabinoid system regulates bodily functions and works with homeostasis to keep equilibrium within the body. It is crucial for your body that these two are functioning together, as they keep all of your vitals stable. The ECS helps to regulate memory, pain, motor controls, digestion and inflammation.
There are specific receptors within the system, the CB1 and the CB2 receptor, that are working to keep the above functions at bay. THC has an affinity to the CB1 receptor, found in large quantities in the brain. When THC binds to this receptor, it creates intoxicating effects and also mimics a natural chemical called anandamide, also known as the “bliss” molecule. THC can create feelings of euphoria, altered time and perception, lightheadedness, relaxation and sensory changes.
It is important to realize that receptors are like fingerprints, meaning they are unique for everyone.
This explains why everyone has a very different reaction and feeling to THC.
Cannabis Strains with THC > 25%
Royal Gorilla
First up on the list of strains is this indica-dominant hybrid that comes in at a whopping 27% THC. This strain will give the user brief feelings of euphoria, coupled with a nice head buzz before delivering an intense couch-lock experience. The origins of this strain hail from some heavy hitters that consist of Sour Dubb, Chems Sister and Chocolate Diesel. Royal Gorilla possesses long-lasting effects that are great for treating chronic pain and fatigue with flavors that are citrusy, earthy and sweet. The terpenes present in this strain are limonene, caryophyllene and pinene, which are sure to pack a punch and an enjoyable high with a slight diesel exhale.
Lemonhead
Next on our list of strongest weed strains for 2021 is this sativa-leaning hybrid, also known as “Lemonhead OG” that normally tests around 22-23% THC, all the way up to even 25% THC. Created from the strain Kush by Royal Choice Farms, expect an intense tingling sensation and a dizzying head high with zesty energy, perfect for elevating the mood. Lemonhead is among the popular strains that provokes a positive social behavior, filled with laughter and smiles that won’t make the user feel overstimulated. Filled with myrcene, limonene and caryophyllene, expect a flavor that is a bit citrusy and dank, with a pine taste on the backend.
Chemdawg
Chemdawg/Chemdog is among many of the strains of weed that have much ambiguity and mystery, especially around its origins. This hybrid that contains a massive 28% THC is the parent to a few very well-known strains such as OG Kush and Sour Diesel. Chemdawg will deliver a stinky, almost diesel-like taste that also has some earthy musk and pine odors. Terpenes present here are myrcene, limonene and caryophyllene that will deliver a potent and heavy body feeling and a cerebral experience that isn’t for the faint of heart. This is a great strain for stress, anxiety and even PTSD symptoms.
Ghost OG
If you’ve been searching for 30% THC strains, this is the strain for you. This indica combines Afghani Indica with OG Kush and brings about a strong tingling feeling throughout the body, giving one a nice numbing feeling. Expect a couch-lock experience, coupled with a nice euphoric attitude in the mind, all while having a very notable citrus smell. With terpenes like limonene and myrcene, this strain is sure to aid in anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain.
Chernobyl
This sativa with genetics of Trainwreck, Jack the Ripper and Trinity make Chernobyl debatably the highest THC strain, coming in at over 30% THC. Expect a dreamy, uplifted mood to last for hours that will keep you energetic throughout the day. With citrus and a distinct lime sherbet smell to accompany it, this strain will wash away all stresses and anxiety. High in the terpene terpinolene, this strain will deliver an overall positive experience, without being too much to handle.
The White
To round out our strongest and best weed strains for 2021, this often difficult to find hybrid averages around 24-25% THC and will sometimes come in at around 29%. This strain’s genetics are a bit mysterious as well, with origins through to be from the strain Triangle which produces a smooth, dank pine taste with an earthy aroma. This is a great strain for intense focus, with almost no body high to possibly slow you down. High in caryophyllene, this potent strain is not for the novice smoker. If you find yourself in a creative funk, light this strain up to get those thoughts flowing.