Not all cannabis strains are created equal. And this is certainly true when it comes to potency. Some strains have such a high THC content that, if you’re not careful, you might be laid flat by their intense effects.

Indeed, the demand for high-THC strains has increased dramatically in recent years. And because of the influx of such variants, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to share a list of the top 10 most powerful.

Perhaps you’ve tried some of these cultivars, or perhaps you haven’t. Either way, they’re all worth taking note of, as they represent a new era of THC-rich titans taking over the cannabis community.

1. Gorilla Glue

When you add massive flavour to massive potency, you get a top-shelf strain like Gorilla Glue. With a maximum THC percentage of 26–30%, these figures should be more than enough to encourage you to proceed with caution. Despite the initial power of her high, though, the effect eventually turns into an extremely relaxing yet uplifting stone that will have you in bliss for hours. All the while, you’ll detect invigorating flavour notes of wood, pine, and lemon.

Bearing a 50/50 indica/sativa balance, it takes just 9 short weeks for this specimen to bloom up to 600g/m² indoors and 600g/plant outdoors—a rewarding haul in both environments.

2. Liberty Haze

You don’t often come across strains capable of delivering buds with 25% THC after a brief flowering phase of 9 weeks. But Liberty Haze is no ordinary strain. Descending from the euphoria-inducing G13 and the energising ChemDawg 91, this slightly sativa-dominant hybrid produces a cerebral high paired with a nice boost of energy. Alongside this effect, gear up for an earthy, spicy, and herbaceous smoke that goes down a treat.

Growing Liberty Haze is a rewarding endeavour. As mentioned, her flowering phase is fast, and her yields are abundant. Indoor growers will be met with up to 600g/m² in optimal conditions, and outdoor growers will be handsomely rewarded as well.

3. Girl Scout Cookies

Another strain that not only packs a punch, but is also a breeze to grow, Girl Scout Cookies produces THC levels of around 23%+. This indica-dominant strain has quickly made its presence known to the cannabis world with its dynamic high and earthy yet sweet flavours of mint and baked goods. GSC exhibits an effect that is stimulating at first, but ultimately relaxing. A few tokes should help you get through a social gathering, while a few more will get you ready for winding down after a long day.

When it comes to cultivation, all you need is 8–9 weeks of bloom to see the fruits of your labour. Indoors, yields of up to 500g/m² are possible in good conditions, while 500g/plant is achievable outdoors.

4. Bruce Banner 3

If you’re a fan of comic books, the name itself should ring a bell. And true to The Hulk’s persona, Bruce Banner 3 will not let you down! If you’re looking for a heavy-handed strain that will leave a strong impression, this is the one. With a 50/50 indica/sativa split, the THC levels on this one can reach as high as 27%. Even if you’ve been in the recreational cannabis game for a while, this one could sting you like a sharp jab to the nose. Nonetheless, Bruce Banner 3 is known to bring instant euphoria as the body is slowly enveloped in relaxation. In terms of its flavour and aroma, Bruce Banner 3 displays notable hints of diesel along with a berry taste.

When growing Bruce Banner 3, you’ll need a maximum of 10 weeks to see her in full bloom. Indoor growers can haul in up to 700g/m² in ideal conditions, while outdoor cultivators can achieve mammoth yields of up to 800g/plant.

5. Gelato

A three-way combo of Wedding Cake, Gelato, and Gelato 33 gave rise to this dessert strain superstar. Featuring a whopping 26% THC, this indica-dominant hybrid induces a strong uplifting sensation that culminates in a happy, blissful high. She can melt tension after a few hits as you sit back and enjoy a pleasant degree of cerebral situation. Unlike her fellow indicas, this one won’t lock you to the couch when used in moderation. True to its name, Gelato will leave a creamy flavour on your taste buds, along with hints of mint, vanilla, and lemon.

When growing Gelato, all you need is a maximum of 9 weeks in the flowering stage before you can harvest her buds. Indoor operations can yield up to 500g/m², while outdoor plants can each develop up to 400g.

6. Royal Gorilla

Originally hailing from the US West Coast, Royal Gorilla has now made its mark on European grow rooms and further afield. This is thanks, in part, to THC levels of up to 27%. But if you’re worried about getting your lights put out, Royal Gorilla offers a balanced high that won’t incapacitate you when used in smaller doses. However, if taken in larger amounts, she may just keep you glued to the mattress. Users can also expect a pungent earthy scent and flavour with hints of citrus and wood.

This 50/50 indica/sativa hybrid needs up to 9 weeks of flowering to mature generous yields of up to 550g/m² indoors and 600g/plant outdoors.

7. Eleven Roses

Let’s shift our gears a bit to a full indica. Powered by 25% THC, Eleven Roses will hit you fast and hard, with effects that you’ll feel for the next few hours. An intriguing combination of Sugar Black Rose and Appalachian Kush, this sultry, aromatic indica is a perfect companion for eliminating worries after a long day. Just a few tokes is enough to experience a palpable sense of relaxation, courtesy of both her potency and her fruity, kushy flavour notes.

As a bonus, Eleven Roses is also a grower’s delight. After 9 short weeks of bloom, you get to enjoy yields of up to 600g/m² indoors. But if you cultivate her outdoors, her yields are truly spectacular—gear up to harvest up to 1kg/plant.

8. Cash Cow

Cash Cow blows the potency of other strains out of the water. An indica-dominant hybrid, THC levels clock in at a show-stopping 32%. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a novice, you should tread lightly with this one. You’ll instantly feel her power upon the first hit. While your body gets wrapped in a heavy stoned sensation, you’ll also get to enjoy a hit of cerebral euphoria, along with aromas and flavours of fresh lemon that really add to the experience.

Equally impressive are her yields. Indoors, you can harvest up to 700g/m² after just 9 weeks of bloom. But outdoors is where she really shines. Here, you can rake in up to 1.8kg/plant in ideal conditions.

9. Wedding Cookies

When you combine the soothing Wedding Cake and Dos-Si-Dos OG, you get a heavy-handed strain like Wedding Cookies. A 70% indica hybrid, her THC levels register at a powerful 28%. Just like a happy wedding ceremony, this strain is all about feelings of bliss and euphoria. But over time, you’ll notice a full-body high set that will slow you down in the best way possible.

Growing Wedding Cookies takes slightly longer compared to the other strains on this list. For this one, you’ll need to wait 11 weeks for her buds to mature. But once they do, the yields are more than worth the wait. You’ll be rewarded with up to 700g/m² indoors and 800g/plant outdoors.

10. Gorilla Girl

Finally, we have Gorilla Girl. As you may have guessed, it is the offspring of two strains already featured on this list: Gorilla Glue and Girl Scout Cookies. As such, Gorilla Girl brings a lot of power into the equation. We’re talking about THC levels of up to 25%. And depending on certain environmental factors, some varieties of this strain have been known to exhibit more. Upon smoking this 40/60 indica/sativa hybrid, you will immediately feel its fast-acting soothing effect. This will soon be followed by a euphoric, uplifting sensation that will linger for a while. For this reason, as well as her complex earthy flavour, Gorilla Girl is a perfect smoking companion for any time of the day.

Gorilla Girl features a relatively fast flowering time of 10 weeks. With a little care indoors, growers can bring in yields of up to 500g/m², while outdoor growers can haul in up to 600/plant.

Enjoy Responsibly

All of these strains are meant to be approached with caution. As we’ve repeatedly mentioned, some of these cultivars are capable of incapacitating even the most experienced stoner. So whether you’re a rookie or a hall-of-famer, it would be best to take your time and savour each hit. You can still have your fun, but be sure to do it responsibly.