If you haven’t been living under a rock, there’s a good chance that you‘re aware of the growing popularity of cannabis and its many uses. One of the most popular aspects of cannabis is the fact that it can produce a wide range of effects, depending on the strain.
While some strains are better suited for relaxation or pain relief, others are known for their ability to produce a more intense high.
If you’re looking for a strain that will give you a serious case of couch-lock, you’ll want to find one with a high THC content. THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, and it’s responsible for most of the plant’s intoxicating effects. In general, strains with higher THC levels will produce more potent effects.
So where do these high THC strains come from? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular high THC strains and explore their origins. We’ll also discuss how growers have been able to create strains with such high levels of THC over time.
What is THC?
Let’s start with the basics. You probably know of THC, but how much do you really know about it?
THC is short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and, as we mentioned, it’s the main psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. In other words, it’s responsible for most of the plant’s intoxicating effects. THC is just one of many cannabinoids present in cannabis, but it’s by far the most well-known.
THC works by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating a wide range of functions, including things like:
- Mood
- Memory
- Appetite
- Pain perception.
When THC binds to these receptors, it alters their normal functioning and leads to the plant’s characteristic effects.
We mentioned that there are other cannabinoids present in cannabis, and those include:
CBD:
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- Cannabidiol is the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis after THC. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce intoxicating effects. Instead, it’s known for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety and pain perception.
CBN:
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- Cannabinol is a minor cannabinoid that’s derived from THC. It has similar effects to THC but is much less potent.
CBC:
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- Cannabichromene is another minor cannabinoid that’s thought to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving) properties.
While THC is by far the most well-known cannabinoid in cannabis, it’s important to remember that there are many other compounds present in the plant that can contribute to its effects. For example, terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinctive smell and flavor.
When the effects of different cannabinoids and terpenes combine, this is known as the entourage effect. This refers to the fact that cannabis compounds work together to produce a synergistic effect that is greater than the sum of their individual parts. So, when you’re looking for a high THC strain, it’s important to keep the entourage effect in mind.
Understanding the way that these compounds interact with each other will give you a better idea of how different strains can produce different effects, which can, in turn, help you choose the right strain for your needs.
What Makes a Strain Have High THC?
As you probably know, there are a lot of different cannabis strains out there. And, as you might expect, not all of these strains have the same THC content. So what makes a strain have high THC?
Before we look at that, let’s look at some of the highest THC strains out there:
Girl Scout Cookies:
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- This hybrid strain has an average THC level of 28% and is known for its sweet and earthy flavor.
Gorilla Glue #4:
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- This hybrid strain has an average THC level of 26% and is known for its pungent diesel aroma.
Granddaddy Purple:
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- This Indica strain has an average THC level of 23% and is known for its sweet grape flavor.
White Widow:
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- This hybrid strain has an average THC level of 20% and is known for its earthy and slightly sweet flavor.
OG Kush:
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- This hybrid strain has an average THC level of 26% and is known for its earthy, citrusy flavor.
Sour Diesel:
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- This Sativa strain has an average THC level of 20-25% and is known for its pungent, diesel-like aroma.
Blue Dream:
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- This hybrid strain has an average THC level of 17-24% and is known for its sweet blueberry flavor.
Northern Lights:
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- This Indica strain has an average THC level of 18-24% and is known for its sweet and earthy flavor.
There are a few different factors that contribute to a strain’s THC level. The first is the genetics of the plant. In general, Indica strains tend to have higher THC levels than Sativa strains. This is because Indica plants typically have shorter flowering times and higher resin production, both of which can lead to higher THC levels.
Many growers specifically try to breed strains that will yield high THC content, but not every grower. There are some growers that would prefer to focus on:
CBD content:
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- Some growers prefer to focus on strains with high CBD content. These strains are typically bred for medical purposes, as CBD is thought to have therapeutic benefits.
Flavor:
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- Some growers prefer to focus on strains with unique or desirable flavors. This is often the case with craft cannabis growers, who may be more interested in producing small batches of unique strains for local markets.
Yield:
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- Some growers prefer to focus on strains that have high yields, meaning they produce a large amount of bud per plant. This is often the case with commercial growers, who are interested in maximizing their profits.
So, if you’re looking for a high THC strain, it’s a good idea to do some research and find out which strains are known for their high THC content. You can also ask your local dispensary or grower for recommendations. Keep in mind that the THC content of a given strain can vary depending on how it’s grown and what kind of genetics it has.
It’s also important to remember that not all cannabis users are looking for a high THC strain. Some people might prefer a strain with lower THC levels for various reasons, such as wanting to avoid the plant’s intoxicating effects or needing to take cannabis for medical purposes.
Whether you’re looking for a high THC strain or not, it’s always a good idea to start with a small amount and see how you react to it before consuming more. This will help you avoid any unwanted side effects, such as paranoia or anxiety.
Is Higher THC Content Better?
Many people wonder if higher THC content is always better, and the answer really depends on your wants and needs. That being said, there are some general things that you should keep in mind when deciding whether or not a high THC strain is right for you.
The first thing to keep in mind is that higher THC strains can sometimes be more difficult to handle, especially for first-time users. This is because the effects of THC can be more intense at higher levels, and some people may find this overwhelming.
If you’re new to cannabis, it’s probably a good idea to start with a strain that has lower THC levels and work your way up.
The biggest thing to think about is why are you using cannabis. If you’re using it for medicinal purposes, you might want to find a strain with high CBD levels, as CBD is thought to have therapeutic benefits.
On the other hand, if you’re using it recreationally, you might want to find a strain with high THC levels, as this will produce more potent effects.
It’s also worth considering what kind of effect you’re looking for. Some people prefer the cerebral, uplifting effects of Sativa strains, while others prefer the couch-locking effects of Indica strains. In general, Indica strains tend to have higher THC levels than Sativa strains.
So if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, an indica strain with high THC levels might be a good choice.
Of course, this is just a generalization and there are always exceptions to the rule. There are some Sativa strains that have high THC levels and some Indica strains that have low THC levels. The best way to figure out which kind of strain is right for you is to experiment and see what works best for your needs.
Getting The Most Out of Your Cannabis Consumption
Marijuana users all over the country are turning to higher THC strains in order to get the most out of their cannabis consumption.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all users are looking for a high THC strain. Some people might prefer a strain with lower THC levels for various reasons, such as wanting to avoid the plant’s intoxicating effects or needing to take cannabis for medical purposes.
Whether you’re looking for a high THC strain or not, it’s always a good idea to start with a small amount and see how you react to it before consuming more. This will help you avoid any unwanted side effects, such as paranoia or anxiety.