The earliest medicinal use of cannabis dates as far back as 2,737 BCE in ancient China. But it is not until the dawn of the 19th century that clinicians started to see its therapeutic potential. Anecdotal and science-based evidence continue to shed light on its medicinal benefits. As a result, more people are turning to it to find relief from various health concerns.
Cannabinoids and terpenes are the primary sources of marijuana’s touted medicinal benefits. The higher the concentration of these compounds, the more efficient and effective it is at delivering the much-needed relief. Fortunately, modern breeding and growing techniques paved the way for a dramatic increase in THC levels of modern-day hybrids. One thing that the strongest medical strains can do well is to provide a quick reprieve.
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Potency Is The Name Of The Game
In 1995, the average THC was around ~4%. By 2017, it increased to an average of 17.1% (Chandra, et al. 2019). Some medical strains, such as Bruce Banner, have tested to have 30% THC.
Why is weed potency such a big deal?
The simple answer is that consuming a more potent weed would require a lesser dose for you to feel its effects. Suffice to say, you should stick to lower doses because, with high potency strains, a little goes a long way. Doing so will not only be more practical (economically speaking), but it will also prevent unpleasant side effects due to overdosing.
Aside from cannabinoids, aromatic compounds called terpenes also play important roles in augmenting the psychoactive and therapeutic effects (Russo, E.B., 2011). These volatile organic compounds have synergizing properties that facilitate the entourage effect, in which they enhance and amplify the effects of THC. On top of that, terpenes also boast of sedative, anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-proliferative properties. So, when looking for the perfect strain, choose one that has high concentrations of both cannabinoids and terpenes to ensure a more holistic and sublime cannabis experience.
5 Insanely Potent THC Strains To Wipe Out Discomfort
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is most known for its psychoactive effects well-suited for recreation. But it can also be a potent remedy to physical and mental health issues. This psychoactive cannabinoid binds with endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, influencing cognition, memory, sleep, mood, appetite, movement, and pain. And unlike synthetic medicines, THC does not cause long term health risks.
THC is beneficial in alleviating ailments, including but not limited to (De Piero, 2017):
- Chronic pain
- Muscle spasm
- Chronic stress
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Crohn’s disease
- Rheumatic arthritis
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorders (PTSD, GAD, phobias, etc.)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Insomnia
- Lack of appetite
If you are adventurous and looking for medical strains that can challenge your tolerance and wipe out symptoms of the above-mentioned ailments, look no further because we got you covered. Here are five of the strongest high-THC strains perfect for your medicinal needs.
1. Strawberry Banana
Fusing the iconic Banana Kush and the “Strawberry” phenotype of Bubble Gum gave rise to a dessert-like strain that pleases both recreational and medicinal users. Best known for its curious mix of sugar and spice along with a whopping THC content, Strawberry Banana leaves you relaxed, uplifted and satisfied.
Fast Facts:
- THC: 22% to 26%
- Primary Terpenes: Limonene, myrcene, and caryophyllene
- Fragrance: Fruity, earthy, herbal, and peppery
- Effects: Calming, uplifting, and creative
- Medical: Depression, stress, and anxiety
- Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks
- Yield: 550 gr/sqm
Strawberry Banana is as delectable as the fruity smoothie it was named after. Savoring its sweet, herbal smoke will fill your consciousness with a calming and uplifting sensation that inspires heightened creativity and sensory awareness. The euphoric high builds up slowly, but when its full intensity hits, the ensuing sedating properties will knock you out instantly. And, with a whopping THC level of up to 26%, this strain certainly excels at alleviating chronic pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, and stress.
When it comes to growing, Strawberry Banana is a beginner-friendly medical strain. Once it flourished, it does not disappoint with its enormous buds coated with thick layers of resin.
2. Girl Scout Cookies
An heir to Durban Poison and OG Kush’s legendary genes, the classic Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) still impresses up to this day. The matriarch of the Cookies family delights tokers with its sweet, confectionary-like fragrance and flavor, topped with a mind-bending euphoria and relaxing comedown.
Fast Facts:
- THC: 19% to 28%
- Primary Terpenes: Caryophyllene, limonene, and humulene
- Fragrance: Earthy, sweet vanilla, peppery, and herbal
- Effects: Energizing, uplifting, and relaxing
- Medical: Depression, stress, and pain
- Flowering Time: 9-10 weeks
- Yield: 500 gr/sqm
GSC is perfect for those looking for an invigorating and blissful euphoria that transitions into a limb-numbing relaxation. With a THC strength of up to 28%, this medical strain is undoubtedly one of the strongest there is. So, it is useful not only for leisure but also for relieving discomfort brought by inflammation, mood disturbances, stress, and deep-seated pain.
Cultivation-wise, feminized Girl Scout Cookies are a breeze to grow. After 9 to 10 weeks of flourishing, you can expect to harvest bountiful yields of majestic, purple buds covered in crystalline trichomes.
3. Bruce Banner
It is not hard to see why OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel’s progeny was named after the alter-ego of The Incredible Hulk. After all, Bruce Banner bears buds that are big, green, and monstrously powerful. Every hit of its potent vapor delivers a smashing high, powered by a THC strength of up to 30%.
Fast Facts:
- THC: 27% to 30%
- Primary Terpenes: Caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene
- Fragrance: Citrusy, peppery, herbal, and floral
- Effects: Euphoric, uplifting, and creative
- Medical: Fatigue, stress, and chronic pain
- Flowering Time: 10-12 weeks
- Yield: 500 gr/sqm
A strain not to be taken lightly, Bruce Banner is perhaps one of the strongest hybrid ever bred in history. It packs a THC level of up 30%, delivering an exhilarating and invigorating high along with a touch of calmness that eases stress and fatigue. Beyond recreation, its insane potency is also useful in remedying various health concerns, particularly debilitating pain, inflammation, nausea and vomiting, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Growing Bruce Banner is relatively easy, especially if you have prior knowledge and experience in cannabis cultivation. Although it is not that finicky with its growth requirements, it needs to grow in an optimal environment for it to achieve its full potency. With the right care, it will produce up to 500 grams of huge, magenta-hued buds sprinkled with frosty trichomes.
4. Chemdawg
This strain is an iconic strain whose impact in the cannabis industry remains unrivaled. Its origins remain unknown, but its propagation is mainly credited to a group of breeders from Colorado who sold it during one of The Grateful Dead’s Dead’s tour. “Chem bud,” as they called it, became popular because of its distinctive chemical, diesel flavor. But it is the invigorating euphoria and smashing high it brings that keeps users coming back for more.
Fast Facts:
- THC: 15% to 27%
- Primary Terpenes: Caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene
- Fragrance: Citrus, pine, diesel, and earthy
- Effects: Euphoric, uplifting, and relaxing
- Medical: Pain, stress, and PTSD
- Flowering Time: 9-10 weeks
- Yield: 550 gr/sqm
Cannabis chemdawg is the ultimate stress reliever, just a few tokes of its powerful, diesel-flavored hits instantly dissolves a day’s worth of stress and fatigue. It also delivers a burst of euphoria that uplifts the mood, which makes it useful in remedying mood disturbances such as depression and anxiety. And, with THC levels that could reach up to 27%, this strain offers unparalleled relief from debilitating pain.
When it comes to cultivation, this medical strain is quite demanding, so it is best suited for gardeners with prior experience in growing cannabis. Nurturing this finicky strain, however, is worth the effort as it will generously reward you with 550 grams of pungent, trichome-coated buds.
5. Original Glue
Also known as Gorilla Glue, this award-winning hybrid is the lovechild of three iconic strains: Chocolate Diesel, Chem Sis, and Sour Dubb. Combining such legendary heritage resulted in an ultra-potent strain that will glue you to the couch for hours on end.
Fast Facts:
- THC: 24% to 30%
- Primary Terpenes: Caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene
- Fragrance: Earthy, citrus, peppery, and herbal
- Effects: Calming, euphoric, and sleepy
- Medical: Stress, pain, and insomnia
- Flowering Time: 9-10 weeks
- Yield: 600 gr/sqm
Original Glue is popular among people who wish to revel in a heavy-handed euphoria along with body-numbing relaxation. With up to 30% THC potency, Gorilla Glue satisfies not only leisurely needs but also medicinal demands. Since it is best known for its sedative and relaxing qualities, this strain is often sought after by patients ailing from insomnia, stress, muscle spasms, pain, and mood disturbances such as anxiety and depression.
True to its name, Original Glue’s Glue’s chunky and insanely resinous buds really does seem like it is coated with thick layers of glue. Cultivating this wonder takes time and patience, but the rewards are surely worth it. After all, it yields up to 600 grams of connoisseur-quality buds.
Citations
Chandra, Suman, et al. “New Trends in Cannabis Potency in USA and Europe during the Last Decade (2008–2017).” European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, vol. 269, no. 1, 22 Jan. 2019, pp. 5–15.
De Pietro, Mary Ann. “Medical Marijuana | Definition & Patient Education.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 24 Dec. 2017.
Russo, Ethan B. “Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects.” British journal of pharmacology vol. 163,7 (2011): 1344-64.
