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Looking for a weed strain that will challenge your tolerance or stand up to stubborn medical symptoms? Strain potency depends on a variety of factors, including how it was grown, the quality of genetics, and much more, but we’re here to show you some of the most popular strong weed strains.
While THC is the main driver of potency in weed, it’s important to understand the role terpenes may play in enhancing and shaping a strain’s high. Terpenes like myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its unique array of smells, and a cannabis strain rich in both terpenes and THC often delivers a stronger high than a product that lacks chemical diversity.
The cannabis strains below are just a selection of popular powerhouses with a reputation for heavy-handed euphoria, but keep in mind that there are many more out there. Remember the adage “start low and go slow” with these ones.
Strongest strains by THC percentage
| Kush Mints | 27% |
| Ice Cream Cake | 23% |
| MAC | 22% |
| Bruce Banner | 21% |
| Original Glue | 20% |
Kush Mints
Primary terpenes: Limonene, caryophyllene, linalool
Average THC: 27%
Combining old school classic Bubba Kush, and energetic Animal mints, Kush Mints is a THC powerhouse. This strain has increased in popularity as of late, likely due to its potency and complex minty flavor profile. If you’re a cookies lover looking for something a little different, check out Kush Mints.
Ice Cream Cake
Primary terpenes: Caryophyllene, limonene, linalool
Average THC: 23%
Ice Cream Cake taps into the Cookies and Cakes craze in weed of the last few years, crossing Wedding Cake—Leafly’s 2019 strain of the year—and Gelato #33, a phenotype of our 2018 strain of the year. ICC is a relaxing, sleepy strain that’s great for nighttime. It’s sweet, creamy flavor profile makes it accessible to a broad range of smokers, just be sure to have a soft couch and some munchies close by.
MAC (Miracle Alien Cookies)
Primary terpenes: Limonene, pinene, caryophyllene
Average THC: 22%
Short for “Miracle Alien Cookies,” MAC has some Cookies and Chemdog buried in its roots, giving it a complex flavor. MAC is a strong, uplifting strain with a smooth orange flavor and floral notes. It’s so popular, related phenotype MAC 1 is also out there, which is usually slightly less potent and more balanced in effects.
Bruce Banner
Primary terpenes: Myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene
Average THC: 21%
Bruce Banner, appropriately named after the Hulk’s alter ego, is a heavy duty hybrid with a staggering THC content. Powered by OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel genetics, Bruce Banner delivers a dizzying punch of euphoria that anchors your body in deep relaxation.
Original Glue
Primary terpenes: Caryophyllene, myrcene, limonene
Average THC: 20%
Original Glue, also known as “GG4” or “Gorilla Glue,” is named for the stickiness of its resinous buds, and this strain certainly lives up to its name. Multiple Cannabis Cup awards back up the legend of Original Glue’s potency, but we doubt you’ll need the proof once you’re stuck to the couch in stupefied contentment.
More high-THC weed strains
Looking for more strains? Check out these heavy-hitters.
Strongest indica strains:
Strongest sativa strains:
Strongest hybrid strains:
This post was originally published on October 22, 2015. It was most recently updated on April 5, 2022.