You don’t have to know much about cannabis to have heard about THC, its main active ingredient. It’s most responsible for the plant’s iconic effects, including deep relaxation, euphoria and an increase in appetite, and is a major indicator of its strength. But that’s only one piece of the puzzle. The way you feel from different strains of cannabis can also be attributed to its unique chemical makeup and how it was grown.
With so many new strains hitting the market every day, it’s becoming more difficult to track precisely who holds the current record for the highest THC flower. At Takoma Wellness, we’re proud to support our local DC growers, and are fortunate to have a wide selection of potent, craft-grown strains to choose from. Keep reading to understand just what makes any particular strain potent, along with a curated list of DC’s highest THC strains. Ready? Let’s get rolling!
How Cannabinoids and Terpenes Affect Potency
Though the best strains of weed usually have the highest THC percentages, these numbers don’t account for the complicated interrelationships of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found within the plant that contribute to its overall effects.
Each batch of cannabis will also have unique properties dependent on countless external factors, including the skill of the grower, soil conditions, temperature and humidity, light, and how long it’s been cured—to name just a few.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are a family of over 100 natural compounds in the cannabis plant. This family includes both intoxicating and non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, and CBG. Recent studies suggest that some cannabinoids may work together to produce effects, also known as the “entourage effect.”
For example, CBD appears to inhibit the landing of THC molecules on the brain’s cannabinoid receptors. So, even if a strain has a high concentration of THC alongside a notable concentration of CBD, it may not hit as hard as a strain with lower THC but no CBD. The total amount and ratios of all cannabinoids determine the experience you’re most likely to get from cannabis flower, so check out the cannabinoid content on lab reports if you’re interested in tracking how different strains affect you.
Terpenes
As with cannabinoids, aromatic terpenes similarly impact the overall effects of any particular strain. Some researchers found that certain terpenes, like myrcene, are associated with sedating qualities, while others, such as limonene, may have a more stimulating effect. The more you learn about the nuances of all these compounds, the easier it will be to distinguish the likely effect of different strains and how you can use them for your specific needs.
7 Strong Weed Strains to Try Today
While microdosing cannabis has become more popular over the years, some cannabis patients actively search for the best strains of weed available. Why? High-THC strains can offer an immediate and profound impact with just a little bud, delivering the exact kind of relief patients may desire.
Looking for some new strains to find relief or simply relax? Though our menu is constantly rotating, we feature an array of high-THC strains from many quality brands. Here are some of our recent favorites:
Vice City by Alternative Solutions
Vice City is a balanced hybrid with a smooth flavor and a soothing impact. It’s a mix of Sunset Runtz and Scotty 2 Hotty, often producing an initial sativa “head buzz” followed by a deeply relaxing body-heavy sensation typical of indicas. With 28.7% average THC concentrations, Vice City certainly isn’t for cannabis newcomers, but it’s also not the strongest weed strain out there.
Considering its balanced properties, earthy and sweet aromatics, Vice City may be the perfect entry point into the world of higher-potency strains.
Average potency: 28.7% THC
Banana Candy by Center City Cultivation
Also known as Banana Candy Kush, Banana Candy is one of the more mysterious names on our list of the best weed strains. Although it’s clear this cultivar has sweet and fruity aromatics, it’s unknown who first bred it or what flowers they used in its creation.
It’s likely Banana Candy gets its banana scent and indica edge from the iconic Banana Kush hybrid, but other than that, we can only guess whether strains like Skunk, OG Kush, or Haze play a role in its genotype. We do know, however, that this Banana Candy hits hard.
Average potency: 28.7% THC
Motorbreath by Alternative Solutions
With a name like “Motorbreath,” you’d better expect this strain to slap your nostrils with pronounced industrial aromatics, especially dank diesel. Although Motorbreath has plenty of lemon, earth, and hash aromatics, it’s the gassy notes that take people’s breath away when smoking this strain, not to mention the high THC content.
Typical cuts of Motorbreath have lab reports with a THC content of 32.3%, making it a much more intense experience than many classic industrial strains. In fact, the parent strains of Motorbreath—Chemdawg and SFV OG Kush—share a lot in common with another iconic hybrid: Sour Diesel. So, anyone who wants to take their Sour D to the next level will probably appreciate a ride with Motorbreath.
Average potency: 32.3%
KY Jealous by Columbia Care
Made with a blend of Watermelon Mimosa and Jealousy, KY Jealous is a hybrid strain that’s all about sweet and sugary notes, but it also has a bold, spicy, and citrusy undercurrent that can keep things interesting. The high THC content gives KY Jealous its status as one of the best pot strains on this list.
Average potency: 32.3%
Space Force One by Molecular Farms
Space Force One may be just the right spacecraft to hop aboard whenever you need to fly away from earthly concerns. Made by California’s Molecular Farms, this hybrid strain has average THC concentrations of around 32.6%, which is plenty of fuel to take even experienced consumers to new galaxies.
With its blend of OG Kush and Cookies, Space Force One has reliably high traces of indica genetics, which provides a sweet, hashy, and mellow experience. Add plenty of the terpene myrcene, and Space Force One is a fantastic pick when you want to go for an otherworldly journey right from your favorite chair or couch.
Average potency: 32.6%
Forbidden Fruit Cake by Columbia Care
We’ve all heard of the forbidden fruit in Genesis, and cannasseurs have probably already tasted the Forbidden Fruit hybrid—but what about Forbidden Fruit Cake? Unsurprisingly, Forbidden Fruit Cake combines two legendary hybrids in its namesake—Forbidden Fruit and Wedding Cake—to produce a deliciously sweet dessert hybrid. The strong indica properties and THC percentages make Forbidden Fruit Cake one of the highest THC strains available in DC.
Average potency: 33.1%
Red Bullz By Columbia Care
Red Bullz may be the epitome of eye candy. When cured properly, this hybrid mix of Grape Gas and White Runtz has an alluring powdery white appearance with plenty of orange and red streaks. Considering this sticky strain oozes white trichomes, it makes sense that it has incredible average THC percentages hovering around a whopping 35.6% and earning it the title of highest THC strain on this list.
Regarding flavor, Red Bullz takes on both the industrial and fruity sweet notes from its parent strains, giving it a weird and wonderful blend of fresh grapes and gasoline. Our customers also typically report that Red Bullz has even-balanced effects with a slight indica edge that is more likely to make you feel chill than buzzy.
Average potency: 35.6%
Shop Strong Weed Strains at Takoma Wellness
While it’s tempting to go straight for the best weed strains, that may not be the right call for every medical marijuana patient or adult-use consumer who comes through our doors. Some people prefer the highest THC strains, but others go for lower-intensity strains and everything in between. Come on in to our DC dispensary to chat with our team and find the cannabis flower that’s right for you.
But if you’ve been wanting to explore the wide world of strong THC strains, we’ve got you covered. At Takoma Wellness, you can find dozens of artisan-grade flower, high-quality edibles, vapes, concentrates, and so much more. Visit us in-person or browse our online menu for more details.