Marijuana is becoming increasingly legal, which means that customers, particularly those in North America, have a wide range of options. Cannabis items at present only disclose their THC and CBD content; many of them also include a THC to CBD ratio.
Breeders are now developing marijuana strain hybrids with extremely high THC levels and relatively low CBD levels. CBD is connected with a non-intoxicating side effect and is commonly used to reduce anxiety and pain. THC is recognized for producing a psychoactive “high,” which has led to its use in recreational activities as well as medicine for problems such as insomnia, severe pain, and PTSD.
If you’re a newbie or an intermediate user, stick with products with a THC to CBD ratio of 1:1 or less until you’ve mastered a moderate amount of psychoactive effects. Continue reading to learn more about high-quality bud with a lot of THC and few CBDs if you’re an experienced user. Keep in mind that the five strains mentioned will get you really high, so use responsibly!
What Is Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol?
The most frequent type of THC is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which does not have the same ring as THC. It’s undeniably the most well-known cannabis (marijuana) chemical thanks to its psychedelic high. In reality, THC is found in marijuana in its raw state as an acid.
THC was first identified in 1964, but the brain’s THC binding sites weren’t discovered until 1988. That year, Dr. Allyn Howlett found that the chemical attached to our cannabinoid receptors (a set of specialized cell sites). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cellular receptor network that controls a variety of bodily functions via each one of these receptors.
THC binds to a receptor, and the result is the triggering of a chain of chemical reactions that lead to modifications in the brain and body. When THC engages your brain, you’ll notice changes in your thinking and behavior. When you smoke cannabis, you see things and experience them in an entirely different way. While it’s thrilling and frequently enjoyable to get completely high, we recommend that you use strong marijuana cautiously. Although a research by Di Forti et al., published in The Lancet in May 2019, claims that frequent usage of powerful marijuana may heighten the risk of developing a psychotic condition in the future, the long-term consequences of regularly utilizing potent cannabis are unclear.
According to the study, heavy cannabis use with a THC concentration of 10% or higher might be damaging to one’s mental health. To be clear, the research compared 901 patients who had their first psychotic episode over five years to over 1,200 individuals who did not have an episode of psychosis.
According to the study, those who used marijuana daily had a 36% increased risk of experiencing a psychotic episode. People with psychosis episodes were also more likely to smoke higher- potency marijuana; 37% against 19% in the control group. Di Forti stated that high-potency marijuana raises the risk of psychotic disorder, but it does not fully explain it.
As a result, it is evident that if you have ever experienced a psychotic episode, you should avoid high-potency cannabis for the near future. If you fit into this category, we strongly advise you not to use any of the five marijuana varieties mentioned later in the article.
How About Cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol is another well-known ingredient in marijuana, and unlike THC, it does not give you a intoxicating high. Furthermore, cannabis strains with relatively high amounts of CBD can counteract the effects of THC. CBD has an effect on the ECS in the same way as THC does, resulting in a wide range of therapeutic applications.
CBD became well-known throughout the world after it was discovered to help a young girl named Charlotte Figi who suffers from Dravet’s Syndrome, a rare disease that causes frequent seizures. Charlotte Figi’s story proved that CBD might be utilized in medicine since it didn’t make her “high.” In the United States, hemp-based products containing high amounts of CBD and little amounts of THC have been made legal to possess as food supplements.
What Medical Conditions Can High THC/ Low CBD Marijuana Strains Help?
There is a dark irony in the anti-marijuana arguments made by individuals who advocate prescription medications. They claim that THC causes people to become zombies, despite the fact that those unfortunate enough to be on a variety of lawfully prescribed Big Pharma medicines are stuck in a semi-vegetative state.
Medical marijuana is now legal in 33 states and D.C., with tight restrictions on cannabis making research difficult. However, there is enough evidence to suggest that it works to relieve pain and alleviate some of the symptoms of diseases including AIDS/HIV, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s Disease, cancer, and much more.
As legalization efforts pick up steam, the marijuana market continues to grow, allowing researchers to learn more about it. The CBD business has exploded in recent years, and the 2018 Farm Bill permits the farming of industrial hemp in the United States. While CBD is considered to help with a wide range of ailments, it is commonly classified as a “medical” cannabinoid while THC is referred to as a “recreational” option.
This logic could be doing a disservice to THC’s therapeutic advantages. A study by Stith et al., published in Scientific Reports in February 2019, investigated the link between marijuana product features and symptom alleviation. The researchers examined data from over 3,000 patients who used marijuana to alleviate medical issues using the app on their smartphone.
According to the research, those who consumed marijuana strains with higher THC contents had a greater degree of symptom relief. One of the study’s co-authors, Jacob Miguel Vigil, explained that THC may be even more important than CBD in producing therapeutic effects. It should be noted that the data was self-reported and there was no control group without cannabis usage. Because high-THC strains are generally more costly than weaker ones, there is also a chance that users experienced a placebo effect as a result of their cost disparity.
However, it’s an intriguing development. If you’re a seasoned user and want to investigate the advantages of high THC, low CBD marijuana strains, here are five options to try.
5 of the Most Popular High THC/Low CBD Marijuana Strains
1 – Fat Banana (The Fruity Marijuana Strain)
This balanced hybrid strain is a cross of Banana and OG Kush. When Kush genetics are involved, you know it is going to be a potent herb. Aside from the delightful banana aroma and taste, Fat Banana is known for having a THC content of at least 25% with minimal CBD. It should go without saying that it is not for newcomers.
All it takes is a few tokes to send you into a different realm of consciousness. If you have a higher tolerance, you may enjoy the initial burst of banana flavor before couchlock takes over. Also, Fat Banana will give you a serious case of the munchies if you are awake long enough for the hunger pangs to take effect.
If you use Fat Banana, we recommend only doing so in the late evening or before bedtime because it will render you almost immobile with surprising speed. It is also a good idea to load up on snacks in case you stay awake through the munchies. Ultimately, however, you will end up in dreamland, which makes this strain a good option if you have difficulty sleeping.
2 – Chemdawg (The Marijuana Strain for Creative Individuals)
The third-place winner, also known as “Cuphead,” is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid that’s most likely a cross of a Thai Sativa and Nepalese Sativa. Its THC concentration is usually estimated at 26%, despite the fact that a Colorado breeder named Next Harvest claims to have a strain with almost 32% THC! Its CBD content ranges from 0.01 percent to 0.1 percent, implying its THC to CBD ratio might be as high as 3000:1!
The artistic community has praised Chemdawg for its association with creative growth. The cerebral high is euphoric and enjoyable, but it gives rise to an almost instantly soothing influence. Chemdawg is regarded as a stimulant that promotes creativity, and it’s one to think about if you need a little more inspiration.
Chemdawg is often used to treat chronic stress and anxiety, although its potency arguably makes it more suitable for dealing with severe back pain, nerve damage, and muscle spasms. This strain is believed to help release melatonin, which would result in a peaceful night’s sleep. Patients who are undergoing radiation treatment may also find Chemdawg useful for boosting their appetite.
3 – Godfather OG (One of the World’s Most Potent Marijuana Strains)
Godfather OG is one of the most powerful cannabis strains on the planet; some claim that particular cuts are the most potent you’ll find. Godfather OG is an indica-dominant hybrid with a THC concentration of around 28%; however, certain cuts have been tested at 34%! It’s clear that you don’t need much of this marijuana to get high since its CBD content ranges from 0.1 to 0.7 percent.
It is, however, not just a “powerful” marijuana variety; it is rather remarkable. Godfather OG is a cross of OG Kush, Cherry Pie, and Granddaddy Purps, which has won the High Times Cannabis Cup for Best Indica in the past. Users report feeling a powerful cerebral high at first with euphoria rapidly following. The indica component quickly reaches the body and gives you an sense of total relaxation.
The excellent qualities have made Godfather OG a well-liked recreational cannabis strain, but it is also popular in the medical marijuana community for its uplifting effects. Because it is so powerful, Godfather OG might help with severe pain management. This strain can be utilized to combat sleeplessness and hunger because it makes users feel weary and drowsy, and it’s also connected with an increase in hunger.
4 – Green Gelato (The Marijuana Strain for Users with a Sweet Tooth)
Look no farther than Green Gelato if you want to enjoy a marijuana taste sensation. It’s a moderately indica-dominant hybrid made up of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbet, two strains known for their excellent flavor. Green Gelato has been able to retain the exceptional tastes of its parents, ensuring that it won’t fail in providing anything less than extraordinary satisfaction.
The flavor is superb, and you may be fooled into believing it is not a strong variety. Green Gelato has 27% THC and only a little amount of CBD, so it will hit you hard with an uplifting high that causes full-body relaxation and couch lock.
Green Gelato is a San Francisco Bay Area strain that’s one of the finest to ever emerge from the region. It might be an excellent choice in small doses if you want a mood boost. Its sedative characteristics make it particularly suited to pain management and treating insomnia. The main problem with Green Gelato is that it’s so delicious that using it sparingly may be difficult.
5 – Irish Cream (The Liquor-Tasting Marijuana Strain)
The Irish Cream marijuana strain, despite its reputation, may make you feel better about life. It’s an indica-dominant hybrid, but there’s some debate over its genetic makeup. Some people believe it comes from a cross of The Real McCoy and Cookies and Cream by a breeder called Mighty Irish Seeds, while others think it is a backcross of the Mighty Irish Hope.
Although the most common CBD/THC ratio is 14:1, we’ve encountered studies that show THC levels of over 27% with a low CBD content. It gets its name because some users claim it tastes similar to Bailey’s alcoholic beverage; however, others find it to be dark and dank.
It’s a powerful physical high that leaves you feeling totally relaxed for hours. Because it has a fatiguing and couch locking effect, Irish Cream is useful as a night-time strain since it will help you fall asleep. Your entire body will relax as your stress levels go down after the initial euphoric cerebral high.
Final Thoughts about High THC Strains
A high THC, low CBD marijuana strain might be the perfect option if you have chronic pain or require something to relax you down. All of the strains mentioned above assist with relaxation and are best used in the late evening. However, if you’re a beginner or your tolerance isn’t very high, we recommend using less powerful strains.
There is a possibility that frequent use of highly potent marijuana strains may result in long-term mental health problems, especially in those who are already predisposed to them. As a result, if you have an existing mental illness, we recommend avoiding high THC strains until further evidence suggests otherwise.
If you’re hesitant to use cannabis because of its high THC content, choose a less potent strain. Alternatively, select cannabis with a high CBD content to counteract any harmful effects of THC, such as paranoid thoughts or anxiety.