The 5 Best High THC / Low CBD Marijuana Strains

With a huge variety of marijuana strains available on the market, it can be very difficult and even confusing, trying to choose the right one for your specific medical condition. There is a great amount of mystery surrounding this process, since most patients only use marijuana for the first time when using it for medicinal purposes. We want this process to be as easy as possible for you and that’s why we have put together this guide on five of the best high THC/low CBD marijuana strains. We will also cover which medical conditions each of these strains is best suited to treat.

What is THC?

Typically, a cannabis plant will produce more than 400 different chemical compounds. Two of the most well-known of these compounds are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). THC or -trans-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, if you want to get technical is famed for its psychoactive properties. Yes, THC is the compound that interacts with the brain in such a way to produce a complex signature of effects, in other words, this is the compound that is responsible for the ‘high’.

Dr. Allyn Howlett is the individual who, in 1988, uncovered where and how THC was attaching to the brain. She discovered that THC attaches itself to our cannabinoid receptors (a group of special cell sites) and this is the secret link between THC and the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). In other words, the changes that we experience in mind and body when we consume THC, occur because the THC binds to a receptor which results in the ignition of a series of chemical reactions. As soon as the THC hits the brain, you experience altered cognitive and behavioral ability. Basically, when you consume THC, you will see and experience things in a completely new light.

What is CBD?

As we have mentioned above, CBD is short for cannabidiol and is one of two of the most popular compounds that can be found in the cannabis plant. Unlike with THC, you won’t experience any psychoactive effects from CBD. In other words, it won’t make you high. It might also come as a surprise to you that high levels of CBD can counteract the effects of THC. This is the compound that holds the key to a variety of medicinal and therapeutic effects of marijuana. In fact, CBD gained a lot of positive attention around the world when it was proven to reduce the number of seizures, that a young girl named Charlotte Figi suffered from due to her rare medical condition, Dravet’s Syndrome. Since CBD wouldn’t have the effects of making her high, it could be used in her medication and was able to help her significantly. Thanks to Charlotte Figi, hemp-based products containing high levels of CBD and low levels of THC have become legal to purchase across the United States.

What Medical Conditions Can High THC/ Low CBD Marijuana Strains Help?

Due to the stigma that still surrounds marijuana in the United States, researching the effects of THC on medical conditions is no easy task. Fortunately, research has been conducted and there is enough evidence to suggest that THC helps to control pain and alleviate some of the symptoms of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Cancer, AIDS/HIV, Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease and a lot more. The good news is that the recreational use of marijuana is less controversial than ever and research has demonstrated that there are legitimate medical uses for marijuana.

A few of the studies conducted include a 2006 study by Blake et al. where 58 arthritis patients who were given marijuana enjoyed the benefits of reduced pain and better sleep. Another study done in 2007 by Haney et al. was conducted on HIV patients and determined that the consumption of cannabis resulted in improvements in sleep patterns, appetite, and mood. The most common use for medical marijuana in the United States is for pain control. While skeptics who are anti-marijuana tend to claim that THC is all bad and turns people into zombies, the reality is that it’s effects are far more beneficial than that of Big Pharma drugs that are pushed on patients throughout the country.

Without further ado here are 5 of the best strains rich in THC:

1. Cookies Kush (The Award Winning Marijuana Strain)

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This is the hottest new strain on the marijuana market and has become a phenomenon. The winner of the Cannabis Cup in 2014, is a great strain for treating ailments such as depression, chronic pain, digestive problems and muscle spasms. Initially bred to be sold in coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Cookies Kush is an indica dominant strain (70%) and has a THC level that ranges from 15-18% and a CBD level between 1-3%. It’s a potent combination of Rolex Kush and Girls Scout Cookies strains. While most cannabis strains have both mental and physical effects, whereby consumers can easily determine when and how long these effects will last, the same cannot be said of Cookies Kush. This is a unique strain in that it gives users a somewhat confusing high, where consumers experience both its cerebral and physical body highs at the same time. In other words it induces contradicting effects. The great thing about this is that while you will hit a sedative state almost immediately, you will soon also feel mellow waves of energy, meaning that while you feel lazy, you will still have the energy to perform your daily tasks.

2. Violator Kush (The Marijuana Strain If You Want The Munchies)

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A combination of Malana and Hindu Kush, this is undoubtedly one of the strongest THC marijuana strains on the market. With a THC content of between 19-23% and CBD as low as 2%, Violator Kush will give you a strong body buzz that will leave you stuck to your chair. It is an indica dominant strain (80%) with the taste of spice, kush and pepper and feelings of laziness kicking in as early as from the first hit, accompanied by euphoria. This is also a very social strain, meaning that you are likely to become more talkative. In other words, while this high tend to lead to ‘couch lock’ (staying in one place), you will also become intensely sociable. As with any medicine, this strain does carry some negative side effects such as droopy red eyes but the benefits outweigh the negatives. Now for the important stuff, the medical conditions that Violator Kush is know to treat are gastrointestinal disorder, chronic pain, arthritis and insomnia. Having problems sleeping and eating? Violator Kush will be perfect for you because it will give you a major case of the munchies and then knock you out.

3. Red Dragon (The Fire Breathing Marijuana Strain)

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This sativa-dominant strain (60%) is a combination of Himalayan Kush and Utopian Haze and is perfect for first time users of high THC products. Featuring a sweet, fruity aroma, it’s practically an exotic flower and offers users a unique experience. The THC content varies between 10-20% but usually averages about 16% and while suitable for newcomers, it does possess a bit of a kick. The high is very energetic and cerebral, uplifting and relaxing. The energetic and upbeat effects are great for those suffering from depression or stress. However, it may also result in feelings of paranoia for some and as a result may not be the best strain for those who suffer from anxiety. Red dragon is a wonderful treatment for conditions such as migraines, inflammation, mood swings, fatigue, AD/HD and arthritis. Since it produces a high that makes you feel sleepy yet hungry, it’s also a great treatment for anyone who suffers from an eating disorder. Notable side effects include dry mouth and dizziness.

4. Vanilla Kush (The Sedative Marijuana Strain)

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This is an indica dominant strain (70%) that has been bred from Afghan and Kashmir strains. With delightful scents of vanilla, lavender and a hint of citrus, it is a true gift to the senses. Vanilla Kush contains very high levels of THC, that can reach up to 20% and only about 1% of CBD which means that consumers will encounter an extremely powerful high. As a result, it is recommended that only experienced users attempt Vanilla Kush as the effects are likely to be far too overwhelming for newcomers. It’s perfect for those looking for a nice, soothing body high and experienced users are often able to maintain enough energy to remain active despite the sedative high. Possible side effects include dry mouth but for the most part, adverse effects are very mild. Vanilla Kush is often used to treat ailments like PTSD, loss of appetite, PMS, fibromyalgia and chronic pain.

5. Blue Cheese (The Food Lover’s Marijuana Strain)

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This is a fairly potent, Indica-dominant strain (80%) which THC levels that reach up to 20%. It is a great ‘mood picker upper’, giving users the ability to stay sociable with an ultimate energy boost. As you may have made out from the name, this strain has strong smells of blue cheese but also of berry. The heavy indica effects will help consumers to feel relaxed at the end of the day and can provide relief for pain, muscle spasms and stress. Blue Cheese has been used to treat bipolar disorder, PTSD, chronic pain, loss of appetite and depression. Some possible side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes. If you indulge in Blue Cheese, make sure you stock up on snacks since it will give you a serious case of the munchies.

Final Thoughts about High THC Strains

Every user is at a different point in their marijuana journey. Newbies need to ensure that they research the different strains and potential side effects. It’s always a good idea to start with the less potent strains. As we have seen, based on the above information, strains that are high in THC levels seem to be great for treating chronic pain. Always keep in mind that many of these strains carry powerful psychoactive properties, meaning the high can be quite intense. As a result we recommend using them in the safety of your own home and in the evening.

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