Most Potent THCA Flowers: 10 of the Strongest Strains - The Hemp Doctor (2024)

THCA flower is a quality product getting traction these days. It is non-psychoactive in raw form but can convert to THC when lit. This brilliant chink in the legal system allows people to enjoy cannabis and the benefits of THCA without fuss, although some states have enforced restrictions on it.

That said, THCA flowers come in strains, each having a unique cannabinoid profile and THCA concentration. Not all strains, however, have high levels of THCA. This is where this listicle comes in. After vetting several strains claiming to have high THCA, we narrowed our list to 10 strains with the highest THCA concentration.

Understanding THCA Potency

THCA, in its undisturbed form, is technically neither potent nor offers any type of high users often found in THC variants like Delta 9. To activate THCA’s psychoactive effects, it has to be converted to Delta 9 THC, achieved through heat. Vaping, smoking, and dabbing provide that heat to trigger conversion or the decarboxylation process.

It follows that the higher the THCA concentration in weed, the stronger the potency and effects. Higher ideal THCA potency is a sought-after trait for flowers because you don’t need to smoke a lot to achieve a certain level of psychoactive effects of THC.

Certain factors are key to influencing THCA potency. These are strain genetics and growing conditions. Together, they dictate the perceived effect of THCA on a user. Will it be intense? Mellow? Energizing?

THCA potency is typically expressed in percentage. To check a strain’s percentage, request a COA (Certificate of Analysis) of a THCA product from dispensaries. Sometimes, online sellers link COAs to the cannabis products page. These product analysis reports are conducted through third-party lab tests.

Lastly, not all THCA in a flower or product converts to Delta 9 when heated. During the conversion process, only 87.7% of THCA will turn into THC content.

Ranking Criteria for THCA Flower

We designated a list of ranking criteria to establish a common ground in our vetting process. Aside from potency on paper, this blog also aims to rank THCA flower strains according to the collective user review, strain genetics, and growing conditions. Here’s the rest of our ranking criteria with a quick explanation.

THCA Potency Level

The THCA potency level is a core metric for ranking THCA flower potency. It deals with the percentage of THCA present in the strain. This metric is often found in COAs.

Collective User Review

Human experience is one of the best signifiers of how strong a THCA flower strain is. We’ll examine each strain’s popularity, reputation, and collective user review through comments on no-holds-barred sites like Reddit.

Strain Genetics

The inherent genetics of a strain dictate the level of THCA present in a flower. Some strains naturally grow flowers with higher levels of THCA, while some don’t.

Growing Conditions

A cannabis plant can be grown indoors, in greenhouses, and outdoor setups. Overall, indoor cultivation encourages a higher yield of THCA percentage because of the optimal conditions a controlled environment offers. Let’s assume all THCA strains listed here are indoor-grown, so we’ll give each a 10.

We established this scoring board to rank THCA flower strains by hard, evidentiary statistics. From 10 being the highest and one being the lowest, the scoring process is designed so that the highest-scoring THCA flower strain is considered the “most potent.”

Top 10 Most Potent THCA Flower Strains

Here’s a review of the features of the top ten most potent THCA flower strains, starting with the highest-rated strain.

Future Haze (40% THCA)

Price per gram: $20

★★★★★★★★★ (9.75)

Rated as the #1 in our list of the most potent THCA flowers to date, Future Haze delivers a potent high meant for those who want to try unheard-of THCA potency. Beginners might want to try this strain in the latter game as it can be too overpowering for the inexperienced.

• Earthy and citrusy aroma and flavor
• Soothing body buzz with a mental lift
• Best for a day-time smoke

Link to the COA

User Reddit Review:

“…Cerebral highs and flower with a strong head hit are what I love. Feeling the tingle creep over my neck and my across my skull. Feeling any tension release immediately. So f****** good. Then I play Fortnite and forget I’m even looting.”

– ketchupandliqour69

Pros:

• Has the highest potency of THCA on this list
• Aced scores in collective user review and strain genetics
• Great for day-time smoke

Cons:

• Not fit for beginners
• Pricey
• Availability issues

Secret Cookies—Ultra Premium (39.6% THCA)

Price per gram: $14.99

★★★★★★★★★ (9.25)

The Secret Cookies-Ultra premium gives a cozy vibe that is perfect for when you’re searching for a bud that evokes a mellow and happy mood. Its captivating hues of deep purple and orange are proof of its rich flavor profile, which is sweet and earthy with a hint of spice.

• Sweet, earthy, with a spicy kick
• Effects include calming, relaxing, and mood-boosting
• Good for chilling after work

Link to the COA

User Review:

“Extremely joyful! Got mine from Cannabist in Portsmouth, VA. Euphoric! Had a great bonding session with a family member. We laughed and laughed and laughed. What a wonderful strain. If you find it, buy a ton. Would love some pressed hash of this very dense, frosty beauty.”

– FLUFFHEADJULIUS

Pros:

• Exceptional THCA potency
• Rich flavor profile
• Relaxing effects
• Aesthetically appealing

Cons:

• Not fit for beginners
• Potential for couch-lock

Greasy Zkittles (36.4% THCA)

Price per gram: $20

★★★★★★★★★ (9)

Dubbed the “greasiest” among THCA flower strains, Greasy Zkittles has a strong, earthy aroma but will pleasantly surprise you with its euphoric and relaxed effects.

Experienced connoisseurs will find Greasy Zkittles to be the bolder version of White and Black Runtz.

• Strong, earthy aroma with sweet undertones of grape and rose
• Effects are a combination of euphoric and relaxed
• Best used for relaxing with friends

Link to the COA

User Review:

“I’ve tried 1/2 of these buds & by far this is the most potent nice & oily!-great buzz.”

– bong’n b

Pros:

• Unique flavor profile
• Balanced effects
• Visually striking

Cons:

• Strong earthy aroma
• Limited availability
• Unpredictable effects

Exotic Vanilla Frosting (33.3% THCA)

Price per gram: $4-$20

★★★★★★★★ (8.75)

The exotic vanilla frosting buds grow densely, while its leafy parts are accented by silver and purple. Its out-of-this-world potency complements its luscious vanilla notes and gassy finish.

• Vanilla notes
• Relaxed and euphoric but makes you crave food
• Good for hours before bedtime

Link to the COA

User Review:

“I smoked this out of my glass pipe and you instantly smell and taste the vanilla…. This is the first time in awhile finding a strain so smooth & light, but also gives you a “Head-High” that sends you straight to the Moon! I’m a parent, so if you got kids then I would recommend you smoke this “After work” or “After the Kids been put to bed”. Just saying lol.”

– Commenter from Leafly

Pros:

• Rich, creamy vanilla flavor profile
• Attractive frosty appearance
• Balanced effects

Cons:

• Limited availability
• Not suitable for beginners
• Pricey for premium selections
• Gives you the munchies

Bird Turd (32.9% THCA)

Price per gram: $11-$17

★★★★★★★★ (8.75)

Meet our halfway THCA strain, “Bird Turd.” Its 32.9% THCA level is as unforgettable as its name. Crossbred between Cat Piss and Gorilla Balls, it’s a nice day-time weed that uplifts the mind and gives bursts of inspiration.

• Skunky with citrusy notes
• Uplifting and encourages creativity
• Perfect for any time of the day

Link to the COA

User Review:

“Having been accustomed to needing a couple of pipes’ worth of products to achieve a relaxing, buzzy high, I was pleasantly surprised to reach this state with one deep toke of Bird Turd. Weird name, great experience. Increases creativity, too. Great for playing chess.”

– Beverly C.

Pros:

• Unique flavor profile
• Hybrid nature of effects
• Colorful buds

Cons:

• Hard to find
• The name “Bird Turd” might be off-putting to some

Black Velvet (32% THCA)

Pr ice per gram: $10-$17

★★★★★★★★ (8.5)

Black velvet is a cross between the Black and Burmese Kush. Its rich and flavorful aroma boasts subtle notes of berries, grapes, pines, and spices. Users of this strain noted the deeply relaxing experience, promoting a sense of calm and sleepiness for most users.

• Subtle notes of berries, grapes, pines, and spices
• For deep relaxation

Link to the COA

User Review:

“This hits hard and stays with you! Slightly harsh but worth it. My only real complaint is that I only ordered 3.5g”

– Morgan Routt

Pros:

• Subtle and smooth flavor profile
• Potential for mood enhancement
• Attractive buds

Cons:

• Limited accessibility
• Too deeply relaxing for some

Lemon Pound Cake (30.14% THCA)

Pr ice per gram: $6-$13

★★★★★★★★ (8.5)

Lemon pound cake is called by this delicious tag name for a reason. Its tangy flavor profile is likened to a freshly baked lemon pound cake. Users of this ultra-rich THCA strain are drawn for its energizing and focus-laden effects.

• Tastes cheesy with a sugary lemon aroma
• Energizes and empowers concentration
• Good for keeping you productive and busy

Link to the COA

User Review:

“It was amazing! Very energizing high. I felt very clear headed. Wanted to be productive and was! The quality of it is amazing, and so is the smoke. It’s just weed ;p Probably my #1 strain that I have got here so far!”

– Emma M.

Pros:

• Delicious citrusy flavor profile
• Energizes
• Bright and frosty buds

Cons:

• May cause anxiety in large amounts for some users
• Regional availability

Watermelon Zkittlez (29.41% THCA)

Pr ice per gram: $9

★★★★★★★★ (8)

Watermelon Zkittlez is a brilliant blend between The Original Z and Watermelon strains. Celebrated for its relaxing effects, its earthy and citrusy flavor profile complements the calmness you get from this exotic strain.

• Earthy with citrusy notes
• Sleepy and relaxed
• Best used at the end of the day or work week

COA Not Available

User Review:

“This strain lives up to the hype. Great taste for sure, being very fruity and delicious. The high is fantastic. I stubbed the absolute sh*t out of my toe a few hours ago, and it has definitely helped with the pain. Ready to drift off to sleep with less pain is a strain I’ll keep going back to.”

– cammymack

Pros:

• Relaxing effects best used for chilling at the end of the day
• Vibrant and frosty buds

Cons:

• May cause drowsiness in daytime
• Limited regional access

Platinum Purple Cookies (29.07% THCA)

Pr ice per gram: $11

★★★★★★★★ (8)

Platinum Purple Cookies is a hybrid created by crossing between Platinum Girl Scout Cookies and Purple Cookies strains. Named before its parentage, Platinum Purple Cookies is perfect for those who like the balanced effect of a hybrid.

• Herby with overtones of spicy fruits and wood
• Euphoric with waves of relaxation
• Anytime you want to get high unapologetically

COA Not Available

User Review:

“Super duper dense, almost impossible to crush a nug between two fingers. Had a gorgeous coating of crystals so large you could see them without even squinting, it was amazing. The high had a nice body stone, whilst sending my mind to a different planet. A very psychoactive strain, potent to the Nth degree. A winner.”

– User from Leafly

Pros:

• Rich flavor profile
• Balanced effects between euphoria and relaxation
• Beautiful buds

Cons:

• Too strong for beginners
• Limited availability

Gelato (23.4% THCA)

Pr ice per gram: $12

★★★★★★★★ (8)

Gelato is an in-demand THCA flower strain, a cross between Sunset Sherbert and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. It gained fame for its lavender-like and fruity flavors and beautifully balanced effects. You’ll find Gelato in almost all top-of-the-line dispensaries and online stores in the country.

• Lavender and citrus notes
• Induces a heavy high and mental clarity
• Can be used any time of the day

Link to the COA

User Review:

“In my opinion, Gelato has a tasty flavor, it is definitely best loved for its effects. As this head-high blissfully builds, a creeping body buzz will slowly wash over you, leaving you completely relaxed and calm with a sense of peace and well-being. So if anyone of you suffers muscle spasms, chronic pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, and headaches or migraines then I highly recommend Gelato! It’s a perfect day/night time strain for me cus’ Im productive during the day and Gelato’s effect seem to adjust based on my energy/stress level and time of the day. But at the end of the day, I can smoke Gelato and it helps my mind and body relax. Overall helpful with headaches & nstress. A perfect strain for me and will buy it again.”

– JeNikè Gibson commented in Exhale

Pros:

• Balanced effects
• Beautiful, dense and colorful buds

Cons:

• May induce drowsiness in high doses
• Has the potential for overconsumption
• Due to high demand, it may be limited in your area

Where to Buy Potent THCA Flower

You can purchase THCA flowers in many places, particularly in states that don’t ban them. It is available in various strains, potencies, quantities, and prices. However, it can be challenging to find extremely high-potency THCA flower.

While your local dispensary may carry some, it’s unlikely they have varieties with 40% or more THCA. The highest potency strains available typically have a 20% or more potency level. So, where can you get the top 10 strongest flower strains listed here?

Don’t lose hope. Try to ask your local budtender about the availability of the strains in question. If the store doesn’t carry any, ask him for dispensaries that are considered hotspots for premium and exotic THCA flowers.

Boutique cannabis shops will probably hold some of the stronger variants of THCA flower, too. Don’t forget cannabis expos and events. You may be lucky to score a low-priced, potent THCA flower from one of the stalls.

Another purchasing route to consider is the online market. Most of the strains mentioned in the list above are bred by a certain cannabis brand, and they will most likely only come from them. Sure, other best THC A brands may offer the same strain, but it would yield a different experience than the original.

What’s great about cannabis brands is that they have a dedicated online store where you can select products, pay for them, and deliver them straight to your address. They can be discreet, too, and most are open to whatever unique delivery instructions you want to be carried.

Online stores are an option if you don’t want to deal with the logistics of finding the THCA supplier’s physical store.

Consumer Tips for Choosing the Right THCA Flower

Some might raise their eyebrows, but potency is just one of the many factors to consider when choosing a THCA flower. Choosing the right THCA flower is all about considering your budget, desired effects, the baseline premium qualities you want in a THCA flower, etc. The key here is personalizing your purchase decision.

That said, aside from potency levels, here are some consumer tips to practice in your quest to find the one:

1. Understand Your Needs, Preferences, & Tolerance

Consider the types of high you want. Do you want something relaxing, energizing, or a little bit of both?

If you’re a beginner, you might want to avoid THCA flowers with freakishly high THCA content. You can enjoy those in the latter stages when you’re comfortable with THCA flowers.

2. Check out COAs and Lab-Test Results

COAs, also known as Certificates of Analysis, are lab reports you need to read to confirm the levels of cannabinoids present in a THCA flower. You need this piece of document to verify the purity of the flower from contaminants like pesticides or molds.

3. Read about Strains and Their Genetics

Research about a cannabis strain’s genetics and what it entails. This will help you understand the potential effects of the flower you’re about to purchase. Strains are categorized as either Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid.

4. Get Your Weed from Reputable Sources

Get your money’s worth by not associating with dubious scammers prowling online. Buy your weed from trusted sources from which you often hear good things. They’re popular for a reason.

5. Start By Buying Small Quantities

The best indicator that tests whether a THCA flower is right up your alley is to use it yourself. Start by purchasing small quantities first. Treat this as a sample purchase. You can stash bigger grams later once you discover the flower to be a fit.

6. Consider the Cannabis Laws in Your State and Local Jurisdiction

Do your due diligence and look up your local area’s stance and rules about cannabis and possessing THCA flowers. Although the 2018 Farm Bill didn’t legalize (nor prohibit) THCA flower, laws vary by state, and yours might have some unique protocols about the compound.

Final Thoughts

THCA flowers are quickly becoming a staple for cannabis consumers in the US. So much so that our breeders quickly produced highly potent THCA strains that were as incredulous as 40%. As we go through each strain, it’s important to responsibly do so by not driving or going to work under the influence.

Itching to explore more of the THCA flower world? Head in The Hemp Doctor’s largest selection of top shelf THCA flower in Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid variants. We’re positive you’ll find your match here.

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