Cannabis strains available at licensed dispensaries throughout the US are reported to produce a whole range of effects - with some meant to be deeply relaxing and sleepy, and others that can make you feel like you drank a whole pot of coffee!
Strongest Strains in Illinois - 420 Edition
It all comes down to complex blends of different cannabinoids, terpenes, and other chemicals present in different strains that all work in tandem to create a variety of effects for different people.
But what exactly does it mean when a weed strain is said to be strong or potent?
THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most well-known cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. When considering products that are likely to produce strong psychoactive effects, many people consider the total percentage of THC as a primary indicator as to whether that cannabis product might be potent.
While overall THC level can be a significant factor, it’s important to note that various other cannabinoids including CBD, CBN, CBG, and many others play a significant role in the effects one might ultimately expect.
With that said, we decided to compile this list of most-potent weed strains available in Illinois based on those that had the highest average percentage of THC across currently in stock flower products for those strains.
After taking a look at the data for every strain available at Illinois medical and recreational dispensaries in April 2022, here is our list of the strongest strains currently available in the state:
1. Brownie Scout
Brownie Scout produced by GTI tops our list of strongest strains in Illinois. This strain is widely available across the state and touts an impressive average total THC of 33.53%.
Brownie Scout is an Indica dominant strain that was created by crossing Platinum Girl Scout Cookies with Kosher Kush. It is highly sought after not only for its sky-high THC content but also for its deeply relaxing high and delicious chocolatey flavors.
Careful with Brownie Scout, as its effects are known to come on fast and strong. As is common with Indica-dominant strains, Brownie Scout can be expected to produce strong waves of relaxation that can instantly ease stress and leave you in a cerebral haze accompanied by notes of slight physical stimulation.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a state of couch-lock after a long night indulging in Brownie Scout, as one of the most reported effects produced from this strain is “sleepy” - making this an ideal night-time strain.
Want to find Brownie Scout at a dispensary near you?
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2. Sunshine OG
Sunshine OG by Verano comes in at #2 on our list of strongest strains in Illinois with a whopping average total THC of 33.44% across currently in stock Flower products.
Sunshine OG is a hybrid strain that was created by crossing the strain Sunshine Daydream with Chemdawg #4. This strain came to prominence after winning the 2015 Michigan High Times Cannabis Cup. Sunshine OG is also sometimes referred to as just Sunshine, or Sunshine #4.
Sunshine’s high has been known to come on relatively slowly compared to other strains - and our product testers certainly agree. CannMenus staff initially reported experiencing a slow build-up of euphoria and giddiness accompanied shortly after by an uplift in energy and an elevation in mood. However, as more time passed, the energy we experienced was tapered by a strong wave of relaxation that takes over in the form of a strong full-body buzz. Our minds generally felt relaxed under this strain, but some of us certainly were stimulated with bursts of creative energy as well.
Some people online also report feeling chatty and more social for a short time before becoming overcome by this strain’s more relaxing effects.
Sunshine OG lives up to its name - somehow effectively mimicking the feeling of laying out in the warm summer sun, ready to take a lazy afternoon nap in the shade - making this a great strain for the afternoons and evenings or a relaxing day with nothing to do.
Where can you buy Sunshine OG?
Check here to see if Sunshine OG is available at your closest dispensary using CannMenus Product Search.
3. Dosi OG
Dosi OG by GTI comes 3rd on our list of strongest strains in Illinois, and with a strong average of 33.28% THC, this strain is not messing around. Dosi OG is another Indica-dominant strain that was created by crossing Do-Si-Dos with OG Kush.
CannMenus staff reported waves of relaxation in the minutes after consuming Dosi OG - with stress relief, calmness, and euphoria being reported.
Our tester also noted a physical cerebral stimulation behind the eyes that slowly dispersed to the rest of their body in a deeply soothing body buzz, alleviating aches and pains and delivering a powerfully relaxing high.
Many online reviews report feeling sleepy from this strain, especially as time passes, making for an ideal evening strain.
Want to find Dosi OG at a dispensary nearby?
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4. Thai G
Thai G is a Sativa-dominant strain that was created by crossing Thai Landrace with G6 (aka Jet Fuel). This strain is grown by Verano in Illinois and grabs the 4th spot on our list with an average of 33.02% THC across all flower products currently in stock. This energizing powerhouse is famous not only for its uplifting cerebral high but also for its deliciously bright flavor.
After a few quick hits, our distinguished product testers reported a moderate initial uplift in mood. Over time, our staff also noted increases in energy and focus beginning to build, so we might recommend Thai G for those days where you need just the right motivation to begin tackling overdue chores around the house.
Many online reviews also report feeling inspired by waves of creative ideas, making this a favorite among artists and musicians. Some people also report feeling more talkative or social from this strain, so it can be a good option to enjoy with friends or at an event where you might have to carry on multiple conversations. It can also make for a solid “wake-and-bake” strain - as a couple of morning hits are sure to have you going about your day in a calmly motivated state of blissful euphoria.
Where can you find the strain Thai G?
Use the CannMenus Product Search tool to find the best deals on Thai G at a dispensary near you.
5. Casino Kush
Coming in at #5 is Casino Kush produced by GTI, which boasts an average THC content of 33.02% THC across flower products currently in stock in Illinois.
Casino Kush is an Indica-dominant strain created by crossing White Walker and Blue Flame #29, and is highly sought after for its powerfully heavy-hitting effects and sky-high THC content. Notably, Casino Kush took home 2nd prize at the 2018 High Times World Cup best Indica flower category.
We experienced a definite initial mood elevation when trying Casino Kush, which then gave way to a strong physical body-buzz sensation which we think makes this strain a strong candidate to help alleviate aches and pains. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself searching through your fridge as the munchies set in, as this strain has a reputation for inducing hunger.
Want to find Casino Kush near you?
Use CannMenus Product Search to search for Casino Kush at a dispensary near you.
6. Kosher Dawg
Kosher Dawg by Verano takes 6th place in our strongest strains sold at licensed cannabis dispensaries in Illinois this April with an average THC content of 32.35%.
Kosher Dawg is an Indica-dominant hybrid strain that was created by crossing Kosher Kush with Stardawg. This two-time High Times Cannabis Cup award winner was created by DNA Genetics in the Netherlands. This strain has tightly packed buds with abundant trichomes and orange hairs and is also sometimes referred to as Kosher Dog or Hebrew National.
While this strain is known for its more relaxing effects, you can expect this strain to be fairly balanced.
Where can you find Kosher Dawg?
Use CannMenus Product Search Tool to see if Kosher Dawg is available at a dispensary near you.
7. Afternoon Delight #7
Afternoon Delight is a hybrid strain that was created by crossing the strains GMO with Trophy Wife. This strain grown by GTI in Illinois takes the 7th spot on our list with an average THC content of 32.15% THC.
This strain is seriously powerful and is highly sought after not only for its sky-high THC content but also for the super dense light green buds coated in frosty white trichomes that it’s come to be known for. This strain has the distinct honor of winning the Chicago Reader's 2020 Best Strain for enhancing sexual pleasure.
The relaxing effects of this strain make it an excellent afternoon and evening strain. This is also another perfect strain to enjoy on a day off.
Where to find the strain Afternoon Delight?
Use the CannMenus Product Search tool to find this strain at a dispensary near you.
8. Kosher Kush
Kosher Kush is a legendary, award-winning Indica dominant strain, and it comes in at number 8 with an average THC content of 31.97% grown by GTI in Illinois.
While the exact origin of this strain is a mystery, we know that Kosher Kush originates in California, and it is thought to be related to OG Kush. Kosher Kush won the 2010 and 2011 High Times Cannabis Cup for best Indica strain and took home the award for best strain overall at the Cannabis Cup in 2012.
Kosher Kush is an extremely relaxing strain and is best enjoyed in the evenings or on a day when you don't have much to do, as many users report feeling couch-locked or sleepy after a while.
Kosher Kush can be helpful for those looking for a restful night of sleep or insomnia, but be careful and take it slow with this one especially if you are new to weed.
How to find Kosher Kush
Want to find Kosher Kush products near you? Check here to find Kosher Kush at your closest dispensary.
9. Blulato
Blulato is an Indica-dominant strain that was created by crossing Sin Mint Cookies with Gelato 33. This strain was created by FloraCal Farms out in California and was rolled out throughout Illinois by FloraCal owner Cresco Labs just in time for 4/20 in April of 2022. This strain has a THC content of 31.87% THC, securing it the number 9 spot on our list of the strongest strains in the state.
This strain has become immediately popular, selling out in its first few days at many locations across Illinois. This is due in part to its incredible THC content and its delicious and pungent flavors.
Blulato delivers a strongly relaxing high that will certainly help take the edge off any day. The deeply relaxing nature of this strain makes it an ideal nighttime strain, or for a day when you don't have a lot to accomplish.
Where can you buy Blulato?
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10. Kush Mountains
Kush Mountains takes the 10th and final spot of our 10 strongest strains in Illinois with a THC content of 31.87% THC, grown and distributed in Illinois under GTI’s Rhythm, &Shine, and Good Green brands.
Kush Mountains is an Indica dominant hybrid strain that was created by crossing White Walker OG with Blue Flame #4. Kush Mountains won the 2018 High Times World Cup title for best hybrid strain.
Several people reported feeling hungry as this strain appears to bring on some serious munchies. Many online reviews also report feelings of sleepiness - making Kush Mountains another ideal nighttime strain.
Want to find Kush Mountains near you?
Use CannMenus Product Search to find Kush Mountains at your nearest dispensary.