aka Chemdog

Chemdawg is a legendary strain with an uncertain genetic history. While it is thought to be crossed from Thai and Nepalese sativa landraces by U.S. breeders, many have laid claim to this strain’s creation. Chemdawg’s origin stories include one account of a complicated seed exchange among fellow growers at a Grateful Dead concert and another tale pinning the strain’s parentage on a Colorado strain called Dog Bud (so named for its tendency to make the smoker roll over like a dog). Whatever its beginnings, Chemdawg has become a staple in the U.S. cannabis market for its unique taste and upbeat, energetic high. It has also been used to crossbreed several popular and successful strains. Chemdawg’s THC content has been measured at between 15% and 20%.
Chemdawg has medium-sized buds that look slightly different from those of hybrid or pure indica lineage. Long and tapered rather than popcorn-like, the flowers have relatively loose and wispy leaves. The spring green leaves are covered in sticky white trichomes, lending buds a silver-white appearance. Due to the combination of their loose structure and resinous texture, buds of Chemdawg are particularly difficult to break up by hand — users preparing flowers for joints or pipes will have an easier time with a grinder. The sticky flowers are threaded through with red to orange pistils. Chemdawg has a smell reminiscent of diesel fuel (which many say is the source of the “chem” in its name). The pungent flowers also give off odors of earthy musk and some pine. As long as flowers are properly cured, this strain has smooth smoke that tastes sour and when inhaled. On the exhale, Chemdawg’s smoke betrays its signature diesel taste with an ammonia-like tang that hits the top of the palate.
About Chemdawg Cannabis Strain
- Effects: Euphoric, Giggly, Creative, Talkative, Tingly
- Side Effects: Concern, Thirst and dry mouth, Hunger, Heightened sensory perception
- Common Usage: Arthritis, Glaucoma, Hypertension, Muscular dystrophy, PMS, Lack of appetite, Migraines
- Terpenes: Pinene, Bisabolol, Humulene, Carene, Camphene, Phellandrene
- Taste: Chemical, Diesel, Earthy, Pine, Pungent, Skunk
Over the years there has been more than one story circulating about how Chemdawg came into being, but with no way to confirm the rumors we are left wondering, and thus Chemdawg lives on to be one of the most mysterious strains on the market.
One thing is for sure though, and that is that Chemdawg has well and truly made a name for itself as one of the best strains to try if you have a passion for pot. This hybrid boasts between 15 and 20% THC, making it pretty strong, but the real draw for us is its insanely potent aroma and fast-acting effects.

Commonly referred to as a sativa-dominant strain, this is one to opt for if you love a chatty, get-stuff-done sort of high, but one should be prepared before delving in, as this strain can be pretty hard-hitting so newbies may want to steer clear!
Chemdawg has been the parent strain of many world famous buds, such as Sour Diesel and OG Kush, both of which are pot powerhouses in their rights! However, as we said, nobody knows where Chemdawg came from, with some believing it was part of a complex seed exchange at a Grateful Dead concert, and others rumoring that it is the child of a Colorado strain named Dog Bud.
What we do know for sure is that this delightfully potent bud is a cannabis staple for the serious bud smoker, and it has been at the center of the U.S. cannabis market for decades.
Chemdawg Adverse Reaction
Other than the feeling of disorientation due to the strong levels of THC, Chemdawg has also been known to cause paranoia if used in excess, particularly in people who suffer from mental health issues initially. We would always recommend that people who are new to cannabis proceed with extreme caution, and even those who are seasoned smokers take precautions with the THC here.
Chemdawg Smell and Terpenes
Basically, the scent is very recognizable, pungent, diesel, and earthy. On rare occasions, smokers also caught the smell of lemon and pine. This cannabis is dominated by terpenes caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene. Chemdawg is not recommended for edibles. It is strong and paired with a strong diesel aroma, which isn’t preferable in the cookies and brownies.
The first thing that hits you with Chemdawg is the smell; think eye-watering pungency with notes of chemicals and diesel, and you may get somewhere close to the power of Chemdawg. The earthy notes coupled with the diesel-like scent makes for a seriously musky strain, which you will likely either love or hate!
If you can make it past that powerful, hard-hitting scent, then the taste of Chemdawg will likely come as no surprise – with a super strong tasting diesel with undertones of pine and a slight tang, it is undoubtedly a taste sensation!
Chemdawg Grow Info
- Flowering time: 53-61 Days
- Harvest time: 66-73 Days
- Yield indoor: 0.5 – 1 Oz/Ft² (~ 300 g/m²) oz/ft2
- Yield outdoor: 1 – 2 Oz/plant (~ 400 g/plant) oz/ft2
- Height indoor: 60-80 Inches
- Height outdoor: 90 > Inches
- Grow difficulty: Easy
- Flowering type: Photoperiod
Chemdawg is a strain whose cultivation is better suited to more experienced growers. For a while, it could only be grown as a clone if a clipping was obtained from a mature plant; now, however, many seed companies sell packaged seeds of Chemdawg. It is more often grown indoors than outdoors, as it requires a good amount of tending to resist mold and mildew. Growing indoors takes some vigilance — the sativa-typical plants often grow over 5 feet tall, and as such, growers should bend and prune them early in the vegetative stage in order to keep them at a manageable height. Plants flower within 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors and typically offer a very high yield: growers can expect between 65 and 75 grams, or 2.3 and 2.6 ounces, per square footage of plant. Such high yields on such relatively tall plants can make for branches that sag under the weight of the flowers; growers should use tall supports like wooden dowels in order to keep plants upright in the flowering stage. Finally, because of Chemdawg’s pungency, any growers preoccupied with secrecy or discretion should invest in indoor odor-control measures like carbon air filters or exhaust fans.

Chemdawg Medical Benefits
- THC: 18 – 20%
- CBD: 0.72 – 1.81%
- CBC: 0.09 – 1.13%
- CBG: 0.49 – 1.03%
- CBN: 0.06 – 0.29%
- THCV: 0.33 – 1.05%
Cannabis seeds are most commonly found in the United States. What’s more, they are easy to purchase online. Growing requires a little experience, and it is also better to consult with professionals. The plant can exist both indoors and outdoors. Flowering time takes approximately 7-9 weeks and yields are 3-6 ounces per square foot. The trichomes are thick and massive. They cover the dark green and vivid colors of the buds. Orange pistils make the buds even more attractive and more unique. In general, the plant looks great and it will compliment your garden if you are a grower.
Medicinally, Chemdawg has a lot to offer, with the cerebral and upbeat energy being a great way to combat mental conditions such as stress, PTSD, anxiety and depression, and the physical relaxation being ideal for pain and migraines. This is a good all-rounder for those who are looking for a potent high.
Some users report that Chemdawg can bring about a disorientating feeling at first, so we recommend starting with light amounts and working up from there. However, after a few moments the hyper-awareness should set in and you can get your productivity in full flow.
Chemdawg’s potency has made it a valuable strain for crossbreeding. Its descendant strains include the phenotype Chemdawg 91 as well as the hugely popular hybrids Sour Diesel and OG Kush. More likely to keep users awake then put them to sleep if consumed at night, it has an almost eye-watering pungency and energizing and thought-stimulating effects. Chemdawg can be a great choice for accomplishing tasks, as well as for more celebratory circumstances as it keeps heads buzzing and conversation flowing.
This stain it’s pretty hard to come by in my Toronto area so when my shop gets it I always try and get a a gram. Great euphoric feeling I use this one too kick back and watch movies makes me feel really relaxed.