Chemdawg is a famous strain that has an uncertain genetic history. It is generally thought to be a cross of Thai and Nepalese sativa species done by U.S. breeders, but many people have claimed to be the original breeders.
There are many stories about its origins including an account of a complicated seed exchange between growers at a Grateful Dead concert, as well as a story that attributes the strain’s parentage to a Colorado strain called Dog Bud. Whatever the truth, it is a hugely popular strain thanks to its unique taste and its upbeat, energetic high. It has a THC content that is usually measured at between 15% and 20%.
The strain’s buds are slightly different from those of most indica dominant hybrids. They are long and tapered, instead of popcorn like, and the flowers have loose and wispy leaves. The leaves are covered in sticky white trichomes that give the buds a silver-white appearance. Because of the combination of their loose structure and resinous texture, Chemdawg buds are difficult to break up by hand and users will benefit from a grinder. The sticky flowers are threaded through with red to orange pistils. The strain has a smell similar to diesel (which many claim is the source of the ‘chem’ in its name). As long as the flowers have been properly cured, it produces a smooth smoke that tastes sour when inhaled.
Chemdawg has a fast hitting high and some users have reported experiencing a sharpening of the senses and an increased awareness of their surroundings. The head high can be initially disorientating but it becomes more productive, cerebral and introspective with time. Thanks to its ability to heighten the senses, it can be particularly good for creative activities. Users have reported a sense of physical relaxation, but nothing as strong as couchlock. Thanks to the strain’s strong cerebral high, many have used it to treat symptoms associated with stress and anxiety, as well as pain relief.
Chemdawg is not the easiest strain to cultivate and is best suited to experienced growers. It is usually grown indoors as it needs a large amount of tending to resist mould and mildew. However, it is not an easy indoor grow. The plants tend to grow over 5 feet tall and as such need bending and pruning in the early vegetative stage. The plants will flower within 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors and normally produce a very high yield, as much as 75 grams per square foot of plant. As the yields are high, growers should use tall supports in order to keep the plants upright during flowering. Furthermore, the plants are extremely pungent.
Thanks to Chemdawg’s potency, it is a valuable strain for crossbreeding. It has a number of descendent strains including Chemdawg 91 and the popular hybrids Sour Diesel and OG Kush. It is more likely to keep users awake than help them sleep, and it is extremely aromatic. It can be a great daytime smoke, and enjoyable both alone and in social situations.
