Chemdawg Strain

Medically reviewed by Alexander Tabibi, MD
September 13, 2020
Weed Strain Chemdawg Review
Weed Strain Chemdawg Review

What do you get when you cross a dude named Chemdog, a bunch of seeds, and a Grateful Dead Concert?  We don’t know either, because in that scenario we probably forgot the question, but urban legend tells us that’s how we got the Chemdawg strain.  We have no clue if this is true, but that doesn’t matter, because the strain is such an in-demand classic that it doesn’t need to rely on folklore to increase its appeal.

What is Chemdawg?

What we do know is that the Chemdawg Strain, also known as “Chemdog”, is the grand ol’ strain that spawned many others (Sour Diesel, OG Kush), making it a foundation of the cannabis world.  And it certainly lives up to that, as any devotee will tell you.  This strong 55/45 indica-leaning hybrid delivers a powerful head high with a heavy body effect, and a pungent, distinctive smell and taste that lingers.  It yields about 17-22% THC, and 1% CBN with below 1% CBD.

The loose, light leaves of the Chemdawg flower stick out from the elliptical-shaped bud, that’s fairly average in size.  The leaves are vibrantly green, and even have the sticky white trichomes that make the nugs appear glittering and glistening, with the telltale orange pistils sticking out.  They’re slippery buggers, too, due to the shape and looseness, so they’re hard to break up by hand – best to use a grinder with these nugs.

What Does Chemdawg Taste and Smell Like?

Nope, it doesn’t smell like a wet dog.  It’s more along the lines of gasoline or chemicals, which would explain the chem in the name.  Sure, you also get the telltale earthy, musky cannabis flavors, along with a little bit of woody pine.  The toke is smooth, but it’s on exhaling that you’ll take in the diesel-like flavor, mixed with the spicy, herbal plant taste, along with plenty of lemony citrus.

Oh yeah – your neighbors will get a whiff of it, too, so be alert to that if you need more privacy.  It’s just that pungent.

What are Chemdawg’s Effects?

The fairly balanced hybrid Chemdawg strain with a high THC level makes for a strong mind and body reaction.  Because of this combination, it’s a sought-after line for therapeutic uses by medical marijuana users.

Either way, buckle up, because the Chemdawg effect takes hold quickly.  It begins with a heightening of the senses, so the world around you will get brighter, more colorful, louder, and you’ll smell everything.  You’ll become hyper-aware, which for some people can be the trigger to increase the paranoia levels or even anxiety.  The head high is powerful, and can take you by surprise, so be careful and make sure you’re in a safe and secure setting.

Users report that it quickly just melts away the stress, and you can almost feel it happening, but that the high just keeps going, and you feel it increasing over time.  It’s definitely a strong high that affects both the mind and body, and with the increasing effect, coupled with the increased awareness, you will feel it happening and experience every stage of it.  For this very reason it can be disorienting to some users.

Overall, it’s a good daytime strain as it can offer sublime euphoria, creativity and a lifted effect that makes you feel more energized, focused and motivated.

Possible Side Effects of the Chemdawg Cannabis Strain

This “roll over like a dog” strain will definitely have a mind and body effect on you that depending on your experience and expectations, you might confused some of the effects as side effects, so be forewarned. You’re gonna crash on this one. Along with that you’ll get the usual side effects, and the taste will be just another reason you’ll want to have extra water on hand.

If you’re particularly sensitive, you might experience some of the more rare side effects like paranoia or anxiety, which are heightened if you’re not ready for the quickness of onset, or are not in the right frame of mind to take a head high.

  • Dry mouth
  • Dry eyes
  • Paranoia
  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety

Growing the Chemdawg Cannabis Strain

Don’t even bother to try to grow the Chemdawg strain unless you’re an experienced grower. If you do want to try, you can do it from seeds which are now more readily available, or from clippings or clones. This strain is nearly always grown indoors because it’s a high maintenance strain to grow, from its susceptibility to mold and mildew, to its size, it’s gonna take a good amount of time and tending to, from bracing to environment control, and odor control, such as carbon air filters or exhaust fans.

  • Height: 5ft
  • Flowering: 9-10 weeks
  • Yield: very high – 65-75 grands (2.3-2.6oz) per square foot
  • Very aromatic, will require filters or exhaust fans

Chemdawg: A Legend That Packs a Punch

Call it Chemdawg or Chemdog – either way, it’s become a staple in the cannabis world, both on its own as a strain, and as a parent strain used to make some of the most beloved cultivars around the world.  The strain will deliver a powerful high in waves through the mind and body, and also will eventually put you to sleep when you crash.  The strong-smelling buds will help you focus on tasks that require energy and engagement, with an elevated sense of creativity, making it a great recreational choice for social events.