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Sour Diesel Strain
Medically reviewed by Alexander Tabibi, MD
September 12, 2020
Table of Contents
Really doesn’t get any more iconic than Sour Diesel, one of the best-loved sativas of all time. Plus, to this day, it’s not just a favorite for partaking in, but a favorite among breeders looking for the perfect parent with which to produce their new cultivar offspring. Let’s explore this strain further as we can’t praise it enough.
What is Sour Diesel?
The Sour Diesel Cannabis Strain, also called the Sour D or Sour Deez, is an aptly named sativa-dominant hybrid known for it’s strong, fuel-like scent, and its powerful effects which are fast-acting, invigorating and energizing while still delivering a dreamy head high that has given the strain it’s cult-like following. While its history is shrouded in urban legend, it’s assumed to be a combination of Chemdog 91 and Super Skunk strains, or a Chemdog phenotype crossed with Mexican sativa. Regardless, this pungent, strong, skunky strain is a favorite across spectrums.
This strain is not only a favorite of recreational users, either. It packs some serious therapeutic value for medical marijuana users, melting away stress, pain, depression, replacing it with euphoric creative energy that’s lasting. It’s about 80-90% sativa, and also yields up to 25% THC and below 1% CBD.
Sour Diesel has an average appearance, with medium-sized nugs, olive-colored leaves, red-orange pistils and a densely packed structure that make this strain deceptive at first glance. Even the sparseness of the glistening trichomes is deceptive. The crystal-like white residue of the trichomes are on the inside, and visible when the nugs are broken or ground.
What Does Sour Diesel Taste and Smell Like?
You’ll likely not be surprised to learn that the Sour Diesel strain has a flavor of, well, diesel. Amidst that, there’s the standard earthy, woody and musky flavors typical of cannabis, and there are some citrus flavors like juicy orange, but let’s be real here: what would you expect a strain called Sour Diesel to taste like?
It’s strong. It’s strong out of the package, it’s stronger when you break it up or grind it, and its smoke is well known for its durable, strong odor. This is a skunky strain that might make you cough, or your sinuses might react when smoked. Oddly enough, though, the aftertaste is unexpectedly smooth, with a slight lemony flavor.
This strain isn’t a favorite for its flavor, that’s for sure. And anyone nearby will know you’re using it.
Sour Diesel Cannabis Strain Uses
Recreational users are attracted to this strain because of the relaxation and sense of euphoria it brings, along with the increased creative focus, which is also helpful in a therapeutic context.
It’s a sought after strain for those seeking relief from:
- General aches and pains
- Stress and anxiety, including PTSD
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Appetite loss
- Decreased libido
- Nausea
- Headaches, including migraines
Because of the low levels of indica, this strain while relaxing, isn’t a good choice for those seeking relief from insomnia or those in already heightened paranoid or anxious states because it does act as a mental stimulant, which can be counterproductive for those and similar conditions.
What are Sour Diesel’s Effects?
Recreational users are undeniably attracted to Sour Diesel because of the relaxation and sense of euphoria it brings, along with the increased creative energy and focus, which is also helpful in a therapeutic context. It’s a sought-after strain for those seeking relief from stress, aches and pains, fatigue, appetite loss and even migraines.
Because of the low levels of indica, this strain, while relaxing, isn’t a good choice for those seeking relief from insomnia or those in already heightened paranoid or anxious states, as it does act as a mental stimulant, which can be counterproductive for those and similar conditions.
The Sour Diesel strain kicks in quickly, beginning with a warm head high that noticeably picks up your mood and gets your thoughts firing. It’s known for more creative rather than analytical purposes because it’s more of a spacey high, than a cerebral one. It might also make you chattier than usual, or if you’re alone, more introspective and thoughtful, both of which combine nicely with its relaxing effects.
Because it’s invigorating rather than fully relaxing, it’s often the choice for earlier in the day, and it’s powerful enough to keep you going for several hours. It can be quite energizing, which might come in handy depending on what you need to get done.
Possible Side Effects of the Sour Diesel Cannabis Strain
The Sour Diesel strain is consistent with any heavy sativa strain, delivering a strong high that for novice users can be surprising and possibly overwhelming. This unexpected reaction can result in a sense of loss of control or increased anxiety, paranoia, but that is likely due to the lack of familiarity with your individual reactions. Go slow, stay hydrated, and enjoy the ride, it’ll last about 2-3 hours.
Growing the Sour Diesel Cannabis Strain
Growers can cultivate this line from readily available seeds or through clones from other plants. It can be grown indoor or out, but requires a semi-humid tropical like environment, between 72-80oF. As usual, indoor growing is recommended because it allows for better environmental control.
The plants grow tall and thin, and not overly dense, reaching up to about four feet. Their growth is noticeably fast during the flowering phase. You’ll want to bend and prune the branches during the vegetative stage to help train them to fit within any space limitations, particularly vertical limits.
- Flowing: 10 weeks indoors
- Yield: moderately high 42-56 g (1.5-2oz) per square foot.
- Tall and spindly
- Requires tropical like environment
Sour Diesel: A Pungent Superstar
So, you have never tried the Sour Diesel strain before, again, best to begin slowly, and trust us when we say, the smell and flavor will be helpful in tempering your consumption. But, as for the results, you will be happy beyond belief as they definitely have a solid and balanced effect to provide a feeling of weightlessness about life, and a feeling that’s deep within your own body. Just keep in mind, everyone nearby will know you’re enjoying this classic cultivar, because its scent is as potent as its effects.
