Black Cherry OG Strain Information & Review

Sophia Delphi June 19, 2022 - 6 min read
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A close up of a Black Cherry OG Kush strain bud in black background

Black Cherry OG Kush, often simply called Black Cherry OG, Black Cherry, or Blackcherry is another potent indica-leaning hybrid from Ken Estes, the father of Granddaddy Purple. Black Cherry OG shares many of GDP’s characteristics; that’s not surprising because the legendary strain is one of Black Cherry’s parents.

It delivers an initial euphoria that melts into full relaxation, with the brain buzz likely to slide into haziness as a couch lock takes effect, usually followed by deep sleep. The strain’s THC content is relatively moderate, but the indica effects can be overwhelming.

Black Cherry OG Kush buds are very pretty (with trademark purple spots). Its aroma is luscious and fruity. The predominant flavor is a delicious mix of black cherry, blueberry, and spice.

Effects and Side Effects

The strains that Estes creates aren’t just designed for patients. They provide sensory and psychoactive effects that all weed users can appreciate. Black Cherry OG is a perfect example.

The first tokes deliver a head high that’s uplifting and euphoric. Some people find it to be energetic for the first half-hour or so, but the more common effect is blissful relaxation; it usually only takes a few minutes for stress and anxiety to vanish.

Even though Black Cherry can initially trigger a rush of seemingly-unconnected thoughts, with the focus becomes easier, and everything seems clear. However, when the body high kicks in, full-body relaxation becomes the dominant effect of this strain, with thought processes becoming lazier and turning more toward introspection. In short, expect to get very stoned.

The physical effects of Black Cherry OG Kush hit hard, producing a very strong couch lock (make sure the munchies are close by before toking up). Restful sleep is likely to follow.

Black Cherry is a pretty benign strain. Dry mouth or dry eyes are possible, but dizziness, increased anxiety, and paranoia normally aren’t issues, except perhaps in newer users who overdo things.

Positive Effects:

  • Energy: 2/5
  • Creative: 2/5
  • Pain: 4/5
  • Stress: 5/5
  • Sleep: 5/5
  • Mood: 4/5

Negative Effects:

  • Paranoid: 1/5
  • Dry Mouth: 3/5
  • Dry Eyes: 3/5
  • Lethargy: 5/5
  • Cough: 2/5

Bottom Line: Black Cherry OG delivers an extremely enjoyable, relaxing, and sedating high after its initial euphoria, with most users either couch-locked or asleep for hours after smoking.

Health Effects

Any strain with the sedating effects of Black Cherry OG Kush may be a good choice for medical marijuana patients dealing with insomnia, needless to say. Patients also say the strain’s extremely relaxing high helps alleviate anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health issues like OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.

Other people use Black Cherry for its combination of indica effects and high THC content, which they say can relieve chronic pain, muscle cramps and spasms, nausea, and appetite loss.

Flavor and Aroma

Some compare the scent and taste of Black Cherry OG to a sweet berry tea. Others find the sensations to be stronger than that, saying it’s like smelling or biting into a handful of ripe berries.

Either way, the experience is delightful. The aroma and flavor of blueberries and sweet cherries are enhanced by notes of spices and herbs, and the smoke is extremely smooth with a hint of honey. The aftertaste is sweet as well, with hints of herbal tea on the exhale.

Flavor and Aroma Ratings:

  • Earthy: 2/5
  • Citrus: 2/5
  • Fruity: 5/5
  • Spice: 3/5
  • Wood: 1/5

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

These days, a strain like Black Cherry OG Kush with 17% THC content could be considered in the middle of the pack. You can certainly buy “more potent” weed at any dispensary.

But mix that THC content with the sledgehammer indica effects that Black Cherry OG delivers, and you have a strain that can compete with anything else on the shelf when it comes to real potency. Black Cherry’s other cannabinoid levels can vary by grower and batch (as can THC levels, of course), but CBD averages somewhere around 0.5%, and CBG comes in closer to 1%.

Limonene, caryophyllene, and myrcene are the dominant terpenes in Black Cherry OG and the major contributors to its stunning aroma and flavor. Linalool and terpinolene are also present at relatively high levels.

Lineage

Famed medical marijuana cultivator Ken Estes is best known for his Granddaddy Purple strain, but he’s gifted the weed world with many other amazing strains — including Black Cherry OG Kush.

Estes has never revealed the strain’s exact genetics, but it’s widely believed that he created Black Cherry OG Kush by crossing GDP with his “vanity” strain called Ken’s OG. The similarities between GDP and Black Cherry are striking (including the purple in the Blackcherry buds), and Ken’s OG delivers the same euphoric and sedating indica effects as Black Cherry OG.

Similar Strains

It’s often true that a strain’s parents are most likely to deliver the most similar effects, and that’s definitely the case for Black Cherry OG Kush.

There are a number of other strains that come close, though. For example, Yeti OG has a strong berry taste, provides the same type of high, and has very similar THC content (with even more CBD). Others to consider include Purple Sunset, Zkittlez, and GMO Cookies for an even more potent THC punch.

If you’re after berry flavor more than anything else, you won’t be surprised to learn that strains like Blackberry, Blueberry, Berry White, and Berry Pie will all do the job.

Black Cherry OG Kush Strain: FAQ

Q: How easy is it to find Black Cherry OG?
A: It’s not as easy as finding its better-known parent strain, Granddaddy Purple. One of the reasons is that the actual breeding information is still a secret, so cultivators who want to recreate the strain have to use guesswork — and many don’t try. You’re more likely to find Black Cherry on the West Coast, but it’s worth seeking out.

Q: Can you grow the strain at home?
A: Real Black Cherry OG seeds aren’t easy to find, but if you can get your hands on some, this isn’t a difficult plant to grow. Be warned, though: even experienced growers don’t get high yields from their Black Cherry crops, so you shouldn’t expect to be able to supply the entire neighborhood from one or two plants. You’ll want to hoard this flower for yourself.