Chemdawg (Chemdog) Weed Strain Information & Review

Sophia Delphi December 05, 2022 - 6 min read
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Chemdawg strain review

If you were making a short list of iconic weed strains, Chemdawg (sometimes called Chemdog) would definitely be on the list. That’s ironic because the origins of this strain and its genetics are shrouded in mystery.

Chemdawg is a balanced hybrid Kush strain with moderately-high THC content. Over the years, some versions have been created that lean slightly indica, while others lean sativa. All versions deliver essentially the same effects: an intense head high that’s uplifting, happy, and creative, and a body stone that’s relaxing but usually not incapacitating or even tiring.

This is one pungent strain, with diesel and earth filling the room and bombarding your taste buds. Chemdawg is a prodigious strain as well, with Sour Diesel and OG Kush among its legendary progeny. It’s also extremely popular among MMJ patients.

Effects and Side Effects

You’re still getting used to the potent diesel punch of Chemdawg when its first effects hit. They’re cerebral and can be disorienting at first, as you adjust to increased mental focus and awareness of the environment around you. In short order, though, the head high becomes intensely euphoric and giddy, with giggling fits quite common in the first few minutes.

Over time, the cerebral effects moderate to become stress-relieving, creative, and sometimes energetic. At the same time, relaxation spreads to the body to relieve muscle tightness and stress; the combined effects make a Chemdawg experience fun, social, and not likely to lock you to the couch or interfere with your enjoyment.

Many users find this to be good weed for daytime enjoyment, and it’s easy to see why this strain is often enjoyed with good friends or at parties or concerts. It’s also a great choice for relaxing after work when you’re ready to tackle chores or hobbies, or simply hang out and think deep (or not so deep) thoughts.

The experience will be a long-lasting, fully-enjoyable one that won’t make you drowsy or put you to sleep.

Even though Chemdawg isn’t a monster when it comes to THC content, it’s still an extremely potent weed. Users who are already dealing with anxiety issues and those new to strong bud might want to choose a different strain or go very slowly because Chemdawg has been known to worsen existing anxiety or occasionally cause paranoia.

More common side effects are the usual dry eyes, dry throat, and dehydration (keep water handy), and hitting the pipe too hard may also bring about a headache or brief dizzy spells.

Positive Effects:

  • Energy: 4/5
  • Creative: 4/5
  • Pain: 3/5
  • Stress: 4/5
  • Sleep: 2/5
  • Mood: 4/5

Negative Effects:

  • Paranoid: 2/5
  • Dry Mouth: 4/5
  • Dry Eyes: 4/5
  • Lethargy: 2/5
  • Cough: 3/5

Bottom Line: Chemdawg is a legendary strain that delivers a classic weed experience: an uplifting, happy and creative head high, along with a relaxing but mellow body buzz.

Medical Conditions

Patients often choose Chemdawg to help them deal with mental health concerns like chronic stress and depression (and more serious issues like PTSD and bipolar disorder) because its powerful cerebral high effectively wipes out day-to-day concerns and worries.

Some also use the strain to help with anxiety although, as we’ve mentioned, it does have the potential of backfiring for some patients. The focus provided by Chemdawg is also praised by those with issues like ADD and ADHD.

Some medical users find that the mellow body relaxation and euphoria combine to help them forget about their chronic pain for a while. Others say Chemdawg is a good choice for migraines and nausea, those with chronic fatigue use the strain to get them up and moving, and patients with appetite problems appreciate Chemdawg’s ability to bring on the munchies.

Flavor and Aroma

Chemdawg is OG dank. The aroma is heavily diesel, with earth and pine scents noticeable as well. (Some say the aroma is somewhat chemical, not surprising considering the strain’s name.) Don’t expect to keep your smoking a secret with this weed; in fact, if you have an outdoor grow, don’t expect to keep your crop a secret from your neighbors.

The flavor of this strain is quite similar to its aroma. The tangy smoke is smooth but it tastes of fuel, pine, spice, and dank earth, along with some sourness. The aftertaste is a mixture of gas and ammonia.

Flavor and Aroma Ratings:

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

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Lab tests show the average THC content of Chemdawg to be around 18%. That’s not exceptionally high, but it’s more than enough to get the job done. Some batches may come in somewhere in the low 20% range since growers try to maximize THC levels to meet market demand. CBD content can vary between 0.1% and 1%, and other cannabinoid content is low.

The pungent characteristics of Chemdawg are primarily the responsibility of terpenes like caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene, with linalool and humulene also present in significant amounts.

Lineage

There are all sorts of stories about how this strain supposedly arrived on the scene.

The one that’s the most fun — although unsubstantiated — is that a cultivator named Chemdog bought some “chem bud” in the parking lot of a Grateful Dead concert, took it home, and began breeding it. Another good one is that Chemdawg is the offspring of a strain called Dog Bud, which was so potent its users were likely to roll over like a dog.

At any rate, Chemdawg is believed by most people to be the product of landrace strains from Nepal and Thailand. Some think it’s actually a cross of Northern Lights, Hash Plant (that’s a strain name), and a Kush, but that’s less likely.

Where to Buy Chemdawg Seeds

If you have a preferred source for cannabis seeds, they likely carry Chemdawg seeds.

Just a few to check for feminized seeds: ILGM (I Love Growing Marijuana, MSNL, Royal Seed Bank, and Quebec Cannabis Seeds. Standard seeds are available from seed banks like Humboldt Seed and Marijuana Seed Breeders, and auto-flowering Chemdawg is sold by vendors like North American Seed and Weed Seeds USA.

Similar Strains

Some weed strains with similar characteristics to Chemdawg include its child strain Sour Diesel, Chiesel, Blueberry Diesel, LSD, Purple Trainwreck, and Tangerine Dream.

Chemdawg Strain Review: FAQ

Q: Are Chemdawg 4 and Chemdawg 91 the same strains as Chemdawg?
A: Not quite, but they’re very similar. That’s because they’re believed to be different phenotypes of the original Chemdawg. Adding to the confusion, some people use the names Chemdawg and Chemdawg 91 (or 91 Chemdawg) interchangeably. Whichever one you’re able to find, they all essentially produce the same terrific high.

Q: When should you harvest Chemdawg?
A: If you’re growing your weed outdoors, it should be ready for harvest sometime in October. It’s worth the wait; Chemdawg may produce as much as 35 ounces of flower per plant. The yield will be lower for indoor grows, which require about nine weeks from the start of the flowering stage before they’re ready to be harvested.