Chem Dawg
Chem Dawg
Also known as: Chemdog, ChemDawg '91, Chem Dog, Chem, Dog Bud
Overview
Chem Dawg is a legendary cannabis strain with mysterious origins that trace back to a Grateful Dead concert in 1991. According to cannabis folklore, a grower named Chemdog purchased high-quality bud called 'Dog Bud' from Colorado growers following the Dead tour. The strain was named 'Dog Bud' because it made users 'roll around like a dog' from its potent effects. When Chemdog received a second shipment on the East Coast, he discovered 13 seeds inside, which became the foundation for the entire Chem lineage. The strain evolved from being called both 'Chem' and 'Dog Bud' until these names eventually fused into 'ChemDawg.' While its exact genetics remain unknown, some speculate it may have originated from Thai and Nepalese landrace strains crossed by California breeders. Chem Dawg is a balanced hybrid, typically consisting of 55-60% indica and 40-45% sativa genetics. The strain features dense, light to dark green buds with orange pistils and a thick coating of trichomes. It's renowned for its pungent diesel-like aroma with chemical undertones, mixed with earthy, pine, and citrus notes. This cultivar has become the genetic foundation for numerous famous strains including Sour Diesel, OG Kush, Stardawg, and Girl Scout Cookies, making it one of the most influential strains in modern cannabis breeding. Despite its mysterious past, Chem Dawg has earned its place as a cornerstone strain in cannabis genetics.
Effects
Reported Medical Uses
- Users report relief from stress
- May help with anxiety and depression
- Often used for chronic pain management
- Users report benefits for insomnia
- May assist with fatigue
- Often chosen for ADHD symptoms
- Users report relief from migraines
- May help with arthritis pain
- Often used for PMS symptoms
- Users report benefits for PTSD
- May assist with loss of appetite
- Often chosen for mood disorders
This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Possible Negative Effects
Growing Information
Chem Dawg is considered a challenging strain recommended primarily for experienced growers. It features typical sativa morphology with long branches, towering colas, and thin leaflets, reaching heights of 4.9-6.6 feet indoors. The strain requires a 9-10 week flowering period (63-77 days), with some phenotypes taking up to 12 weeks. Indoor yields average 450-800 grams per square meter (28 ounces), while outdoor plants can produce 35+ ounces per plant when harvested in mid-to-late October. The plant is a heavy feeder during vegetative growth, requiring nutrient-rich soil with organic matter and benefits from liquid feeds like seaweed and worm tea. It thrives in Mediterranean climates and performs well in greenhouses. Training techniques like LST, SCROG, and mainlining can significantly improve yields. The strain exhibits significant stretch during early flowering (can double in size) and produces dense, resinous buds that may require support. Chem Dawg is notoriously difficult to clone and requires careful environmental control with proper temperature (70-80°F during day), humidity management (60-70% veg, 40-50% flower), and adequate lighting.