Cherry Chem

As you might be able to tell from the name, Cherry Chem is the product of a cherry parent and a chem strain, but there’s several strains with the same name. In Washington D.C., you're likely to find the version from Top Dawg Seeds.

Cherry Chem

The name may originally hail from South Fork Seed Collective, a California based seedhouse with a mission to grow affordable, quality cannabis. Their Cherry Chem was born when South Fork crossed a prized ​​Chemdawg bc3 male with one of their Cherry Pie mom phenos. “Cherry Pie has proven to be a show off in this strain,” says South Fork. “Strong cherry flavors stand out in every seed our breeders have grown with Cherry Chem. The mom was flavorful but finicky, and pairing it with our stable male has improved its viability and structure.”

South Park’s Cherry Chem, then, maintains a strong cherry aroma and flavor while also retaining a stabilizing factor that helps it grow better than the Cherry Pie before it. Their hearty Cherry Chem is also noted to produce greasy phenos that are an excellent choice for oil production.

Since its debut other versions of Cherry Chem can be found on the market, notably the one from JJ Edwards of Top Dawg Seeds. This version is grown by District Cannabis, a highly acclaimed medical cannabis cultivation facility based in the District of Columbia. JJ of Top Dawg Seeds is a man known for working with many Chemdog lineages and his approval makes this cherry laden strain sure to be potent. Another version of Cherry Chem produced by Fleur Cannabis in Nevada can also be found at select dispensaries. 

Cherry Chem: Indica or Sativa Effects?

Cherry Chem is known for a few particular effects. It’s said to be a great strain to boost creativity, a trait it likely inherited from its Durban Poison grandparent. It’s also earned a reputation as a strain that’s “unparalleled for sleep disorders and appetite stimulation” according to District. 

As is the case with many balanced strains this high encapsulates both cerebral and physical elements. The experience begins with a euphoric head rush that uplifts and elevates mood instantly. Users may feel a case of the giggles coming on fast, encouraging social situations, parties and easy conversations. Feelings of happiness and joy coupled with an energetic quality take over for a high that’s not too stony. As time slowly passes this cerebral euphoria slows down, encouraging a gentle state of full body relaxation that will make you want to slip into the couch. The next thing users may experience is a serious case of the munchies, making this strain an ideal option for evening use. 

Cherry Chem is beloved by recreational and medical users alike. Medical users report using this strain to tackle conditions like anxiety, stress, depression and mood swings. Anecdotal reports note that Cherry Chem may possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It’s also said to be useful for patients suffering from chronic pain, migraines, fatigue and lack of appetite. 

Side effects associated with this strain include dizziness, paranoia and rapid heart beat.

Cherry Chem Terpenes and Characteristics

Cherry Chem’s definitely got plenty of bag appeal. Buds here are small, spade shaped and exhibit a variety of green hues from light to dark but are still dense. Some versions may exhibit deep purple tones overlaid across the green. Thin amber and sienna colored hairs cover buds that glitter with a sparkling coat of silver trichomes. 

The smell of Cherry Chem starts off with a strong scent of tart or sweet cherries. A slight peppery quality runs in the background, providing hints of spice. Earthy notes of kush along with diesel fuel rounds out the scent profile nicely. Some varieties have a more pungent ‘chem’ flavor that expresses itself most when buds are broken apart. Taking a hit instantly delivers the signature candy cherry flavor; the taste segues to a more intense diesel with hints of spiciness on the exhale. 

The terpene profile of Cherry Chem is also fairly well balanced. Top terpenes include Caryophyllene, Beta-Myrcene, Limonene, Linalool and  Alpha Humulene. Secondary terpenes found in trace amounts can include Sabinene, Phellandrene and Carene. 

The Cannabinoid profile of Cherry Chem also reveals traces of non-THC cannabinoids. These can include trace amounts of Cannabidiol (CBD), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCV), Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabichromene (CBC). 

Cherry Chem Grow Tips And Info

This strain is said to be easy to grow in or outdoors; in fact South Fork Seeds has even noted that farmers keep coming back for this strain because it’s so reliable.

“Indoor farmers have given us excellent feedback on this strain, and outdoor farmers saw it prosper under full sun,” said South Fork.

Outdoor grows for this strain will want a warm, Mediterranean-like climate with daytime temperatures between 70-80 F. Flowering time for this strain is 56 to 63 days (average of 60) with relatively low yields.

Unfortunately seeds for Cherry Chem are difficult to come by, leaving it as a clone-only option for most interested breeders. For similar options from JJ, take a peek at The Seed Source and their large collection of Top Dawg Seeds.


By Janelle Lassalle

Artist, Writer, and Content Creator

@jenkhari