Gorilla Glue #4 Strain Review
Gorilla Glue #4 may not be old enough to be a “classic strain,” but it’s undoubtedly one of the most famous hybrids nowadays. When cannabis critics first got a taste of this mocha-scented strain, they were, well, “glued!” First developed by GG Strains, GG4 is a mind-numbingly potent strain with a THC content averaging 25 percent. Today, GG4 has many awards to its name, and it even has a few dank descendants.
While GG4’s effects might be a bit much for newbies, it’s a fantastic nighttime toke for experienced users. Be sure to add Original Gorilla Glue to your must-try list if you want a hybrid high with plenty of diesel aromatics.
GG4’s Genetic Heritage
GG Strains hasn’t been secretive with its genetics list. Unlike many other hybrids, we know the exact strains that played a role in Original Gorilla Glue:
- Sour Diesel
- Chem’s Sister
- Sour Dubb
- Chocolate Diesel
As you’ve probably already guessed, every one of these strains contributes its fair share of pungent aromatics to GG4. Chocolate Diesel also plays a crucial role in giving GG4 its distinctive “coffee” aromatics.
Of course, each of these strains also provides GG4 with its potent psychoactive properties. Indeed, all four of these strains lean on the sativa side, which accounts for GG4’s initial head-rush high. However, Sour Dubb and Chocolate Diesel each have about 40 percent indica, which supplies GG4 with a more well-balanced effect.
What’s Up With The Different Gorilla Glue Numbers?
Before going any further, we should clear up a bit of confusion that often surrounds Gorilla Glue strains. As you’ve noticed by now, we refer to the “Original Gorilla Glue” as “Gorilla Glue #4.” There are, however, many other strains in the Gorilla Glue family, each of which has slightly different flavors and effects.
Confusingly, “Gorilla Glue #1” is not the original Gorilla Glue strain. Indeed, GG Strains released GG1 about two years after it debuted GG4.
Although these two strains share genetics, GG1 is a distinct 50/50 hybrid with traces of Chem’s Sister and Chocolate Diesel. Since GG4 and GG1 are so similar, GG Strains decided to nickname GG1 “Sister Glue.” People who take GG1 say the effects are milder than GG4.
But wait; there’s more! Another popular strain in the Gorilla Glue lineage is Gorilla Glue #5. Commonly known as “New Glue,” GG5 is an indica dominant hybrid that was bred with traces of GG1 and GG4. As you could imagine, GG5 offers users an incredibly intense high that will most likely induce couchlock sedation. THC levels in GG5 are usually in the 30 percent range.
Lastly, you may also find the strain Gorilla Glue #12 in a few dispensaries. Interestingly, GG12 is a distinct sativa-dominant GG1 phenotype. The THC content in GG12 is usually in the low 20 percent range, and effects are mostly energetic. GG12 is the perfect choice for those who want a Gorilla Glue high early in the day.
GG4 Appearance
Growers often joke that Gorilla Glue #4 is “all trichome, no leaf!” OK, you will see green leaves on this plant, but GG4’s resin coating is for real. You do not want to harvest these buds without wearing high-quality gloves.
Although GG4’s most eye-catching feature is its glistening layer of trichomes, these buds also have a mix of light and dark green leaves. A few orange pistils here and there add extra allure to this exceptional strain.
Gorilla Glue #4’s Flavor Profile
No, smoking GG4 is not as nasty as snorting glue! Quite the contrary, GG4 buds have a rather pungent aroma thanks to the presence of sour diesel and bright citrus. To help balance out these astringent gasoline flavors, GG4 also has a generous dash of sweet dark chocolate coffee, and mocha.
Although GG4 is often described as a smooth smoke, you may notice a peppery punch as you exhale. It’s also not uncommon for people to taste earthy undertones as they smoke Gorilla Glue #4.
Unsurprisingly, limonene often plays a prominent role in GG4’s terpene profile. Not only does limonene contribute citrusy flavors, it also plays a significant role in this strain’s diesel aromatics.
Beta-caryophyllene is also commonly reported in GG4 cultivars. Naturally present in black pepper, beta-caryophyllene is most responsible for GG4’s spicy aftertaste.
Another secondary terpene that’s often in GG4 is called alpha-bisabolol. Although not as well-understood as limonene or beta-caryophyllene, alpha-bisabolol seems to have a floral and herby scent closely resembling chamomile.
What Are Original Gorilla Glue’s Common Effects?
With THC content in the 25 percent range, there’s no question you’ll feel the full force of GG4 in one toke. Indeed, it should take only a matter of seconds before you feel a head-rush high.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice a few trademark sativa effects like euphoria and a head buzz. If you have the discipline to stop your smoke session with one toke, then this buzz could last for a few hours without inducing sedation. Although Gorilla Glue isn’t a sativa-heavy hybrid, it does have enough sativa genetics to ward off intense sedation.
However, smokers who take more than a few tokes of GG4 should expect a strong couchlock session. At higher doses, GG4 has a greater chance of making you feel sedated and stoned.
Since Gorilla Glue #4 affects every smoker differently, it’s best to experiment with this strain late in the day when you have nowhere to go. Although some experienced smokers can remain productive with low doses of GG4, it’s not the best option before going to work.
Does Gorilla Glue #4 Have Side Effects?
If you couldn’t already tell, Gorilla Glue #4 is not a beginner-friendly strain. Not only does this hybrid have above-average THC, it has virtually no CBD. This means nearly all of the THC in Gorilla Glue will have no “buffer” as it crowds your CB1 receptors.
Anyone prone to anxiety or panic attacks needs to be extra careful when taking Gorilla Glue #4. It’s also possible to feel dizzy or get a headache after trying this strain for the first time.
As a final word of warning: Gorilla Glue has a nasty reputation for inducing a dry mouth sensation. Please keep a bottle of water nearby before you start smoking.
Growing Gorilla Glue In Your Garden? Check Out These Tips
Gorilla Glue #4 is an easy strain to grow indoors or outdoors, but that doesn’t mean it’s without challenges. Indeed, cultivators need to know that the first GG4 strain came from a hermaphrodite plant.
Although this strain’s genetics have stabilized over the years, there’s still a higher than average risk GG4 feminized seeds will “herm out.” Please pay extra attention during the late vegetative phase for any signs of hermaphroditism (e.g., pollen sacs).
Another annoyance cannabis cultivators often face when cultivating Gorilla Glue #4 is its thick layer of trichomes. Be sure to invest in good pruning shears and have a mix of water and rubbing alcohol at the ready. You may even want to use an electric trimmer to take care of these buds during harvest.
In general, Gorilla Glue #4 takes 8 – 9 weeks to reach full flowering. Average GG4 yields are about 1.8 oz per ft2.
“Get Glued” With Gorilla Glue #4
While “Gorilla Glue” is a great name, we might’ve named this strain “Crazy Glue”—because it’s crazy good! Once you get a batch of these sticky buds in your hand, you’ll understand why GG4 has attracted so much attention in recent years. With its sour & chocolate aromatics, generous trichome coating, and extra-strong THC count, GG4 is unquestionably one of the best contemporary cultivars. Ascii art is not a thing of the past. You can use them to describe emotions and to create drawings using characters.