About Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel was created by crossing Chemdawg #91 with Super Skunk on the East Coast of the United States. The strain quickly became the dominant sativa across the NYC underground scene in the 1990s. Its effects are nearly pure sativa — energetic, creative, euphoric, and long-lasting — making it a favorite for daytime use despite its high potency. Sour Diesel's aroma is immediately recognizable: a sharp, acrid, sour diesel fuel smell that has become legendary. The 'Rez cut' (also known as 'Original Sour Diesel' or 'ECSD' — East Coast Sour Diesel) is considered the definitive phenotype and has been preserved for decades.
Flavor Profile
History
Sour Diesel's exact origin is disputed among East Coast breeders, but it is widely accepted that it came together via a cross of Chemdawg #91 and Super Skunk. The strain was circulated among growers and smokers in New York City, Long Island, and the surrounding areas throughout the 1990s. 'Weedguy' (a member of the NYC growers scene) is often credited with stabilizing and popularizing the strain. Rez (of Reservoir Seeds) later released his famous 'Original Sour Diesel' cut. The strain's distinct aroma made it famous but also difficult to grow discreetly — the smell was described as 'uncontainable'.
Notable breeders: Weedguy, Rez (Reservoir Seeds)
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View Live Menus →Genetic Background
Chem family hybrid with Skunk family backbone
Phenotypes & Cultivars
Sour Diesel is available in the following phenotypes and cultivars:
Terpene Profile
Sour Diesel is dominated by Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene. These compounds shape the strain's aroma, flavor, and reported effects.
Genetic Families
Sour Diesel is part of the following genetic families:
Known Offspring
Strains that descend from Sour Diesel:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sour Diesel indica or sativa?
Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain.
What are the genetics of Sour Diesel?
Sour Diesel has a genetic lineage of Chemdawg #91 x Super Skunk. Chem family hybrid with Skunk family backbone
What is the lineage of Sour Diesel?
Sour Diesel descends from Chemdawg #91 x Super Skunk. Chem family hybrid with Skunk family backbone It belongs to the Chem Family, Diesel Era genetic family.
What is the THC content of Sour Diesel?
Sour Diesel typically tests at 20-26% THC.
What does Sour Diesel smell and taste like?
Sour Diesel has a Pungent diesel fuel, sour, citrus, skunk, herbal aroma profile, with flavors described as Diesel, lemon, sour, skunk, earthy.
What are the effects of Sour Diesel?
Users report Energetic, euphoric, creative, uplifting, clear-headed, long-lasting. As a sativa-dominant strain, it is known for uplifting cerebral effects.
What are the phenotypes of Sour Diesel?
Sour Diesel is known in several phenotypes and cultivars, including Original Sour Diesel, ECSD, Sour Diesel IBL. Each phenotype expresses the same genetics slightly differently — varying in aroma, bud color, growth habit, and effects.
What is the history of Sour Diesel?
Sour Diesel's exact origin is disputed among East Coast breeders, but it is widely accepted that it came together via a cross of Chemdawg #91 and Super Skunk. The strain was circulated among growers and smokers in New York City, Long Island, and the surrounding areas throughout the 1990s. 'Weedguy' (a member of the NYC growers scene) is often credited with stabilizing and popularizing the strain. Rez (of Reservoir Seeds) later released his famous 'Original Sour Diesel' cut. The strain's distinct aroma made it famous but also difficult to grow discreetly — the smell was described as 'uncontainable'.
How long does Sour Diesel take to flower?
Sour Diesel has a flowering time of approximately 10-12 weeks. Plants grow to a tall height.
What is the yield of Sour Diesel?
Sour Diesel produces a Moderate yield. Flowering takes approximately 10-12 weeks.
Further Reading
Learn more about Sour Diesel's genetic family and history:
Medical Applications
Sour Diesel is commonly associated with: