Key Takeaways
  • Sour Diesel is a hybrid Sativa-dominant Hybrid strain originating from USA (New York), dating back to 1993.
  • Lab tests place its THC content at approximately 20-26%.
  • Its lineage runs through Chemdawg #91 x Super Skunk, making it a key reference point for breeders.
  • 3 documented strains descend from Sour Diesel, including modern market favourites.
  • Dominant terpenes: Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene — driving its signature aroma and effects.

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

Old School
DiesellySkunkyEarthyCitrusLemon
Modern
GassyDank / FunkyEarthy / DankZesty / ZZesty / Citrus

The Story & Lineage Origin

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 & preservers: Weedguy, Rez (Reservoir Seeds)

This strain is a staple of Amsterdam coffee shop menus. Check current availability and prices on DAM Live →

Find it on DAM Live: Browse Sour Diesel across Amsterdam Coffee Shop Menus, Amsterdam Cannabis Guides, or see its live Amsterdam price index →

Live Amsterdam Pricing

See real-time prices, availability, and shop locations for Sour Diesel at Amsterdam coffeeshops — updated daily.

View Live Menus →

Where to Find Sour Diesel in Amsterdam

Sour Diesel is a popular strain on Amsterdam's coffeeshop menus. Prices and availability change daily based on supply, quality, and seasonal harvests.

  • Centrum / De Wallen — Most tourist-facing shops stock popular strains like Sour Diesel
  • Bedford Factory (Outer Space) — Premium selection with quality-tested Sour Diesel
  • Barney's Gourmet Flowers — High-end Sour Diesel with detailed lab reports
  • Grey Area — Curated Sour Diesel selection, limited stock
  • LOF Amsterdam — Wide Sour Diesel variety with delivery options

For live pricing, menu availability, and shop locations — visit DAM Live →

Genetic Background

Chem family hybrid with Skunk family backbone

Phenotypes & Cultivars

Sour Diesel is available in the following phenotypes and cultivars:

Original Sour Diesel ECSD Sour Diesel IBL

Terpene Profile

Sour Diesel is dominated by Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene. These compounds shape the strain's aroma, flavor, and reported effects.

Browse the full terpene reference →

Parent Genetics

Sour Diesel descends from:

Genetic Families

Sour Diesel is part of the following genetic families:

Known Offspring

Strains that descend from Sour Diesel:

Sour Haze Sour Kush Sour Skunk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the THC percentage of Sour Diesel?

Sour Diesel typically tests at 20-26% THC content in lab results, though actual potency varies by phenotype, growing conditions, and harvest. As a sativa-leaning strain, the THC delivers an uplifting cerebral experience.

Is Sour Diesel a sativa or indica?

Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain (Sativa-dominant Hybrid). Bred from Chemdawg #91 x Super Skunk, its effects lean toward an uplifting, cerebral sativa experience. Users report: Energetic, euphoric, creative, uplifting, clear-headed, long-lasting.

Sour Diesel strain review — what to expect

Sour Diesel is known for Energetic, euphoric, creative, uplifting, clear-headed, long-lasting. The definitive East Coast sativa, Sour Diesel is famous for its pungent diesel fuel aroma and energetic, soaring cerebral effects. It remains one of the most popular and recognizable strains in the world. The aroma profile features pungent diesel fuel, sour, citrus, skunk, herbal. Dominant terpenes: Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene.

What are the phenotypes of Sour Diesel?

Sour Diesel expresses several phenotypes and cuts, including Original Sour Diesel, ECSD, Sour Diesel IBL. The dominant phenotypes often show subtle differences in structure, flowering time, color expression, and terpene balance while sharing the same core genetics.

What is Sour Diesel crossed from?

Sour Diesel was bred from Chemdawg #91 x Super Skunk. Detailed ancestry: Chem family hybrid with Skunk family backbone. This cross produces the strain's characteristic effects, terpene profile, and growth pattern.

Is Sour Diesel available in Amsterdam coffee shops?

Yes — Sour Diesel is found on Amsterdam coffeeshop menus. Live Amsterdam pricing and shop availability is updated daily on DAM Live.

What terpenes are in Sour Diesel?

Sour Diesel is dominated by Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene. These aromatic compounds shape the strain's signature flavor, aroma, and contribute to its reported effects through the entourage effect.

How much does Sour Diesel yield and how long does it flower?

Sour Diesel has a flowering time of 10-12 weeks and produces moderate yields. Plants reach tall height, making it better suited for larger grow spaces with vertical room.

What is Sour Diesel and where does it come from?

Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain that originates from USA (New York). It belongs to the early-1990s era of cannabis genetics. The definitive East Coast sativa, Sour Diesel is famous for its pungent diesel fuel aroma and energetic, soaring cerebral effects. It remains one of the most popular and recognizable strains in the world.

What is the genetic background of Sour Diesel?

Sour Diesel has the following ancestry: Chem family hybrid with Skunk family backbone.

Is Sour Diesel indica or sativa?

Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain. Learn how in indica vs sativa classification differs in our strain guide.

What does Sour Diesel smell and taste like?

Sour Diesel has a Pungent diesel fuel, sour, citrus, skunk, herbal aroma, with flavors described as Diesel, lemon, sour, skunk, earthy. Its dominant terpenes are Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene.

Deepen your understanding of Sour Diesel's genetics and history with our editorial research:

Medical Applications

Sour Diesel is commonly associated with: