Strain Spotlight: Sour Diesel

The tangy flavors of the legendary Sour Diesel strain are a sweet-meets-sour blend that will leave your tongue tingling. Known for its potent effects and unmistakable aroma, Sour Diesel is a cannabis flower staple. In this strain spotlight, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this icon, including its origins, flavor and aroma profile, potency, and variants.

What is Sour Diesel?

Sour Diesel, also called “Sour Deez” and “Sour D,” is a sativa-dominant hybrid marijuana strain renowned for its strong, pungent aroma. While we know it leans heavily toward sativa and has a THC potency level that ranges from 18-26%, its origin story is still a mystery. Experts believe the Sour Diesel’s lineage can be traced to Chemdawg and Super Skunk. However, others say that Northern Lights, Diesel, or Skunk #1 may have created this celebrity child.¹ Regardless of where it came from, we do know that Sour Diesel has been and continues to be a must-try among cannabis enthusiasts.

If you love the classic cannabis flavors and aromas, then Sour Diesel is for you. The strain has a pungent, diesel-like smell complemented by earthy tones and a sharp, citrusy finish. The taste of Sour Diesel is very similar to the aroma profile: a bold, diesel flavor combined with sweet, tangy lemon and slight peppery spice on the exhale.

The Sour D strain is known for its potency–its THC content typically ranges between 18% and 26%, making it more suitable for experienced canna connoisseurs. That doesn’t mean Sour Diesel is off-limits to newbies. If you are new to the cannabis world, be sure to start with a low dosage to see how the strain affects you before increasing your consumption.² 

Sour Diesel has inspired its own line of cultivars, each offering a unique twist on the original strain. Here are some of the most popular.

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

If you want a sweet berry spin on the famous Sour Diesel, try Strawberry Diesel. The 50:50 sativa-to-indica strain has the pungent, fuel-like flavor but with sugary, berry undertones. The aromas are similar, adding in hints of earthiness. Strawberry Diesel’s parents are Strawberry Cough and NYC Diesel, and it has a 20-24% THC content, making it a quite potent experience.³ 

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

If you want a less potent cannabis strain, NYC Diesel does the trick. It has an average THC level of 18-21%, so it’s strong but not as powerful as the original Sour Diesel. This sativa-dominant hybrid also has hazy lineage–it has been suggested that it may have additional influence from either Hawaiian or Afghani landrace strains–but its grapefruit twist on the classic sweet lime, diesel bouquet makes it popular regardless of its heritage.⁴

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

Super Sour Diesel, also called Super Silver Sour Diesel, is a highly potent sativa-dominant hybrid that was bred from Super Silver Haze and Sour Diesel. Its aroma is more intensely herbal than other diesel strains, and the flavors lean toward sour citrus with sweet diesel notes. Similar to other Sour Diesel child strains, its 18-24% THC contents means its a low and slow strain.⁵

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

If you like an intensely lemon taste and flavor profile, consider adding Lemon Diesel, or Lemon Sour Diesel, to your repertoire. The strain has a very sweet-and-sour citrus flavor and aroma with hints of peppery diesel when you exhale. The Lemon Diesel strain is relatively potent, with an 18-20% THC level. It is indica dominant hybrid thanks to its parents, the famous California Sour and Lost Coast OG cannabis strains.⁶

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

East Coast Sour Diesel, or ECSD, has an extremely strong aroma that is reminiscent of sour lemons found on a forest floor. The flavors are also pungent and citrus, with additional qualities of pine and spice. This sativa-dominant hybrid is descended from Sour Diesel and another unknown strain. However, it must be strong, as East Coast Sour Diesel has seen THC content as high as a whopping 27%.⁷

Sour Diesel is a fascinating strain, so ask your favorite budtender if you want to know more. If you can’t wait, however, here are some frequently asked questions and answers:

Is Sour Diesel an indica or a sativa?
Soul Diesel is a sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain.

What strain is Sour Diesel?
The strain’s name is Sour Diesel, and it is a sativa-dominant hybrid.

Why is Sour Diesel popular?
Sour Diesel is popular for its potent effects, unique flavor, and strong aroma.
 

Purchasing Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is a must-try, whether you are a newbie or a cannabis enthusiast. It is a potent strain, so take it slow and start with a low dose. Ask your budtender about the Sour Diesel strain or others like it that are available in your local dispensary.

Sources: 

1. “Sour Diesel Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/sour-diesel 

2. “Sour Diesel,” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/cannabis-strains/sour-diesel 

3. “Strawberry Diesel Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/hybrid/strawberry-diesel  

4. “NYC Diesel Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/nyc-diesel  

5. “Super Sour Diesel Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa/super-sour-diesel  

6. “Lemon Diesel Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/lemon-diesel  

7. “East Coast Sour Diesel Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/east-coast-sour-diesel