Chem 4: The Heavyweight Cleaner
Chem 4: The Heavyweight Cleaner
Strain Overview
Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid (60% Indica / 40% Sativa)
Breeder: Chemdog (The man himself)
Lineage: Original "Dog Bud" Bag Seed (Phenotype #4 from the 2006 "Reunion" batch)
Market Status: The "Yielder"; Chem #4 (Chemdog #4) is one of the definitive phenotypes of the legendary Chemdog line. While its sister, Chem '91, gets the glory for starting the family, and Chem D is famous for its garlic/onion funk, Chem #4 is prized for two specific things: its massive yield and its distinct industrial lemon cleaner profile. It is the backbone of modern "Sour" strains (like GG4) and remains one of the most potent cuts available on the clone market.
THC Content: Very High (24% – 28%)
Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Humulene
Key Effects: Heavy-Handed Euphoria, Cerebral "Stun," Physical Melt, Munchies
Chem #4 is industrial-strength cannabis.
It does not smell like fruit, and it does not smell like dessert. It smells like a janitor’s closet that has been doused in gasoline. It offers a piercing, chemical aroma of ammonia, lemon-scented floor wax, and pine-sol. It is a rugged, aggressive smoke that has defined "top shelf" potency for nearly two decades.
History and Lineage: The Grateful Dead Legend
The story of Chem #4 is part of cannabis folklore. It begins at a Grateful Dead show in Deer Creek, Indiana, in 1991.
The Origin: A grower named Chemdog bought a pound of high-quality "Dog Bud" from fellow growers Joe Brand and P-Bud. He found 13 seeds in the bag.
The First Wave (1991): Chemdog popped the first few seeds in 1991, giving us the legendary Chem '91 and Chem Sis.
The Reunion (2006): Chemdog saved the remaining seeds for 15 years. In 2006, he popped the last 4 seeds (labeled 1-4). Chem #4 was the absolute standout of this "Reunion" batch.
The Legacy: Chem #4 was selected because it had the most vigor and the heaviest yield of all the Chemdog phenotypes. It went on to become a parent to superstars like Gorilla Glue #4 (GG4) and Stardawg.
Terpene Profile: Lemon Pledge and Ammonia
While Chem D leans into "Garlic/Onion" and Chem '91 leans into "Skunk/Gas," Chem #4 is the Citrus/Chemical king of the family.
Dominant Terpenes
Limonene (The Cleaner): The dominant terpene. Unlike the sweet lemon in Super Lemon Haze, this presents as harsh, chemical lemon cleaner or Lemon Pledge. It is astringent and sharp.
Caryophyllene (The Fuel): Massive levels. It provides the heavy diesel and black pepper kick that makes your nose tingle.
Myrcene (The Earth): Sits in the background, adding a musky, damp soil element that grounds the high-pitched citrus notes.
Humulene (The Wood): Adds a distinct dry wood and hops finish.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is eye-wateringly loud. It smells of ammonia, pine-sol, lemon zest, and spilled fuel.
The Smoke: Thick and expanding. It tastes of chemical lemon and earthy pine on the inhale, with a sour diesel finish on the exhale.
Strain Effects: The Cerebral Sledgehammer
Chem #4 is famous for hitting the head and the body simultaneously with brute force.
The Experience
The Impact: The high hits instantly. It starts with a soaring cerebral confusion. It can be disorienting for novice smokers. You feel "stoned" in the classical sense immediately.
The Body: Unlike the racier Sativa phenotypes, Chem #4 drops a heavy Indica anchor about 30 minutes in. A warm, numbing sensation washes over the muscles.
The Mood: It is euphoric and goofy. It wipes away stress but makes complex tasks difficult. It is a "check out of reality" strain.
The Appetite: It is legendary for inducing the munchies.
Best For: High tolerance users, evening relaxation, appetite stimulation, chronic pain, and PTSD.
Growing Chem #4: The Big Dog
This is widely considered the "Grower's Cut" of the Chemdog family because it actually yields well.
Growth Structure
The Vigor: High. Chem #4 grows fast and large. It has a bit more Sativa influence in its structure than Chem D, meaning it stretches more and grows taller.
The Yield: High. This is the best yielder of the lineage. It produces massive, football-sized colas that are light green and incredibly frosty.
The Stretch: Significant. Expect it to double in size during flower. You will need high ceilings or aggressive training (topping/trellising).
The Feeding: Very Heavy. This plant is a glutton. It can take high EC levels and demands plenty of Calcium and Magnesium.
The Time: It finishes flowering in 9 to 10 weeks.
Grower’s Tip: Support is non-negotiable. The buds get huge, but the stems (while stronger than Chem D) can still snap under the weight. Use a double trellis net. Also, ensure excellent airflow, as the large colas can be prone to mold in high humidity.
Similar Strains / Lineage Relations
If you enjoy the profile or growth of Chem #4, you might also appreciate these three genetically related or similar strains:
Chemdog D (Chem D): The Sister.
Why: This is the other most famous phenotype. Choose Chem D if you prefer a savory, garlic, onion, and meat profile (GMO style) over the Lemon/Pine cleaner profile of Chem #4. Chem D is notoriously harder to grow.
Gorilla Glue #4 (GG4): The Daughter.
Why: GG4 is a cross of Sour Dubb x Chem Sis x Chocolate Diesel (closely related family). It shares the massive yield, heavy resin, and industrial funk of Chem #4 but adds a distinct chocolate/coffee note.
Sour Diesel: The Cousin.
Why: History suggests Sour Diesel came from a bag seed of Chem '91. If you want the fuel and citrus profile but want a pure Sativa energy high without the heavy Indica body crash, Sour Diesel is the choice.
Final Verdict: The Heavyweight Cleaner
Chem #4 is a bucket-list strain for any serious cannabis enthusiast. It represents the golden era of American cannabis breeding, where potency and flavor were the only metrics that mattered. It is the perfect combination of the "Lemon Pledge" terpene profile and a knockout high that hits like a freight train. If you want to grow a piece of history that will actually fill your jars, Chem #4 is the one.
You should choose Chem #4 if:
You love Lemon/Pine/Chemical flavors.
You want High Yields.
You have a High Tolerance.
You appreciate Cannabis History.
Score: 9.7/10 (The Yielder)