Grateful Dawg: The Psychedelic Heavyweight
Grateful Dawg: The Psychedelic Heavyweight
Strain Overview
Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid (70% Indica / 30% Sativa)
Breeder: Deadpanhead (Legacy / Universal Herbs)
Lineage: Underdawg x Grateful Breath
Market Status: The "Cult Classic"; Grateful Dawg is a strain surrounded by lore and deep respect within the cannabis community. Bred by the late, legendary breeder Deadpanhead, this strain was designed to bridge the gap between the raw, industrial power of the Chem/OG families and the savory, exotic density of the Cookie families (via Grateful Breath). It is famous for being one of the parents of Colin OG, passing down its devastating "stoniness" and loud, chemical funk. It is a bucket-list strain for fans of the Grateful Dead lifestyle—loud, hazy, and undeniably heavy.
THC Content: High (23% – 27%)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene, Humulene
Key Effects: Spacey Euphoria, Narcotic Relaxation, "Dead" Tiredness, Sensory Enhancement
Grateful Dawg is not for the casual smoker.
It is a strain that demands a high tolerance. It combines the nose-burning fuel of the Chemdawg lineage with the savory, nutty richness of the OGKB (Grateful Breath). The result is a profile that is aggressive, earthy, and funky, delivering a high that feels like wearing a weighted blanket while listening to a 20-minute guitar solo.
History and Lineage: The Chem and Cookie Clash
This strain represents a pivotal moment where "Gas" met "Cookie" in a unique way.
The Mother (Underdawg): A specific cut of the Loompa's Headband/Chemdawg family. This parent is all about sour diesel, chemical cleaner, and raw potency. It provides the lanky structure and the aggressive "Chem" nose.
The Father (Grateful Breath): A rare cross of OGKB (OG Kush Breath) x Joseph. This parent brings the savory, nutty, berry undertones and the density associated with Cookie genetics. It adds a layer of complexity to the sheer power of the Underdawg.
The Synthesis: Grateful Dawg is a "Heavy OG" experience. It leans closer to the Underdawg in terms of effect (narcotic and heavy) but adopts the savory flavor notes of the Grateful Breath. It is the genetic bridge that allows strains like Colin OG to exist.
Terpene Profile: Sour Funk and Earth
The aroma of Grateful Dawg is "Loud." It requires a double-bag situation if you are transporting it.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Sedative): The dominant terpene. It provides a heavy musky, earthy, and herbal base. High levels of Myrcene are responsible for the "couch-lock" effect.
Caryophyllene (The Gas): Adds the signature peppery, spicy diesel kick that defines the Dawg lineage.
Limonene (The Sour): Provides a background of sour lemon and chemical cleaner, cutting through the musk.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is savory and dank. It smells of sour diesel, damp soil, rotting berries, and pine.
The Smoke: Thick and expansive. It tastes of earthy kush and chem fuel on the inhale, with a distinct toasted nut and berry finish on the exhale.
Strain Effects: The Long Strange Trip
Grateful Dawg is famous for its "Stony" nature. It is not a productivity strain.
The Experience
The Haze: The high hits with a disorienting cerebral onset. Thoughts become scattered, and a dreamy, psychedelic haze settles over the mind.
The Grin: It induces a state of goofy euphoria. It is excellent for listening to music, as it seems to enhance auditory processing while shutting down critical thinking.
The Stone: The physical effects are heavy. A deep narcotic sedation spreads through the body. Your limbs feel heavy, and movement becomes a chore.
The Sleep: It is a fantastic insomnia killer. The comedown is smooth and almost guarantees a good night's sleep.
Best For: Music festivals (or listening at home), insomnia, chronic pain, stress relief, and lazy Sundays.
Growing Grateful Dawg: The Lanky Legacy
This strain is known for its "OG Structure," which can be a challenge for new growers.
Growth Structure
The Structure: It grows Tall and Lanky. Like many Chem/OG crosses, it has long internodal spacing and thin stems that can flop over under the weight of the buds.
The Support: Trellising is mandatory. You must support the branches, or they will snap.
The Yield: Moderate. It is not a massive commercial yielder like Blue Dream, but the flowers are dense and high-quality.
The Feed: It is a heavy feeder. It craves Magnesium and Nitrogen in veg to support its rapid vertical growth.
The Time: It finishes flowering in 9 to 10 weeks.
Grower’s Tip: Don't be afraid to super-crop (bend and pinch) the stems in the vegetative stage. This strengthens the branches and keeps the height in check. Be patient with the cure; the "Chem" funk gets significantly better after 30 days in the jar.
Final Verdict: The Psychedelic Heavyweight
Grateful Dawg is a tribute to the counter-culture roots of cannabis. It offers a raw, unfiltered potency that reminds us of the days before "fruity" weed took over. It tastes like gas, hits like a hammer, and puts you in a mindset that is perfect for drifting away. If you want to understand the heavy, stony roots of modern strains like Colin OG, you have to pay respects to the Dawg.
You should choose Grateful Dawg if:
You love Chemdawg/OG flavors.
You suffer from Insomnia.
You want a "Spacey/Psychedelic" High.
You are a fan of Deadpanhead genetics.
Score: 9.3/10 (The Cult Classic)