My Favorite Strains: Gorilla Glue #4

The “sticky-icky” is what a lot of cannabis lovers look for in a strain, including myself. Gorilla Glue #4 falls into my guidelines of both stickiness and flavorful qualities, along with a great medicinal effect.

Gorilla Glue #4 is a recent 2014 L.A. High Times Cannabis Cup 1st place winner and is an indica dominant hybrid strain stemming from the tri-cross of ChemSis x Chocolate Diesel. That offspring was then bred with Sour Dubb (from rumor, this all may have happened by sheer accident, however, a happy accident). From what I’ve heard, it is a Colorado born strain too. The “#4” in the name comes from the phenotype, originally the breeders were left with several variances in appearances due to different genes being highlighted in the tri-cross and decided #4 was indeed the all-around desired strain phenotype they wanted to build on.

At first glance I couldn’t tell if the flower buds have been trimmed super well or if these buds just have a higher calyx to leaf ratio. Upon closer inspection it does seem that the calyxes, or the part of the cannabis plant that comprises the “nugs,” does outnumber the amount of water or protective leaves. This leaves the nugs to also have a very chunky or conic (aka light bulb) look to them, and have very little to no red hairs or pistils coming out from the calyxes.

The hairs that are present are longer than usual and are straggly looking rather than well groomed or straight. The trichomes almost encrust the nugs, creating a crystalline blanket that drew my eyes near and grabbed my attention. The color of the nugs isn’t too bright of a green, but not dull — like a healthy olive green that allows the trichomes on top to truly shine the amber light off their perky heads.

As I start to break up the flowers to smoke, I can see for sure why “glue” became a part of the nomenclature. I can only imagine what trimming this beautiful crop leaves scissors looking like… scissor hash anyone? Even after washing my hands and using rubbing alcohol to remove more residue, things were still sticking to my fingers and I couldn’t navigate my touch-screen phone. Saying this strain is rather resinous is a bold understatement.

I’m absolutely intrigued by the fragrance and array of aromatics Gorilla Glue #4 presents to me. Between the slight pine and diesel scents, a sweet chemical nature smell comes to light, which reminds me of my grandma’s bath tub cleaner “Comet” mixed with her potpourri next to the sink. The taste of this strain pretty much follows the same footsteps as the terpene or scent profile, though the sweetness is more upfront and the diesel hits the back end of the exhale. Some say there are hints of chocolate in the taste, however, I could not detect it.

The effect of this medicine is nice. Gorilla Glue #4 being an indica dominant strain, the buzz is more bodily, leaving me feeling relaxed and emotionally uplifted but not elated with euphoria. However, I was extremely content with my mental state as well as my physical pain level. With the crazy weather lately, cannabis and anti-inflammatories have been my go to. But when I can stick it out with just the sticky-icky of Gorilla Glue #4, I’ll call it a day with a smile on my face.