818 Headband is a balanced hybrid cannabis strain bred from Sour Diesel and an OG Kush cut, known for a citrusy diesel smell with mint and rose notes. Leafly credits Cali Connection and lists the OG parent as SFV OG Kush, named for the 818 area code of the San Fernando Valley. Reported THC runs from about 19% on Leafly up to 29% on AllBud, and users describe a fast, happy head high that settles into body relaxation.
818 Headband Strain at a Glance
| Type | Balanced hybrid |
|---|---|
| Lineage | Sour Diesel × SFV OG |
| Breeder / origin | Cali Connection (credited by Leafly) |
| THC | 19–29% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, Beta-caryophyllene, Limonene |
| Aroma and flavor | citrus, diesel, mint, rose, kush, minty kush, sour citrus, spicy floral exhale |
| Reported effects | uplifted, euphoric, aroused, relaxed, hungry |
| Best for | afternoon or evening use, social settings, experienced consumers |
Where 818 Headband Comes From
818 Headband belongs to the Headband family, the group of Sour Diesel and OG Kush crosses known for the pressure some people feel around the forehead, as if wearing a headband. The 818 in the name is the area code for the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, the home of the SFV OG cut.
Leafly lists the cross as Sour Diesel with SFV OG Kush and credits Cali Connection, the breeder known for OG and Sour Diesel work. AllBud gives the lineage more broadly as Sour Diesel crossed with OG Kush and does not name a breeder. The two sources agree on the basic pairing, and SFV OG is itself an OG Kush cut, so the difference is one of detail rather than a true conflict.
It is a less common menu item than the original Headband, and different growers’ versions may lean a bit more toward the Diesel or the OG side.
818 Headband Effects: What It Feels Like
AllBud describes an effect that arrives quickly as a heady, slightly numbing buzz, with a happy, lifted, sociable mood. Focus can suffer, and a relaxed body feeling follows, sometimes along with the munchies. AllBud calls it an even, balanced hybrid and rates it at 50% sativa and 50% indica. Leafly’s readers tag it uplifted, energetic and aroused, and arousal is a standout theme in the reviews there, with several people describing a tingly, euphoric feel.
Experiences split on energy. Some Leafly reviewers found it energizing and sativa-like, while others said it made them sleepy, and one noted that it hits harder than its THC number suggests. That spread is typical of Headband crosses. A small dose in the afternoon tends to stay social and bright, while a heavier session in the evening leans toward the couch. AllBud suggests it suits experienced consumers.
818 Headband Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
AllBud describes a heavy aroma of citrusy diesel with a minty kush accent and a hint of roses, and a taste of classic minty kush with a spicy, flowery exhale. Leafly’s top flavor tags line up closely: rose, diesel and mint, with a chemical edge. Reviewers on Leafly add skunky citrus and earthy notes, and one cartridge reviewer mentions cedar.
Leafly lists myrcene as the dominant terpene, followed by caryophyllene and limonene. Myrcene gives the earthy base, caryophyllene the peppery spice on the exhale and limonene the citrus top note. AllBud describes the buds as fluffy olive-green nugs with long orange hairs.
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
- Limonene: bright citrus, also found in lemon and orange peel
Terpene levels vary from grower to grower and batch to batch, so check the lab label on the package. Learn more in our guide to cannabis terpenes.
Side Effects and How to Use 818 Headband
Leafly lists dry mouth and dry eyes as the main negatives. AllBud notes that it can make focusing hard and can bring on hunger. As with other OG-heavy hybrids, larger doses may feel more sedating than expected, so pace yourself.
If you are new to 818 Headband, start with one small inhalation or 2.5 mg in an edible and wait before taking more; see our dosing guide.
Do People Use 818 Headband for Medical Reasons?
Leafly users most often mention anxiety, PTSD and low mood as reasons they reach for 818 Headband, and AllBud’s listing adds stress, headaches, cramps and muscle spasms. These are user reports and database tags, not clinical findings.
These are user reports, not clinical findings. For what research actually supports, see our cannabis health and research section, and talk to your doctor before using cannabis for a health condition.
Strains Like 818 Headband
- Headband: the original Sour Diesel and OG Kush cross
- Sour Diesel: a parent, source of the citrus fuel
- SFV OG: the OG Kush cut Leafly names as a parent
- OG Kush: the family behind the minty kush flavor
- Blueberry Headband: another Headband cross
- Sour OG: a similar Sour Diesel and OG pairing
Browse more hybrid strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Hybrid Strains to Explore
Afghan Diesel · Agent X · Alien OG · 3 In The Pink · Zurple Punch · Zookies · All hybrid strains
Where to Buy 818 Headband
Dispensary menus change every week, and 818 Headband may be sold under its own name, as a cross or as a pre-roll or vape. The fastest way to find it is to check store menus online before you go. In Portland, browse Portland dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Jar Cannabis and The Happy Cloud. In Chicago, browse Chicago dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Ivy Hall – Damen and Ivy Hall – Logan Square. You can also browse licensed dispensaries in every state we cover. Adults 21 and older can buy with a valid photo ID; see cannabis laws by state for purchase limits.
818 Headband FAQ
Is 818 Headband indica or sativa?
It is a balanced hybrid. AllBud lists it at 50% sativa and 50% indica, and Leafly calls it a hybrid.
What is 818 Headband a cross of?
Sour Diesel crossed with an OG Kush cut. Leafly names SFV OG Kush specifically, while AllBud just lists OG Kush.
Who bred 818 Headband?
Leafly credits Cali Connection. AllBud does not name a breeder.
What does 818 in the name mean?
It is the area code for the San Fernando Valley, home of the SFV OG cut in its lineage.
How strong is 818 Headband?
Leafly lists about 19% THC and AllBud gives a range up to 29%, so it sits above average.
Where can I find 818 Headband?
Check licensed dispensaries, where it may appear as flower, pre-rolls or vape cartridges. It is less common than the original Headband.
For adults 21+ in legal states. Strain information reflects breeder descriptions, lab data and user reports; effects vary by person and batch. Not medical advice.
