Cherry Cheesecake is an indica-dominant cannabis strain bred from Cherry Pie and Kimbo Kush, known for a sweet cherry and creamy, cheesy flavor. Its original breeder is not documented, but Leafly credits San Francisco growers Gold Seal with popularizing it. Most listings put it at about 20–24% THC, with a happy, giggly mood that settles into body relaxation.
Cherry Cheesecake Strain at a Glance
| Type | Indica-dominant hybrid (about 70% indica) |
|---|---|
| Lineage | Cherry Pie × Kimbo Kush |
| Breeder / origin | Not documented; Leafly says it was popularized by San Francisco growers Gold Seal |
| THC | 20–24% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | About 1% or less |
| Dominant terpenes | Beta-caryophyllene, Ocimene, Pinene |
| Aroma and flavor | sweet berry, spicy cherry, creamy cheese, earthy, herbal chocolate, cherry, berry, cheese, lemon, creamy exhale |
| Reported effects | euphoric, giggly, uplifted, relaxed body, mildly sedating |
| Best for | evening use, unwinding after work, social downtime |
Where Cherry Cheesecake Comes From
Cherry Cheesecake is listed by Leafly, AllBud and Canadian producer Broken Coast as a cross of Cherry Pie and Kimbo Kush. Cherry Pie is the well-known Granddaddy Purple and Durban Poison hybrid, and Leafly attributes Kimbo Kush to Exotic Genetix. No breeder has publicly claimed the cross. Leafly says the strain was popularized by Gold Seal, a group of San Francisco growers, and that it became an indoor favorite.
Today the name shows up on menus in several markets, including California flower brands and Broken Coast in Canada. The name invites confusion. Leafly points out that several unrelated strains combine “cherry,” “cheese” or “cake” in their names, including more than one Black Cherry Cheesecake, and our site also has a separate OG Cheesecake. Check the lineage on the label if you want this specific cross. Leafly lists Tyde Podz as one of its offspring.
Cherry Cheesecake Effects: What It Feels Like
Leafly reviewers most often tag Cherry Cheesecake as euphoric, giggly and uplifted, while Leafly sums up the overall effect as mostly calming. AllBud describes a light lift in energy and mood paired with a relaxed body feel and mild sedation, and tags it as creative and sociable as well.
That combination suits an evening with friends or a slow night at home more than a busy morning. Potency varies by grower. Leafly lists about 20% THC, AllBud gives 21–24%, Broken Coast lists a 22–28% range for its batches, and one AllBud reviewer reported a 29% test. A reviewer there called the high fast-hitting, so newer consumers should start with a small amount.
Cherry Cheesecake Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
AllBud describes a sweet, creamy cheese aroma under a spicy cherry top note, with herbal chocolate in the background, and a berry and cherry taste with a lightly creamy exhale. Leafly lists cheese, berry and lemon as the top flavors, and its description notes sweet berries mixed with OG and Chem-style scents. Broken Coast describes cherry, cheese and sour notes.
Leafly names caryophyllene as the dominant terpene, followed by ocimene and pinene. Caryophyllene adds the peppery, spicy edge, ocimene a sweet lift, and pinene a fresh, piney note. Broken Coast’s listing names caryophyllene, limonene and linalool for its own batches, which shows how much terpene results can vary between growers.
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
- Ocimene: sweet, herbal and woody, also found in mint and basil
- Pinene: fresh pine, also found in pine needles and rosemary
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 Cherry Cheesecake
Leafly reviewers list headache, dry mouth and dry eyes as the most common negatives. Because higher-testing batches exist, a heavy session can feel stronger than the 20% headline number suggests. Drink water and keep the first dose small.
If you are new to Cherry Cheesecake, start with one small inhalation or 2.5 mg in an edible and wait before taking more; see our dosing guide.
Do People Use Cherry Cheesecake for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers most often mention reaching for Cherry Cheesecake during anxiety (42%), arthritis (28%) and stress (21%), from a small number of reports. AllBud adds chronic pain, cramps, depression and muscle spasms, and one AllBud reviewer mentioned using it for insomnia. These are consumer reports, not clinical evidence.
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 Cherry Cheesecake
- Cherry Pie: its parent and the source of the cherry flavor
- OG Cheesecake: a different cheesecake-named strain often confused with it
- Granddaddy Purple: the indica grandparent through Cherry Pie
- Blue Cheese: another relaxing strain with a savory cheese note
- Ice Cream Cake: a creamy, dessert-style indica hybrid
Browse more indica strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Indica Strains to Explore
Coffin Candy · Cookies and Cream · Cookies Kush · Chemo · Chem i95 · Chauffeur · All indica strains
Where to Buy Cherry Cheesecake
Dispensary menus change every week, and Cherry Cheesecake 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 Chicago, browse Chicago dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Karma Club – Chicago and Guaranteed Dispensary – Chicago. In Spokane, browse Spokane dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Lidz Cannabis North Spokane and Cinder North Spokane. 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.
Cherry Cheesecake FAQ
Is Cherry Cheesecake indica or sativa?
It is an indica-dominant hybrid, listed by AllBud at about 70% indica.
What is Cherry Cheesecake a cross of?
Cherry Pie crossed with Kimbo Kush.
Who bred Cherry Cheesecake?
The original breeder is not documented. Leafly says San Francisco growers Gold Seal popularized it.
How strong is Cherry Cheesecake?
Most listings give about 20–24% THC, and some producer batches test higher.
What does Cherry Cheesecake taste like?
Sweet cherry and berry with a creamy, cheesy note and a hint of lemon or chocolate.
Is Cherry Cheesecake the same as Black Cherry Cheesecake?
No. Leafly notes that Black Cherry Cheesecake is a separate strain with different genetics.
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.