Gorilla Glue is an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain, best known as Gorilla Glue #4 or GG4, bred from Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb and Chocolate Diesel, and known for sticky, resinous buds and a heavy, euphoric high. It was created by GG Strains in the early 2010s and won multiple Cannabis Cup awards in 2014. THC commonly runs from about 20% to 30%.
Gorilla Glue Strain at a Glance
| Type | Indica-dominant hybrid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Gorilla Glue #4, GG4, Original Glue |
| Lineage | Chem’s Sister × Sour Dubb × Chocolate Diesel |
| Breeder / origin | GG Strains (Joesy Whales and Archive Seed Bank collaborators, Nevada) |
| THC | 20–30% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Beta-caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene |
| Aroma and flavor | pungent diesel, earthy, pine, sweet chocolate, diesel, coffee-like bitterness |
| Reported effects | relaxed, euphoric, sleepy, happy |
| Best for | evening use, couch time, pain and stress relief |
| Flowering time | 8–9 weeks |
Where Gorilla Glue Comes From
Gorilla Glue came about by accident. According to the breeders at GG Strains, led by Joesy Whales and Lone Watty, a Chem’s Sister plant turned hermaphroditic and pollinated a Sour Dubb. The seeds from that cross were then bred with Chocolate Diesel, and one phenotype, number 4, stood out for its extreme resin. The name came from how sticky the plant was: trimming it left scissors and hands gummed up.
GG4 took off in 2014 after it won Cannabis Cup titles in Michigan and Los Angeles, and it was quickly followed by a flood of lookalikes and crosses (Gorilla Cookies, Gorilla Zkittlez and others). The makers of the Gorilla Glue adhesive sued over the name, and in a settlement the strain’s rights holders agreed to rebrand. Today many menus list it as GG4 or Original Glue, while others still use the old name. If you see Gorilla Glue on a menu, it is worth checking whether it is the original #4 cut or a nearby cross.
Note on classification: sources split between indica-dominant, balanced and sativa-dominant. The majority call it indica-dominant, and most users describe a heavy effect.
Gorilla Glue Effects: What It Feels Like
Gorilla Glue is known for coming on fast and hard. Within minutes there is a rush of euphoria and a warm, heavy feeling that spreads from the head down through the body. Thoughts slow, and many people get a happy, talkative stretch before the weight sets in.
The peak is strongly relaxing, and for many people it leads to couch lock and sleep. Because the THC is high, this is a strain where a small dose goes a long way. It is usually chosen for evenings, movie nights or quiet time at home, not for tasks that need focus.
Gorilla Glue Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
The smell is pungent and earthy, with sharp diesel and pine, and a sweet, chocolate-coffee undertone that comes from the Chocolate Diesel side. The buds are covered in resin and often smell strongly through the jar.
The flavor is earthy and sour on the inhale, with a bitter, coffee-like edge, and a lingering diesel and pine finish. Lab reports often show beta-caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene as leading terpenes, though ratios shift between growers. Caryophyllene adds peppery spice, limonene a sharp citrus note and myrcene a heavy, earthy base.
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
- Limonene: bright citrus, also found in lemon and orange peel
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
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 Gorilla Glue
Dry mouth and dry eyes are common. Because Gorilla Glue is potent, it can cause strong drowsiness, dizziness, and in some people anxiety or paranoia, especially at high doses. Keep the first dose small, stay hydrated, and avoid driving or planning for a busy night.
If you are new to Gorilla Glue, start with one small inhalation or 2.5 mg in an edible and wait before taking more; see our dosing guide.
Do People Use Gorilla Glue for Medical Reasons?
Consumers often say they reach for Gorilla Glue when dealing with stress, pain, tension and trouble sleeping. The heavy body effect is the main reason it comes up for nighttime use. This reflects user reports and not medical advice.
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.
Growing Gorilla Glue
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Flowering: 8–9 weeks
- Yield: High
- Height: Medium to tall; stretches during flower
- Environment: Indoor or outdoor in warm, dry climates
Gorilla Glue is a heavy yielder with sturdy branches and very resinous flowers. It stretches after the flip, so growers top and train it early. The dense buds hold moisture, which makes mold a real risk in humid conditions, so in wet Pacific Northwest autumns an outdoor crop needs a greenhouse or a clear finish window. Keep late-flower humidity low and trim airy leaves around the colas. Hermaphrodite tendencies have been reported in stressed plants, so keep conditions stable.
Home-grow rules depend on the state: adults can grow at home in states such as California (six plants per residence), Michigan (12 per residence) and Oregon (four per household), while Washington and Illinois allow home growing only for registered medical patients. Check your state in our cannabis laws by state guide before you plant anything.
Strains Like Gorilla Glue
- Gorilla OG: a related cross with a similar diesel and earth profile
- Gorilla Grapes: a Gorilla cross with a fruitier flavor
- OG Kush: another classic fuel-and-earth strain with a heavy finish
- Chemdawg: a diesel-heavy ancestor of many Glue relatives
- Girl Scout Cookies: a sweeter option with a similar strong, relaxing high
Browse more hybrid strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Hybrid Strains to Explore
Gorilla Grapes · Grandaddy Bruce · Grandi Guava · Gorilla Cookies · Golden Pineapple · Glueberry · All hybrid strains
Where to Buy Gorilla Glue
Dispensary menus change every week, and Gorilla Glue 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 Vancouver, browse Vancouver dispensaries and check the menus at stores like The Herbery St. Johns Rd and Craft Cannabis Mill Plain. In Medford, browse Medford dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Budz Barn and Emerald Triangle McAndrews. 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.
Gorilla Glue FAQ
Is Gorilla Glue indica or sativa?
It is usually classed as an indica-dominant hybrid, though some sources call it balanced. Most people feel a heavy, relaxing effect.
What is Gorilla Glue a cross of?
GG Strains reports Chem’s Sister and Sour Dubb, bred with Chocolate Diesel. The first cross was an accidental pollination.
How strong is Gorilla Glue?
Often 20% to 30% THC, which is strong. Start low if you are new to cannabis.
Why is it called GG4?
The name Gorilla Glue was disputed by the adhesive company, so the strain is often sold as GG4 or Original Glue. The 4 refers to the number of the standout phenotype.
What does Gorilla Glue taste like?
Earthy and diesel-like with pine and a bitter, coffee-like edge.
Will Gorilla Glue make me sleepy?
Often yes, especially at higher doses. Many people save it for evenings.
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.
