Lemon Pepper is a sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain bred from Lemon Pebblez and Lemon Cooler, known for sharp lemon on the inhale and spicy black pepper on the exhale. It was bred by Cookies with rapper Rick Ross and launched in 2020 on the sativa menu of Lemonade, a Cookies brand. Leafly lists about 18% THC, and users describe an energetic, focused, clear-headed high.
Lemon Pepper Strain at a Glance
| Type | Sativa-dominant hybrid |
|---|---|
| Lineage | Lemon Pebblez × Lemon Cooler |
| Breeder / origin | Cookies, developed with Rick Ross |
| THC | 18–25% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Not listed |
| Dominant terpenes | Pinene, Beta-caryophyllene, Linalool |
| Aroma and flavor | black pepper, lemon rind, zesty citrus, earthy, sharp lemon, spicy pepper, sweet citrus |
| Reported effects | energetic, focused, giggly, uplifted, tingly |
| Best for | daytime use, errands and tasks, social afternoons |
Where Lemon Pepper Comes From
Lemon Pepper came out of a 2020 partnership between Cookies and rapper Rick Ross. A July 2020 press release reported in Cannabis Business Times laid out the collaboration: Collins Ave as the indica, Pink Rozay as the hybrid, and Lemon Pepper exclusive to Lemonade, Cookies’ sativa line. Leafly credits the strain to Cookies, developed with Rick Ross, and both Leafly and AllBud list the parents as Lemon Pebblez and Lemon Cooler.
AllBud says the name comes straight from the flavor and smell. In California, the strain shows up on dispensary menus from growers such as Burr’s Place, with lab results on those listings running from about 24% to nearly 28% THC.
Lemon Pepper Effects: What It Feels Like
Leafly reviewers most often report energetic, focused and giggly effects, and also mention tingly, hungry, euphoric and creative. AllBud describes a clear-headed, energizing, focusing high that lasts a while, and positions it for daytime use. That makes it a good fit for chores, a walk or a busy afternoon.
Leafly’s 18% figure suggests a manageable strain that can suit newer consumers, but Weedmaps lab listings and an AllBud reviewer report much higher numbers, so the experience depends on the grower. Some reviewers also describe a calmer, body-heavy finish, especially later in the day. Start with a modest amount if your package tests in the mid-twenties.
Lemon Pepper Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
The flavor lives up to the name. AllBud describes sharp citrus on the inhale and spicy black pepper on the exhale, with a pungent nose of pepper and zesty lemon rind. Leafly’s top flavors are pepper, ammonia and lemon. One AllBud reviewer called the pepper sharply spicy and found the smoke hard on the lungs.
Leafly lists pinene as the dominant terpene, followed by caryophyllene and linalool. Caryophyllene is the terpene most associated with black pepper, pinene adds a resinous, piney sharpness, and linalool sits quietly underneath.
- Pinene: fresh pine, also found in pine needles and rosemary
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
- Linalool: floral and lavender-like
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 Lemon Pepper
Leafly reviewers list dry mouth, dry eyes and dizziness. An AllBud reviewer reported harsh, peppery smoke that set off heavy coughing and asthma symptoms, so people with sensitive lungs may prefer a vaporizer or skip it. Energetic sativas can also make some people jittery at higher doses.
With Lemon Pepper, as with any strain, a smaller dose usually avoids anxiety or grogginess. Our cannabis safety guide covers what to do if you take too much.
Do People Use Lemon Pepper for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers most often mention reaching for Lemon Pepper during low mood, fatigue and pain (about 18% each), and its description mentions inflammation. AllBud adds stress and nausea. 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 Lemon Pepper
- Lemon Haze: another bright lemon sativa
- Super Lemon Haze: a sharp, energetic lemon strain
- Lemon Tree: lemon-forward with a little fuel
- Jack Herer: a peppery, clear-headed daytime sativa
- Lemon Cake: another lemon-forward hybrid
Browse more sativa strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Sativa Strains to Explore
Lemon Royale · Lemon Skunk · Lemon Sweet Skunk · Lemon Meringue · Lemon Haze · Lemon Cake · All sativa strains
Where to Buy Lemon Pepper
Dispensary menus change every week, and Lemon Pepper 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 San Francisco, browse San Francisco dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Harborside and Eaze San Francisco Haight. In Bend, browse Bend dispensaries and check the menus at stores like The Flower Room Tumalo and Oregrown Bend. 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.
Lemon Pepper FAQ
Is Lemon Pepper indica or sativa?
It is a sativa-dominant hybrid, listed at about 70% sativa by AllBud.
What is Lemon Pepper a cross of?
Lemon Pebblez crossed with Lemon Cooler.
Who bred Lemon Pepper?
Cookies, developed with Rick Ross, and released in 2020 on the Lemonade sativa menu.
How strong is Lemon Pepper?
Leafly lists about 18% THC and AllBud 19–25%, while some lab-tested retail batches run higher.
What does Lemon Pepper taste like?
Sharp lemon on the inhale and spicy black pepper on the exhale.
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.