Sour Lemon is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain bred from California Sour and Lemon OG, known for a sharp lemon, lime and sour apple aroma. Leafly credits Emerald Triangle Seeds and lists it at about 65% sativa. THC is reported at roughly 15% to 18%.
Sour Lemon Strain at a Glance
| Type | Sativa-dominant hybrid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Sour Lemon OG, OG Sour Lemon |
| Lineage | California Sour × Lemon OG |
| Breeder / origin | Emerald Triangle Seeds, per Leafly |
| THC | 15–18% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, Limonene, Terpinolene |
| Aroma and flavor | lemon, lime, sour apple, sour, apple |
| Reported effects | creative, energetic, focused, happy |
| Best for | daytime use, social events, busy days |
| Flowering time | About 74 days |
Where Sour Lemon Comes From
Leafly lists Sour Lemon, also called Sour Lemon OG or OG Sour Lemon, as a cross of California Sour and Lemon OG bred by Emerald Triangle Seeds. AllBud lists the same cross at 65% sativa and 35% indica. The breeder credit comes from Leafly alone.
Beyond that, not much is documented about when or how it spread.
Sour Lemon Effects: What It Feels Like
Leafly lists creative, energetic and focused as the top effects, and calls them mostly energizing. AllBud describes a cerebral rush with energy and motivation alongside body relaxation, and lists creative, happy and sociable.
That suits social events and busy days. One AllBud reviewer says it can cause sleepiness later on, so effects may fade into a softer comedown.
Sour Lemon Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
As the name suggests, the aroma is sour with lemon, lime and apple notes, and AllBud says the apple note is released on smoking. Buds are described as large, airy and lumpy with orange hairs and heavy trichomes.
Myrcene leads the terpene profile on Leafly, followed by limonene and terpinolene.
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Limonene: bright citrus, also found in lemon and orange peel
- Terpinolene: fruity, piney and herbal, common in classic sativas
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 Sour Lemon
Leafly readers report dry eyes, dry mouth and paranoia. Start low, especially if sativas tend to make you anxious.
How strong Sour Lemon feels depends on the batch, your tolerance and how you consume it. Start low, go slow, and read our guide to dosing cannabis.
Do People Use Sour Lemon for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers cite depression, stress and anxiety. AllBud lists a long set of conditions it is said to help with, including fatigue, headaches and nausea. These are user and editorial claims, not medical 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.
Growing Sour Lemon
- Flowering: About 74 days
Leafly says Sour Lemon develops rapidly and robustly during vegetation and flowers in about 74 days. One home grower reported it as prolific outdoors and said it holds up well after curing, though that is a single anecdote.
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 Sour Lemon
- Lemon Kush: a lemon-forward hybrid
- Super Lemon Haze: a bright citrus sativa
- Legendary Lemon: another lemony strain
- Lemon Skunk: a sharp citrus-and-skunk pick
- Sour Diesel: a sour, energizing classic
- Hoostagoo: a sour lemon hybrid with a peppery finish
Browse more sativa strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Sativa Strains to Explore
Sour Patch Kiss · Sour Tangie · Sour Zkittlez · Sour Jack · Sour Haze · Sour Diesel · All sativa strains
Where to Buy Sour Lemon
Dispensary menus change every week, and Sour Lemon 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 Detroit, browse Detroit dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Better Cannabis and High Club Cannabis. In Eugene, browse Eugene dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Oregrown Eugene and Dreams Dispensary 7th Ave. 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.
Sour Lemon FAQ
What is Sour Lemon a cross of?
California Sour and Lemon OG.
Is Sour Lemon indica or sativa?
It is a sativa-dominant hybrid, about 65% sativa.
Who bred Sour Lemon?
Leafly credits Emerald Triangle Seeds.
How strong is Sour Lemon?
Leafly lists 18% THC and AllBud lists 15–17%.
How long does Sour Lemon take to flower?
Leafly gives about 74 days.
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.
