Gorilla Glue #4 (GG4): The Complete Guide

Gorilla Glue #4 — also known as GG4 or Original Glue — is one of the most potent and decorated hybrids in modern cannabis genetics. With 25–30% THC, an unmistakable caryophyllene-diesel profile, and a resin surplus that literally glues scissors shut, GG4 has won more Cannabis Cups since 2014 than almost any other strain.

TL;DR: GG4 is a balanced hybrid (≈50/50) with 25–30% THC, caryophyllene-dominant terpenes, and a heavy body-led effect. Genetics: Chem's Sister × Sour Dubb × Chocolate Diesel. Aromas: diesel, earth, coffee, chocolate. Effects: euphoric-relaxing, deep body stone, best in the evening. Medical uses: chronic pain, insomnia, appetite stimulation. In Switzerland the psychoactive THC version is only legally accessible via medical prescription.

On this page

History & origin · Genetics · THC & cannabinoid profile · Terpenes & aroma · Effects & experience · Medical use · Cultivation notes · Comparison · GG4 in Switzerland · FAQ.

History: how GG4 was born

The story begins in 2013 in Las Vegas. Joesy Whales, a breeder at GG Strains, crossed a female Chem's Sister with a hermaphrodite Sour Dubb — an accident, since the Sour Dubb had formed a pollen sac. Rather than discard the seeds, his partner Lone Watie germinated them and phenoed four candidates: GG#1, GG#2, GG#3, and GG#4. Number 4 stood out with extreme resin production, heavy aroma, and an unusually high THC concentration.

The name «Gorilla Glue» came, according to the breeder, because Whales had so much resin on his scissors and fingers while trimming that everything stuck together — like the industrial adhesive of the same name. After a trademark lawsuit by the glue manufacturer, GG Strains renamed the varieties to «Original Glue (GG4)» in 2017; the genetics remained identical.

GG4 won Cannabis Cups in Los Angeles and Michigan in 2014, the Jamaican World Cup in 2015, and within 24 months established itself as the global reference for ultra-potent hybrids.

Genetics & lineage

Official genetics: Chem's Sister × Sour Dubb × Chocolate Diesel. All three parents belong to the extended Chemdawg family — the same genetic root as OG Kush and Sour Diesel. That explains the typical diesel and earth notes.

Chem's Sister brings raw potency and the diesel aroma. Sour Dubb adds the fruity-sour undertone. Chocolate Diesel — itself a Chocolate Trip × Sour Diesel cross — gives the characteristic cocoa and coffee back-end.

GG4 only exists as a clone (cut), not as a stabilized seed line. «GG4 seeds» on the market are in fact S1 versions (selfed) or hybrids like «New Glue» or «Gorilla Glue #5». True GG4 genetics has been passed down from cutting to cutting for over a decade.

THC, CBD and cannabinoid profile

At an average 25–28% THC, GG4 ranks among the strongest conventional strains worldwide; top batches scratch the 30% mark. CBD is typically below 0.1% — GG4 is a pure THC strain.

Alongside THC, GG4 carries measurable CBG (0.5–1%) and trace THCV. The CBG contributes to the body-relaxing component, while high THC drives the strong psychoactivity.

Because of its potency, GG4 is not recommended for beginners in coffeeshops. As little as 0.1–0.2 g can already trigger heavy sedation, couch-lock, and amplified perception in novice users.

Terpenes & aroma

Dominant terpene: β-caryophyllene (often 0.6–1.0% of dry mass). Caryophyllene binds directly to CB2 receptors — it contributes to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, and explains part of the «heavy» body-high.

Secondary terpenes: limonene (citrus top note, slight mood lift), myrcene (sedative contribution, typical indica) and humulene (earthy-hoppy, appetite regulation).

On the nose: diesel up front, followed by dark chocolate, freshly ground coffee, pine, and a slightly sweet earth note. Vaped, the diesel-coffee axis intensifies; in a joint, earth dominates.

More in our profiles on caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene.

Effects & experience

Onset: 5–10 minutes vaped, 30–60 minutes orally. Peak at 30–45 minutes (inhaled). Main duration: 2–3 hours, comedown another 1–2 hours.

Initial phase (0–20 min): mild euphoria, lifted mood, creative idea flow, amplified tactile perception. Main phase (20–90 min): deep body stone, muscle relaxation, heaviness in limbs, often with munchies. Comedown (90–180 min): sedative weight, tendency to fall asleep.

GG4 is a classic late-afternoon to evening strain. During the day it leads most users to lose drive. For focus or social use, sativa-dominant strains like Sour Diesel or Jack Herer are a better fit.

Medical use

GG4 is widely used in regulated markets for chronic pain, insomnia, muscle tension, and appetite stimulation. The combination of high THC, caryophyllene, and myrcene yields a profile that often responds better to nociceptive and inflammatory pain than purer sativa profiles.

Patient reports from the US and Canada repeatedly cite GG4 for fibromyalgia, lower back pain, postoperative pain, and chemotherapy-induced appetite loss. Solid clinical studies specific to GG4 are lacking — evidence comes from general research on THC and caryophyllene.

Important: this content does not replace medical advice. For medical use, go through a cannabis prescription in Switzerland.

Cultivation notes (overview)

Indoor height: 100–140 cm, flowering: 8–9 weeks, yield: 500–600 g/m². Outdoor harvest window in the Northern Hemisphere: early to mid October. GG4 is a sturdy, mould-resistant cultivar — popular with commercial Swiss indoor producers for CBD-dominant GG4 cuts.

Note: in Switzerland, private cultivation of THC cannabis (> 1% THC) without a prescription is illegal. CBD-dominant GG4 phenotypes under 1% THC are legal.

Comparison: GG4 vs. similar strains

GG4 vs. Wedding Cake: GG4 is diesel-earthy and body-heavy; Wedding Cake is sweet-vanilla and a bit more functional — similar potency (25–28% THC).

GG4 vs. Girl Scout Cookies: GSC delivers more head-high and sweet aroma, GG4 is more anchored in the body.

GG4 vs. Granddaddy Purple: GDP is classic indica with a berry profile and more sedative; GG4 is more hybrid, with a more creative opening.

GG4 vs. Northern Lights: NL is softer, sweet-piney, classic indica; GG4 is noticeably more potent and aromatically complex.

GG4 in Switzerland: availability & law

The original psychoactive GG4 (25–30% THC) is not available on the open Swiss market. It is legally accessible only via medical prescription — since the 2022 NarcA revision, without a special FOPH permit.

The free Swiss CBD market however carries CBD-dominant GG4 cuts: same genetics, pheno-selected for high CBD and low THC. This «GG4 CBD» keeps the caryophyllene-diesel profile while staying under 1% THC, within the legal framework.

For CannabisClub members with Swiss residency, medical prescriptions are heavily discounted. More in our THC strains and medical cannabis hubs.

FAQ

Is Gorilla Glue #4 indica or sativa?

GG4 is a balanced hybrid (≈50/50). The effect is often perceived as indica-heavy because of the high myrcene and caryophyllene content.

How much THC is in GG4?

Typically 25–28%, up to 30% in top batches — among the most potent conventional strains in the world.

Why is GG4 now called «Original Glue»?

After a trademark lawsuit by Gorilla Glue Co., the strain was renamed «Original Glue (GG4)» in 2017. The genetics did not change.

Which terpene dominates?

β-caryophyllene — followed by limonene, myrcene, and humulene. Caryophyllene binds to CB2 receptors and supports the body-relaxing component.

How long does the effect last?

Inhaled: onset at 5–10 min, peak at 30–45 min, main effect 2–3 hours, comedown another 1–2 hours.

Is GG4 suitable for beginners?

Not recommended. The high potency can trigger heavy sedation and couch-lock from small doses. Better starting points: Blue Dream or Northern Lights.

What is GG4 used for medically?

Frequently: chronic pain, insomnia, muscle tension, appetite stimulation. Specific clinical studies are lacking; evidence stems from general THC and caryophyllene research.

Is GG4 legal in Switzerland?

The THC version (> 1% THC) only by medical prescription. CBD-dominant GG4 cuts under 1% THC are openly available.

Sources & references