Whether you partake daily or just dabble, you’ve no doubt heard of Gorilla Glue (GG) by now. Word of GG’s potency has spread far and wide. It’s even collected a handful of awards, domestically and internationally, and for good reason.
Consumers looking for flower that packs a punch often ask us about this sticky strain. And, while most know that it’s strong, not everyone realizes there are several strains of GG, each boasting unique characteristics and offering a different experience. To help you make the right buy, we’ll break down the profiles and usages of several popular GG strains and reveal which is the strongest. By the end, you should have the knowledge you need to know which GG strain will deliver what you’re after.
What Is Gorilla Glue (GG)?
Gorilla Glue started as just one type of cannabis. However, growers love to build on a good thing and have since cultivated several substrains. Today, Gorilla Glue is an entire cannabis category unto itself. They’ve been numbered to help users identify each strain, so you might see it labeled as “GG#1”, #4, or #5. What they all share is a high THC content and a sticky consistency. But beyond that, they differ in terms of the experience they create and why people love them.
How It Started
There’s a lot of lore around how exactly Gorilla Glue came to be. It began with renowned cultivar creators Joesy Whales and Lone Watty. Some say GG was a happy accident, borne out of a law enforcement raid, a quick shuffling of supplies, and some cross-pollination that resulted in seriously potent and pungent stuff.
What we know for certain is that Gorilla Glue got its name for its super-sticky consistency. It’s so sticky, in fact, that it’s said to make scissor blades stick together when trimming flower. So, Watty and Whales appropriately named the original strain Gorilla Glue. But … the manufacturer of the DIY/crafts product by the same name didn’t like the association. To make a long story short, a legal battle ensued, and by the end of it, Watty and Whales agreed to rename the strain GG#4.
What It’s Made Of
The original GG#4 is a hybrid, with parent strains Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel. GGs are Indica-dominant hybrids, creating a sensation that’s both relaxing and euphoric. Naturally, every strain after GG#4 might have a slightly different profile, with a stronger presence of one parent strain or another. But you can always expect a high THC content.
Common Characteristics
So, how would you know you were handling a GG strain if it wasn’t labeled? For starters, the aroma would hit you like a ton of bricks (but in an enjoyable way). You’d notice a frosty-looking layer on the buds, due to the high levels of trichomes. That trichome density is also what gives GG its no-joke THC percentages, which sit at 20 percent on the low end and can reach 30 percent on the high end. As for the leaf colors, those can be all over the map from purple to green. So, to sum it up, GG strains are:
- Potent
- Pungent
- Powerful
- Sticky
- Colorful
Ready to learn what makes the substrains different? Read on.
Gorilla Glue Strains: How They’re Different
One of the characteristics that sets GG strains apart from others is their high THC content, which can reach 30 percent. For reference, the average THC content for strains in the U.S. sits in the low 20 percent range. Safe to say, GG strains are not for the beginner cannabis consumer.
These strains are also known for their dynamic effects, which can be uplifting and soothing, making them beloved amongst daytime and nighttime users. Below, we’ll explore the unique profiles of some of the most popular GG strains, including THC content, flavor, effects, and common usage.
GG#1 (Sister Glue)
THC: 25% to 28%
Effects: Euphoria, body high
Best For: Boosting creativity, reducing social anxiety
Flavor Profile: Lemon/flowers
GG#1 (aka Sister Glue) is a little less potent than GG#4 and known for its piney aromas. Some say it tastes like lemon and flowers, so the mouth/nose experience is earthy and bright. If you’re looking to chill out without getting sleepy, GG#1 is a great choice.
GG#4 (Gorilla Glue #4)
THC: 25% to 32%
Effects: Intense relaxation, body high, long-lasting
Best For: A night of self-care/movie night
Flavor Profile: Chocolate and diesel
GG#4, i.e., the Original Gorilla Glue, is the strongest of them all, with THC content sometimes exceeding 30 percent. Its effects are as layered as its flavor and aroma notes and will certainly leave an impression. Make no mistake: GG#4 can give you couchlock, so tread lightly.
Flash GG4 Review: What Makes It So Popular?
Before we dive into the other strains, let’s give GG#4 its moment in the spotlight. The truth is that GG#4 is what typically attracts consumers to the GG lineup. And it tends to be easier to find than its substrains. Plus, for those seeking a mighty strain that doesn’t hold back, GG#4 is hard to beat. For many, that’s the point. Few strains boast the THC content of GG#4. So when you’re after a transcendent experience, we recommend the OG GG.
GG#3
THC: 25% to 27%
Effects: Almost-instant head high
Best For: Enjoying a show/movie, doing a creative project
Flavor Profile: Diesel, earthy, sweet, hoppy
Before we brief you on GG#3, we should tell you that it’s one of the hardest GG strains to find. Some bud buffs even claim GG#3 doesn’t actually exist. If you’re looking for effects just shy of GG#4’s and a lighter body experience, consider GG#3.
GG#5 (New Glue)
THC: 26% to 28 %
Effects: Relaxation, uplifting
Best For: Creative projects, socializing
Flavor Profile: Earthy, diesel, sweet
GG #5 blends the best features of its parents, GG#1 and GG#4. The resultant high is a balanced mind/body experience. Approach GG#5 slowly to avoid its potentially sedative effects.
GG#2
THC: 20% to 25%
Effects: Relaxing, euphoric
Best For: Stress relief, sleep aid
Flavor Profile: Fruit, diesel
If you’re looking for a good entry strain into the GG family, GG#2 could be the way to go. It has the lowest THC levels found across this category. Whether you want a chill night in or assistance dozing off, GG#2 delivers a nice sense of calm without being overwhelming.
Gorilla Glue 3 vs. 4: Is There a Difference?
Even experienced GG aficionados sometimes struggle to tell GG#3 and GG#4 apart. However, GG#3 has a lower THC content and is more Indica-forward. So it will be a little more calming than GG#4. Put simply, GG#3 will leave you feeling relaxed, while GG#4 will leave you feeling thoroughly and properly stoned.
Comparing Strength: What Makes a Strain “Strong”?
We’ve talked a lot about THC, and while it certainly plays a role in how cannabis makes you feel, several components contribute to the mind and body highs you can experience with different strains.
THC Content: THC is the primary marker of potency. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. In other words, it’s what makes you feel high.
Other Cannabinoids: CBD and CBG are two other cannabinoids we often consider when determining how a strain will make you feel. Neither of these is psychoactive, so it won’t produce a mind high. Instead, CBD relaxes the body, while CBG is known to mute some of the undesired side effects of THC (like paranoia or anxiety).
Terpene Profile: Terpenes are naturally occurring oils in cannabis that impact the taste and smell of a strain, as well as how it makes you feel. Limonene, for example, is a common terpene, known for its citrusy aroma and uplifting sensations. Linalool has a floral aroma and calming effects, and Myrcene is loved for its earthy smell and soothing powers. These are just a few of the more than 150 terpenes found in cannabis plants.
The Entourage Effect: If a strain had only THC, CBD, or CBG, its effects would be a little too one-sided (and nobody likes that). On the other hand, the Entourage Effect refers to what occurs when various compounds work together to balance each other out for a nuanced experience.
Method of Consumption: How you enjoy your product, like smoking vs. eating vs. dabbing, also impacts how it affects you. Smoking, for example, tends to produce effects almost instantaneously, but they’ll fade quickly (within one to three hours). Edibles, on the other hand, are famous for a slow build. Their effects can take anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours to peak, and can last up to 12 hours.
User Tolerance & Body Chemistry: Individual tolerance and physical composition also play a role in how you experience cannabis. Like with most substances, your body can get acclimated to THC. Over time, you might need more to have the desired experience. Alternatively, novices can experience major effects from very little product. Individual differences such as age, gender, weight, and even health conditions can also dictate how cannabis impacts the user.
Which Gorilla Glue Strain Is the Strongest?
After conducting a thorough Gorilla Glue strain review, we can confidently say that #4 packs the biggest punch. Let’s review:
- Has the highest THC content
- Is sativa-dominant, for a stronger head high
- Is the parent strain that gave way to the other, more muted GGs
Final answer: For a next-level smoke session that delivers a total mind and body high, GG#4 is the strain to choose.
Honorable mention: GG#5 is slightly less intense than GG#4, thanks to a marginally lower THC content and an indica-forward profile.
Tips for Choosing the Best Gorilla Glue Strain for You
Ready to add Gorilla Glue to your cannabis sessions? Here are some final tips on choosing the right strain.
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- Match strain to your desired effects. Remember that Indica is more calming, while Sativa is more energizing, and a higher THC content will mean a stronger high.
- Dosage and tolerance considerations. You know your experience and comfort level with cannabis. If you’re new, start slow with a low-THC strain. If you’re an aficionado, you might be ready for a stronger strain.
- Buy from licensed dispensaries. Buying from a licensed dispensary ensures you can see an accurate label/profile of your cannabis and know what experience you’ll have.
- Strongest doesn’t always mean best. Strong cannabis can be great for those looking to shut off their brains and stay on the couch for the night. But, for those looking to find focus and energy for creative projects or social occasions, lighter strains are better.
Still not sure which path is the right one for you? Our cannabis experts are always happy to answer your questions and pair you with the strain that will deliver your desired experience.
CBD, Your Favorite Strains, and More at Sky’s the Limit
Gorilla Glue has been making waves in the cannabis community, especially amongst those in search of a high-impact strain. With THC levels well above the national average, rich and complex flavor profiles, and plenty of dynamic substrains, Gorilla Glue is ready to elevate your experience, whether you smoke it, eat it, dab it, or vape it. Just be sure to select the strain that’s right for your experience level and your planned activities.
At Sky’s the Limit, we have knowledgeable staff that can help you select the right GG strain for your goals. Plus, they can show you our top-shelf complements like CBD and glass products, to enhance your experiences. Contact us today to learn more about Gorilla Glue and shop our premium cannabis products.
FAQs
Still curious about Gorilla Glue? Find FAQs and answers about this fascinating strain below.
How many Gorilla Glue strains are there?
The answer is actually up for debate. Some GG enthusiasts claim that strains #1 through #5 are the only true GG relatives. Meanwhile, others claim as many as 12 GG strains have been discovered!
What’s the difference between Gorilla Glue #1 vs. #4?
Admittedly misleading, Gorilla Glue #1 is not the original — #4 is. GG #1 has a lower THC content and brighter flavor profile than #4.
Can GG4 be grown outdoors?
While not all cannabis needs to be grown outdoors, Gorilla Glue strains thrive in the open. Their plants grow tall and benefit from strong weather resistance, making outdoor GG4 strains quite common.
Which hits harder between GG5 vs. GG4?
Both strains are potent, but in different ways. GG4 is known for its intense body high, often producing couchlock, while GG5 is known for more of a mind high.
