Symbolically speaking, the name ‘Black D.O.G.’ might not inspire feelings of peace and happiness. However, that may change once you try this cannabis strain from Humboldt Seeds.
An Indica-dominant hybrid strain, Black D.O.G. is known for its soothing physical and cerebral effects, courtesy of top-of-the-range genetics.
There’s much more to learn about Black D.O.G., though, including its cannabinoid and terpene make-up and growing guidelines.
If you want to be an expert on this sleep-inducing strain, read on!
Strain History
Genetics
The main point of interest regarding Black D.O.G.’s genetics is its parentage. The two parent plants responsible for creating Black D.O.G. are Emerald Headband and Blackberry Kush.
Both Blackberry Kush and Emerald Headband originate from Northern California, but there are some key differences between the strains that combine to give Black D.O.G. a unique set of effects and medical benefits.
Emerald Headband is, itself, a cross between two other strains: Emerald OG and Headband. The resultant strain is heavily Indica-dominant, at a split of 80% to 20%. It’s known for its intense body high and heavy brain fog.
Meanwhile, Blackberry Kush is also an Indica-dominant hybrid. However, Blackberry Kush’s effects are more body-focused than cerebral. Like Emerald Headband, Blackberry Kush produces a physically overpowering body high.
As you can probably imagine, Black D.O.G. is Indica-dominant like its parents. Its Indica to Sativa ratio is approximately 85% to 15%, promising an intensely relaxing, bodily high, as we’ll see in a moment.
Origin
Black D.O.G. was developed and is still being manufactured by Humboldt Seeds.
Humboldt Seeds is a company based in Northern California, although it has branches elsewhere in the world, including the U.K.
In addition to being created in Northern California, both of Black D.O.G.’s parent plants are from this area, meaning that Black D.O.G. is a Northern Californian strain through and through!
Strain Appearance
Black D.O.G. is a particularly interesting strain to look at, and because of this, it’s fairly easy to identify based on appearances alone.
The first thing to note is that while the majority of cannabis plants have leaves that range from light to forest green, Black D.O.G.’s leaves appear almost black. This is the main feature that sets Black D.O.G. apart from other strains on a physical level.
Another thing to bear in mind about Black D.O.G. buds is that they tend to be very dense. This means that although they might not necessarily be particularly large, if you pick one up, it will feel firm, tightly packed, and even heavy.
While we’re on the subject of handling Black D.O.G. buds, you’ll also probably notice that the leaves are slightly sticky. This is the result of the strain’s high trichome production.
If you turn the bud over under a bright light, you’ll be able to see the crystal-like trichomes glistening.
Strain Flavor
The flavor of Black D.O.G. has what can be described as an earthy base, accompanied by elements of citrus fruits, grape, berries, and even hints of diesel.
Luckily for those who don’t enjoy harsh cannabis flavors, the diesel taste doesn’t come through especially strongly. Instead, you’ll find yourself mentally transported into nature thanks to the woody, pine-like flavor and fruity aftertaste.
This isn’t a particularly sweet strain, but it’s perfect for those who prefer a mellow, earthy flavor with a slight kick.
Strain Aroma
Black D.O.G.’s aroma doesn’t vary too much from the flavor, although the focus of the scent is more on the fruity elements than the earthiness detected by taste.
The main scents you’re likely to pick up while smoking Black D.O.G. are grape and berries, although you can still smell a hint of the oily, chemical diesel coming through as an after-effect.
When inhaling the aroma of Black D.O.G., you will also easily detect smells of earth, wood, and pine, but these don’t make up the foreground of the scent experience, unlike the flavor.
Strain Cannabinoids
If you’re interested in pinning down the intensity and type of high you can expect from Black D.O.G. before you try it, you’ll need to be aware of its cannabinoids.
Black D.O.G. has a medium to high THC concentration, which may vary from harvest to harvest. The average THC test result returns 19%, although results have been known to range from 16% to 21%.
19% THC is just on the cusp between medium-strength (10% to 19%) and high-strength (20% +). Because of this THC concentration, Black D.O.G. is a suitable strength for both fairly new smokers and experienced cannabis users.
Beginners can use the strain in small quantities to enjoy its benefits on a mild scale, while seasoned smokers can increase their consumption as needed to feel the effects.
Another cannabinoid of interest found in Black D.O.G. is CBG or Cannabigerol. There is only 1% CBG in Black D.O.G., but it’s worth mentioning because of the more energizing effect of CBG in comparison with CBD (Cannabidiol).
This CBG concentration allows Black D.O.G. to be slightly more stimulating than its Indica-dominant makeup might suggest.
Strain Terpenes
The main terpene that testing has detected in Black D.O.G. is Limonene.
Limonene is associated with cerebral effects such as elevated mood and stress relief, but it also provides the citrus flavors that come through when smoking or otherwise consuming Black D.O.G.
In addition to Limonene, Black D.O.G. contains Caryophyllene and Myrcene.
Caryophyllene contributes a peppery flavor and is cerebrally associated with euphoric feelings. Myrcene, meanwhile, produces a spicy, earthy aroma and flavor. Usually, when a strain contains Myrcene, you can expect a good level of potency.
Strain Side Effects
While there are many positive effects associated with Black D.O.G., this strain has its potential side effects, as all varieties of cannabis do.
By far the most commonly reported side effect associated with Black D.O.G. is a dry mouth, with roughly 19% of this strain’s users listing this as their primary side effect.
Dryness in the mouth is, however, not an exclusive side effect of this strain. Neither is the second most reported side effect, which is dry eyes.
About 6% of Black D.O.G. consumers have reported experiencing dizziness as a result. This dizzy feeling, especially for new cannabis users, can bring with it its own side effects, including anxiety, but anxiety and paranoia are not common with this strain.
Medical Benefits
Most people who use Black D.O.G. medicinally do so to counteract insomnia, pain, and stress-related symptoms.
Because Black D.O.G. produces a body high in addition to a calming effect, many users find that it helps them to fall asleep. For people who suffer from insomnia, Black D.O.G. can be a real game-changer.
Because this strain will help you to fall asleep faster and, potentially, sleep through the night, it may be useful in treating other sleep-related issues such as nightmares.
The relaxing effect of Black D.O.G. is also effective against feelings of stress. Using Black D.O.G. to manage stress can certainly be considered a medical use because the increased cortisol levels caused by stress can have many detrimental effects on the body and mind.
One of the main cerebral effects of Black D.O.G. is a happy or euphoric feeling. These effects are temporary but may serve as a quick fix for the negative feelings associated with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Finally, individuals with chronic pain may also benefit from Black D.O.G. The body high associated with Black D.O.G. helps over a quarter of this strain’s consumers to manage their pain.
Strain Review
If you’re in the market for a relaxing, sleep-inducing experience, Black D.O.G. could be the strain you’ve been searching for. It’s soothing, mood-lifting, and sleep-inducing all at the same time.
However, if you’re a fan of super-sweet strains or if you find yourself lacking in energy, Black D.O.G. may not be for you since it’s earthy and not energizing.
Strain Grow Info
Strain Flowering Time
Black D.O.G. flowers quite rapidly in comparison to other strains, with an approximate window of 48 to 55 days.
Strain Yield
Because Black D.O.G. can be grown both inside and outside, it produces different yields depending on where it is grown.
The average outdoor yield for this strain is about 2000 grams per plant, ranging between 1000 and 3000. Indoors, you can expect a significantly smaller yield of between 400 and 500 grams per square meter.
Final Thoughts
Black D.O.G. is a medium to high-strength cannabis strain perfect for anyone who struggles to fully relax or fall asleep.
This strain will ease you into a deep sense of mental and physical relaxation while lifting your mood, all within a delicious cloud of earthy pine.
If you enjoyed this article, then you might like to read our post on the White Shark strain.
This website will serve as the ultimate guide and record for various different cannabis strains that are available, from melon gum and golden goat, to wookie and hog strains. There is so much to learn about each strain, and each has its own benefits and medicinal properties.
- Amnesia OG Strain Review - February 28, 2022
- Strawberry Glue Strain Review - February 28, 2022
- Jedi OG Strain Review - February 28, 2022
