Get to Know Your Favorite Strain | Gorilla Glue #4

It’s intensely pungent and will “glue” you to the couch for hours. Discover the compounds driving the dank, earthy aroma and euphoric effects of the sticky Gorilla Glue strain.

Gorilla Glue (aka Gorilla Glue #4, GG4, and Original Glue) is an award-winning strain that almost didn’t happen! 

Bred by seed group GG Strain, GG4 started as an accidental pollination between Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel and the resulting seeds were very nearly discarded. Eventually, they bred several phenotypes and the GG4 we know and love today reigned supreme. 

Named after the STICKY trichomes that  “glued” scissors during trimming, the makers of the strong adhesive by the same name pursued a trademark infringement lawsuit.¹ The cultivar was officially renamed GG4 or Original Glue, but it’ll always be “Gorilla Glue” to anyone who has experienced how it “glues” them to the couch.

Ready to get stuck into this strain’s pungent earthy aroma and euphoric effects? Read on and learn about the aromatic compounds that help create the powerful GG4 experience.

GG4 | Terpene Profile

The Gorilla Glue #4 aroma is mildly floral but the main scents are wood, spice, and the perfect hint of skunk. More discerning noses may pick up on delicate notes of chocolate (thanks to its Chocolate Diesel parentage). 

None of that would be possible, however, without aromatic compounds like dominant terpenes ß-caryophyllene, α-Caryophyllene, and d-Limonene.

Beta-Caryophyllene makes up a big chunk of this terpene profile, and can also be found in black pepper, cloves, hops, and even cinnamon. 

If you enjoy hoppy beers, you’re probably already familiar with alpha-Caryophyllene. Also known as alpha-Humulene, it’s found abundantly in hops and also in plants like coriander and sage.

Today, we know cannabis flavorants like Tropicannasulfur Compounds (TCSCs) play a significant role in citrus aromas, but d-Limonene still plays an important role in GG4s overall aroma and flavor. This terpene is often found in fruits like lemons, limes, grapefruits, oranges, etc.

Also worth noting are Prenylated Cannasulfur Compounds (PCSCs). While they’re not terpenes, they’re responsible for those gassy or diesel aromas you’ve probably picked up on in Gorilla Glue cultivars. 

At the end of the day, whether it’s terpenes or other aromatic compounds, we’re never done analyzing! Basically, we’re always looking for more data so we can recreate the most authentic profiles of your favorite cultivars. Speaking of data…

GG4 | Terplytics

Our proprietary Terplytics system is the next generation of cannabis analytics. It allows us to deliver the most advanced botanical testing for exploratory research, sensory quantification, strain validation, product development, and consumer insights. It’s also how we developed the Loud Factor and the Gas Factor.

TERPLYTICS

LOUD FACTOR: 94%

GAS FACTOR: 93%

The Loud Factor quantifies the pungency or “loudness” of a strain. Unlike Total Aromatics by Weight, the Loud Factor assigns scores to individual compounds based on their pungency. This is important for aromatic compounds like flavorants that are incredibly pungent.

The Gas Factor measures the intensity of a profile’s gassy aroma. So, the higher the Gas Factor, the gassier the profile. That might sound simple, but it’s surprisingly complex. 

Our scores are logarithmic, so there’s a HUGE difference between a Gas Factor of 96% and 100%. Plus, similar to the Loud Factor, it involves more than counting aromatics by weight since flavorants like Skatole and Indole significantly influence aroma even if only present in parts per trillion.

Want the details on cannabis flavorants Skatole and Indole? Learn about these pungent compounds in The Science of Exotic II: The Curious Case of Chem!

It’s also worth noting that our Terplytics numbers have nothing to do with quality. A cultivar with a 100% Haze Factor, for example, isn’t objectively better than one with a 0% Haze Factor. It just means one is very hazy and the other isn’t hazy at all. 

In the past, consumers shopped for products based purely on THC levels, but this didn’t always help them find the products they wanted/needed. On the other hand, Terplytics are immensely helpful for consumers shopping for specific aromas and experiences. 

When it comes to helping consumers find the right products, make sure YOUR products display Terplytics!

GG4 | Terpene Profile Effects

While psychoactive cannabinoids like THC are what get you high, aromatic compounds promote sensorial effects like relaxation, creativity, focus, etc. That’s why two strains with the same cannabinoid levels can promote very different effects and why THC levels are NOT an indicator of quality.

One strain may inspire you to take a nature hike, another could “glue” you to the couch for hours on end. So, if you like how Original Glue makes you feel, you can thank its unique combination of cannabinoids and aromatic compounds.

GG4 is considered a hybrid, but it’s worth mentioning that terms like indica and sativa don’t actually have anything to do with effects (they refer to plant biology). When it comes to GG4 effects, it’s all about extreme relaxation.

We’re talking about a heavy-handed dose of calm, cool, and extremely chill. The initial cerebral stimulation blasts your worries away before promoting a powerful body relaxation that’s been described as intensely sedating. Bottom line? Enjoy GG4 when you have NOTHING else to do and can enjoy rotting on the couch for hours.

Native Series | True-to-Type GG4 Terpene Profile

Our Native Series is a collection of Advanced Terpene Profiles that taste and smell exactly like the original cannabis material. The best part? They’re botanically sourced, they’re not limited by supply, and you can actually afford them.

Want to put your own spin on Gorilla Glue #4?

Combine GG4 with other profiles and blends for something your customers won’t find anywhere else. Create novel high-intensity aromatics by mixing it with a Cloudburst blend, or add complex earthy bass notes with the hemp-derived profiles from our Terplandia Series. 

Contact us today, and start infusing your products with the unique aroma, flavors, and effects of Gorilla Glue #4!

1. Meehan, M. (2018, March 29). Gorilla Glue and Cannabis Company Reach Settlement. High Times. https://hightimes.com/news/gorilla-glue-and-cannabis-company-reach-settlement/

Shop for Gorilla Glue #4 Terpenes!

SHOP GG4

Respected, often feared, and usually sold out - Gorilla Glue #4 is potent in more ways than one. The aroma is mildly floral but mainly earthy with tangible notes of wood, spice, and skunk. Just don’t try to fight the euphoric couch lock.

SHOP beta-Caryophyllene

A prominent terpene produced in trichomes, beta-Caryophyllene is also found in large quantities in traditional medicinal plants like black pepper, black caraway, cloves, basil, oregano, cinnamon, and many others. This is a uniquely spicy terpene. beta-Caryophyllene is a core ingredient of many contemporary spices, fragrances, soaps, and lotions. 

 

SHOP alpha-Caryophyllene

Also known as Humulene, this terpene isolate literally gets its name from hop plant formal name: homulus lulupus. As such, it makes sense that this terpene would be a primary constituent of the iconic smell of beer. Also commonly known as alpha-Caryohpyllene. Humulene has a potent earthy flavor with a bitter woody overtone. 

SHOP d-Limonene

As its name suggests, d-Limonene has a loud citrus flavor and smell. It is found in oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits, and many other citrus fruits.