What are Cheese strains of weed?

Cheese strains are a family of cannabis known for their pungent Cheesy aroma. The strain rose to fame in the 90’s as growers loved its fast-flowering time, big yields and pungent smell. The original Cheese genetics came from the United Kingdom in the late 1980s but can be traced back to Skunk #1, which is a cross of Acapulco Gold, Afghan, and Colombian Gold.

What are the effects of Cheese weed strains?

Cheese weed strains are known for their euphoric, uplifting highs that stimulate mental creativity and a sense of euphoria, followed by a relaxing physical sensation, making it an ideal strain for those looking to unwind after a long day. The combination of sativa and indica genetics in Cheese strains provides a perfectly balanced high that doesn’t overwhelm. Our selection of strains are popular for their ability to offer a sense of relaxation without the couch-lock effect.

The history of the Cheese strain

Cheese first hit the cannabis scene way back in the early ‘80s. It all started when west-coast Cali cultivator Sam, AKA “the Skunkman” moved to the Netherlands to perfect the art of breeding. He brought along his legendary ‘Skunk #1’ strain which became popular among Dutch growers because of its quick flowering time.

From there, the story goes that Skunk #1 seeds were transported to the UK. Upon cultivating the seeds, a southeast England cultivator and a group known as The Exodus Collective remarked the plants had a peculiar cheese odor. That cultivator continued cloning the plant due to its impressive yields. Hence, the popularity and geographical namesake of the ‘UK cheese’ strain.

Over time, the Cheese hybrid became one of the most popular strains in the region with its unique pungent aroma making famous at local festivals throughout the ‘90s. But, the crossing didn’t stop there. Exodus crossed the original plant with a landrace Afghani to further stabilize and perfect the strain. That’s when the first known UK Cheese seeds came to be. It didn’t take long for the strain to take off, winning the Best Indica prize at the 19th High Times Cannabis Cup in 2006.

What transpired between Skunk and Cheese between the Netherlands and UK is still unknown, but is to thank for the emergence of one of the UK’s most popular strains today. Since then, just like Skunkman and the Exodus Collective - cultivators are continuing to cross-breed and produce fresh hybrids of what we know and love as cheese strains.

Grow the best Cheese strains today

Want to add a little nostalgia to your current crops? Here are the top trending cheese weed strains you should try.

Big Blue Cheese

This strain says it all with its name, and produces big buds with beautiful purple hues and that well-known cheese aroma with a hint of berries. Big Blue Cheese is revered for its higher than average yields, favorable THC levels of 16-19%, and a well-balanced, soothing buzz.

STRAIN CHARACTERISTICS
THC % 16%-19%
Flowering Time 8-10 Weeks
Outdoor harvest End Of September
Yield 500-600gr/m²
Indica/Sativa Sativa Dominant
Height Medium: 100cm-180cm
Difficulty Easy
CBD Content <1%
Climate Temperate
Medical Conditions Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, PTSD
Seed Type Feminized
Genetics Blueberry x UK Cheese x Big Bud
Effects Calming, Relaxing
Taste Blue Cheese, Cheese, Blueberry
Terpene Limonene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene

BUY BIG BLUE CHEESE

The Cheese

The Cheese pays homage to the OG cheese strain and is a Cannabis Cup winner itself. The indica dominant variety can be grown indoors or outdoors, grows to manageable medium heights, and produces potent effects with pungent aromas. Even better, is the strain’s effects are fast-hitting and long-lasting.

STRAIN CHARACTERISTICS
THC % 16%-19%
Flowering Time 8-10 Weeks
Outdoor harvest End Of September
Yield 300-400gr/m²
Indica/Sativa Indica Dominant
Height Medium: 100cm-180cm
Difficulty Medium
CBD Content <1%
Climate Warm, Cool, Mould Resistant, High Altitude
Medical Conditions Insomnia, Pain
Seed Type Regular, Feminized
Genetics Cheese x Afghan
Effects Relaxing
Taste Cheese, Skunk, Pungent
Terpene Limonene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene

BUY THE CHEESE

Cheese Cake

Sweeten up your cheese weed menu, with the luscious Cheese Cake strain. This cheese hybrid adds a hint of sweet candy to its skunky, cheese aroma and is ideal for beginners with an easy-to-manage manner. The indica dominant variety delivers a quick head buzz, with potent levels of THC and is ideal for nightime use with sedating effects. 

STRAIN CHARACTERISTICS
THC % 20%-24%
Flowering Time 8-10 Weeks
Outdoor harvest Early October
Yield 300-400gr/m²
Indica/Sativa Indica Dominant
Height Tall: 180cm-220cm
Difficulty Easy
CBD Content <1%
Climate Temperate
Medical Conditions Depression, Pain, Stress
Seed Type Feminized
Genetics Cheese x Skunk #1
Effects Calming, Relaxing
Taste Cheese, Skunk, Sweet
Terpene Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene

BUY CHEESE CAKE

Cheese Autoflower

Cheese Autoflower, is an 80% indica dominant ruderalis with up to 15% THC. An autoflowering version of the original Cheese strain it offers a calming high perfect for unwinding. Its genetics, are cross between The Cheese and Mexican Ruderalis, ensure a quick flowering time of 8 weeks. Its unique taste is a classic Cheese flavor, with an even more pungent Cheesy smell.

STRAIN CHARACTERISTICS
THC % 10%-15%
Flowering Time 6-8 Weeks
Outdoor harvest July, September
Yield 200-300gr/m²
Indica/Sativa Indica Dominant Ruderalis
Height Short: 60cm-100cm
Difficulty Easy
CBD Content <1%
Climate Temperate, Warm, Cool, Mould Resistant, High Altitude
Medical Conditions Anxiety, Pain, Stress
Seed Type Autoflower
Genetics The Cheese x Mexican Ruderalis
Effects Calming
Taste Cheese, Skunk, Pungent
Terpene Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene

BUY CHEESE AUTOFLOWER

How to grow Cheese weed strains

Due to the fact that cheese strains all share similar characteristics, any variety can benefit from a specific group of tips. So, if you’re considering growing a UK cheese hybrid keep the following growing traits and tips in mind for optimal success.

Maintain optimal environments - Like all strains, it helps to maintain optimal environments or grow in favorable climates for cheese strains. The variety benefits from temperatures between 70–80°F but can handle humidity fluctuations.

Resilient plants - Cheese strains are resistant to common molds and cannabis pests. That means it can be ideal for indoor or outdoor growth, while still maintaining health.

Fast flowering times - Growers will benefit from fast-flowering times with cheese weed strains, as most grow in 8-9 weeks on average.

Manage height & shape - Cheese strains can be tall and bushy, so they’ll benefit from defoliation to allow for increased light exposure. SCROG methods can also help increase bud production by boosting the plant’s strength with supports.

What terpenes are in Cheese strains?

Cheese strains are rich in caryophyllene, myrcene, and pinene terpenes. These terpenes are together what give the strain its uniquely pungent aroma and taste. Caryophyllene is what gives Cheese its spicy kick, myrcene offering a musky note, and pinene provides a fresh pine flavor.

What is the original Cheese strain?

The original Cheese strain was a phenotype of Skunk #1 crossed with an Afghani landrace that was bred in the UK in the late 1980s.

Do Cheese strains really taste of Cheese?

Yes, Cheese strains do really taste and smell like Cheese. This unique flavor profile, is created from the unique blend of terpenes that give the strain its earthy and tangy cheese-like taste.

Is Cheese an Indica or Sativa strain?

The original Cheese strain is an 80% Indica dominant hybrid. However, there are hundreds of hybrids that have been crossed with the original Cheese including sativa dominant variations, although these will be further removed from the original genetics.

What is UK Cheese strain?

UK Cheese was the nickname given to the original Cheese strain that was bred in the UK in the 1990s. UK Cheese is a cross of Skunk #1 and Afghani that is best known for its pungent cheesy aroma and relaxing indica dominant effects.

How many Cheese strains are there?

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of Cheese variations out there, each offering its own unique take on the classic Cheese profile. At MSNL, we've cultivated a selection of what we consider to be the best Cheese strains, including Cheese, Big Blue Cheese, Cheese Cake, and Cheese Autoflower.

Which is the strongest Cheese strain?

The strongest Cheese strain in our collection is the Cheese Cake strain, boasting a potent THC level of up to 24%. This makes Cheese Cake not only a standout for its strength but also for its rich flavor and stinky smell.

Is Cheese strain good for anxiety?

Yes, Cheese strains are often recommended for managing anxiety and stress due to their relaxing indica dominant effects that combine a calming body high with a mood-elevating cerebral buzz.