Cheese Quake
aka Cheesequake, CQ, Apple Cheesequake
Cheese Quake is a balanced 50/50 hybrid from Subcool's The Dank, crossing the pungent UK Cheese with grape-sweet Querkle. With THC ranging 15-35% and notable CBD content (1-10%), it delivers cerebral euphoria paired with soothing body relaxation. The complex aroma blends funky cheese, sweet berries, and earthy musk, while flavors showcase tangy cheese, grape, and tea notes. Effects promote creativity, focus, and stress relief before transitioning to gentle relaxation. Ideal for social activities, creative work, or evening unwinding, this strain offers therapeutic potential for anxiety, pain, and insomnia without overwhelming intensity.
The Short Answer
What kind of high is Cheese Quake?
Caryophyllene-led and sweet-cheese on the palate, most often reported relaxed and picked for sleep & bedtime at night.
Terpenes decide how a strain feels — THC% only decides how strong the dose is. Here is the family, the chemistry behind it, and what people reach for it to do.
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that shape the character of a high. The blend a strain carries — not its THC percentage — is what makes one feel bright and social and another heavy and sleepy, which is why the top three are listed rather than just the leader.
Terpene percentages belong to the jar, not the strain. They move with harvest timing, drying, cure and shelf age — the lighter ones literally evaporate. What holds steady is which terpenes lead, so that is what we rank.
See the full profile →Learn how terpenes work →- Anti inflammatory
- Pain relief
- Anti anxiety
- Myrcene Earthy, musky, fruity
- Limonene Citrus, lemon, orange
Listed as reported — no measured order on file for this strain.
The effects reported most often across our research sources. Every body is different — set, setting and tolerance all move the result.
- Euphoric
- Happy
The activities this strain gets picked for most often, leading with the specific ones rather than the broad buckets nearly every strain shares. A starting point, not a prescription — what works for you is personal.
See the full list →The aroma notes reported most often across our research sources — what the jar gives up before you light it. This is the strain's own recorded profile, not the textbook aroma of its lead terpene.
See the full profile →- Sour
The flavor notes reported most often across our research sources, led by the most specific one — flavor tracks the terpene blend, but cure, age and how you consume it all shift what actually lands on the palate.
Our sources describe this strain's flavor and its aroma the same way, so this card reads like the one beside it. That is what was reported, not a repeat.
See the full profile →- Sour
Same notes reported for aroma
- Best Time night
- Era 2000
- Rarity Common
Genetics Balanced Hybrid A lineage label, not an effects predictor — most modern flower is a hybrid, and the terpene mix above is what you will actually notice.
Potency Check the label, not the strain Varies by batch, grower and harvest — check the label on the product you are buying. Scan your label → Reported ranges →
Heads up Most reported: dry mouth and dry eyes. Responses vary — start low, go slow. Review safety →
Research Ledger
FeaturedSee what supports this profile.
This Is Why I'm High assembles public facts about Cheese Quake in original language, links the supporting sources, and marks gaps or disagreements. This is research provenance—not product or lab certification.
- Research State
- Featured
- Linked Sources
- 19
- Research Updated
- Jul 31, 2026
- Data Confidence
- 74%
Open the research ledger
Editorial state
This profile has broad section coverage, multiple linked sources, and a current confidence assessment.
Known names
- Cheesequake
- CQ
- Apple Cheesequake
Lineage record
Reported parents: Cheese × Querkle. Breeder attribution: Subcool's The Dank. Seed bank attribution: White Label, Crop King Seeds, TGA Genetics Subcool Seeds, The Seed Fair.
Coverage and uncertainty
8 profile sections have linked source records. 86 conflicting factual claims are retained for review.
Reported effects describe aggregated public observations, not a clinical result or a promise about your experience. Product chemistry can vary by grower and batch.
Your guided read
6 chapters on Cheese Quake
Start at the top and work down — each chapter builds on the one before it. Jump to any chapter to read it on its own.
- The Experience How this strain is reported to feel, and when people reach for it.
- Look, Aroma & Taste The smell and flavour you will actually notice — and the terpenes behind them.
- Chemistry & Research Therapeutic reports, published research, and what the lab numbers do — and do not — tell you.
- Using It Well Consumption methods that suit this strain, and the side effects to plan around.
- Where It Comes From The genetics, the breeders, and the recognition it has picked up along the way.
- The Full Story The long-form profile and community video reviews, once you want the detail.
Strain Highlights
Key insights at a glance
The Experience
Professor High Says...
In-depth strain breakdown from Professor High, our AI cannabis expert
*Taking that first inhale, I'm immediately struck by the sheer complexity unfolding across my palate—it's like someone combined a cheese platter with a fruit bowl and somehow made it work brilliantly. The cerebral lift hits within minutes, and suddenly I'm finding connections between ideas I'd never considered before. My mind feels sharp yet playful, like I'm viewing the world through a lens of curious optimism.
What fascinates me most is how the effects evolve—that initial energetic clarity doesn't just disappear; it gradually intertwines with this delicious body warmth spreading from my shoulders downward. I'm simultaneously motivated to engage with creative tasks yet completely at ease in my physical form. It's the kind of high where you could write a compelling essay or have the most engaging conversation of your week, all while feeling this gentle, tingling relaxation keeping any stress at bay.
The terpene synergy is textbook here—I can feel the caryophyllene working its anti-inflammatory magic while the limonene keeps my mood buoyant. This is what balanced hybrid genetics should deliver: mental exploration without anxiety, physical comfort without sedation. Truly a masterclass in breeding.
Effects Profile
Relaxed · Euphoric · Happy
Best enjoyed during night
Deep relaxation and sleep
Best For
Sleep & Bedtime · Relaxing · Stress Relief
Effect Sources
- 1 Cheese Quake - Strain Information – Royal King Seeds royalkingseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 Cheese Quake Feminized Seeds | Crop King Seeds cropkingseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 3 Cheese Quake buylowgreen.com(opens in new tab)
- 4 Cheese Quake (AAAA) - BC Bud Supply bcbudsupply.com(opens in new tab)
- 5 People’s Choice – Cheese Quake – Burnaby Buds burnabybuds.co(opens in new tab)
- 6 Cheese Quake Feminized Seeds | The Seed Fair theseedfair.com(opens in new tab)
- 7 Cheese Quake Weed Strain Effects & Reviews | Leafly leafly.ca(opens in new tab)
- 8 CHEESEQUAKE strainden.com(opens in new tab)
- 9 bulkbuddy.co bulkbuddy.co(opens in new tab)
- 10 Cheese Quake Marijuana Strain Information & Reviews allbud.com(opens in new tab)
- 11 Cheese Quake 1oz | Lume Cannabis Co. lume.com(opens in new tab)
- 12 Cheese Quake: Why Colorado Tokers Love This Strain westword.com(opens in new tab)
- 13 Cheese Quake Cannabis Strain Information growdiaries.com(opens in new tab)
13 verified sources
Look, Aroma & Taste
Aroma & Flavor
Sweet · Cheese · Sour
Aroma & Flavor Sources
- 1 Cheese Quake - Strain Information – Royal King Seeds royalkingseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 Cheese Quake Feminized Seeds | Crop King Seeds cropkingseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 3 Cheese Quake buylowgreen.com(opens in new tab)
- 4 Cheese Quake (AAAA) - BC Bud Supply bcbudsupply.com(opens in new tab)
- 5 People’s Choice – Cheese Quake – Burnaby Buds burnabybuds.co(opens in new tab)
- 6 Cheese Quake Feminized Seeds | The Seed Fair theseedfair.com(opens in new tab)
- 7 Cheese Quake Weed Strain Effects & Reviews | Leafly leafly.ca(opens in new tab)
- 8 CHEESEQUAKE strainden.com(opens in new tab)
- 9 bulkbuddy.co bulkbuddy.co(opens in new tab)
- 10 Cheese Quake Marijuana Strain Information & Reviews allbud.com(opens in new tab)
- 11 Cheese Quake 1oz | Lume Cannabis Co. lume.com(opens in new tab)
- 12 Cheese Quake Cannabis Strain Information growdiaries.com(opens in new tab)
12 verified sources
Aromas
Flavors
Terpene Profile
Caryophyllene leads · 6 terpenes mapped
Terpene Sources
- 1 Cheese Quake Feminized Seeds | The Seed Fair theseedfair.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 Cheese Quake Weed Strain Effects & Reviews | Leafly leafly.ca(opens in new tab)
- 3 bulkbuddy.co bulkbuddy.co(opens in new tab)
- 4 Cheese Quake: Why Colorado Tokers Love This Strain westword.com(opens in new tab)
4 verified sources
Secondary Terpenes
Appearance
Deep forest green · Purple undertones
Color Palette
Texture
Medium to high density buds with classic hybrid structure, generously coated in sticky, resinous trichomes that give a frosty appearance
Crystal Density
high
Heavy frost coating
Chemistry & Research
Medical Effects
8 reported therapeutic uses on file
Medical Effect Sources
- 1 Cheese Quake - Strain Information – Royal King Seeds royalkingseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 Cheese Quake Feminized Seeds | Crop King Seeds cropkingseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 3 Cheese Quake buylowgreen.com(opens in new tab)
- 4 Cheese Quake (AAAA) - BC Bud Supply bcbudsupply.com(opens in new tab)
- 5 People’s Choice – Cheese Quake – Burnaby Buds burnabybuds.co(opens in new tab)
- 6 Cheese Quake Feminized Seeds | The Seed Fair theseedfair.com(opens in new tab)
- 7 Cheese Quake Weed Strain Effects & Reviews | Leafly leafly.ca(opens in new tab)
- 8 CHEESEQUAKE strainden.com(opens in new tab)
- 9 bulkbuddy.co bulkbuddy.co(opens in new tab)
- 10 Cheese Quake Marijuana Strain Information & Reviews allbud.com(opens in new tab)
- 11 Cheese Quake 1oz | Lume Cannabis Co. lume.com(opens in new tab)
- 12 Cheese Quake Cannabis Strain Information growdiaries.com(opens in new tab)
12 verified sources
Mental Effects
- •Anxiety Relief
Reduces anxiety and promotes mental calm
- •Stress Reduction
Alleviates stress and tension effectively
- •Depression Management
Helps lift mood and combat depression
- •Focus Enhancement
Sharpens mental clarity and concentration
Professor High visualization
Body Effects
- •Pain Relief
Reduces chronic and acute pain sensations
- •Insomnia Relief
Promotes sleep and treats sleep disorders
- •Inflammation Reduction
Decreases bodily inflammation and swelling
- •Migraine Management
Eases headache and migraine symptoms
Medical Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated based on available research and user reports, provided for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical purposes. Do not use cannabis if pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition without consulting your doctor.
What Research Says
Peer-reviewed studies, terpene science & safety guidance
What does the research say about Cheese Quake?
Cheese Quake is a hybrid cannabis strain containing up to 35.0% THC, with a terpene profile dominated by Caryophyllene and Myrcene. This page currently has good data confidence. Below are profile sources when available plus authoritative resources for understanding the compounds in this strain.
Terpene Research
Cannabinoid Information
Cannabis Regulations & Safety
Educational resources only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for health decisions.
Cannabinoids (THC & CBD)
THC 15-35% · Type I chemovar
THC% tells you how strong. Terpenes tell you how it feels.
THC percentage is a property of the product in your hand, not of the strain. It shifts with the batch, the grower, the harvest, and how the flower was cured and stored — the same strain can test several points apart from two different jars.
Treat the ranges below as market context for what to expect on a shelf — then read the actual label on the product you are buying, and use the terpene profile to judge how it will feel.
High THC (>15%), low CBD (<1%) - Most common recreational strains
Using It Well
Consumption Methods
Smoking · Vaping · Edibles
Recommended Methods
Side Effects
Dry Mouth · Dry Eyes · +3 more
Side effects vary by individual. Start low, go slow. Consult a healthcare professional with concerns.
These are commonly reported effects. Individual experiences may vary based on dosage, tolerance, and consumption method.
Where It Comes From
Lineage & History
Cheese × Querkle · bred by Subcool's The Dank
Lineage Sources
- 1 Cheese Quake - Strain Information – Royal King Seeds royalkingseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 Cheese Quake Feminized Seeds | Crop King Seeds cropkingseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 3 Cheese Quake buylowgreen.com(opens in new tab)
- 4 Cheese Quake (AAAA) - BC Bud Supply bcbudsupply.com(opens in new tab)
- 5 People’s Choice – Cheese Quake – Burnaby Buds burnabybuds.co(opens in new tab)
- 6 Cheese Quake Feminized Seeds | The Seed Fair theseedfair.com(opens in new tab)
- 7 Cheese Quake Weed Strain Effects & Reviews | Leafly leafly.ca(opens in new tab)
- 8 CHEESEQUAKE strainden.com(opens in new tab)
- 9 bulkbuddy.co bulkbuddy.co(opens in new tab)
- 10 Cheese Quake Marijuana Strain Information & Reviews allbud.com(opens in new tab)
- 11 Cheese Quake 1oz | Lume Cannabis Co. lume.com(opens in new tab)
- 12 Cheese Quake Cannabis Strain Information growdiaries.com(opens in new tab)
12 verified sources
Cheese Quake is a hybrid strain created by crossing Cheese and Querkle. The strain is commonly described as an indica-dominant to balanced hybrid, with most sources indicating a 50/50 to 60/40 indica-sativa ratio.
Origin Timeline
First cultivated in 2000
Breeder
Subcool's The Dank
Seed Bank
White Label, Crop King Seeds, TGA Genetics Subcool Seeds, The Seed Fair
The Full Story
Detailed Description
The long-form profile · ~4 min read
Introduction
Cheese Quake emerges as a bold testament to the art of cannabis breeding, uniting two legendary strains into a harmonious hybrid experience. Created by the renowned Subcool's The Dank (also known as TGA Genetics) in the early 2000s, this strain marries the pungent, savory funk of Cheese with the sweet, grape-forward complexity of Querkle. The result is a balanced 50/50 hybrid (though some phenotypes lean slightly indica-dominant at 60/40) that delivers both cerebral euphoria and deep physical relaxation. With THC levels ranging from a moderate 15% to a potent 35%, and CBD content between 1-10% in certain phenotypes, Cheese Quake offers versatility for both recreational enthusiasts and medicinal users seeking therapeutic relief without overwhelming intensity.
🧬 Genetic Heritage & Lineage
Cheese Quake's parentage tells a story of old-school cannabis culture meeting modern breeding innovation. The Cheese parent brings British cannabis heritage—a Skunk #1 phenotype that became legendary in the UK underground scene for its unmistakable savory, dairy-like aroma. The Querkle parent (itself a cross of Purple Urkle and Space Queen) contributes deep purple genetics, grape and berry flavors, and a calming body effect. Subcool's masterful combination, developed in the 2000s, sought to balance Cheese's energizing cerebral buzz with Querkle's sedating body stone, creating a strain that works equally well for daytime focus or evening relaxation. The breeding has proven stable enough that multiple seed banks—including White Label, Crop King Seeds, and The Seed Fair—now offer feminized versions.
👃 Terpene Profile & Aromatics
The terpene symphony in Cheese Quake creates an unforgettable olfactory experience. Caryophyllene leads the profile, delivering spicy, peppery notes while activating CB2 receptors for anti-inflammatory effects. Myrcene adds earthy, musky undertones and enhances the strain's relaxing properties. Limonene brightens the profile with citrus zest and mood-elevating qualities, while Pinene contributes fresh, pine-forest clarity. Subtle amounts of Humulene and Linalool round out the bouquet with woody and floral nuances.
The aroma complexity unfolds in layers: you'll first notice the sharp, funky cheese character—think aged cheddar with a skunky twist. Beneath this pungent top note, sweet grape and berry scents emerge, reminiscent of dark fruit preserves. Earthy, musky undertones ground the profile, while occasional blackcurrant and hashy notes add depth. Some phenotypes express chemical or diesel accents that intensify the strain's overall pungency. Breaking apart the buds releases floral and herbal nuances alongside a surprising minty freshness.
👅 Flavor Experience
The taste journey mirrors the aromatic complexity but evolves distinctly from inhale to exhale. The initial hit delivers that signature cheesy funk—savory, tangy, and unmistakably dairy-like. Mid-palate, sweet grape and berry flavors emerge, creating a sweet-and-sour contrast that keeps each puff interesting. The exhale reveals earthy tea notes, subtle spice, and a lingering pungent finish with hints of pine and citrus. Some users detect creamy cheesecake qualities or even Danish pastry sweetness in certain phenotypes. The overall flavor profile is bold, complex, and deeply satisfying—not for those seeking subtle, delicate tastes.
🎯 Effects & Experience
Cheese Quake's effects showcase its true hybrid nature. Onset begins within 5-10 minutes with a cerebral rush—you'll feel euphoric energy, mental clarity, and creative inspiration washing over your mind. This uplifting phase enhances focus and sociability, making it excellent for conversations, creative projects, or active pursuits. Around 20-30 minutes in, the body effects arrive: a warm, tingling sensation spreads through your limbs, melting tension and promoting deep relaxation without couch-lock. The balanced nature means you'll feel simultaneously energized and calm—alert yet comfortable.
Peak effects last 1-2 hours, maintaining that pleasant equilibrium between mental stimulation and physical ease. As the experience winds down (2-3 hours total), you may notice increased appetite and gentle sleepiness, making it suitable for evening use despite its daytime versatility. Intensity varies by THC percentage—lower-THC phenotypes (15-20%) offer functional, clear-headed effects, while higher-THC versions (25-35%) deliver more powerful euphoria and body stone.
🎮 Use Cases & Medical Potential
Cheese Quake excels across multiple scenarios. The balanced effects make it ideal for creative work, social gatherings, meditation, light exercise, or evening relaxation. Users report it enhances artistic expression, conversation flow, and sensory appreciation of music or food.
Medically, Cheese Quake shows promise for mental wellness (approximately 55% of therapeutic value): it may help manage anxiety (intensity: 5/5), stress (5/5), depression (4/5), and enhance focus (3/5). For physical relief (45% of therapeutic value), users report benefits for chronic pain (5/5), insomnia (4/5), inflammation (3/5), and migraines (3/5). The CBD content (1-10% in some phenotypes) enhances therapeutic potential without excessive psychoactivity. Always consult healthcare professionals before using cannabis medicinally.
👁️ Visual Characteristics & Consumer Considerations
Cheese Quake buds display medium to high density with a classic hybrid structure. Expect deep forest green and purple undertones as primary colors, accented by fiery orange to rust-colored pistils and a generous coating of amber trichomes. Crystal density ranges from high to very high, giving buds a frosty, resinous appearance.
Common side effects include dry mouth (common, mild), dry eyes (common, mild), and occasional dizziness (occasional, mild). Some users report anxiety or paranoia (rare, moderate) at higher doses. Start with low doses (1-2 puffs or 5-10mg edible equivalent) and increase gradually. Best consumed in comfortable settings, especially when trying it for the first time.
Research Edition Current profile edition
Updated July 31, 2026 · 8 profile areas with section-level sourcing Featured research profile
This edition records This Is Why I'm High’s synthesis of published information about Cheese Quake. It describes source-supported patterns and uncertainty; it does not certify genetics, potency, safety, or any product batch.
- Profile sources
- 19
- Editorial confidence
- 74%
- Edition date
- July 31, 2026
Source coverage in this edition
- Classification 14 sources
- Lineage 12 sources
- Cannabinoids 11 sources
- Terpenes 4 sources
- Reported effects 13 sources
- Aromas 12 sources
- Flavors 12 sources
- Reported medical uses 12 sources
History tracking is active
Material changes are recorded as new editions using factual categories and source metadata. Source article prose and reviews are not copied into the history.
Research Methodology
How we compiled this strain profile
This strain profile was compiled from 19 published sources covering 'Cheese Quake'. Our research pipeline cross-references these sources and reports how strongly they agree — see the confidence breakdown below.
Data Quality by Section
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Strain Highlights
Key insights at a glance
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