King Kong

aka King Kong OG, King Kong Kush

King Kong is a powerful indica-dominant hybrid (70-80% indica) bred by Dr. Underground, crossing Ed Rosenthal Super Bud with Chronic. With THC ranging from 14-25%, it delivers a euphoric mood lift followed by deep physical relaxation and sedation. A complex terpene profile of caryophyllene, myrcene, and terpineol creates a pungent, earthy, spicy aroma. Best suited for evening use and unwinding after a long day.

The Short Answer

What kind of high is King Kong?

Caryophyllene-led and earthy 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.

High Family
Balancing High
Quiet Aroma, Even Profile
🔥 THC-Dominant
Dominant Terpenes
Caryophyllene
Smells Spicy, peppery, woody
  • Anti inflammatory
  • Pain relief
  • Anti anxiety
  • Terpineol
  • Myrcene Earthy, musky, fruity

Ordered by measured share — the exact percentages shift with every batch and cure.

How It Feels
Relaxed
  • Euphoric
  • Happy
Best For
Tastes Like
Earthy
  • Sweet
Smells Like
Skunky
  • Earthy
  • Pungent
  • Best Time night
  • Era 2012
  • Rarity Uncommon

Genetics Indica-Dominant 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 →

Strain Highlights

Key insights at a glance

1
Indica-dominant powerhouse with 70-80% indica genetics from Dr. Underground
2
Caryophyllene-dominant terpene profile delivers spicy, earthy, deeply relaxing effects
3
Euphoric mood lift transitions into heavy body relaxation and sleepiness
4
May help with stress, chronic pain, insomnia, and appetite stimulation

The Experience

Professor High Avatar

Professor High Says...

In-depth strain breakdown from Professor High, our AI cannabis expert

4.4 / 5 Rated 4.4 out of 5 by Professor High

Okay, so the first thing I noticed — the smell hit me before I even ground it up. That dank, spicy-earth combo is almost aggressive in the best possible way, like caryophyllene is just announcing itself loudly. After a few minutes, there's this warm tingly euphoria that starts right behind the eyes and radiates outward — it's not a sharp cerebral launch, it's more like a slow, confident expansion. My thoughts are genuinely positive and easy, like background static just got turned way down. The limonene is doing real work here — there's a subtle brightness underneath the heavy indica blanket that keeps it from feeling foggy. My body feels heavy in a therapeutic way, like every muscle just got permission to let go. The caryophyllene acting on CB2 receptors is palpable — there's a warmth in my joints that's deeply satisfying. This is a nighttime strain that earns that classification honestly. It's not forcing sedation — it's just making everything else feel unnecessary.

Indica-Dominant Hybrid
Caryophyllene Forward
night Use

Effects Profile

Relaxed · Euphoric · Happy
Relaxed Euphoric Happy

Best enjoyed during night

Deep relaxation and sleep

Best For

Sleep & Bedtime · Relaxing · Stress Relief

Look, Aroma & Taste

Aroma & Flavor

Skunky · Earthy · Pungent

Aromas

Skunky
Earthy
Pungent

Flavors

Earthy
Sweet

Terpene Profile

Caryophyllene leads · 11 terpenes mapped
Total Terpene Content: 1.00% (Average)

Terpene Distribution

Terpene profile: Caryophyllene 0.2%, Terpineol 0.2%, Myrcene 0.1%, Camphene 0.1%, Phellandrene 0.1%, Limonene 0.1%, Humulene 0.1%, Pinene 0.1%, Linalool 0.0%, Terpinolene 0.0%, Ocimene 0.0% .

Caryophyllene Dominant

Flavor: Spicy, peppery, woody

Anti-inflammatory Pain relief Anti-anxiety

Terpineol

Myrcene

Flavor: Earthy, musky, fruity

Sedating Muscle relaxant Anti-inflammatory

Camphene

Flavor: Damp woodlands, fir needles

Cardiovascular Antioxidant Pain relief

Phellandrene

Limonene

Flavor: Citrus, lemon, orange

Anxiety reduction Mood elevation Stress relief

Humulene

Flavor: Hoppy, woody, earthy

Appetite suppressant Anti-inflammatory Antibacterial

Pinene

Flavor: Pine, fresh forest

Alertness Memory retention Bronchodilator

Linalool

Flavor: Floral, lavender, sweet

Calming Anti-anxiety Sedative

Terpinolene

Flavor: Fresh, piney, floral, citrus

Uplifting Antioxidant Antibacterial

Ocimene

Flavor: Sweet, herbaceous, woody

Antiviral Antifungal Decongestant

Appearance

Deep forest green · Sage green

Color Palette

deep forest green
sage green
olive tones
silvery frost overlay
rust-colored pistils
amber trichomes
golden resin glands

Texture

Dense, tightly-packed indica buds with a chunky, compact structure. Generous trichome coverage gives the flower a frosty, resinous appearance. Surface feels sticky to the touch with visible crystalline resin glands throughout.

Crystal Density

high

Heavy frost coating

Chemistry & Research

Medical Effects

10 reported therapeutic uses on file

Mental Effects

50 %
  • Anxiety Relief

    Reduces anxiety and promotes mental calm

  • Stress Relief

    Alleviates stress and racing thoughts

  • Depression Management

    Elevates mood and combats depressive symptoms

  • Panic Relief

    Calms panic attacks and nervous tension

Professor High visualization

Body Effects

50 %
  • Pain Management

    Reduces chronic pain and muscle tension

  • Sleep Improvement

    Promotes restful sleep and addresses insomnia

  • Appetite Stimulation

    Increases appetite and combats loss of appetite

  • Inflammation Reduction

    Reduces inflammation and swelling

  • Migraine Relief

    Alleviates migraine and headache symptoms

  • Muscle Spasm Relief

    Reduces muscle spasms and cramping

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 King Kong?

King Kong is a hybrid cannabis strain containing up to 25.0% THC, with a terpene profile dominated by Caryophyllene and Terpineol. This page currently has good data confidence. Below are profile sources when available plus authoritative resources for understanding the compounds in this strain.

Educational resources only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for health decisions.

Cannabinoids (THC & CBD)

THC 14-25% · 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.

Type I THC-Dominant

High THC (>15%), low CBD (<1%) - Most common recreational strains

Reported THC Range
14-25%

Using It Well

Consumption Methods

Vaping · Smoking · Edibles

Recommended Methods

Vaping
Smoking
Edibles
Concentrates

Side Effects

Dry Mouth · Dry Eyes · +3 more

Side effects vary by individual. Start low, go slow. Consult a healthcare professional with concerns.

Dry Mouth
Dry Eyes
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Increased Anxiety

These are commonly reported effects. Individual experiences may vary based on dosage, tolerance, and consumption method.

Where It Comes From

Lineage & History

Ed Rosenthal Super Bud × Chronic · bred by Dr. Underground

King Kong is an indica-dominant hybrid strain resulting from crosses between Ed Rosenthal Super Bud and Chronic, with some phenotypes also reported as Gorilla Glue #4 and White Widow crosses. The strain exhibits mostly indica characteristics with sativa influence.

Origin Timeline

First cultivated in 2012

Breeder

Dr. Underground

Seed Bank

Dr. Underground

The Full Story

Detailed Description

The long-form profile · ~4 min read

King Kong: The Indica-Dominant Powerhouse

King Kong is an indica-dominant hybrid that lives up to its monstrous name — delivering a heavy, euphoric experience that commands respect from even seasoned consumers. Bred by the renowned Dr. Underground seed bank, this strain has earned a devoted following for its complex aromatic profile, deeply relaxing body effects, and a cerebral euphoria that creeps in with surprising warmth. Also known as King Kong OG and King Kong Kush, this strain is an uncommon but deeply rewarding find.

🧬 Genetic Heritage & Lineage

The most widely cited lineage places King Kong as a cross between Ed Rosenthal Super Bud (ERSB) and Chronic, two legendary strains in their own right. Ed Rosenthal Super Bud — named after the iconic cannabis activist and author — is a powerfully resinous strain known for its exceptional yields and robust terpene production. Chronic, originally bred by Serious Seeds in the 1990s, is beloved for its smooth smoke, balanced high, and exceptional bag appeal.

Some phenotypes circulating in the market are also attributed to a Gorilla Glue #4 x White Widow cross, which would explain the occasional reports of a more pungent, adhesive-resin profile and a heavier psychoactive punch. The strain leans 70–80% indica / 20–30% sativa, and was developed in the 2010s with documented origins around 2012.

👃 Terpene Profile & Aromatics

King Kong's terpene profile is rich and multidimensional:

Terpene Percentage Primary Effect
Caryophyllene 0.20% Spicy, pain relief, CB2 agonist
Terpineol 0.16% Floral, calming, sedative
Myrcene 0.14% Earthy, sedating, body relaxation
Camphene 0.12% Woody, herbal
Phellandrene 0.10% Minty-peppery, energizing
Limonene 0.08% Citrus, mood uplift
Humulene 0.07% Earthy, anti-inflammatory
Pinene 0.07% Pine, alertness, focus

The dominant caryophyllene delivers that immediately recognizable spicy, peppery backbone, while myrcene grounds the experience in deep, dank earthiness. Terpineol adds a surprising floral and slightly sweet elegance that rounds out what could otherwise be a sharp profile. Expect to open a jar of King Kong and be hit with an assertive wave of skunk, damp earth, and pine, with subtle citrus and incense weaving through the background.

👅 Flavor Experience

On the inhale, you'll taste earthy skunk with a spicy, herbal depth reminiscent of fresh cracked pepper and forest floor. The mid-palate opens up into sweet, slightly citrusy notes — a nod to the limonene content — before transitioning to a woody, piney finish on the exhale. Some phenotypes express a sour lemon tang that lingers pleasantly. The smoke is generally smooth and full-bodied, leaving a complex, pungent aftertaste that's deeply satisfying.

🎯 Effects & Experience

King Kong's effects follow a classic indica-dominant arc:

  • Onset (0–10 min): A warm, buzzing euphoria rises from the temples down through the body. You'll notice an immediate mood lift and a gentle tingling sensation spreading through the limbs.
  • Peak (20–60 min): The mental state settles into a happy, deeply relaxed clarity — focused enough to enjoy conversation or creative thought, yet increasingly drawn toward physical comfort and stillness. Some users report a mild cerebral, almost psychedelic quality at higher doses.
  • Come-down (1–3 hrs): The indica dominance takes over, bringing on sedation and sleepiness. Appetite stimulation (the classic munchies) becomes pronounced in this phase.

THC ranges across tested samples from 14–25%, with most phenotypes clustering around 17–20%.

👁️ Visual Characteristics

King Kong buds are dense, tightly packed, and often coated in a generous layer of frosty trichomes that give the flower a silvery-green shimmer. The buds display deep forest greens with occasional olive and sage tones, punctuated by burnt orange to rust-colored pistils that curl through the structure. The overall appearance is classic indica in structure — chunky, compact, and resinous.

💚 Medical & Therapeutic Potential

King Kong may help with a wide range of conditions:

  • Stress and anxiety relief through caryophyllene's CB2 receptor activity
  • Chronic pain and inflammation management
  • Insomnia and sleep disorders via myrcene and linalool-driven sedation
  • Depression — the euphoric onset may help elevate mood
  • Appetite stimulation for those experiencing loss of appetite
  • Headaches and migraines — widely reported across user communities

⚠️ Consumer Considerations

King Kong is best suited for experienced to intermediate consumers due to its potent indica effects. Novice users should start with a very small amount and allow 15–20 minutes before redosing. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most commonly reported side effects. Those prone to anxiety should exercise caution at higher doses, as some phenotypes can produce a more intense cerebral effect.

Research Methodology

How we compiled this strain profile

70%
Data Confidence

This strain profile was compiled from 23 published sources covering 'King Kong'. Our research pipeline cross-references these sources and reports how strongly they agree — see the confidence breakdown below.

Data Quality by Section

Terpenes Low (11 sources)
Effects Low (21 sources)
Lineage Low (19 sources)
Medical Low (18 sources)
Aromas Low (21 sources)
Cannabinoids Low (15 sources)
Last updated: August 14, 2026

Learn more with AI

Open your assistant with a ready-made prompt about King Kong.

We copy the prompt to your clipboard as you go, so you can paste it if the assistant opens with an empty box. Answers come from the assistant, not from us — always double-check them against this page.

Your stash, decoded.