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.
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
- Terpineol
- Myrcene Earthy, musky, fruity
Ordered by measured share — the exact percentages shift with every batch and cure.
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 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.
See the full profile →- Sweet
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 →- 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 →
Your guided read
6 chapters on King Kong
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
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.
Effects Profile
Relaxed · Euphoric · Happy
Best enjoyed during night
Deep relaxation and sleep
Best For
Sleep & Bedtime · Relaxing · Stress Relief
Effect Sources
- 1 King Kong Seeds pacificseedbank.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 Buy King Kong Strain Feminized Marijuana Seeds | Crop King Seeds cropkingseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 3 King Kong Feminized Marijuana Seeds - Rocket Seeds rocketseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 4 King Kong seed-city.com(opens in new tab)
- 5 King Kong Strain Complete Review | AskGrowers askgrowers.com(opens in new tab)
- 6 Strain Review: King Kong - Weed Delivery Victoria thegreenmates.is(opens in new tab)
- 7 King Kong AA - West Coast Cannabis wccannabis.cc(opens in new tab)
- 8 King Kong Weed Strain Review & Info | Weedstrain weedstrain.com(opens in new tab)
- 9 King Kong Marijuana Strain Review And Pictures - The Weed Blog theweedblog.com(opens in new tab)
- 10 King Kong Strain - Powerful and Relaxing Cannabis wayofleaf.com(opens in new tab)
- 11 King Kong Strain - Hybrid Cannabis Review, 19% THC & 1.0% CBD hytiva.com(opens in new tab)
- 12 King Kong Strain: A Monster Hit for Stress and Anxiety Relief mmjexpress.cc(opens in new tab)
- 13 King Kong Marijuana Strain Information & Reviews allbud.com(opens in new tab)
- 14 King Kong - Weed Strains leafly.com(opens in new tab)
- 15 Kong Marijuana Strain, AKA King Kong leafwell.com(opens in new tab)
- 16 King Kong Strain Review (Gorilla OG): The King of the Jungle theweedprof.com(opens in new tab)
- 17 King Kong - Big Buddha Seeds - 38,50 EUR mr-hanf.de(opens in new tab)
- 18 King Kong (Dr. Underground) :: Cannabis Strain Info seedfinder.eu(opens in new tab)
- 19 King Kong Weed Strain cannabistraininguniversity.com(opens in new tab)
- 20 King Kong (Dr. Underground) feminized zamnesia.com(opens in new tab)
- 21 Elite King Kong Cannabis Seeds growerschoiceseeds.us(opens in new tab)
21 verified sources
Look, Aroma & Taste
Aroma & Flavor
Skunky · Earthy · Pungent
Aroma & Flavor Sources
- 1 King Kong Seeds pacificseedbank.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 Buy King Kong Strain Feminized Marijuana Seeds | Crop King Seeds cropkingseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 3 King Kong Feminized Marijuana Seeds - Rocket Seeds rocketseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 4 King Kong seed-city.com(opens in new tab)
- 5 King Kong Strain Complete Review | AskGrowers askgrowers.com(opens in new tab)
- 6 Strain Review: King Kong - Weed Delivery Victoria thegreenmates.is(opens in new tab)
- 7 King Kong AA - West Coast Cannabis wccannabis.cc(opens in new tab)
- 8 King Kong Weed Strain Review & Info | Weedstrain weedstrain.com(opens in new tab)
- 9 King Kong Marijuana Strain Review And Pictures - The Weed Blog theweedblog.com(opens in new tab)
- 10 King Kong Strain - Powerful and Relaxing Cannabis wayofleaf.com(opens in new tab)
- 11 King Kong Strain - Hybrid Cannabis Review, 19% THC & 1.0% CBD hytiva.com(opens in new tab)
- 12 King Kong Strain: A Monster Hit for Stress and Anxiety Relief mmjexpress.cc(opens in new tab)
- 13 King Kong Marijuana Strain Information & Reviews allbud.com(opens in new tab)
- 14 King Kong - Weed Strains leafly.com(opens in new tab)
- 15 Kong Marijuana Strain, AKA King Kong leafwell.com(opens in new tab)
- 16 King Kong Strain Review (Gorilla OG): The King of the Jungle theweedprof.com(opens in new tab)
- 17 King Kong - Big Buddha Seeds - 38,50 EUR mr-hanf.de(opens in new tab)
- 18 King Kong (Dr. Underground) :: Cannabis Strain Info seedfinder.eu(opens in new tab)
- 19 King Kong Weed Strain cannabistraininguniversity.com(opens in new tab)
- 20 King Kong (Dr. Underground) feminized zamnesia.com(opens in new tab)
- 21 Elite King Kong Cannabis Seeds growerschoiceseeds.us(opens in new tab)
21 verified sources
Aromas
Flavors
Terpene Profile
Caryophyllene leads · 11 terpenes mapped
Terpene Sources
- 1 King Kong Seeds pacificseedbank.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 King Kong Feminized Marijuana Seeds - Rocket Seeds rocketseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 3 King Kong Strain Complete Review | AskGrowers askgrowers.com(opens in new tab)
- 4 King Kong AA - West Coast Cannabis wccannabis.cc(opens in new tab)
- 5 King Kong Marijuana Strain Review And Pictures - The Weed Blog theweedblog.com(opens in new tab)
- 6 King Kong Strain - Hybrid Cannabis Review, 19% THC & 1.0% CBD hytiva.com(opens in new tab)
- 7 King Kong Marijuana Strain Information & Reviews allbud.com(opens in new tab)
- 8 King Kong - Weed Strains leafly.com(opens in new tab)
- 9 King Kong - Big Buddha Seeds - 38,50 EUR mr-hanf.de(opens in new tab)
- 10 King Kong (Dr. Underground) :: Cannabis Strain Info seedfinder.eu(opens in new tab)
- 11 King Kong Weed Strain cannabistraininguniversity.com(opens in new tab)
11 verified sources
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
Terpineol
Myrcene
Flavor: Earthy, musky, fruity
Camphene
Flavor: Damp woodlands, fir needles
Phellandrene
Limonene
Flavor: Citrus, lemon, orange
Humulene
Flavor: Hoppy, woody, earthy
Pinene
Flavor: Pine, fresh forest
Linalool
Flavor: Floral, lavender, sweet
Terpinolene
Flavor: Fresh, piney, floral, citrus
Ocimene
Flavor: Sweet, herbaceous, woody
Full Profile
Caryophyllene
0.2%
Flavor Profile:
Spicy, peppery, woody
Effects:
Terpineol
0.16%
Myrcene
0.14%
Flavor Profile:
Earthy, musky, fruity
Effects:
Camphene
0.12%
Flavor Profile:
Damp woodlands, fir needles
Effects:
Phellandrene
0.1%
Limonene
0.08%
Flavor Profile:
Citrus, lemon, orange
Effects:
Humulene
0.07%
Flavor Profile:
Hoppy, woody, earthy
Effects:
Pinene
0.07%
Flavor Profile:
Pine, fresh forest
Effects:
Linalool
0.04%
Flavor Profile:
Floral, lavender, sweet
Effects:
Terpinolene
0.01%
Flavor Profile:
Fresh, piney, floral, citrus
Effects:
Ocimene
0.01%
Flavor Profile:
Sweet, herbaceous, woody
Effects:
Appearance
Deep forest green · Sage green
Color Palette
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
Medical Effect Sources
- 1 King Kong Seeds pacificseedbank.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 King Kong Feminized Marijuana Seeds - Rocket Seeds rocketseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 3 King Kong seed-city.com(opens in new tab)
- 4 King Kong Strain Complete Review | AskGrowers askgrowers.com(opens in new tab)
- 5 Strain Review: King Kong - Weed Delivery Victoria thegreenmates.is(opens in new tab)
- 6 King Kong AA - West Coast Cannabis wccannabis.cc(opens in new tab)
- 7 King Kong Weed Strain Review & Info | Weedstrain weedstrain.com(opens in new tab)
- 8 King Kong Marijuana Strain Review And Pictures - The Weed Blog theweedblog.com(opens in new tab)
- 9 King Kong Strain - Powerful and Relaxing Cannabis wayofleaf.com(opens in new tab)
- 10 King Kong Strain - Hybrid Cannabis Review, 19% THC & 1.0% CBD hytiva.com(opens in new tab)
- 11 King Kong Strain: A Monster Hit for Stress and Anxiety Relief mmjexpress.cc(opens in new tab)
- 12 King Kong Marijuana Strain Information & Reviews allbud.com(opens in new tab)
- 13 King Kong - Weed Strains leafly.com(opens in new tab)
- 14 King Kong Strain Review (Gorilla OG): The King of the Jungle theweedprof.com(opens in new tab)
- 15 King Kong - Big Buddha Seeds - 38,50 EUR mr-hanf.de(opens in new tab)
- 16 King Kong Weed Strain cannabistraininguniversity.com(opens in new tab)
- 17 King Kong (Dr. Underground) feminized zamnesia.com(opens in new tab)
- 18 Elite King Kong Cannabis Seeds growerschoiceseeds.us(opens in new tab)
18 verified sources
Mental Effects
- •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
- •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.
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 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.
High THC (>15%), low CBD (<1%) - Most common recreational strains
Using It Well
Consumption Methods
Vaping · Smoking · 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
Ed Rosenthal Super Bud × Chronic · bred by Dr. Underground
Lineage Sources
- 1 King Kong Seeds pacificseedbank.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 Buy King Kong Strain Feminized Marijuana Seeds | Crop King Seeds cropkingseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 3 King Kong Feminized Marijuana Seeds - Rocket Seeds rocketseeds.com(opens in new tab)
- 4 King Kong seed-city.com(opens in new tab)
- 5 King Kong Strain Complete Review | AskGrowers askgrowers.com(opens in new tab)
- 6 Strain Review: King Kong - Weed Delivery Victoria thegreenmates.is(opens in new tab)
- 7 King Kong AA - West Coast Cannabis wccannabis.cc(opens in new tab)
- 8 King Kong Marijuana Strain Review And Pictures - The Weed Blog theweedblog.com(opens in new tab)
- 9 King Kong Strain - Hybrid Cannabis Review, 19% THC & 1.0% CBD hytiva.com(opens in new tab)
- 10 King Kong Strain: A Monster Hit for Stress and Anxiety Relief mmjexpress.cc(opens in new tab)
- 11 King Kong Marijuana Strain Information & Reviews allbud.com(opens in new tab)
- 12 King Kong - Weed Strains leafly.com(opens in new tab)
- 13 Kong Marijuana Strain, AKA King Kong leafwell.com(opens in new tab)
- 14 King Kong Strain Review (Gorilla OG): The King of the Jungle theweedprof.com(opens in new tab)
- 15 King Kong - Big Buddha Seeds - 38,50 EUR mr-hanf.de(opens in new tab)
- 16 King Kong (Dr. Underground) :: Cannabis Strain Info seedfinder.eu(opens in new tab)
- 17 King Kong Weed Strain cannabistraininguniversity.com(opens in new tab)
- 18 King Kong (Dr. Underground) feminized zamnesia.com(opens in new tab)
- 19 Elite King Kong Cannabis Seeds growerschoiceseeds.us(opens in new tab)
19 verified sources
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.
Genetics
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
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
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Strain Highlights
Key insights at a glance
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