Written by Ad OpsIntroduction to Alchemy
Alchemy is a boutique hybrid bred by SubCool’s The Dank, the legendary craft-breeding house founded by the late Subcool. True to its name, this cultivar fuses old-school gas with new-school purple fruit, creating a sensory experience that feels like chemistry turned into art. Its heritage is a balanced indica/sativa, displaying both uplifting head effects and a grounded, body-centered finish.
Among connoisseurs, Alchemy enjoys a reputation for dense resin, complex terpene layering, and a finish that cures beautifully. It appeals to both flavor chasers and potency seekers, offering a multifaceted profile that stands out in a saturated hybrid market. Although public-facing databases sometimes list it with minimal detail, growers and patients who find it consider it a keeper.
You may see the word “alchemy” pop up widely in cannabis culture, from marketing to terpene science articles. That only underscores why this strain’s name fits its personality: a precise, aromatic synthesis rather than a single-note experience. In an era of uniform flavors, Alchemy rewards those patient enough to explore its depth over multiple sessions and cures.
History and Breeding Origins
Alchemy was created by SubCool’s The Dank (formerly TGA Genetics), a breeder known for hits like Agent Orange, Jack the Ripper, and Querkle. Subcool’s program emphasized high-resin, terpene-forward selections made from large pheno hunts, a method documented by countless growers over the 2000s and 2010s. The result was a catalogue that prioritized unmistakable aromas and robust garden performance.
Within that program, Alchemy emerged as a cross designed to merge the diesel-forward sharpness of a Chem line with the lush, grape-berry perfume of Querkle. The intention was to capture both potency and a dessert-like finish without sacrificing vigor or bag appeal. As a balanced indica/sativa hybrid, Alchemy reliably expresses both uplifting and relaxing traits depending on phenotype and harvest window.
Public strain libraries sometimes lag behind breeder and grower knowledge, and Alchemy is no exception. For example, mainstream listings occasionally show placeholders or “check back later” notes for this name. That gap owes more to the boutique nature of the release than to its quality, which is why word of mouth and direct grow reports have been vital to its reputation.
Genetic Lineage and Heritage
Alchemy’s lineage is widely reported by growers as Chemdawg crossed with Querkle, a union that combines East Coast gas with West Coast purple fruit. Querkle itself is Purple Urkle x Space Queen, bringing berry, grape, and a candy-like top end to the cross. Chemdawg contributes the backbone of fuel, skunk, and earthy spice that gives Alchemy its structure and power.
This pairing creates a hybrid capable of showing both sides of its family tree in distinct phenotypes. Some cuts lean toward Chem with sharper, peppery-diesel terps and more vertical stretch, while others lean Querkle with heavier purple coloration and sweeter aromatics. The best expressions thread the needle, stacking fruit over fuel for an unmistakable nose.
In practice, Alchemy’s indica/sativa heritage shows as a balanced or slightly indica-leaning hybrid, depending on selection and environment. Gardeners often see medium internodal spacing with moderate stretch, consistent with Chem-influenced hybrids. The result is a cultivar that fits both indoor and outdoor programs with minimal compromise.
Appearance and Morphology
Well-grown Alchemy presents tight, golf-ball to egg-shaped colas with heavy calyx swell and thick trichome coverage. The buds often display variegated greens with violet to deep-purple accents, especially when night temperatures are kept cool late in flower. Orange to rust pistils thread through the canopy, contrasting dramatically against the darker bract tissue.
Leaf morphology is hybrid: fans are medium width with Chem-like serration, while sugar leaves pick up darker pigments from the Querkle side. Expect moderate stretch in the first two weeks of 12/12, typically 1.5x–2x, with some Chem-leaning phenos stretching a bit more. Internodes are tight enough to stack without excessive larf if you manage canopy density and PPFD.
Resin density is a calling card here, with glandular trichomes packing the calyxes and leaf edges. Under magnification, heads are typically large and bulbous, a favorable trait for solventless extraction. Cured flowers tend to develop a glassy sheen, which enhances bag appeal and signals careful drying and curing practices.
Aroma and Terpene-Driven Bouquet
Expect a primary aroma of mixed fuel-and-fruit: think petrol-diesel layered with grape candy, blackberry compote, and incense. On the dry pull, Alchemy often shows a pepper-spice tickle that hints at beta-caryophyllene, followed by a zesty citrus pop common to Chem descendants. Breaking a nug unleashes a richer wave of sweet berry syrup over earthy skunk, with floral top notes that can read lilac or violet.
The diesel edge becomes more pronounced when the flowers are fresh or when humidity is higher in the jar. As the cure progresses past three to five weeks, the sweetness deepens and the gas harmonizes into a smoother, almost chocolate-spice undercurrent. Many enthusiasts report the bouquet peaking between weeks six and ten of cure when stored in stable 58–62% RH.
Industry writing often calls this kind of sensory synthesis “alchemy,” and for good reason. One Leafly feature on high-terpene extracts put it simply: “The alchemy begins with a thing called terpenes,” referring to the aromatic oils that define each cultivar’s identity. In Alchemy the strain, those oils are the story—fuel and fruit orchestrated so neither dominates for long.
Flavor Profile and Combustion Behavior
On the palate, Alchemy delivers a sweet entry of grape and dark berry before flipping to diesel, cracked pepper, and a faint cocoa-earth finish. The first-third of a joint is usually dominated by Querkle’s candy side, while the second-third sees Chemdawg’s spice-and-gas rise to prominence. Exhales leave a lingering grape-peel astringency that keeps the mouth watering.
In glass, the flavor tightens: bong rips tend to emphasize fuel and pepper while diminishing the berry sweetness. Vaporization at 175–190°C (347–374°F) preserves the brighter top notes, including citrus zest and floral nuances, while higher temps lean into earth, skunk, and clove. Properly flushed flowers burn to a fine, light ash; poor dry/cure will mute fruit and magnify harshness.
Extracts amplify Alchemy’s “dessert-gas” signature. In hydrocarbon concentrates, the blend reads like grape syrup drizzled over petrol, with a caryophyllene-limonene bite that cuts through. Solventless rosin can push a more jammy grape profile with a spiced, resinous finish that lingers on the palate.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
As a Chem-derived hybrid, Alchemy commonly tests in the high-teens to low-/mid-20s for THC, with outliers depending on phenotype and cultivation. Across U.S. legal markets, the average reported THC for top-shelf hybrid flower often falls around the 19–22% range, and Alchemy typically sits comfortably within or slightly above that band. CBD is usually minimal (<1%), while minor cannabinoids like CBG frequently appear in the 0.3–1.2% range.
Potency expression is highly environment- and feed-dependent. Under optimized indoor LED at 800–1,000 µmol/m²/s during mid-flower, many growers see resin development accelerate with dense, glassy heads. Late-flower stress, excessive heat, or high EC can depress terpene content even if THC remains strong, dulling the nuanced flavor this cultivar is prized for.
Subjectively, users often describe a fast-hitting onset with a smooth, rising curve across the first 10–15 minutes. Peak intensity usually occurs around 30–45 minutes post-inhalation, tapering over 2–3 hours depending on dose and route. As always, potency perceptions vary by tolerance and chemotype, so lab data and personal titration should guide use.
Terpene Profile and Chemotype Data
The dominant terpene in Chem-forward Alchemy cuts is frequently beta-caryophyllene, the spicy-sesquiterpene linked to pepper and clove notes. Supporting terpenes often include myrcene (earthy, musky, sedating synergy), limonene (citrus zest, mood elevation), and either linalool or humulene depending on phenotype. Querkle-leaning expressions can show more floral linalool and sweet ocimene, nudging the bouquet toward grape soda.
Total terpene content in carefully grown indoor flower often falls in the 1.5–3.0% range by weight for cultivars of this type, with top performers exceeding 3%. Hydrocarbon extraction tends to preserve a broader suite of monoterpenes, which is why Alchemy shatters and sauces can smell even louder than flower. Solventless techniques may emphasize mid-weight terpenes, spotlighting caryophyllene’s spiced backbone and a jammy fruit layer.
Popular media occasionally uses “alchemy” to describe intentional blending of compounds for targeted effects. Leafly’s coverage of high-terpene extract spheres (“Dragon Balls”) put a spotlight on terpenes as the first principle of cannabis aroma and effect. In practice, Alchemy’s terpene matrix is a case study in balance—enough caryophyllene to ground the profile, enough limonene to lift it, and enough secondary florals to make it memorable.
Experiential Effects: Onset, Duration, and Functionality
Alchemy tends to produce an initial cerebral lift with sensory enhancement—colors feel a touch brighter, and music gains depth and texture. The mental tone is alert and upbeat without becoming racy, especially in phenos that tilt toward Querkle. Within 20–30 minutes, a warm body comfort emerges, softening shoulders and jaw while maintaining a functional headspace.
At moderate doses, many users report a sociable, creative window ideal for conversation, cooking, or light design work. At higher doses, the Chem backbone can push the experience toward heavier stoniness, increasing couchlock potential and appetite. The finish is typically calm and content, with lingering euphoria that eases into restful quiet.
Duration from inhalation usually spans 2–3 hours for most users, with a longer tail for edibles and concentrates. Vaporized flower skews clearer and more functional, while combusted flower and dabs can deepen the body effects. As with any hybrid, timing of harvest (clear vs. cloudy/amber trichomes) subtly shifts the experience toward energetic or sedative.
Potential Medical Uses and Patient Considerations
While individual responses vary, Alchemy’s profile suggests potential for managing stress, mood fluctuations, and situational anxiety due to its limonene-caryophyllene synergy. Limonene is frequently studied for mood-elevating properties, and caryophyllene’s activity at CB2 receptors has been explored for inflammation modulation. Together with myrcene’s relaxing influence, this chemotype can offer a balanced calm without immediate sedation at lower doses.
For pain, hybrid chemovars like Alchemy are commonly used by patients seeking both mental relief and body comfort. The 2017 National Academies review found substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults, and Chem-derived lines have long been favored anecdotally for musculoskeletal discomfort. Patients often report relief from tension headaches, back tightness, and stress-related somatic complaints when dosing mindfully.
Appetite stimulation and nausea reduction are additional reasons some choose cultivars in this family. Those sensitive to racy effects should begin with small inhaled doses or low-mg edibles to gauge response. As always, patients should consult healthcare professionals, especially when taking medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes, since cannabinoids and terpenes can influence these pathways.
Context in the Market and Media Mentions
Alchemy the strain exists in a marketplace where the word “alchemy” is used broadly—from terpene science features to product branding. For instance, a Leafly feature on high-terpene “Dragon Balls” concentrates framed terpene chemistry as the ‘alchemy’ behind cannabis aromas, echoing what makes this cultivar special. Another Leafly roundup used “alchemy” metaphorically to describe blending hemp-derived cannabinoids and functional mushrooms for tailored effects.
In strain databases, Alchemy sometimes appears as a related or suggested cultivar with sparse public notes. Leafly’s Toronja and Mystery Made pages, for example, show Alchemy in their “similar strains” logic but list “check back later,” highlighting a gap between algorithmic categorization and detailed strain profiles. This reflects how boutique genetics can be well-known to growers yet under-documented online.
The name also appears in brand contexts, such as Alchemy Pure in New York retail listings for other strains like Gush Mints. That kind of naming overlap is common in cannabis and underscores the importance of verifying genetics via breeder sources. For Alchemy the cultivar, the breeder-of-record is SubCool’s The Dank, and its reputation travels primarily through breeder notes, grow reports, and community reviews.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Environment, Medium, and Nutrition
Alchemy performs reliably in both soil and hydro, with coco-based blends offering a flexible middle ground. In living soil, aim for a balanced, microbe-rich mix amended with high-quality compost, aeration, and slow-release organics; in coco, target an EC of 1.2–1.8 in veg and 1.8–2.3 in peak flower. Keep pH stable: 6.2–6.8 for soil and 5.7–6.1 for coco/hydro to maintain nutrient uptake without lockout.
Environmental targets are classic hybrid parameters. In veg, run 24–28°C (75–82°F) with 60–70% RH and VPD around 0.8–1.1 kPa; in early flower, shift to 23–26°C (73–79°F) with 55–65% RH; in late flower, 21–24°C (70–75°F) with 45–55% RH. Stable airflow and filtered intakes are essential to prevent botrytis in dense, resinous colas.
Lighting intensity should ramp from 400–600 µmol/m²/s in late veg to 800–1,000 µmol/m²/s by mid-flower for most LED fixtures. Watch for light stress in Chem-leaning phenos, which can show marginal leaf curl if PPFD exceeds 1,100 without added CO₂. If running supplemental CO₂ (1,000–1,200 ppm), you can safely push PPFD to 1,100–1,300 in weeks 3–6 of flower.
Cultivation Guide: Growth Habit, Training, and Canopy Strategy
Expect a 1.5x–2x stretch after flip, with Chem-leaning cuts sometimes exceeding 2x. Topping once or twice in veg produces a more even canopy and reduces apical dominance that can cause uneven light distribution. Low-stress training (LST) and trellising keep colas upright and minimize microclimates within dense flowers.
Screen of Green (ScrOG) works exceptionally well with Alchemy due to its cooperative branching and internodal spacing. Fill 70–80% of the net before flip, then guide tops into open squares during the first 14–18 days of stretch. For SOG-style gardens from rooted clones, aim for 6–9 plants per m² (0.9–1.2 per ft²) with minimal veg to build a uniform sea of colas.
Defoliation should be measured: a light strip on day 21 and a cleanup on day 42 of flower typically optimize airflow without stalling growth. Remove lower third larf during early flower to redirect energy into top sites. Over-defoliation can blunt terpene output, so leave enough leaf mass to drive photosynthesis.
Cultivation Guide: Flowering Time, Yield, and Harvest Windows
Most Alchemy phenotypes finish in 60–70 days of 12/12, with 63–67 days being a common sweet spot. Querkle-leaning purple phenos may visually look done earlier; rely on trichome observation rather than color alone. For a more uplifting effect, harvest at mostly cloudy trichomes; for a heavier body effect, allow 10–15% amber.
Indoor yields are competitive for a boutique hybrid. Skilled growers often report 450–600 g/m² (1.5–2.0 oz/ft²) under efficient LEDs, with dialed-in rooms and CO₂ reaching 650–750 g/m². Outdoors, in full sun and with good soil, individual plants can exceed 500 g if trained and kept healthy through late-season weather.
Pre-harvest best practices include a 7–10 day nutrient taper in hydro/coco and a plain-water finish when feasible. Avoid late flower spikes in EC or temperature, which can harshen smoke and flatten terpenes. A 24–36 hour dark period before chop is optional; while data are mixed, some growers feel it slightly boosts resin and preserves volatile monoterpenes.
Cultivation Guide: Integrated Pest Management and Disease Resistance
Alchemy’s dense flowers and high resin make it important to prioritize airflow and humidity control. Maintain continuous, gentle air movement across the canopy and between rows with oscillating fans. Keep RH within range and avoid large nighttime humidity spikes that encourage botrytis.
IPM should be layered and preventative. Employ regular scouting with sticky cards and leaf inspections, and rotate biologically based controls such as Beauveria bassiana, Bacillus subtilis, and beneficial mites (e.g., Amblyseius swirskii) where legal and appropriate. Foliar sprays should stop by week two of flower to protect trichome quality.
In terms of resistance, Alchemy handles moderate feeding and light fluctuations well but is not immune to powdery mildew under poor ventilation. Sulfur vapor is best reserved for veg if used at all; never sulfur past flip due to residue and terpene damage. Cleanliness, plant spacing, and consistent environment remain the most effective defenses.
Cultivation Guide: Outdoors and Greenhouse
Outdoors, Alchemy thrives in temperate to warm climates with a dry September–October finish. In coastal or humid regions, site selection is critical—maximize morning sun and airflow to dry dew quickly. A well-amended bed with excellent drainage and organic mulches supports stable moisture and microbial health.
Greenhouses provide the best of both worlds, enhancing light intensity and protecting against rain while maintaining natural spectrum. Use horizontal airflow fans and ridge vents to avoid heat spikes that can stress Chem-leaning phenotypes. Light dep programs can bring Alchemy to harvest in late summer, sidestepping early fall storms.
For watering, drip irrigation with mulch keeps the root zone even and discourages soil-borne disease splash. Consider silica supplementation to support cell wall strength, especially in wind-exposed sites. Stake or trellis early to support the heavy top colas that develop late season.
Post-Harvest: Drying, Curing, and Storage
A slow, controlled dry is essential to protect Alchemy’s monoterpenes and preserve its layered bouquet. Target 18–21°C (65–70°F) and 55–60% RH in a dark, well-ventilated space, with whole-plant or large-branch hangs for 10–14 days. Gentle airflow should pass beneath hanging lines without directly buffeting flowers.
Once stems snap, trim and jar with 62% or 58% RH packs depending on your regional climate and preference. Burp jars daily for the first week, then every other day the second week, and weekly thereafter for a month. Many connoisseurs report the flavor cresting around weeks 6–10 of cure as the diesel and grape integrate fully.
For long-term storage, maintain stable cool temperatures and minimal light exposure. Vacuum sealing in glass or inert-gas-flushed containers can extend shelf life, but avoid crushing trichomes. Proper storage can retain Alchemy’s aromatic intensity for many months, with only gradual softening of top notes.
Extraction and Processing Potential
Alchemy’s resin heads are typically large and well-filled, making it a candidate for both hydrocarbon extraction and solventless processing. In BHO/PHO, expect high terpene fraction yields with a balance of caryophyllene, limonene, and sweet fruit esters that read loud in live resin. In rosin, careful ice water separation at 90–120 µm screens often produces a jammy, purple-fruit forward profile with a spiced finish.
Yield varies by phenotype and cultivation conditions. Chem-leaning cuts often produce excellent hydrocarbon yields, while select Querkle-leaning phenos can surprise with strong solventless returns. As always, test-washes are advisable before committing large harvests to a single processing method.
Terpene stability post-processing benefits from cold-chain handling. Keep fresh-frozen material at −18°C (0°F) or colder, minimize thaw cycles, and package finished concentrates in UV-resistant, oxygen-limited containers. These steps preserve the nuanced fruit-gas balance that defines Alchemy’s signature.
Phenotype Hunting and Selection Notes
When running seeds, expect a spectrum from fuel-forward to fruit-forward, with a middle lane that captures the blend. Criteria to track include internodal spacing, stretch multiplier after flip, resin head size and stability, and the exact balance of grape jam versus diesel-pepper. A keeper cut often announces itself by smelling like two strains at once—purple candy on the squeeze, gas on the break.
Visually, look for phenos that color up without needing extreme night drops, as over-cooling can slow metabolism and reduce yield. The best expressions will hue purple naturally in the last two weeks at 21–23°C nights, while still pushing calyx swell. Avoid phenos that fox-tail excessively under normal PPFD, as these may be more sensitive to heat or light stress.
In testing, target small-batch lab analyses for THC, minor cannabinoids, and terpene totals after a standardized 10–14 day dry and 4-week cure. Consistency across runs is a key keeper metric—top cuts reproduce their aroma, yield, and structure reliably under slightly varied conditions. Tag and clone promising plants early to avoid losing a standout selection.
Dosing, Tolerance, and Responsible Use
For new users, start with one to two inhalations, wait 10–15 minutes, and titrate as needed to find a functional baseline. Experienced consumers may choose larger doses, but even then, Alchemy’s clarity at low to moderate intake can be preferable for daytime or social settings. With edibles, begin at 2.5–5 mg THC and increase in small increments, allowing 2–3 hours to evaluate effects.
Tolerance develops with frequent, high-dose use, potentially blunting the cultivar’s nuanced flavor perception as well. Occasional tolerance breaks or dose rotation can help preserve both effect and enjoyment. Users predisposed to anxiety should favor lower doses and vaporization to keep the experience smooth.
Avoid driving or operating machinery while under the influence, and store all cannabis products safely away from children and pets. If using cannabis for medical reasons, coordinate with a healthcare provider, particularly if you take medications metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2C9, or CYP2C19. Responsible use maximizes benefits and minimizes risks.
Comparisons and Complementary Pairings
Compared to straight Chemdawg, Alchemy is friendlier on the nose to those who prefer dessert notes, thanks to Querkle’s grape-berry overlay. Against Querkle itself, Alchemy brings more bite and structure, with a clearer, more energetic onset and a spicier backbone. Fans of strains like Grape Pie or Sherb cuts may appreciate Alchemy’s fruit character, while chemheads will recognize its fuel core.
Terpene pairings in blends or sessions can be fun and instructive. A limonene-forward cultivar can brighten Alchemy for daytime focus, while a myrcene-heavy indica can deepen its body effect for evening wind-down. In edibles and mocktails, flavors like blackcurrant, grapefruit peel, and clove harmonize beautifully with its profile.
If you’re shopping by similarity algorithms, you may find Alchemy grouped with hybrids that share caryophyllene-limonene dominance and purple-fruit accents. Some databases already hint at these relationships by listing Alchemy in “similar strains” sections despite lacking full profiles. Use that as a cue to explore neighboring chemotypes when Alchemy itself is not available locally.
Sourcing, Authenticity, and Lab Testing
Because the term “alchemy” floats around in marketing, verify that you’re obtaining the SubCool’s The Dank Alchemy genetics or a verified clone. When possible, source from breeders or nurseries with traceable provenance and ask for lineage documentation. If you encounter wildly different aroma and structure patterns, you may be looking at a different cultivar using a similar name.
Lab testing remains the best way to understand what you have. Request a full panel that includes cannabinoids, terpene totals, moisture content, and screening for contaminants. Consistent caryophyllene-limonene-myrcene dominance with grape-gas aromatics supports the expected profile for Alchemy.
Remember that lab numbers are snapshots, not destiny. Post-harvest handling can easily swing terpene totals by percentage points, and small drying errors can alter flavor dramatically. Use testing as a tool alongside your senses and cultivation logs to evaluate quality.
Why the Name Fits: A Note on Terpene Science
Media often talk about cannabis “alchemy” as the transformation of plant oils into sensory magic, a metaphor that lands especially well for this strain. In chemistry terms, Alchemy’s appeal arises from the interplay between monoterpenes (like limonene and ocimene), sesquiterpenes (like caryophyllene and humulene), and minor aromatics. Each compound modulates perception, changing how others smell and taste in the blend.
In one Leafly feature on terpene-rich extracts, the phrase “the alchemy begins with terpenes” captured that synergy succinctly. That idea applies directly to Alchemy’s diesel-fruit duet: the fuel sharpens the sweets; the sweets soften the fuel; and spice notes keep the profile from becoming cloying. The outcome is a fragrance that evolves across a joint and matures during cure.
For consumers and growers alike, recognizing this terroir-like complexity informs better choices. If you want a brighter, zesty jar, prioritize limonene-leaning phenos and cure cooler. If you prefer darker jam and incense, aim for phenos with higher linalool and myrcene and allow a longer cure to round edges.
Quick Reference: Key Specs and Ranges
Type: Balanced indica/sativa hybrid (heritage: Chemdawg x Querkle as commonly reported by growers).
Flowering time: 60–70 days indoors; late September to mid-October outdoors depending on latitude and light dep.
Yield: 450–600 g/m² typical indoors; more with optimized CO₂ and canopy management; outdoor plants 500 g+ with strong veg.
Typical cannabinoids: THC often high-teens to mid-20s; CBD usually <1%; CBG commonly 0.3–1.2% depending on phenotype and cultivation.
Dominant terpenes: Beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, limonene; secondary linalool/humulene/ocimene depending on cut.
Aroma/flavor: Grape jam and blackberry over petrol-diesel, pepper spice, and earthy cocoa; floral top notes.
Breeder: SubCool’s The Dank (TGA Genetics), known for terpene-rich, high-resin cultivars like Agent Orange, Jack the Ripper, and Querkle.
Closing Thoughts
Alchemy exemplifies what made SubCool’s The Dank influential: bold, unmistakable terpenes wrapped in vigorous, garden-friendly genetics. It marries the bite and backbone of Chem with the purple-candy charm of Querkle, yielding a profile that is both memorable and versatile. For consumers, it offers a clear, happy lift balanced by satisfying body comfort.
For cultivators, Alchemy rewards disciplined environment control, thoughtful training, and patient curing. Its keeper phenotypes are the ones that smell like two strains at once and smoke like a single, coherent story. In a market that often chases single-note sweetness, Alchemy’s fruit-and-fuel duet feels refreshingly complete.
Even when public databases list it sparsely or conflate the name with unrelated products, the cultivar’s identity is secure in the gardens and jars of those who know it. If you can source a verified cut or run a pack, the search is worth it. As with all good cannabis, the real magic happens when careful chemistry meets inspired cultivation—that’s the Alchemy.
