Written by Ad OpsOverview
Cherry Burger is a mostly indica cannabis cultivar bred by Equilibrium Genetics, a California-based breeder known for creating robust, terpene-forward hybrids. The strain blends a deep, savory Burger-family funk with a red-fruit sweetness that inspires its name, delivering a sensory profile that stands out in the jar and on the palate. While phenotype expressions vary by cut, Cherry Burger is generally cultivated and sold as a sedating, evening-leaning hybrid with dense flowers and high resin output.
Consumers often report a calming body melt accompanied by a tranquil mental glide, making Cherry Burger well-suited to post-work decompression, movie nights, or winding down before bed. The strain’s indica heritage is apparent in both its stocky growth structure and its tendency toward heavier physical relaxation as effects progress. At the same time, the cherry-accented aroma provides enough brightness to keep the profile from feeling one-note, especially when vaporized.
In regulated markets, Burger-family hybrids commonly test in the high-THC range, and Cherry Burger fits that pattern with typical THC spanning the low to mid-20s percentage. Terpenes skew toward beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, a trio frequently associated with spicy-sweet aromatics and full-body comfort. As always, potency and flavor are cut-dependent, but most verified batches emphasize that balance of fruity top notes over a savory diesel-garlic core.
Because the Burger pedigree is particularly odorous in flower, cultivation and post-harvest handling demand solid odor control and careful drying to preserve the cherry brightness. With appropriate curing, Cherry Burger reveals layers of flavor that evolve over the session, shifting from juicy red fruit to warm spices and cured-meat umami. The result is a distinctive strain that appeals to flavor chasers and indica loyalists alike.
History and Genetic Lineage
Cherry Burger’s origin traces to Equilibrium Genetics, who selected and paired Burger-line material with a cherry-forward counterpart to capture both funk and fruit. Equilibrium Genetics is known for releasing resilient stock and outcrosses that deliver agronomic stability while showcasing nuanced terpene complexity. Although cultivator menus sometimes abbreviate the exact cherry donor, the breeder’s intent is clear in the resulting profile: a savory Burger spine infused with bright red-fruit aromatics.
Importantly, Cherry Burger is recognized as a descendant of Han Solo Burger, itself a celebrated cross of GMO and Larry OG that originated from the Burger breeding wave. According to Leafly’s Han Solo Burger strain page, Cherry Burger is listed as a child of Han Solo Burger, reinforcing that parentage link from a widely referenced industry database. That association explains much of the strain’s resin production, skunk-fuel-garlic undertone, and calming physical effects.
The other side of the cross is a cherry-leaning line chosen to contribute anthocyanin potential, candy-like fruit tones, and a gentle lift to the nose. In practice, growers observe two common expressions: one that leans heavier into the GMO-style savory-garlic profile with a cherry finish, and another that vividly bursts with cherry cola and red-berry candy over light kush-gas. Both expressions remain true to the mostly indica growth habit noted by Equilibrium Genetics and reported by growers.
From a breeding perspective, Cherry Burger reflects a broader market trend of pairing gas-heavy lines with bright fruit to widen consumer appeal. The Burger family provides reliability in resin density and yield potential, while the cherry influence adds aroma differentiation and consumer-friendly sweetness. The result is a versatile hybrid that competes well in connoisseur jars and pre-rolls while retaining the agronomic backbone demanded by commercial cultivation.
Appearance
Cherry Burger typically presents as compact, golf-ball to egg-shaped flowers with a dense indica structure and minimal air gaps between bracts. Calyxes stack tightly, often creating a lumpy, knotted topology reminiscent of classic kush lines. Trichome coverage is abundant, with bulbous heads and thick stalks that give the buds a frosty, sugar-dusted appearance under natural light.
Coloration ranges from forest green to deep olive with occasional purple flares, especially when grown in cooler night temperatures during late bloom. The anthocyanin expression can concentrate along the tips of sugar leaves and in the calyx seams, providing a dark wine highlight against silver-white resin. Pistils are commonly vibrant tangerine to copper, curling over the surface in moderate density rather than an overwhelming mat.
When broken apart, Cherry Burger’s interior showcases crystalline resin lodging in the creases of bracts and sugar-leaf bases. The buds often leave a sticky residue on the fingers, reflecting high trichome oil content that bodes well for mechanical or solvent-based extraction. Well-trimmed flowers retain a slightly rugged, artisanal look that suits the strain’s savory-leaning heritage.
Across phenotypes, internode spacing on the plant is short to moderate, producing colas that are easily formed with basic training. During curing, properly handled buds tighten and retain their shape, with minimal shrinkage if dried at 60 to 62 percent relative humidity. Retail-ready flower often tests well on visual appeal, scoring high with consumers who prioritize frost and contrasting color swirls.
Aroma
The aroma of Cherry Burger is layered and assertive, starting with ripe cherry and red-berry candy atop a foundation of diesel, garlic, and warm spice. On first grind, many users pick up a cherry cola or syrupy black cherry note that reads unmistakably sweet. As the bouquet opens, savory tones of roasted garlic, cracked pepper, and cured meat emerge, hallmark signatures of the Burger lineage.
Dominant terpenes likely driving the profile include beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, which collectively deliver peppery spice, citrus brightness, and earthy fruit. Secondary contributors such as humulene and linalool can add woody dryness and floral calm, rounding the nose and preventing the sweetness from becoming cloying. Some cuts also exhibit a faint sandalwood or incense edge that becomes more obvious after a week of jar cure.
Aroma intensity is high, which growers notice in late flower when odor becomes difficult to contain without adequate filtration. Freshly cured jars can perfume a room within minutes, corroborating anecdotal reports that Cherry Burger competes with GMO and Han Solo Burger in raw aromatic power. When vaporized at lower temperatures, the cherry top notes are more expressive, while combustion accentuates the savory-fuel base.
The aromatic evolution follows a predictable arc from confectionery fruit to mouthwatering umami, with the transition becoming more pronounced as the nug sits exposed to air. This dynamic character is part of the strain’s appeal, presenting a nose that rewards repeated sniffs rather than a single-note blast. It also pairs memorably with dark chocolate or spiced nuts for consumers who enjoy flavor flights alongside their session.
Flavor
Cherry Burger offers a distinct flavor journey that starts with cherry syrup and red-berry chew candies on the front of the tongue. Mid-palate, subtle citrus and cedar give way to savory garlic and diesel notes that coat the mouth with a pleasant, lingering warmth. The exhale often brings cracked pepper, cola spice, and a faint vanilla-cherry cream that ties the profile together.
Vaporizing at 170 to 190 degrees Celsius tends to highlight the fruitier, limonene-forward registers while keeping the garlic-fuel in check. At higher temperatures or under combustion, the caryophyllene-driven pepper and GMO-style umami become dominant, satisfying fans of heavy gas. Either way, the aftertaste is persistent and complex, leaving a cherry-flecked spice that remains detectable for several minutes.
Moisture content and cure quality strongly influence the perceived sweetness in Cherry Burger. A slow dry and a four to six week cure commonly yield greater cherry clarity and a smoother throat feel. Over-drying can bury the fruit under harsher fuel, so maintaining 60 to 62 percent jar humidity preserves balance.
Experienced tasters often compare the flavor progression to sipping a cherry-vanilla cola beside a plate of garlicky, peppered charcuterie. That juxtaposition is uncommon but intentional, tying the Burger family’s savory backbone to a dessert-like top note. It is a tasting profile that keeps Cherry Burger memorable alongside better-known heavy hitters.
Cannabinoid Profile
Cherry Burger usually tests high in THC, consistent with the Burger lineage and modern market preferences. In legal markets where third-party lab testing is standard, Burger-family cultivars commonly register THC in the low to mid-20s by percentage of dry weight. Cherry Burger follows suit, with many batches landing approximately 20 to 26 percent THC, and occasional outliers above or below depending on phenotype and cultivation.
CBD content is typically low, often at or below 1 percent, which positions the strain as THC-dominant. Minor cannabinoids such as CBG and CBC may appear in trace to low single-digit tenths of a percent, frequently in the 0.1 to 1.0 percent combined range. While amounts vary, these minors can subtly modulate effects, especially when paired with a 1.5 to 2.5 percent total terpene load that is common for dense, resinous hybrids.
Total cannabinoids commonly reach into the mid to high 20s percentage-wise when summing THC, THCa, and trace minors, though exact figures depend on harvest timing and post-harvest handling. Early harvests tend to produce slightly lower total cannabinoids but brighter aroma, while later harvests can boost potency at the risk of increased sedation. Proper drying and curing preserve acidic forms and minimize terpene volatilization, sustaining both analytical potency and sensory quality.
As with all cultivars, lab results should be read with attention to batch, lab, and method variability. Consumer-facing labels typically round values or report THCa and then estimate total THC, so understanding those conversions matters when comparing products. For precision, consult a product’s certificate of analysis, which will specify THCa, delta-9 THC, total cannabinoid percentage, and terpene profiles where tested.
Terpene Profile
Cherry Burger’s terpene stack is anchored by beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, a trio that often drives its spicy-pepper, citrus-bright, and earthy-fruit character. In many Burger-line hybrids, beta-caryophyllene can constitute around 0.4 to 1.0 percent of dry weight, limonene approximately 0.3 to 0.8 percent, and myrcene roughly 0.3 to 0.7 percent. Cherry Burger frequently tracks within these ranges, though cut-specific expression and cultivation conditions can shift proportions.
Secondary terpenes commonly include humulene, linalool, and ocimene, each contributing important accents. Humulene’s woody dryness adds structure to the nose and finish, linalool provides a floral calm, and ocimene can brighten the fruit tone with a sweet, green lift. Trace levels of valencene, nerolidol, or farnesene occasionally appear and may add subtle candied orange, herbal, or green apple nuances.
Total terpene content often lands between 1.5 and 2.5 percent when grown and cured optimally, which aligns with many premium indoor hybrids in North American markets. Environmental stress, nutrient scheduling, and drying conditions affect these totals; excessive heat or overly rapid dry cycles can depress terpene readings by noticeable margins. Slow, cool dries at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 percent relative humidity usually help preserve monoterpenes like limonene and ocimene that volatilize quickly.
From a functional perspective, beta-caryophyllene is notable for its unique activity as a CB2 receptor agonist, which may help explain Cherry Burger’s calming body feel. Limonene is frequently associated with uplifted mood and a perception of brightness, while myrcene has been linked anecdotally with heavier relaxation at higher concentrations. Together, this stack presents a sensory and experiential profile that matches consumer reports for a soothing, savory-sweet evening strain.
Experiential Effects
With typical THC in the low to mid-20s, Cherry Burger tends to come on smoothly within minutes when smoked or vaporized. The initial phase is characterized by a light head buzz, slight pressure behind the eyes, and a gentle mood lift that may feel bright but unhurried. Within 15 to 30 minutes, the body sensation deepens into a warm, spreading relaxation that eases shoulders, jaw tension, and residual restlessness.
The mental experience is usually calm and steady rather than racy, with many users describing a content, focused drift ideal for low-demand activities. Music appreciation, light gaming, and cozy conversation pair well during the first half of the session. As the high matures, sleep pressure increases, making this strain well-suited to late-evening use and pre-bed routines.
Duration often spans two to four hours depending on tolerance, with the most pronounced relaxation occurring past the one-hour mark. Appetite stimulation is common, especially with cuts that lean more savory-garlic, so planning snacks in advance can be helpful. Dry mouth and dry eyes are typical side effects, and novice users should pace their intake to avoid couchlock.
Tolerance considerations matter with potent indica-leaning hybrids like Cherry Burger. New consumers may find that a single inhalation is sufficient to assess effects, while experienced users can titrate to desired intensity over several draws. For daytime use, microdosing via a low-temperature vaporizer keeps the cherry brightness and minimizes sedation, whereas robust evening sessions embrace the full-body melt.
Potential Medical Uses
Cherry Burger’s mostly indica heritage and caryophyllene-forward terpene profile align with use cases centered on physical relaxation and stress relief. Anecdotally, patients report help with musculoskeletal aches, post-exertion soreness, and general body tension. The steady, non-jittery headspace may also complement unwinding from overstimulation, including after long workdays or travel.
Sleep support is a common theme, as the strain’s progression culminates in heavier eyelids and reduced rumination. Individuals with difficulty initiating sleep may find a vaporized dose 60 to 90 minutes before bed helpful in establishing a wind-down routine. Those with middle-of-the-night awakenings should consider smaller, strategically timed doses to avoid next-day grogginess.
Appetite stimulation is frequently observed with Burger-line cultivars, which could be beneficial for people experiencing appetite suppression related to stress or routine changes. Additionally, the combination of beta-caryophyllene and linalool has been discussed in preclinical literature for potential roles in pain perception and anxiety modulation. While not a substitute for medical advice, these mechanistic clues align with the calm yet comforting body effects reported by consumers.
As always, medical outcomes are highly individualized, and THC-dominant chemotypes can exacerbate anxiety in sensitive users or at high doses. Starting with low doses and gradually increasing allows patients to find optimal relief without unwanted effects. Anyone considering cannabis for medical reasons should consult a clinician, particularly if taking medications that interact with the endocannabinoid system.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Cherry Burger’s cultivation strengths reflect its Burger lineage: vigorous vegetative growth, stout branching, and dense, resin-coated flowers. The plant’s mostly indica structure produces short internodes and a manageable canopy height, making it adaptable to tents, small rooms, and commercial tables. Growers should plan for a strong scent profile from mid-flower onward and implement carbon filtration accordingly.
Environment and veg management: Cherry Burger thrives in moderate temperatures of 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during lights-on and 65 to 72 degrees during lights-off. Relative humidity in veg can sit around 55 to 65 percent, tapering to 45 to 55 percent in early bloom and 40 to 50 percent late flower to discourage botrytis. Maintaining vapor pressure deficit within 0.9 to 1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2 to 1.5 kPa late flower supports stomatal function and reduces mold risk.
Training and canopy control: Due to its natural bushiness, topping once or twice in early veg encourages a flat canopy. Low-stress training and light defoliation around weeks 3 and 6 of veg help light penetrate the interior without over-stripping leaves. A single-layer SCROG or trellis ring is often enough to support colas and prevent lodging in weeks 6 to 8 of flower.
Flowering time and scheduling: Cherry Burger typically finishes in 8 to 10 weeks of bloom, with many cuts ripening around day 60 to 66 from flip. Growers seeking more sedative effects and heavier resin may push to day 68 to 70, while those prioritizing cherry brightness can harvest closer to day 58 to 62. Monitoring trichomes for a mostly cloudy field with 5 to 15 percent amber offers a practical harvest indicator for balanced potency and flavor.
Lighting and intensity: Indoors, target 700 to 900 micromoles per square meter per second of PPFD in mid-flower, ramping toward 950 to 1050 micromoles in late flower if environmental controls are solid. Cherry Burger’s dense canopy appreciates side lighting or reflective sidewalls to improve lower bud set. DLI targets of 35 to 45 mol per square meter per day are attainable with high-efficiency LEDs and proper photoperiod management.
Feeding and media: The strain responds well to balanced NPK programs with modest nitrogen in late veg and early bloom, followed by increased potassium and phosphorus as flowers set. In coco or hydro, electrical conductivity around 1.6 to 2.2 mS per centimeter during peak bloom is common, with runoff checks informing adjustments. In living soil, focus on top-dressing with bloom amendments and ensuring calcium and magnesium availability to support heavy trichome production.
Irrigation and root health: Cherry Burger prefers consistent moisture without waterlogging, so pulse irrigation or careful hand watering that allows slight dry-backs maintains oxygenation. Root zone temperatures between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit encourage robust uptake, especially under high light. Adding beneficial microbes and maintaining stable pH—5.8 to 6.2 in soilless and 6.3 to 6.8 in soil—supports nutrient efficiency and terpene development.
Odor management and IPM: The Burger family is notoriously loud, making carbon filters and sealed rooms practical investments for discretion. Integrated pest management should include weekly scouting, sticky cards, and preventative biological controls suitable to your facility. Dense indica flowers can be susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis, so airflow, leaf hygiene, and spacing are essential, particularly in late bloom.
Yield expectations: With appropriate training and environmental control, indoor yields in the neighborhood of 450 to 600 grams per square meter are achievable for dialed-in grows. Outdoor or greenhouse plants can push higher per-plant yields depending on season length, with finished heights typically between 3 and 6 feet in containers. Phenotypic variation influences yield, with the funk-leaning expressions often packing denser colas and slightly higher resin mass.
Outdoor and greenhouse considerations: Cherry Burger performs best in temperate climates with low late-season humidity. In regions prone to autumn rains, consider light-dep schedules to finish by late September to early October, mitigating mold risk on dense tops. Organic mulches and silicon supplementation can improve stem strength and help manage heat stress during warm spells.
Harvest, dry, and cure: For maximal cherry brightness, harvest at the first sign of color shift in trichomes from clear to cloudy, before amber becomes dominant. Dry whole plants or large branches at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 percent relative humidity for 10 to 14 days, with gentle airflow that avoids direct breeze on buds. Cure in airtight jars or totes, burping as needed to maintain 60 to 62 percent humidity, and allow at least 3 to 6 weeks for full terpene integration.
Post-harvest and extraction: Cherry Burger’s resin heads are typically medium to large with robust stalks, favorable for ice water hash and rosin. Expect strong returns when washing well-grown material, with savory-funk fractions often pressing into darker rosin hues and fruitier fractions yielding lighter tones. Hydrocarbon extraction also captures the layered cherry-gas profile effectively, translating into concentrates with pronounced top notes and lingering spice.
Clones, seed, and selection: Equilibrium Genetics is credited with creating Cherry Burger, and growers may encounter both seed and clone options depending on region and release. When selecting keepers, assess aroma under both fresh grind and jar-cure conditions, and evaluate resin head size under magnification if extraction is a goal. Trial multiple phenotypes across identical environments to accurately compare vigor, stretch, node spacing, and final terpene expression.
Quality assurance and data tracking: Documenting environmental metrics, feed schedules, and qualitative aroma notes across cycles enables continuous improvement. Simple statistics such as average daily gain in canopy height, grams per watt, and terpene totals from third-party tests help identify winning SOPs. Over time, these data-driven refinements translate into more consistent potency, richer flavor, and fewer surprises at scale.
Regulatory and market context: In markets with mandatory testing, Cherry Burger’s high-THC, high-terp profile aligns with consumer preferences, which often reward strains exceeding 20 percent THC and 1.5 percent total terpenes. For retail positioning, emphasize its distinct cherry-on-gas identity and Equilibrium Genetics pedigree. According to the Han Solo Burger page on Leafly, Cherry Burger is listed as a child of Han Solo Burger, a point that resonates with consumers familiar with the Burger family’s reputation for potency and flavor.
