Tear Gas Strain Leafly: A Comprehensive Strain Guide

Overview and Naming Context

Tear Gas is a modern, gas-forward cannabis cultivar that’s frequently searched alongside platforms like Leafly because consumers associate its name with nose-stinging, petrol-heavy aromatics and hard-hitting potency. The phrase “tear gas strain Leafly” has become a shorthand way for shoppers to find listings, reviews, and lab data tied to this pungent hybrid. While formal breeder attribution can be inconsistent across regions, the varietal’s reputation is remarkably consistent: it delivers a sharp, solvent-like funk paired with dense, trichome-laden flowers and a fast, assertive effect profile.

As a naming convention, “Tear Gas” sits squarely in the “gas” family—strains that smell like diesel fuel, exhaust, or paint thinner, a scent cluster most closely tied to descendants of Chemdog, Sour Diesel, and OG Kush. Across legal markets, gas-leaning chemovars consistently rank among the top-selling flavor families, often comprising 25–35% of premium flower SKU rotations in urban dispensaries. That strong retail presence is driven by sticky resin, high total terpene content, and elevated THC levels—traits that Tear Gas is commonly reported to express.

This profile provides a deep, data-informed look at Tear Gas, including its likely history, genetics, morphology, aroma chemistry, cannabinoid and terpene ranges, experiential effects, medical context, and a comprehensive grower’s guide. Where strain-specific lab datasets are sparse, we note plausible ranges grounded in benchmarks for closely related gas chemotypes. The goal is practical accuracy: enough precision to guide buying and cultivation decisions without overstating unverified claims.

History and Origin

The exact birthplace of Tear Gas is not universally documented, which is common for boutique strains that emerge through limited releases or regionally contained breeding projects. Reports from growers and budtenders indicate the strain began appearing in West Coast menus in the late 2010s to early 2020s, coinciding with a surge of gas-forward hybrids dominating competition shelves. During this period, breeders frequently recombined Chemdog, Sour Diesel, and OG Kush lines with contemporary dessert genetics, hunting for louder fuel notes and higher resin production.

The name “Tear Gas” suggests a sensory target: a nose-watering sting and solvent-heavy top note that feels almost caustic, akin to opening a fuel can or catching a whiff of industrial cleaner. Gas flavors made a comeback as consumers shifted from overtly sweet “dessert” profiles back toward sharper, funkier bouquets. This oscillation shows up in retail sales data where terpene-forward fuel strains and GMO-adjacent funk regained market share after the sugary Gelato wave peaked.

Many Tear Gas cuts likely descended from small-batch phenotype hunts rather than a single marketing-driven launch. In practice, this means slight regional differences can appear, with some gardens leaning more toward diesel brightness and others toward skunky, sulfuric undertones. Nonetheless, the common thread—stinging, petrol aromatics over dense, icy buds—has kept the Tear Gas moniker sticky among consumers.

Genetic Lineage and Breeding Hypotheses

In the absence of a universally accepted pedigree, the most defensible approach is to tether Tear Gas to the gas lineage pillars: Chemdog, Sour Diesel, and OG Kush. These families share overlapping chemistry, particularly β-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, plus trace volatile thiols that contribute the skunky, sulfurous edge. Many modern “gas” lines also incorporate GMO (Garlic Cookies) or Triangle Kush genetics to deepen the funk and boost resin output.

A plausible breeding hypothesis is a cross that pairs a Chemdog or Sour Diesel leaner with an OG-derived cultivar selected for stacking and density. Such pairings commonly produce 8–10 week flowering times, medium-to-tall internodal spacing, and a hybridized effect that blends cerebral uplift with heavy-bodied calm. If a GMO or Chem-heavy parent is present, expect spicier pepper notes, increased β-caryophyllene, and a greater probability of that “eyes-watering” sensation on grind.

Breeders often stabilize gas-forward offspring through backcrossing to reinforce solvent-like top notes while preserving yield and bag appeal. Phenotype hunts can run 50–200 seeds for small projects and 500+ for commercial operations, with selection criteria focusing on terpene intensity (1.5–3.0% total terpenes), trichome density, and bud structure. The most successful Tear Gas phenos typically combine a caked, OG-style frost with Chemdog-like sharpness and Sour Diesel’s brighter, lemon-fuel edges.

Until a specific breeder publishes a verified pedigree, growers and buyers should treat Tear Gas as a chemotype descriptor anchored to the gas family. That approach aligns with how retailers often classify modern cultivars—by dominant aroma profile—because aroma chemistry is more predictive of experience than an uncertain strain name alone. For practical purposes, Tear Gas is best understood as a high-terpene, petrol-forward hybrid with roots in the Chem/Diesel/OG ecosystem.

Appearance and Bud Structure

Tear Gas tends to present as dense, chunky colas with strong calyx stacking and a generous frosting of trichomes. Under magnification, bulbous capitate-stalked trichomes form a sparkling shell that often appears white-silver against darker green bracts. Many phenos show amber or pale orange pistils that curl tightly into the bud mass rather than protruding wildly.

Leaf coloration is typically deep emerald to forest green, with occasional anthocyanin expression (lavender or purple streaks) under cool night temperatures in late flower. Buds usually lean toward a conical OG shape with a compact center and slightly foxtailed tips on longer colas. When grown under high PPFD, colas can harden considerably, so careful dry and cure protocols are essential to prevent flattened surfaces.

Trim quality significantly affects presentation because the sugar leaf around Tear Gas often holds dense trichome coverage. A tight, machine-assisted trim can score high on bag appeal but may shear resin heads if rushed or done too dry. Many craft operations opt for a hybrid trim—light machine touch followed by a hand finish—to preserve the crystalline coating that defines Tear Gas visually.

Aroma and Flavor Profile

On first crack, Tear Gas typically erupts with sharp diesel, solvent, and kerosene notes, often described as nose-stinging or eye-watering. Underneath the top-end harshness, you’ll often catch black pepper, creosote, and rubber undertones, with faint lemon-lime brightness on the back end. When the jar breathes, a skunky sulfur edge may emerge—an indicator of trace volatile thiols that are detectable at parts-per-billion to parts-per-trillion levels.

Grind intensifies the bouquet, frequently releasing a wave of hot pepper and lemon zest that rides the fuel core. Vaporization at low temperatures (170–185°C) brings forward citrus-limonene and sweet herbal elements that can soften the industrial bite. Combustion typically amplifies the peppery, diesel character, creating a flavor arc that starts sharp and dries down into earthy, resinous spice.

On the palate, expect a coating mouthfeel with a long finish that can read as diesel-soaked rind or peppered pine. Many users report a lingering tingle in the sinus cavity and palate, which matches the “tear gas” name without actual irritant chemicals present. The flavor experience is not subtle; it is engineered for fans of aggressive, high-impact gas.

Cannabinoid Profile and Potency

Across gas-forward hybrids, THC commonly falls between 20% and 28% by dry weight, with occasional outliers above 30% in optimized grows and selective lab assays. Tear Gas aligns with that range, and most commercial batches will realistically test around 22–26% THC when grown under strong light with disciplined environmental control. Total cannabinoids (THC + minor cannabinoids) often land in the 22–30% window, contributing to a dense, resin-rich grind.

CBD is typically trace in these lineages, commonly measuring below 0.5% and often near the LOQ (limit of quantitation) in standard HPLC assays. CBG can be more present in some phenotypes, generally between 0.1% and 0.7%, which may subtly influence perceived clarity and focus. CBC and THCV, if present, are usually minor, together contributing under 1% combined.

It’s important to contextualize potency with terpene content and smokeability, as high-terpene gas profiles can hit harder than their THC number suggests. For example, flowers with 2.0–3.0% total terpenes and 24% THC can feel stronger to many users than a 28% batch with 1.0% terpenes, due to synergistic pharmacodynamics. Consumers should consider both potency and terpene intensity when estimating personal dose and onset intensity.

From a dosing perspective, a single 0.1–0.2 g inhalation session of Tear Gas typically delivers a robust effect for regular users. Newer consumers should begin with 1–2 inhalations and wait 10–15 minutes to gauge peak effects, especially because sharp, diesel-dominant aromas can correlate with a brisk rise. Edible or concentrate forms will concentrate THC further; always start low and titrate slowly.

Terpene Profile and Minor Volatiles

The typical terpene leaders in Tear Gas are β-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, with humulene and ocimene frequently appearing as notable contributors. On a percentage basis, total terpene content in well-grown gas cultivars often ranges from 1.5% to 3.0% by weight, with top-shelf batches occasionally surpassing 3.5%. A representative spread would look like β-caryophyllene 0.3–0.8%, limonene 0.2–0.6%, myrcene 0.6–1.2%, humulene 0.1–0.4%, and ocimene 0.05–0.2%.

β-caryophyllene is a CB2 receptor agonist and may contribute to perceived body ease and anti-inflammatory effects without intoxication. Limonene aligns with citrus brightness and is often associated with elevated mood and an energetic onset. Myrcene can add musky, herbal depth and is historically linked with couchlock in higher concentrations, though actual effects depend on the broader entourage.

Beyond the main terpenes, trace thiols likely contribute the “skunk-fuel” sting. Research published in 2021 identified 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol (3-MBT) and related sulfur compounds as key drivers of the skunky odor in cannabis, detectable at extraordinarily low concentrations (ppt-level). While labs seldom quantify thiols in routine certificates of analysis, their presence explains why Tear Gas can smell much louder and more sulfuric than its terpene percentages alone would predict.

Other relevant minor volatiles include aldehydes and ketones that add solvent-like top notes, and esters that provide fleeting fruity flashes beneath the diesel core. The exact matrix varies with drying, curing, and storage conditions, which can change the ratios through oxidation and volatilization. Growers who preserve 60/60 dry-cure conditions often report a more articulate fuel profile with better longevity in the jar.

Experiential Effects and Onset

Tear Gas usually opens with a fast, head-forward onset within 1–5 minutes of inhalation, peaking around 15–30 minutes. Users commonly describe a surge in sensory focus and mental clarity that quickly gives way to deep physical calm. The overall arc is hybrid: front-loaded cerebral engagement layered atop a steadily building body weight.

Duration after inhalation typically runs 2–3 hours, with residual afterglow trailing beyond that for sensitive users. For edibles and capsules, onset ranges from 30–120 minutes with a 4–8 hour duration depending on dose and metabolism. Vaporization tends to produce a slightly cleaner, less harsh rise compared to combustion, which can feel more aggressive owing to the peppery-caryophyllene edge.

Psychoactivity scales strongly with dose, terpene intensity, and individual tolerance. At modest doses, Tear Gas can feel productive and mood-brightening, especially for tasks that benefit from heightened sensory detail. At higher doses, the body load may become sedating, and the focus can tilt into introspection or couchlock, particularly in evening settings.

Potential Medical Uses and Considerations

Gas-leaning hybrids like Tear Gas are often chosen by patients seeking multi-symptom coverage: steady analgesia, muscle relaxation, and appetite support. The National Academies’ 2017 review concluded there is substantial evidence cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults, and patient registries frequently report pain relief as the primary therapeutic goal. Within this category, β-caryophyllene-rich profiles may enhance perceived anti-inflammatory relief alongside THC’s well-known analgesic action.

Some patients with migraine and tension-type headaches report benefit from diesel-forward chemovars, citing fast onset and a pressure-relieving effect around the temples and neck. Observational data have noted meaningful reductions in headache frequency and intensity for certain users, though controlled trials are limited and individual responses vary widely. For acute headache episodes, inhalation routes can be advantageous due to the rapid onset window of 1–5 minutes.

Tear Gas’ heavy body component can aid evening wind-down and may help shorten sleep latency in users who respond well to THC-dominant products. However, high-THC gas profiles can increase anxiety in sensitive individuals, especially at higher doses or in novel environments. Patients with anxiety or panic histories should start with very small doses and consider pairing with CBD-dominant products.

Always consult a healthcare professional if you have cardiovascular, psychiatric, or respiratory conditions. THC can elevate heart rate and lower blood pressure transiently, and combustion can irritate airways. For medical use, many clinicians recommend starting at 1–2.5 mg THC orally or a single, brief inhalation, then titrating upward slowly over several sessions.

Cultivation Guide: Environment, Nutrition, and Training

Tear Gas thrives in controlled environments with strong lighting, disciplined climate control, and ample calcium and magnesium to support heavy trichome production. In vegetative growth, target a VPD of 0.9–1.2 kPa with relative humidity between 55% and 65% and temps of 24–28°C. Raise PPFD into the 600–900 µmol/m²/s range in late veg to prime the canopy without causing stress.

During flowering, increase VPD to 1.2–1.5 kPa, lower RH to 45–55%, and maintain a day temperature of 24–27°C with night temps 2–4°C cooler. Push PPFD to 900–1,200 µmol/m²/s for mid-to-late bloom, ensuring CO2 supplementation at 900–1,200 ppm if you’re running the high end of PPFD. Keep consistent airflow across dense colas to mitigate botrytis risk—gas cultivars often stack tightly and can trap moisture deep in the bud.

Nutrient-wise, a balanced feed in veg around 2–1–2 (N–P–K) with 1.2–1.6 EC is effective, shifting to 1–2–3 in early bloom and 1–3–3 in mid bloom with 1.6–2.2 EC depending on medium and cultivar response. Tear Gas typically benefits from a steady Ca/Mg baseline of 100–150 ppm Ca and 40–60 ppm Mg, especially under high light where transpiration is elevated. Monitor leaf edges for signs of K deficiency under high PPFD—upping potassium and sulfur modestly in mid-late flower can enhance oil synthesis and fuel-forward aromas.

Training strategies should emphasize even canopies and strong branch support. Topping once or twice and employing low-stress training (LST) or a SCROG net creates uniform light distribution and minimizes top-heavy cola collapse. Defoliate strategically at weeks 2–3 and again at weeks 5–6 of bloom to open the interior while preserving enough leaf mass for photosynthesis.

Cultivation Guide: Flowering, Harvest, and Post-Harvest

Flowering time for Tear Gas commonly runs 8–10 weeks, with many phenos finishing near day 63 under optimal conditions. Some Chem-leaning phenotypes can be fully mature at 56–60 days, while OG-heavy variants may want 70+ days for ideal resin maturity. Monitor trichomes: a 5–10% amber ratio on mostly cloudy heads often aligns with peak aroma and balanced effects.

Yields vary with environment and training but typically fall in the range of 450–600 g/m² indoors and 500–900 g per plant outdoors with a long season and full sun. Outdoor growers should prioritize mold resistance strategies—aggressive thinning, wide plant spacing, and diligent IPM—as dense, resinous gas colas can be botrytis-prone in humid climates. In greenhouses, dehumidification and horizontal airflow are essential during late flower nights and early mornings.

For drying, the classic 60/60 protocol—60°F (15–16°C) and 60% RH for 10–14 days—works exceptionally well for gas cultivars, preserving volatile notes and preventing case-hardening. After the initial dry, cure in airtight containers at 58–62% RH, burping daily for the first week and then weekly for 3–4 weeks. Many growers report that Tear Gas reaches peak jar expression around day 21–35 of cure, with measurable terpene stabilization and improved mouthfeel.

Post-harvest trimming should be deliberate to avoid trichome loss. If machine trimming, run at colder room temperatures and shorter drum times to reduce resin smear, then hand-finish the crown buds. Properly cured Tear Gas maintains its stinging top note for months when stored correctly, whereas rushed drying can mute the fuel character within weeks.

Phenotype Variation, Lab Testing, and Quality Metrics

Expect at least two common phenotypes in Tear Gas runs: a Chem/Diesel-leaning cut with bright lemon-fuel and a deep OG-leaning cut with peppery, earthy diesel. The former often has tighter nodal spacing and a slightly earlier finish, while the latter can be taller with fatter, heavier colas. Both can hit high terpene numbers when dialed, frequently 2.0–3.0% total terpenes on state-licensed COAs.

When reviewing lab results, consider inter-lab variability and sampling bias, both of which can shift reported potency by 5–15% relative. A more reliable signal of quality is a combined read of total cannabinoids and total terpenes, ideally above 25% and 2% respectively for premium experience. Water activity in the cured flower should measure between 0.55 and 0.65 to balance terpene retention and mold safety.

Sensory QC is also informative: a clean, stinging fuel nose without grassy undertones indicates a controlled dry and cure. Visual checks for intact trichome heads and minimal crow’s feet on pistils suggest gentle handling. If the jar aroma fades quickly after opening, the batch may have been overdried or stored too warm.

Consumption Methods, Dosing, and Safety

Inhalation remains the most common way to experience Tear Gas, with joints and flower vaporizers providing rapid onset and clear expression of the fuel bouquet. Vaporization at 180–200°C offers a robust terpene range without the harsher combustion byproducts, though some users prefer the classic diesel bite only smoke can deliver. Concentrate formats can be exceptionally potent; start with rice-grain-sized dabs, especially if total THC exceeds 70%.

Dosing should follow a “start low, go slow” approach. New consumers can begin with one or two small puffs and wait 10–15 minutes to assess effect. For edibles, 1–2.5 mg THC is a conservative starter; increases of 1–2.5 mg per session allow stable titration without overshooting.

Safety considerations include avoiding driving or operating machinery for at least 4–6 hours after dosing and being mindful of THC’s transient cardiovascular effects. Users prone to anxiety should favor smaller, spaced doses or consider blending with CBD. If irritation or coughing is prominent, try lower vaporization temperatures or switch to a water-filtered device.

Comparisons to Similar “Gas” Chemovars

Compared to Sour Diesel, Tear Gas leans heavier and spicier, with more pepper and rubber on the finish, whereas Sour D skews brighter and more citrus-fuel. Against Chemdog, Tear Gas can be louder on the nose, with a sharper sting and slightly denser OG-style stacking. GMO parallels appear in the sulfuric undertones, though GMO usually exhibits garlic/onion notes that Tear Gas only hints at.

OG Kush comparisons hinge on structure and body effect: OGs can hit with deep relaxation and pine-fuel, while Tear Gas adds a more industrial, solvent-like top note and sometimes quicker onset. Triangle Kush relatives can also overlap, but Tear Gas often presents a more extreme “burn-your-nostrils” aromatic intensity. If you love the rubbery, peppered end of the gas spectrum, Tear Gas usually sits closer to Chem/OG hybrids than pure Diesel sativas.

From a cultivation perspective, Tear Gas is typically less stretchy than classic Sour Diesel and more stack-heavy like OG derivatives. It also tends to prefer slightly higher potassium and sulfur in late flower to push its pungency. Growers who have dialed in Chem or OG lines will feel immediately at home with Tear Gas’ environmental needs.

Storage, Shelf Stability, and Freshness

Terpenes and thiols are volatile, and preserving Tear Gas’ signature bite requires meticulous storage. Keep flower in airtight glass at 58–62% RH and 15–20°C, away from light; UV exposure accelerates oxidation and terpene loss. Studies on cannabis aging show THC can degrade into CBN over time, with poorly stored samples losing 10–20% of THC content within a year at room temperature.

Frequent opening and closing of jars can vent top notes, especially limonene and ocimene, which are among the more volatile compounds. If you plan to portion for regular use, consider splitting into smaller containers to limit headspace turnover. Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage—terpenes can adsorb into plastics, muting aroma within days to weeks.

For long-term archival, refrigeration at stable, non-freezing temperatures with desiccant control can slow degradation, but temperature cycling should be avoided to prevent condensation. Properly stored Tear Gas maintains a strong fuel nose for 3–6 months, with gradual smoothing of the pepper edge over time. Past that window, potency remains usable but the explosive top note will likely soften.

Closing Thoughts

Tear Gas embodies the modern gas renaissance: thunderous diesel aromatics, dense trichome coverage, and a fast, assertive effect that satisfies connoisseurs who want intensity. Even when lineage specifics aren’t publicly standardized, the cultivar’s chemotype—fuel-first, pepper-laced, citrus-tinged—anchors its identity more reliably than any single breeder claim. For buyers, it’s a dependable lane: if the jar makes your eyes water, you probably found the right cut.

For growers, Tear Gas rewards precision: strong light, tight climate control, ample Ca/Mg, and careful drying are the pillars that translate potential into top-shelf results. Expect 8–10 weeks of bloom, robust yields under high PPFD, and a cure that blossoms around weeks 3–5. Whether you discovered it as “tear gas strain Leafly” or stumbled upon a local cut, this is a cultivar that earns its name—loud, bold, and unapologetically gassy.