Strain Profile: Cheese Genetics, THC, Terpenes, Effects, Yield & More
- Breeders Collective
- 11 hours ago
- 12 min read
Cheese: The Funky, Pungent Classic That Redefined European Cannabis Culture
Cheese is one of the most distinctive and influential cultivars in global cannabis history — a strain that became a defining symbol of the UK scene and later spread across Europe and beyond. Known for its unmistakable sharp, musky aroma and deeply relaxing effects, Cheese is a genetic outlier in the modern landscape dominated by candy, dessert, and gas exotics. Instead, it offers a uniquely sour, savory funk that stands apart from every terp category that followed.
Cheese was never subtle — its pungency became legendary. It brought a new aromatic intensity to the cannabis world in the 1990s and early 2000s, reshaping consumer preferences and inspiring a massive wave of “Cheese” hybrids. Its unforgettable smell, profound body-focused effects, and cultural legacy make it one of the most important strains ever developed outside the United States.
Cheese is not just a strain — it is a cornerstone of European cannabis identity.
Origins and Genetic Background
Cheese originated in the United Kingdom in the late 1980s, derived from a particularly pungent phenotype of Skunk #1. This standout cut expressed such an unusually sharp, savory, cheese-like aroma that it quickly developed a devoted following.
The lineage is:
The strain was later propagated and preserved by the Exodus Collective, giving rise to the famous “Exodus Cheese” cut — widely considered the definitive version.
Skunk #1 Influence
Skunk #1 contributes:
Exceptional pungency
Strong hybrid effects
Stable structure
Dense resin production
Classic skunk funk
The Cheese phenotype amplified the sour, musky elements of Skunk #1, creating its signature aroma.
The Exodus Collective
This UK-based group stabilized, preserved, and responsible for spreading the strain. Within a few years, Exodus Cheese became a mainstay throughout Europe.
Terpene and Aroma Profile
Cheese is famous for its unforgettable — and often polarizing — aroma. It is a terpene profile unlike any modern exotic, defined entirely by savory funk.
Common terpenes include:
Myrcene
Caryophyllene
Humulene
Pinene
This results in a scent frequently described as:
Sharp cheddar-like funk
Sour skunk
Earthy musk
Pungent fermented notes
Herbal spice
Slight sweetness beneath the funk
Cheese’s pungency became legendary, rivaling even the loudest modern strains.
Cannabinoid Profile
Cheese typically tests between 16 and 22 percent THC, which reflects its era. While not as potent as modern high-THC exotics, Cheese’s effects remain strong, long-lasting, and deeply relaxing.
CBD levels are low but sometimes higher than contemporary strains due to early Skunk genetics.
The potency comes from the synergy of cannabinoids and extremely loud terpenes rather than raw THC percentage.
Effects and Experience
Cheese is considered a balanced hybrid with indica-leaning influence, offering deep calm and unmistakable relaxation.
Mental Effects
Cheese provides a distinctive mental experience characterized by:
Euphoric uplift
Warm emotional ease
Calming clarity
A soothing, mellow mood
It avoids overwhelming cerebral intensity, delivering a comfortable, steady headspace.
Physical Effects
The physical high is where Cheese shines. Common effects include:
Deep body relaxation
Melted muscle tension
Warm heaviness
Long-lasting physical calm
The combination of relaxation and euphoria made Cheese a staple across European markets for decades.
Phenotypes and Expressions
Cheese is known for:
Dense, bright green buds
Thick orange pistils
Heavy skunk-like aroma
Sticky resin
Strong, funky volatilization even at room temperature
Some phenotypes lean sweeter, while others emphasize the sharp, sour skunk signature.
Descendants and Influence
Cheese is one of the most influential European strains in cannabis history, spawning an entire lineage of “Cheese” hybrids.
Notable descendants include:
Exodus × modern exotic hybrids
Its potency, scent, and cultural identity made it a go-to breeding parent in the early 2000s and beyond.
Cultural Significance
Cheese has a massive cultural footprint, particularly in the UK and Europe. Its significance includes:
Becoming the defining strain of the UK underground cannabis scene.
Standing as one of the most recognizable non-American cultivars.
Influencing countless European hybrids and breeding programs.
Introducing a new terpene category centered on sour skunk and savory funk.
Remaining a nostalgic favorite with a dedicated global following.
Cheese represents a unique chapter in cannabis history — a pungent, unmistakable strain that helped shape consumer tastes and breeding priorities across an entire continent. Browse some stand out Cheese cannabis seeds available at Breeders Collective cannabis seed bank.
Cheese by BSB Genetics is a mostly indica feminised hybrid bred from Skunk and Afghani, celebrated for its unmistakable pungent profile and dependable performance. Flowering takes approximately 8–9 weeks, producing dense, resinous buds and generous yields of around 550–650 g/m² indoors and up to 800 g per plant outdoors from medium-height plants. The aroma is intensely skunky and earthy with a strong aged-cheddar character, while the flavour delivers cured cheese, savoury spice, and a slightly acidic edge. With THC levels between 14–18%, the effects are well balanced, offering a euphoric, creative mental lift paired with a calming, relaxing body sensation, making Cheese a versatile classic suited to both recreational enjoyment and medicinal use.
Cheese by Barney’s Farm Seeds is a balanced 50/50 indica–sativa feminised hybrid developed from the classic Cheese lineage, prized for its unmistakable old-school character and reliable performance. Flowering takes approximately 56–63 days indoors, with outdoor harvests ready in October, producing dense, resinous buds and yields of around 500–600 g/m² indoors and up to 600 g per plant outdoors from plants reaching 100–120 cm indoors and up to 200 cm outside. The aroma is intensely pungent with skunky, fruity, and smoky cheddar notes, while the flavour delivers rich, nutty cheese with savoury depth. The effects are happy and euphoric with a relaxed body feel and appetite stimulation, making Cheese a sociable, versatile classic suited to both daytime enjoyment and relaxed evenings.
Cheese Auto by Barney’s Farm Seeds is a 70% indica autoflowering feminised strain bred from Cheese and BF Super Auto #1, created to deliver classic flavour with modern speed and efficiency. Completing its full life cycle in approximately 65–70 days from seed, it remains compact at around 80–110 cm indoors and up to 120 cm outdoors while producing dense, resin-rich buds and indoor yields of roughly 550–600 g/m². The aroma is unmistakably pungent with earthy, skunky aged-cheese notes, and the flavour follows with sweet, spicy, skunky cheddar tones. With THC levels around 20%, the effects are relaxing and mood-lifting with a happy, creative edge, making Cheese Auto a fast, flavourful option for growers seeking authentic Cheese character in a compact, easy-to-grow autoflower.
Cheese Auto by Expert Seeds is a mostly indica feminised autoflower bred from the Exodus Cheese cut crossed with Lowryder, created to preserve classic UK Cheese character in a faster, more compact format. Completing its full life cycle in around 65–70 days from seed, it produces compact plants with resinous buds and yields of up to 450 g/m² indoors and around 90 g per plant outdoors. The aroma is unmistakably skunky and cheesy with subtle sweetness and earthy notes, while the flavour is creamy and savoury with hints of spice and soil. With THC levels of approximately 18% and low CBD, the effects deliver a gentle cerebral lift that settles into deep physical relaxation, making Cheese Auto a reliable, flavour-forward choice for quick harvests and soothing, evening-leaning enjoyment.
Amsterdam Cheese by Kera Seeds is a sativa-dominant feminised hybrid bred from Afghani and Skunk genetics, celebrated for its unmistakable classic cheese aroma and uplifting character. Flowering takes approximately 8–9 weeks, with outdoor harvests around mid-October, producing medium-sized plants indoors and taller specimens outdoors with high yield potential. The aroma and flavour are intensely pungent and cheesy with earthy undertones, delivering a rich, savoury profile. With THC levels reported around 13%, the effects are euphoric and mood-lifting with a soothing body calm, creating a long-lasting, balanced high that makes Amsterdam Cheese a well-known choice for stress relief and relaxed enjoyment.
Exodus Cheese, also known as UK Cheese, is a legendary clone-only balanced hybrid originating in the UK and widely believed to be a distinctive Skunk #1 phenotype. Flowering takes approximately 8–9 weeks, producing high yields of dense, resinous buds with an unmistakably strong mature cheese aroma layered with earthy and skunky notes. The flavour is pungently cheesy with creamy, slightly sweet, and musky undertones, while the effects are long-lasting and deeply relaxing, delivering a euphoric mental uplift alongside pronounced physical calm that can progress to couch-lock and appetite stimulation, making Exodus Cheese especially valued for evening use and therapeutic relief.
Cheese Berry by 00 Seeds is a feminised photoperiod hybrid bred from the legendary UK Cheese clone crossed with a selected Blueberry variety, created to combine sweetness, fruit intensity, and strong performance. Flowering takes approximately 60–65 days indoors, with outdoor harvests ready by late October, producing compact indoor plants of around 80–100 cm and much taller outdoor specimens reaching up to 2–3 metres, with indoor yields of roughly 350–450 g/m² and high outdoor production. The aroma and flavour are notably sweet and intensely fruity, reflecting its Cheese and Blueberry heritage, while its easy growth habit and adaptability make Cheese Berry a reliable, flavour-focused option for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
Auto Cheese NL by Ministry of Cannabis Seeds is a feminised autoflowering hybrid bred from Auto Cheese and Auto Northern Lights, combining classic Cheese funk with Northern Lights resilience. Completing its full life cycle in approximately 9.5 weeks from seed, with a flowering phase of around 6–7 weeks, it grows to a medium height of roughly 60–110 cm and delivers impressive yields of up to 110 g per plant indoors and up to 220 g per plant outdoors. The aroma is pungent and unmistakably cheesy with earthy undertones, while the flavour is savoury and funky with a subtle sweetness. With THC levels around 16% and low CBD, the effects are balanced, euphoric, and creative, offering an uplifting mental experience without heavy physical sedation, making Auto Cheese NL a reliable, characterful choice for easy cultivation and fast, rewarding harvests.
Original Auto Cheese by Fast Buds is an autoflowering hybrid bred from Cheese crossed with Ruderalis, combining classic old-school character with modern speed and productivity. This balanced 50/50 Indica–Sativa completes its full life cycle in around 9 weeks from seed, growing short and compact while producing extremely high indoor yields of up to 600 g/m². Aromas and flavours are unmistakably pungent, led by sharp, cheesy funk layered with earthy and fruity notes, delivering the bold profile Cheese is famous for. With THC levels reaching up to 21%, the effects are deeply relaxing and euphoric with a narcotic edge, making it well suited to evening use and stress relief, while its dense, resin-heavy buds and vigorous autoflower performance make it a standout choice for growers seeking fast results without sacrificing flavour or potency.
Cheese – Expert Seeds (Feminised) is a classic UK hybrid that refines the legendary Exodus Cheese by strengthening it with Afghan genetics for improved stability, density, and resin production. This 60% sativa / 40% indica flowers in around 8 weeks and produces medium-height plants with pungent, savoury cheese and skunky aromas backed by earthy spice. THC sits at roughly 18%, delivering a balanced high that starts euphoric and uplifting before settling into a smooth, calming body relaxation without heavy sedation. Easy to grow and reliable in both indoor and outdoor setups, Cheese yields up to 450 g/m² indoors and around 550 g per plant outdoors, making it a dependable choice for growers seeking iconic flavour, balanced effects, and consistent performance.
Sweet Cheese® by Sweet Seeds is a high-yielding, sativa-dominant hybrid that blends the iconic, matured cheese aroma of Cheese with the spicy potency of Black Jack®. Flowering in around 9 weeks, this vigorous strain produces long, dense, resin-coated buds and delivers generous yields of up to 600 g/m² indoors and 550 g per plant outdoors. With THC levels ranging from 15–20% and a notable 1.4% CBD content, Sweet Cheese® offers a strong, long-lasting effect that combines euphoric uplift with relaxing body comfort. Its flavour profile is bold and distinctive, merging savoury aged cheese notes with a spicy, herbal kick, making it an excellent choice for growers and consumers seeking classic cheese character enhanced with extra complexity, yield, and potency.
Triple Cheese Auto by Anesia Seeds is an autoflowering feminised hybrid bred for high performance, producing tall plants up to around 130 cm with dense, resin-heavy flowers and photoperiod-style vigour. The exact parent genetics are undisclosed, but the strain is built around cheese-dominant lines, delivering a distinctive aroma of classic cheese with fruity notes and a flavour combining old cheese depth with blueberry sweetness. Completing its full lifecycle in approximately 11 weeks from germination, Triple Cheese Auto offers a deeply relaxing, indica-leaning effect that calms both body and mind, making it well suited to unwinding and easing stress or muscle tension. With THC levels around 22%, reportedly high CBD, and a naturally high-yielding structure that benefits from larger containers, it stands out as a powerful, flavour-rich autoflower designed for growers seeking strong results with minimal complexity.
Big Buddha Cheese™ by Big Buddha Seeds is the original, definitive UK Cheese strain and the foundation of modern Cheese genetics worldwide. Created in 2002 from the legendary Exodus Cheese clone and stabilised through Afghani influence and extensive backcrossing, this feminised photoperiod variety delivers the unmistakable old-school skunk–cheese aroma with rich fruity, savoury depth. Flowering in around 7–9 weeks indoors (late October outdoors), it grows to a medium height with strong indica-style branching and produces dense, resin-rich buds with reliable yields of 100 g+ per plant indoors and up to 500 g+ outdoors. The effects are potent yet clear-headed and uplifting, long-lasting without heaviness, making it both functional and deeply satisfying. With its classic flavour, award-winning pedigree, and unmatched authenticity, Big Buddha Cheese remains the purest expression of true UK Cheese genetics and a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Blue Cheese by Barney’s Farm Seeds is an indica-dominant hybrid created from Original Cheese and Blueberry, combining the pungent savoury depth of classic Cheese with ripe blueberry sweetness and earthy undertones. Flowering in a fast 52–57 days, this compact plant reaches around 80–100 cm indoors and produces dense, resin-rich buds with strong blue cheese and fruity aromas, yielding up to 650 g/m² indoors and finishing outdoors by September. The effects deliver a euphoric initial lift followed by deep, soothing body relaxation, making it ideal for evening use, stress relief, and unwinding. Easy to grow, sturdy, and highly aromatic, Blue Cheese remains a reliable and flavourful choice for growers seeking a potent, fast-finishing indica with iconic old-school character.
Blue Cheese Auto by Barney’s Farm Seeds is an indica-dominant autoflower created from Cheese, Blueberry, and Ruderalis, delivering the classic savoury-sweet Blue Cheese profile in a compact, fast-finishing format. Completing its full lifecycle in 70–75 days from seed, this strain grows to around 80–100 cm and produces dense, resin-rich buds with a bold aroma of mature cheese, skunk, and sweet blueberry, yielding up to 500 g/m² indoors. The effects start with a gentle cerebral uplift that enhances mood and clarity before easing into a calm, soothing body relaxation, making it ideal for unwinding, creative downtime, or peaceful evenings. Easy to grow, resilient, and highly reliable, Blue Cheese Auto retains the flavour depth of the original while offering the speed and convenience of modern autoflower genetics, backed by its 3rd place award for Best Autoflower at Expogrow 2016.
00 Cheese Auto by 00 Seeds is a mostly indica autoflower created from Cheese and Ruderalis genetics, prized for its unmistakable ripe cheese aroma, resin-coated buds, and relaxing effects. Completing its life cycle in around 9–10 weeks from germination, it grows to a compact 80–90 cm indoors with yields of approximately 350–450 g/m², while outdoor plants planted in the ground can reach 100–150 cm and develop a larger overall structure. With THC levels around 16%, this strain delivers a soothing, calming high ideal for unwinding, paired with a rich, intense cheese-dominated flavour profile that appeals strongly to fans of classic Cheese varieties. Easy to grow, adaptable to indoor and outdoor environments, and reliably productive, 00 Cheese Auto is a solid choice for growers seeking distinctive flavour, manageable size, and dependable autoflower performance.
00 Cheese Feminised by 00 Seeds is an indica-dominant hybrid from the Skunk genetic family, best known for its strong old-cheese aroma, vigorous growth, and long-lasting relaxing effects. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation, it flowers in around 60–70 days indoors and is ready for harvest outdoors by mid-October, producing yields of roughly 450 g/m² indoors and very high returns outdoors, where plants can stretch up to 3 metres. Indoors it remains manageable at 80–100 cm and responds well to training methods such as SCROG thanks to its well-branched structure. The buds are dense and heavily coated in resin, making this strain attractive for extraction as well as flower use, while its powerful, deeply relaxing effect makes it ideal for evening use or unwinding after a long day.
Blue Cheese by Double Seeds is a feminised, indica-dominant hybrid created from the classic pairing of Blueberry and Cheese, offering a rich savoury-sweet flavour profile alongside reliable growth and soothing effects. Flowering in around 65 days, this compact, stocky plant develops dense, resin-coated buds on strong lateral branches and produces generous yields of around 500–550 g/m² indoors or up to 600 g per plant outdoors. With genetics leaning 80% indica, the effects are relaxing, mood-enhancing, and physically soothing without being overwhelmingly sedative, making it ideal for evening use or unwinding after a long day. Aromas are bold and unmistakable, combining pungent creamy cheese notes with a sweet, fruity blueberry backdrop, while the flavour follows through with a rich cheesy inhale and a smooth berry finish. Easy to grow, naturally resilient to pests and mould, and well suited to indoor setups and training techniques like SCROG or SOG, Blue Cheese by Double Seeds is a dependable, flavour-packed strain that delivers consistency, quality, and classic indica comfort for growers and consumers alike.
Bubba Cheese Auto by Emerald Triangle Seeds is a fast-finishing, indica-dominant autoflower that combines the earthy spice and deep relaxation of Pre-98 Bubba Kush with the pungent, savoury funk of classic Cheese, enhanced by Ruderalis for speed and resilience. Completing its entire life cycle in just 45 days from germination, this compact to medium-sized plant is ideal for small spaces, quick harvests, and low-maintenance grows, while still delivering medium to high yields of dense, resin-rich buds. With genetics leaning 80% indica, the effects are deeply relaxing and stress-relieving, gently easing the mind before settling into a soothing body stone that makes it perfect for evening use or sleep support. Aromas are bold and unmistakable, blending aged cheese with earthy, peppery Kush notes, while the flavour follows through with a rich, creamy-cheese base layered over soil, spice, and herbal warmth. Naturally resistant to pests and mould and requiring little training, Bubba Cheese Auto offers consistent performance, strong flavour, and classic indica comfort in an exceptionally fast and efficient autoflowering format.
Browse the the full collection of Cheese cannabis seeds at Breeders Collective cannabis seed bank here.
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