Hybrid70% Indica / 30% Sativa21–30% THC

Snowball

Also known as: Snowball S1, Ethos Snowball

Breeder: Ethos Genetics

Snowball is a resin-forward indica-dominant hybrid bred by Ethos Genetics that combines The White's legendary trichome density with Chem 4 OG's fuel-forward potency and structural vigor. Named for both its blizzard-like frost coverage and its creeper 'snowball effect' high that builds gradually, the strain produces rock-hard spherical buds that appear almost entirely white at maturity. It has become a benchmark cultivar for solventless extraction due to its oversized capitate-stalked trichomes and consistent 4%+ fresh-frozen wash yields. Ethos Genetics created Snowball to combine the most extreme trichome expression in cannabis (The White) with the potency, yield, and terpene complexity of the Chemdog line (Chem 4 OG). The White, known for its virtually neutral aroma and unmatched frostiness, provides the strain's legendary visual appeal — buds so white with trichomes that the underlying green is barely visible. Chem 4 OG contributes the pungent fuel-chemical-diesel nose and the structural vigor needed for commercial viability. THC consistently ranges from 26-30%, making Snowball one of the more potent options available, with effects delivering a profoundly relaxing body buzz that builds into substantial sedation at higher doses. The strain is available exclusively as feminized seeds and has gained significant popularity among concentrate producers for its extraordinary resin yield per square meter. Harvest timing outdoors is early September through early October.

Lineage

The White x Chem 4 OG

THC Range

21–30%

Flower Time

8-9 weeks

Difficulty

Intermediate

Lineage & Genetics

Cross: The White x Chem 4 OG

Parent strains in encyclopedia:The White→

The White contributes extreme trichome production, neutral-to-doughy base aromas, and compact nodal spacing. Chem 4 OG (Chemdog #4 x SFV OG Kush F4) brings pungent diesel-fuel aromatics, hybrid vigor, heavy yields, and hard-hitting psychoactivity.

Lineage Dispute

Some Ethos seed releases list the Chem parent as Chem 4 OG while others reference Chem '91 derivatives; the core cross is The White x a Chemdog-OG line, selfed (S1). SeedFinder and the breeder's official description use Chem 4 OG.

Terpene Profile

DOMINANT

Caryophyllene — Spicy, peppery warmth

SECONDARY

Myrcene — Earthy, herbal, musky foundation

SECONDARY

Limonene — Bright citrus, lemon zest

Aroma: Loud chemical-diesel bouquet with industrial fuel, damp earth, sharp gassy citrus, and a creamy-doughy undertone. The nose fills a room aggressively by mid-flower.

Flavor: Inhale is dominated by sour, peppery gas and fuel; exhale reveals a remarkably smooth earthy and lightly doughy cream finish. Later hits become increasingly gassy with a sweet-sugary undertone emerging mid-session.

Effects & Experience

Onset: Initial euphoric uplift with mental lightness and mild creative stimulation before the body effects build.

A gradually intensifying 'snowball' body high that starts small and compounds into deep physical relaxation and couch-lock. Strong appetite stimulation. Higher doses produce full sedation. Users often don't realize how high they are until 30-60 minutes after the last puff.

Duration: Long-lasting; the creeper onset extends total duration significantly. Plan 2-3+ hours.

Commonly Reported Uses

RelaxationStress reliefAppetite stimulationSleep aidPain managementEvening/nighttime use

Grower's Notes

Flower

8-9 weeks

Indoor Yield

450-600 g/m²

Outdoor Yield

600-1500 g/plant

Difficulty

Intermediate

Height / Stretch

Medium

Environment

Indoor preferred, Outdoor

Snowball by Ethos Genetics is an indica-leaning hybrid (approximately 70% indica / 30% sativa) engineered for extreme trichome density by crossing The White — arguably the frostiest strain in cannabis history — with Chem 4 OG, a phenotype of Chemdog crossed with San Fernando Valley OG Kush that contributes pungent industrial gas-sour aromatics and massive commercial yield potential. The result is a cultivar that has become a global benchmark for combining extreme crystalline-resin coverage with a sharp chemical-diesel aromatic identity. The name \"Snowball\" is earned: the buds compress into rock-solid spherical shapes completely eclipsed by milky-white trichomes, resembling actual snowballs.

Growth Structure and Training

The plants develop a stocky, highly robust architecture with strong lateral branching and dense, clustered colas. The stretch is predictable and manageable — typically 1.2-1.8x depending on phenotype, with Chem-leaning cuts stretching more. Sturdy stems easily structure into flat lateral layouts with standard training techniques. Top at the 4th-5th node and use LST or SCROG to create a uniform canopy that maximizes light distribution. The compact structure makes Snowball particularly well-suited to multi-tier or stacked grow configurations.

Flowering Time and Harvest

Flowering runs 8-9 weeks (56-63 days), with most cuts finishing at their sweet spot around days 60-63. The flowering timeline breaks into distinct phases: weeks 1-3 feature a controlled stretch with predictable vertical expansion; weeks 4-6 see explosive early resin production moving rapidly across sugar leaves, with strong chemical-diesel aroma filling the cultivation room; weeks 7-9 are the final ripening phase when buds pack on maximum weight, compress into dense spheres, and trichomes turn milky white.

Yield

Indoor yields are strong at 450-600 g/m2 when the environment is properly managed, with advanced growers using CO2 supplementation and aggressive SCROG techniques exceeding 650 g/m2. Outdoors, in arid to semi-arid climates with full sun and proper trellising, 900-1500 g per plant is achievable — extraordinary numbers that reflect the strain's vigorous growth when unconstrained by tent walls.

Environment and Climate

This strain is responsive, vigorous, and hungry — but dense enough to punish shortcuts in airflow and humidity control. The dense bud structure is the primary management challenge. Target 78-82°F daytime temperatures and 68-72°F nights. VPD should hold at 1.2-1.5 kPa during weeks 1-6, with RH dropping to 45-50% from mid-flower onward and 40-45% in the final 10 days to suppress botrytis risk. Under LED, aim for 800-1000 PPFD at canopy for 12 hours (DLI of 45-55 mol/m2/day), increasing CO2 to 900-1200 ppm if available.

Nutrient Management

Snowball is a heavy feeder with particular demand for steady CalMag supplementation and robust phosphorus and potassium inputs during mid-to-late flower. The high metabolic rate during peak resin production requires consistent, attentive feeding — underfed plants show visible production decline. Monitor for deficiencies early and maintain a proactive feeding schedule. The creamy, doughy base from The White combines with fuel, skunk, and lemon-pine volatility from the Chem lineage to create a complex aromatic profile that develops significantly during a proper 3-4 week cure.

History & Origin

Developed by Ethos Genetics (founded by Colin Gordon), Snowball was bred to stack The White's unmatched resin output with Chemdog-lineage fuel and vigor, then backcrossed and selected for density, frost, and speed. Released as feminized S1 seeds. The strain has become a staple in extraction-focused cultivation programs and earned Cup Winner designation. Ethos continues using Snowball genetics in downstream breeding projects due to its stability for resin and yield traits.

Awards & Recognition

●Cup Winner (SeedFinder.eu designation)

Notable Crosses

Strains bred using Snowball as a parent:

Snow Frost— Snowball x KLT x CNK. Puget Sound Seeds

Snowball Runtz— Snowball x Runtz V2. Pathetic Genetics

Frequently Asked Questions

7 common questions about Snowball

What is Snowball and what are its genetics?

Snowball is a hybrid cannabis strain (70% Indica / 30% Sativa) bred by Ethos Genetics. It is a cross of The White x Chem 4 OG, testing at 21–30% THC. Snowball is a resin-forward indica-dominant hybrid bred by Ethos Genetics that combines The White's legendary trichome density with Chem 4 OG's fuel-forward potency and structural vigor. Named for both its blizzard-like frost coverage and its creeper 'snowball effect' high that builds gradually, the strain produces rock-hard spherical buds that appear almost entirely white at maturity.

What does Snowball smell and taste like?

Snowball's dominant terpenes are Caryophyllene. The aroma is described as loud chemical-diesel bouquet with industrial fuel, damp earth, sharp gassy citrus, and a creamy-doughy undertone. the nose fills a room aggressively by mid-flower.. The flavor profile features inhale is dominated by sour, peppery gas and fuel; exhale reveals a remarkably smooth earthy and lightly doughy cream finish. later hits become increasingly gassy with a sweet-sugary undertone emerging mid-session..

What are the effects of Snowball?

Initial euphoric uplift with mental lightness and mild creative stimulation before the body effects build. A gradually intensifying 'snowball' body high that starts small and compounds into deep physical relaxation and couch-lock. Strong appetite stimulation. Duration is typically long-lasting; the creeper onset extends total duration significantly. plan 2-3+ hours.. Commonly reported uses include Relaxation, Stress relief, Appetite stimulation, Sleep aid.

How hard is Snowball to grow?

Snowball is rated intermediate difficulty. It flowers in 8-9 weeks, reaches medium in height, and yields 450-600 g/m² indoors. Best suited for indoor preferred, outdoor environments.

What are the parent strains of Snowball?

Snowball is a cross of The White and Chem 4 OG. The White contributes extreme trichome production, neutral-to-doughy base aromas, and compact nodal spacing. Chem 4 OG (Chemdog #4 x SFV OG Kush F4) brings pungent diesel-fuel aromatics, hybrid vigor, heavy yields, and hard-hitting psychoactivity..

What strains were bred from Snowball?

Snowball has been used as a parent in several notable crosses, including Snow Frost, Snowball Runtz. Its genetics contribute to a wide range of modern cultivars.

Has Snowball won any cannabis awards?

Yes. Snowball has received recognition including Cup Winner (SeedFinder.eu designation).

Sources & References (21)

Want to Grow Snowball?

Check our genetics menu for available clones or call us to discuss your growing needs.

View Genetics Menu Call (707) 841-7663