Everyone knows that the Cookies strain is named after Girl Scout Cookies. But is it as sweet as dessert? That’s what we’re here to figure out. So let’s talk about how this strain came to be and what its distinguishing characteristics are.
What Makes the Cookies Strain Recognizable?
First and foremost, we have to have an idea of where this sweet strain came from. Originally known as the Girls Scout Cookies strain, this Californian export now goes by a shortened moniker — GSC. It’s safe to assume that intellectual property laws are the reason behind the rebranding of the strain.
Thankfully, the name change hasn’t affected the basic properties this strain is known for. So without further ado, let’s talk about what makes this strain such a staple.
A Potent Indica-Leaning Hybrid
Most people wouldn’t think that anything with such an innocuous name could have a powerful effect. However, the Cookies strain can easily dispute such claims. But what makes this particular plant so potent?
Well, this particular hybrid is the result of a triple cross between the OG Kush hybrid and the Durban Poison hybrid. Because of this complicated family tree, it’s difficult to guess at the effects each Cookies strain will have on users. Still, if we had to guess, we’d say that Indicas had the deciding influence on this particular plant. Its sedating effects can confirm as much.
Of course, the plant has several possible phenotypes, including Platinum GSC and Thin Mint. However, the effects and appearances of those subspecies set them apart from the original Cookies strain. In its original form, GSC has twisting green calyxes, purple leaves, and orange hairs. It takes about 9 or 10 weeks to finish flowering, but when it does — that’s where the magic starts.
THC-Dominant
Knowing whether a hybrid is more Indica or Sativa-dominant can’t tell you much about the effects it’ll have. As we have established, the Cookies strain is much too complex to put into a box neatly. However, the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of the plant can reveal some of its features. So let’s start with the former.
As you know, cannabis plants contain a host of compounds that give them the properties we know and love. The main two are the psychoactive THC and CBD, which is said to have many different health benefits. However, since this strain contains under 1% of CBD, we’re going to focus most of our analysis on its THC content.
Of course, the amount of THC we might find in the Cookies strain depends on the individual plant. Generally, most of them only have between 16 and 21% of THC, though some contain an even greater amount. In this case, that’s just another thing that points to the potency of this strain.
Minty and Sweet
Remember, cannabinoids aren’t the only things that can tell us more about different strains. Cannabis, like most plants, also contains terpenes, aromatic compounds that give all strains their unique smell and flavor.
The terpene profile can tell us a lot about how our bodies will react to a certain plant. Different terpenes all have varying effects, whether they’re energizing, sedating, or anywhere in between. However, we’re more interested in the way different terpenes interact in the final product. For example, the Cookies strain contains three main terpenes — along with a handful of less notable ones.
First, there’s the caryophyllene, which gives the plant a spicy, almost peppery flavor. That compound may have some anti-inflammatory benefits, which are also found in humulene, the second most dominant terpene in this strain. Humulene has a hoppy and herbal aroma. Lastly, Cookies also contain a hint of citrus, thanks to the limonene terpene.
What Does the Cookies Strain Smell and Taste Like?
Now that we’ve gone over the main features of the Cookies strain, let’s talk about what smoking it feels like. As we have mentioned, this strain has a very pleasant, sweet aroma that embellishes the basic earthy flavor most cannabis plants have. However, that’s exactly what makes GSC so dangerous.
Most people get so lost in the delightful flavor that they forget just how potent the strain is. Despite its sweetness, the Cookies strain packs quite a powerful punch. It can contain up to 30% THC, so it’s best to take it one puff at a time.
If you know what you’re getting into, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the full-body mellow high this strain produces. In addition to feeling pretty happy and relaxed, you may also experience an increase in creativity. However, most people just use this strain to relax after a stressful day and fall asleep more quickly.
A Few Parting Words
Ultimately, the Cookies strain is perfect for people who are looking for a mellow kind of high. In fact, the stuff is so popular that it’s already been used to create more hybrids like the Cookies Kush strain. But don’t forget that the sweet and relaxing strain is also incredibly potent — be careful not to bite off more than you can chew!