Burnt Cookies is a hybrid strain with a solid balance between indica and sativa influences. Developed by Oregon’s Rebel Spirit Cannabis, this bud is a cross between two very popular strains: Girl Scout Cookies and Fire OG. Burnt Cookies offers a citrus-tinged aroma and impressively large flowers. With a pleasant blend of mental and physical effects, this strain’s THC content has been measured at between 18% and 24%.

Burnt Cookies shows off stunning large flowers that adhere in a tapered, almost conical shape. These buds have an internal composition that leans more indica, with small leaves that curl in on themselves to form a tight, dense core. The actual leaves are a patchwork of bright green and yellow, with occasional orange hairs (which are actually pistils, structures meant to catch pollen from fertilizing male plants). Finally, Burnt Cookies is finished off by a crown of icy white trichomes that make the flowers very sticky to the touch.

When properly cured, Burnt Cookies smell surprisingly little like burnt baked goods. Instead, the flowers give off a predominantly lemon scent. A deeper whiff might also pick up on some herbal, Haze-like aromas. When the flowers are broken apart or ground up, they give off a bit of the toasted, biscuity odor often associated with parent strain Girl Scout Cookies. Combusting Burnt Cookies in a pipe or a joint yields a smooth and light smoke that’s surprisingly palatable. On the exhale, this smoke tastes earthy with overtones of citrus.

Burnt Cookies’ high sets in quickly, hitting smokers with a feeling of pressure around the temples sometimes before they’ve even had a chance to exhale. This strange sensation slowly morphs into an uplifted feeling, characterized by intense, fast-paced thinking. Users may feel their thoughts jumping from one to another in free association, bringing up unexpected commonalities between seemingly unrelated things. All this cerebral action can result in productivity, whether you’re tasked with detailed, analytical work or making your way through a more openended creative project. In social situations, on the other hand, Burnt Cookies’ mental stimulation can spill over into friendly vibes and freewheeling conversation. Fortunately, this early phase of the high comes without the jittery, agitated feeling that users may associated with more sativa-dominant strains.

After a little over an hour (or sooner, if intake is increased), Burnt Cookies can exert progressively stronger physical effects. Waves of relaxation that radiate throughout the core and limbs may undo any persistent muscular tension and may allow for deep, restorative breathing. At this point, the strain is better suited to passive activities that require minimal exertion, like watching TV or gaming. In a very relaxed set and setting, the strain’s tranquil feeling may turn into total couchlock. Because of this slow dip in energy levels, Burnt Cookies is recommended for afternoon through evening use.

While recreationally useful, Burnt Cookies’ dynamic high can also have application for medical cannabis patients. Its initially tuned-in ways of thinking can focus the efforts of those with attention deficit disorders. Additionally, its generally upbeat vibe can lift the clouds of mild to moderate stress and depression. Physically speaking, Burnt Cookies can numb the chronic aches and pains associated with conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties, meanwhile, may soothe common irritations like nausea and headaches. In certain situations, this sedative bud may even counteract stubborn instances of insomnia. Because it comes with an elevated risk of involuted, obsessive thinking, Burnt Cookies should be consumed with some caution by patients who are given to panic or paranoia.

Seeds of Burnt Cookies are not available for purchase online. Those looking to grow the strain at home should seek out clippings from mature, healthy plants; these can be fostered as genetically identical “clones.” Plants can thrive indoors or out, although outdoor success depends on a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures in the 70 to 80 degree Fahrenheit range. Plants tend to be short and squat, with bushy, sideways-growing branches -- gardeners may need to trim back any broad, obstructive fan leaves from time to time in order to encourage flowering among lower branches. Burnt Cookies flowers within about 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors.

A solid strain for day-long consumption, Burnt Cookies is sure to appeal to indica and sativa lovers alike.