Girl Scout Cookies has proven to be one of the most popular strain in the modern cannabis market, yielding multiple crossbreeds and distinct phenotypes. The product of Girl Scout Cookies and perennial favorite Cherry Pie, Cherry Cookies is one hybrid with serious bag appeal. It is a flavor-packed addition to the Cookies lineage, with a crowd-pleasing, fruity taste and well-balanced effects. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has found samples of Cherry Cookies to have an average potency of 20% THC.

Cherry Cookies catches the eye right away with exceptionally large, solid flowers that have a tapered, spade-like shape. They have a dense, tightly-packed bud structure, so much so that they may be difficult to break up by hand. The tightly-coiled leaves are a vibrant shade of spring green and are threaded through with bright yellow pistils. As with parent strain Cherry Pie, some phenotypes of Cherry Cookies also boast streaks of purple in their leaves; these hues are the result of pigments called anthocyanins being stimulated by unusually cold temperatures during the growing process. The colorful flowers are also coated in cloudy white trichomes, accounting for this strain’s strong psychoactivity and very resinous texture.

When properly cured, buds of Cherry Cookies burst with a bright cherry aroma and practically beg to be sniffed and inspected over and over. Hanging out underneath are some more musky, Kushy base notes that are evidence of terpenes passed on from grandparent strain OG Kush. Breaking open or grinding the flowers yields some light herbal notes. When combusted, this strain burns remarkable smooth and is easily inhaled. On the exhale, Cherry Cookies tastes sweet and woodsy, leaving an overall impression similar to the taste of cherry-flavored bourbon.

Cherry Cookies has a high that comes on quickly. Smokers are almost immediately struck by a feeling of altered perception -- external stimuli can take on new significance and thoughts may flow in a freely-associative way. Visual distortions are also commonly reported, giving Cherry Cookies’ initial effects a rather psychedelic feel. Within short order, the strain’s indica relaxation -- to this point, only slightly discernible -- creeps forward and spreads through the smoker’s core and limbs. A slight heaviness or pressure may emerge in the forehead and around the temples. This even blend of cerebral insight and physical sedation makes Cherry Cookies perfectly suited to introspective activities like listening to music or taking a nature walk. Cherry Cookies can also facilitate stimulating conversation. Because it is neither overly energizing nor overly sedative, this strain is appropriate for use at any time of day.

Just as Cherry Cookies has many users for recreational smokers, it also has a variety of potential benefits for medical cannabis patients. Its enduring relaxation can soothe aches and pains, whether temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or arthritis. Anti-inflammatory properties in the strain’s genetics may also relieve anything from headaches to indigestion. Psychologically speaking, this strain’s overall easygoing vibes can temporarily blunt the acute symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Because Cherry Cookies does not typically lead to intense, recursive thinking or paranoia, it is a good option for those who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Breeders Purple Caper Seeds have staked a claim to Cherry Cookies’ creation; they sell seeds at various Northern California dispensaries. Alternatively, those looking to grow this strain can obtain clippings from mature plants in order to foster genetically identical clones. Cherry Cookies can be cultivated indoors or out, although successful outdoor growing calls for a semi-humid climate with consistent daytime temperatures in the 70 to 80 degree Fahrenheit range. Those looking to highlight the strain’s standout purple hues should expose the plants to cold (but not freezing) nighttime temperatures late in the vegetative stage. Cherry Cookies flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors.

Somewhat difficult to come by, Cherry Cookies is worth snatching up whenever it’s spotted on dispensary shelves. Its smooth and versatile high is great for solo or social use. If you do bring it out to a party, be prepared to share, as its cherry-tinged clouds are sure to turn some heads and start a few conversations.