Girl Scout Cookies, one of the most popular strains in circulation today, continues to yield potent child strains and derivatives. Cookie Dough is no exception. A distinct phenotype of Girl Scout Cookies, Cookie Dough (not to be confused with BC Seeds’ Emperor Cookie Dough) offers balanced effects and has a uniquely yeasty flavor profile. A strong and long-lasting strain even for cannabis veterans, Cookie Dough’s potency has been measured at between 13% and 25% THC.

Flowers of Cookie Dough assert their bag appeal quickly with medium-sized clusters that adhere in a dense, indica-typical formation. These buds have a roughly spherical shape. The tightly-packed leaves are a pale shade of spring green and are thread through with vibrant orange pistils. Some phenotypes of Cookie Dough even boast hints of purple in their leaves; these surprising colors come about when anthocyanin pigments in the plant’s genetics are excited by cold weather during the growing process. Finally, a dusting of translucent, amber-colored trichomes cover these flowers, giving them a slightly yellow sheen.

When cured properly, Cookie Dough’s primary is indeed dough-like, with some bready, yeasty notes. On closer inspection, an acrid funk also lurks underneath. Some hints of berry and citrus liven up the overall impression. When combusted, Cookie Dough burns with a smooth and palatable smoke; this smoke has distinct dough and berry flavors on the exhale. Notably, despite its occasional purple coloring, this strain has no discernible grape aroma -- this is because the pigments that determine the leaves’ coloring do not have a corresponding effect on their taste.

Cookie Dough’s high very quickly, smacking users with a sudden pressure around the eyes and temples. As they adjust to this new physical sensation, smokers will notice that their thoughts have taken on an amplified cerebral dimension -- for some, these effects may lead to an unsettling feeling of mindrace. In the right set and setting though, smokers can adjust to this altered perception in time and can coast through the high’s psychedelic edge. Somewhat too potent to allow smokers to accomplish work or errands, Cookie Dough is better for boisterous social enjoyment. Its strong, euphoric buzz can bring about free-flowing conversation as well as fits of the giggles. For a more solo vibe, enjoy this bud with a trippy movie or some mellow, atmospheric music. As the high wears on, Cookie Dough’s indica side emerges, weighing down limbs and eyelids with a weighty, contented relaxation. Ultimately, this strain is more appropriate for daytime or late afternoon use, as the fast-paced effect associated with its onset may be too intense for nighttime.

Cookie Dough also has several uses for medical cannabis patients. Its ability to elevate mood can temporarily relieve the difficult symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. To a lesser degree, the strain may also soothe aches and pains, both temporary and chronic. Some anti-inflammatory effects can also take care of everyday irritations like headaches and nausea. Because its cerebral effects can be particularly strong, Cookie Dough is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic and anxiety or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Unfortunately, no commercial growers have yet made seeds of Cookie Dough available for sale online. As such, prospective growers must obtain clippings of the strain from mature plants in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” Although there is little information available on specific best practices for cultivation of this phenotype, we know that its parent strain Girl Scout Cookies can be grown indoors or out, and that it flowers within 9 to 10 weeks. Finally, growers looking to bring out Cookie Dough’s purple potential should expose their crops to nighttime temperatures 10 to 15 degrees below average.

Growers should also be sure to preserve this strain’s unique flavor by properly curing their harvest. Curing requires freshly-trimmed buds to be hung upside-down for a week and then sealed in airtight containers, and stored in conditions of 60-65% humidity; as they cure, buds should regularly be checked for mold or mildew.

Like its cousin cuts Thin Mints and Animal Cookies, Cookie Dough has built on the strength of its original genetics to offer knockout potency. Savor this bold and strangely-flavored strain alone or with some close, like-minded friends.