History & Genetics

Why is it spelled “sherbet” but pronounced “sherbert”? That’s one of many possible questions for you to ponder as you partake in the hazy, relaxing high of Sunset Sherbet. This strain is an indica-dominant cross between Girl Scout Cookies and the scandalously-named Pink Panties, said to be derived from Blackberry Kush. Sunset Sherbet offers best of both genetic worlds: an energizing sativa high grounded by full-body indica relaxation. Sunset Sherbet’s complex flavor profile is also sure to make it a hit in social settings. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has clocked its potency at between 18% and 24% THC.

Appearance, Aroma & Flavor

Sunset Sherbet is distinguished by medium to large-sized flowers that hold together in a dense, indica-typical structure. The wide leaves are a vibrant spring green, set off by rust-colored pistils. In certain phenotypes, flowers show flashes of deep purple; these hues come about when pigments called anthocyanins are stimulated by colder than average temperatures during the growing process. Sticky trichomes dot the already-colorful flowers, giving them a silvery sheen.

The aroma of sweet berries and fresh orange zest jumps off of the cured buds, a tantalizing combination of Sunset Sherbet’s parent strains. On closer inspection, a skunky pungency lurks underneath the fruity tones, while grinding up or breaking open the nugs reveals the strain’s dank, hashy odors, courtesy of grandparent strain OG Kush. When combusted, Sunset Sherbet has a harsh smoke that may sting eyes and sinuses and induce coughing. On the exhale, this smoke leaves behind a tart, saccharine taste. Notably, the anthocyanin pigments that give this strain its unique purple color do not have a corresponding effect on taste, and flavors of grape are rarely detected in Sunset Sherbet’s flowers.

This cross between Pink Panties and Girl Scout Cookies shows off some remarkable green and purple flowers covered in a thick coat of trichomes. Sunset Sherbet smells like berries and citrus with a little bit of skunk lurking underneath.

Effects

Sunset Sherbet is a tasty, colorful hybrid that starts off with a powerful body stone, followed by a zing of mental stimulation. 

The predominantly indica high creeps up slowly, eventually sinking smokers with a droopy feeling of total relaxation. A thoughtful, dreamy mindset kicks in a little bit later on, making this a great strain for working on creative projects or just watching TV. This is the perfect strain for kicking back on a warm summer evening. If you’re busting it out in social situations, make sure you bring enough to share.

Like many other indicas, Sunset Sherbet has a high that mounts slowly, often taking several minutes after a toke before its effects are fully detected. What begins as a pressure in the eyes and forehead soon melts into droopy relaxation in the limbs and torso, leaving smokers content to crash in the closest comfortable surroundings. A little bit of this strain goes a long way, and even more experienced users may not need much to feel the full weight of its sedation.

That’s not to say that Sunset Sherbet is without mental stimulation, however. Even if users stay couchlocked, they may find that this variety provokes imaginative thinking and daydreaming and keeps the mind lucid and alert. Sunset Sherbet brings about a uniquely uplifted and social vibe that works especially well in small social gatherings with trusted friends. It’s appropriate for use at any time of day -- but, true to its name, Sunset Sherbet is a particularly good dessert-time treat.

Sunset Sherbet also has value for medical cannabis patients. Psychologically speaking, it can provide temporary relief for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. It may also clear blockages in emotional or creative energy with its cerebral yet easy going nature. More physiologically, this strain’s pseudo-narcotic effects can numb aches and pains, whether incidental as due to injury or chronic from conditions like arthritis or lupus. It may also stoke hunger for those who have lost their appetites to disease or to treatments like chemotherapy. With its optimal balance between stimulation and relaxation, Sunset Sherbet comes with a lower risk of paranoia and is great for those with anxiety disorders with a low THC tolerance.

Growing

Unfortunately, seeds of Sunset Sherbet have not been made available for commercial sale. As such, prospective growers will need to obtain clippings from mature plants of the strain in order to grow clones. This strain can be grown indoors or out, although success growing outdoors is dependent on semi-humid climates with daytime temperatures in the 70-degree Fahrenheit range.

Sunset Sherbet’s plants grow short and bushy with strong lateral branches. Growers are encouraged to “top” their crops by trimming away any broad fan leaves that may prevent light and air from reaching any low-growing flowering nodes. Those looking to bring out Sunset Sherbet’s purple potential should also expose the plants to cold nighttime temperatures shortly before flowering. This strain flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors.

Sunset Sherbet is a perfect strain to enjoy with some psychedelic music or a visually-stimulating movie. It has also proven useful in crossbreeding -- among others, it’s been bred with Girl Scout Cookies to yield Gelato, a hybrid that may make a great follow-up dessert course to this flavorful strain.