If you’re talking about legendary cannabis genetics, strains like GSC are up there on weed Mount Rushmore. Born in the Bay Area and spread throughout the world to become the backbone of modern-day cannabis strains, Cookies genetics have grown to become household names in the cannabis community. Now, strains like GS Cookies exist to carry on its legacy.

Here’s what you should know about what the GS Cookies cannabis strain is, how it grows, and what it smells, tastes, and feels like. 

What is the GS Cookies cannabis strain?

GS Cookies (also called GS Monster) is an indica-dominant hybrid cross of Purple Panty Dropper (PPD) and GS Cookies. It is similar to the original GSC (Girl Scout Cookies), which is the hybrid strain that created the entire genre of Cookies genetics.

What is the history of GS Cookies?

GSC was originally bred by Cookies (the brand) up in San Francisco, California around 2010. It immediately became a hit and spread throughout the world, becoming a parent for many other popular strains like Thin Mint Cookies, Platinum Cookies, and of course, Gelato. 

Since then, many of the authentic GSC genetics has been lost, but thankfully companies like Humboldt Seed Company have bred and stabilized their own true version of this Northern California legend. That’s where GS Cookies/GS Monster comes into play.

According to Humboldt Seed Company founder Nat Pennington, GS Cookies was stabilized with a cut of Forum Cut Cookies, which was created from the F1 cut of Durban Poison crossed with OG Kush.

How does GS Cookies grow?

GS Cookies produces large plants from seed. It doubles the harvest expectations compared to GS Cookies strains grown from clone counterparts. The buds from GS Cookies are extremely compact and have THC levels reaching around 28%. They can range in color, but typically, they hold a solid mix of green and purple foliage.

You can grab GS Cookies from Humboldt Seed Company in both regular seeds and feminized seeds.

Regular cannabis seeds produce both male and female plants that can then be used in breeding projects to find unique phenotypes. Feminized seeds are pretty much guaranteed to produce female flowering plants, making them easier to work with for novice growers who don’t want to sex out their plants and lose half of their yield. 

According to HSC, indoors, GS has a flowering time of 55 days; and outdoors, you can expect harvest time to fall somewhere between the end of September/early October.

How does GS Cookies smell and taste?

GS Cookies has a complex aroma that includes orange, pine, and skunk flavors. This is all thanks to a terpene profile dominant in limonene, myrcene, and pinene, amongst other minor terps.

Terpenes are the compounds in cannabis plants that produce their smell and flavor. Some research also suggests that a cannabis strain’s terpene profile influences the types of experience you will feel from certain strains. Terpss are produced in the trichomes (resin glands) of the cannabis flower.

Limonene is found in many strains like Super Lemon Haze and Silver Haze. This plant terpene produces a citrus odor and has uplifting effects. It encourages mood enhancement. Limonene is found in oranges, grapefruits, and lemons.

Strains like OG Kush, Grape Ape, Blue Dream are high in myrcene. This terpene is found in mangoes, citrus fruits, hops, and lemongrass. It is said to have sedative effects and can help with improving sleep functions. 

You know how a forest smells? Thank pinene for that. Pinene is found in cedar, pine, and other evergreen trees. Along with its scent comes certain effects that make people feel alert and present. Strains like Dutch Treat and Jack Herer hold a fair amount of pinene in their terpene profile.

All in all, all of these terps combine to give GS Cookies what HSC describes as a real cookie dough type of smell with citrus and piney compliments. It is a very unique cannabis strain.

What are GS Cookies effects?

GS Cookies hits with a powerfully narcotic high, as stated by HSC. It’s the definition of stoned. Like the GSC strain that came before it, GS Cookies makes most consumers feel a mix of euphoric, happy, and giggly effects.

About GSC Leafly reviewer k……..3 says “This is one of my favorite strains!!! I am a daily user and the effects for me are very strong and intense and very enjoyable. For me, mostly a head high. It makes me talkative, happy, goofy and generally in good spirits.”

Reviewer i……..y says “One of the best strains i’ve smoked. It gives a good body and mind high, which doesn’t make you lazy and you feel good going out and getting stuff done. I use this strain daily and I absolutely love it. Perfect strain to go hiking with, it’s definitely uplifting” about GSC.

Is GS Cookies a head high or body high?

The type of high you get from GS Cookies depends largely on your body, experience with cannabis, and overall tolerance levels. Each human has an individual endocannabinoid system (ECS) that processes cannabis compounds. Therefore, it is hard to explain a standard 1:1 consumption:experience relationship with cannabis.

That said, GS Cookies strain tends to be both a cerebral and physical high. The initial onset comes on strong and quickly within the first 10-15 minutes of consumption, hitting consumers with a brain boost in euphoria and energy. Slowly, as the high begins to grab hold of your senses, you will feel a relaxation spread from your brain down to your torso, and eventually your feet. GS Cookies typically provides a head-to-toe type of journey, which is why many consumers describe its high as a full-bodied relaxation.

In the end, the best way to know the type of ways GS Cookies would make you feel is to consume the strain in various doses and monitor the experience over the course of a few hours. From there, you’ll know if GS Cookies (and strains that descend from it) are good for you or not.