There are certain strains that have marked a clear before and after in the cannabis sector due to their aroma and flavor, making them famous worldwide. This is the case with “Cookies” strains, a family of cannabis strains that burst onto the market, showing that not everything has been thought of yet.
One of the most prominent examples of this type of strain is the famous Girl Scout Cookies, a strain with an aroma and flavor that’s similar to freshly baked pastries. As the parent of multiple hybrids, GSC has dominated the shelves of dispensaries and coffee shops, and its fame has only grown since it was introduced to the world.
But what exactly does this legendary terpene profile contain? Below, we explain the award-winning formula of this American strain – but first, let’s learn a bit more about its history.
History of Girl Scout Cookies
The origins of this legendary strain date back over a decade, when a group of breeders from San Francisco decided to create “The Cookies Fam” the collective responsible for the creation of Girl Scout Cookies, a strain that has already earned its place in the “cannabis Olympus”.
It’s said that the original cross used by this group of breeders to create Girl Scout Cookies was Durban Poison x OG Kush.
Undoubtedly, GSC is an extremely high-quality strain in many aspects, especially regarding its aromatic profile. However, another factor that contributed to catapulting this strain to fame was the excellent work done by members of The Cookies Fam on social media platforms like Instagram and Youtube. Collaborations with artists from the music industry also played a role in elevating Girl Scout Cookies to stardom.
What Does Girl Scout Cookies Taste Like?
This delicious strain was named after its terpene profile, which produces an aroma similar to freshly baked cookies. That’s why they chose the name of cookies traditionally sold by Girl Scouts door-to-door in the United States to raise money.
The flavor of Girl Scout Cookies is a complex blend of sweet nuances with citric and spicy undertones, similar to Kush, with an earthy and fruity aftertaste and hints of vanilla.
Which Terpenes are Found in Higher Proportions in Girl Scout Cookies?
The various combinations of different terpenes in varying quantities are what give cannabis strains their distinct and unique aromas. In the case of Girl Scout Cookies, the terpene found in the highest concentration is Caryophyllene, followed by Limonene, Linalool, and Myrcene, among others.
What are the properties of the main terpenes in Girl Scout Cookies?
As mentioned before, terpenes found in higher amounts in the aromatic profile of Girl Scout Cookies are:
- Caryophyllene: This sesquiterpene is present in essential oils of various plants such as cannabis, pepper, clove, thyme, oregano, and hops. It is mainly composed of three compounds:
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- Alpha-Caryophyllene (humulene), predominant in hops
- Beta-Caryophyllene, highly present in black pepper
- Caryophyllene oxide, found in significant amounts in eucalyptus.
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Caryophyllene has antifungal and insecticidal properties, and it also acts as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and agonist of the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. Several studies also suggest that Caryophyllene may be useful in alleviating episodes of anxiety and depression.
- Myrcene: This compound is one of the main terpenes in most cannabis strains and can also be found in other plant, such as oregano or hops. Myrcene possesses therapeutic properties, as it acts as an analgesic, relaxant, and sedative. Therefore, some cannabis strains with high Myrcene content are classified as “indicas” due to their relaxing effect. However, as we know, the final effect of a strain always depends on the quantity and combination of other terpenes present in its profile. Additionally, Myrcene has anti-inflammatory properties and facilitates better cannabinoid absorption, thereby increasing bio-availability.
- Limonene: This terpene is present in citrus fruits like lemons (hence its name), as well as in other plants such as mint or rosemary. It’s widely used in cosmetics, food, aromatherapy, and the pharmaceutical industry, not only for its pleasant aroma and flavor but also for its properties, which include:
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- Natural energizer that improves mood.
- Antifungal action.
- Anti-inflammatory properties.
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- Linalool: This terpene is present in many flowers and aromatic plants like lavender, rosewood, and, of course, cannabis. Its aroma is floral with a hint of menthol, and it is used in aromatic and cosmetic products. Linalool stands out for its ability to act in synergy with other terpenes.
What effect does Girl Scout Cookies produce?
Today, it is understood that the effects known as “indica” or “sativa,” which refer to more energizing or more sedative psychoactivity, are not determined by the cannabinoid profile of the strain but rather by its terpene profile.
This means that quantities of one terpene or another, as well as the combination of terpenes in a given profile, is what makes a strain more recommended for consuming during the day, as it produces an active and mental effect, while others with different combinations are considered night-time plants, as they produce a more sedative and narcotic effect.
In the case of Girl Scout Cookies, thanks to its terpene profile, it produces a very pleasant feeling of well-being and relaxation. It’s a strain recommended for elevating mood, reducing stress, stimulating appetite, and combating insomnia.
