Italian Ice Marijuana Strain Information & Review

Italian Ice is a somewhat-mysterious strain whose origins aren’t clear. What is clear is that this 60/40 indica-dominant weed is well worth finding.

The THC potency of Italian Ice can vary widely, but the flower sold in dispensaries is likely to be extremely heavy-hitting. Coupled with the indica effects of the strain, it induces blissful relaxation. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a burst of euphoria and focus may hit experienced users. It’s an unusual but enjoyable high.

As its name suggests, the aroma and flavor of Italian Ice are primarily fruity and deliciously sweet and sour. But there are also some underlying notes of diesel and skunk, just to make things interesting.

Medical patients love this strain for its relaxing and sedative effects, and recreational users love it too — if they can find it.

Effects and Side Effects

Those who’ve tried lots of different weed strains could be forgiven if they think they’ve entered the “Upside Down” during their first experience with Italian Ice.

When the high first hits, and it hits quickly, you’d swear that Italian Ice is a pure indica strain. The mind and body relaxation are nearly total, and the sensation of blissful relief is nearly overwhelming. All but the most experienced users are likely to quickly be locked to the couch, with little desire to do anything but revel in the comfort this strain provides.

But wait — there’s more. All of a sudden, the sativa in Italian Ice delivers a shot of euphoria to the brain. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s a focused head buzz that can be somewhat of a shock when it arrives after the body stone.

Regular consumers of potent weed may find that the cerebral high allows them to get some tasks accomplished with a clear head and relaxed body. For most smokers, though, this strain is much more of a nighttime treat than a daytime motivator.

The high-THC versions of Italian Ice can potentially bring on increased anxiety, panic attacks, or paranoia in inexperienced users or those who already suffer from anxiety issues. Otherwise, the most likely side effects of the strain are the usual dry eyes, cottonmouth, and possible dehydration. Fatigue and sedation are also quite common.

Positive Effects:

• Energy: 3/5
• Creative: 2/5
• Pain: 5/5
• Stress: 5/5
• Sleep: 4/5
• Mood: 4/5

Negative Effects:

• Paranoid: 2/5
• Dry Mouth: 4/5
• Dry Eyes: 4/5
• Lethargy: 4/5
• Cough: 3/5

Bottom Line: Italian Ice is one of the few strains that first hits the mind and body with full relaxation, and then provides a controlled, euphoric head high. It’s a sedating experience for most, but potentially motivating for experienced users.

Medical Conditions

The stress-relieving and relaxing Italian Ice experience make this strain highly praised by medical marijuana patients. They say it’s ideal for helping them deal with conditions ranging from stress, anxiety, and depression, to chronic and more serious pain.

Since the weed is likely to be at least somewhat sedating, those with insomnia say they find it helpful when they need to get a good night’s rest. It’s also used by patients who are dealing with anorexia or undergoing cancer treatment because its tendency to bring on the munchies can boost flagging appetites.

Flavor and Aroma

If you remember the experience of enjoying sweet Italian ice on a hot day, you can almost imagine what this strain smells like: fruit. You’ll first notice sweet, fruity scents like strawberries and grapes, and more tart aromas like citrus and blackberries. Only then will you realize there are also undertones of gas and skunk, just enough to make things more interesting.

The taste of creamy Italian Ice smoke doesn’t disappoint. All of the sweet and sour fruit flavors mix with more funky, pungent notes of diesel and earth to create a complex and delicious taste palette. This isn’t quite a dessert strain, but it’s yummy.

Flavor and Aroma Ratings:

• Earthy: 3/5
• Citrus: 4/5
• Fruity: 5/5
• Spice: 2/5
• Wood: 2/5

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

We mentioned at the start that the origins of Italian Ice are somewhat mysterious, and that mystery extends to the amount of THC you’ll find in the bud you purchase.

Some testers’ reports put the average THC content in this strain in the 15%-18% range. But other reports say that the Italian Ice sold in retail outlets is much more likely to be in the mid-20% area, and may even come close to 30%. Caveat emptor (Latin for buyer beware); check carefully to be sure you’re getting the potency you’re looking for.

CBD content is usually around 1%, a relatively high level that may be to the liking of medical patients.

The dominant terpenes in Italian ice are linalool, phellandrene, and carene, and there are lesser amounts of camphene and myrcene.

Lineage

There are three different Italian Ice origin stories in the weed world.

Most experts believe the strain is a cross of Gelato 45 and Forbidden Fruit, created by The Cali Connection in Los Angeles. This is the explanation that makes the most sense since both parents lean indica, Gelato 45 is sweet and extremely potent, and Forbidden Fruit is — well — fruity.

The other two claims are that Italian Ice is a cross of Blood Lemon Skunk and Sweet Gelato, or a cross of Lemon Tree and Oreoz. Several producers sell their own versions of the strain with those genetics, but their aromas, flavors, and effects are different from the ones we’ve discussed.

Similar Strains

It’s not easy to find other strains with the “body high, then head high” effects of Italian Ice. However, some possible alternatives in terms of potency, flavor, or both include Wedding Cake, Ultraviolet OG, Sweet ZZ, and Granddaddy purple strain.

Italian Ice Strain Review: FAQ

Q: How easy is it to find Italian Ice?
A: The weed is certainly more difficult to find than the frozen dessert, but that’s not the major problem. A number of dispensaries in legal states do carry the strain, but as we’ve discussed, it may not be the extremely fruity variety you’re looking for. Some outlets carry the other versions of Italian Ice that are more skunky, woodsy, or diesel — and they won’t provide the same effects as the Gelato 45-Forbidden Fruit cross. Be sure to ask the budtender for details on their flower before buying.

Q: Can you grow Italian Ice at home?
A: Yes, but you can run into the same problem: some seed banks sell the “other” versions of Italian Ice seeds. If you find the right ones, they’re easy to grow and produce bountiful crops. You might be safer trying to find a clone, so you can be sure you’re growing the type of Italian Ice bud you really want.