Strains

Mandarin (Mint) Cookies Strain Information & Review

Sophia Delphi December 05, 2022 - 6 min read
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Mandarin Cookies is a tasty, uplifting strain that’s difficult to find. Some cultivators have produced their “own” versions of this flower, sometimes with very different flavors and effects. You’ve found the real deal if it’s sourced from Ethos Genetics.

Mandarin Cookies (a non-authentic version known as Mandarin Mints) is a sativa-leaning hybrid (70% sativa, 30% indica) that’s as delicious as it sounds. It has a vibrant citrus flavor that’s tempered by notes of cookies, earth, and kush. Its high is just as enticing; there’s a blast of energetic euphoria that’s mellowed by a relaxing body stone.

This weed is ideal for daytime or early evening use since the buzz isn’t sedating and won’t produce couch lock. Medical patients say Mandarin Cookies is an effective way to ease stress and anxiety. The strain is potent, but its THC content usually isn’t overwhelming.

Effects

Mandarin Cookies’ effects arrive with a powerful head rush that’s uplifting, energetic, and often creative. Stress and anxiety have no chance of surviving the euphoria, and negative thoughts are replaced by excitement (in the early stages of the buzz) and contentment (in later stages).

The effects of this strain can be motivating, but tasks and chores are best attacked before the body stone takes full effect. That extremely-relaxing body buzz won’t glue you to the couch, but the overall chill will blunt some of the weed’s initial focus and motivation, producing a blissful and calm experience.

Experienced smokers will be able to get work done throughout the high; others will find simply themselves happy and contentment. So when’s the best time of day for Mandarin Cookies? It essentially depends on your THC tolerance. Heavy smokers can enjoy it as a wake-and-bake or during the day; otherwise, it’s best used well before bedtime, since it’s not a sedating strain.

Bottom Line: Mandarin Cookies deliver a euphoric and stress-relieving cerebral high coupled with a relaxing but not sedating body buzz, perfect for enjoyment anytime before late evening.

Positive Effects:

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

Side Effects

The THC content of Mandarin Cookies can vary, but most batches don’t contain enough of the cannabinoid to create problems with anxiety or paranoia. Novice smokers or those with existing anxiety issues should pace themselves, though, and overindulgence also creates a slight risk of headaches or anxiety. Otherwise, cottonmouth and dry eyes are the most common side effects.

Negative Effects:

  • Paranoid: 1/5
  • Dry Mouth: 4/5
  • Dry Eyes: 4/5
  • Lethargy: 2/5
  • Cough: 3/5

Medical Conditions

Mandarin Cookies delivers the uplifting effects valued by MMJ patients with mental health concerns. Those dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression say their concerns largely vanish, replaced with a more positive mood and outlook. The increased motivation and focus provided by Mandarin Cookies may also help those dealing with ADD or ADHD.

Reports from pain patients are a mixed bag. The strain doesn’t produce the powerful, full-body relaxation that those with serious pain look for in medical marijuana, but the calm body buzz may help many who suffer from chronic muscle or joint pain. Mandarin Cookies is said to often be effective against migraines, and its energetic high may help chronic fatigue patients.

Flavor and Aroma

The sensory delights of Mandarin Cookies are as satisfying as the strain’s name promises.

The experience starts with a strong scent of citrus. Some believe it’s a tangerine aroma, others compare it to a mix of citrus fruits and kiwi. Either way, it’s delightful. There are undertones of earth, nuts, and kush which become more apparent when the flower is ground or broken apart.

The flavor is even better. The tangy citrus taste fills your mouth, accompanied by notes of herbs and earth. The Cookies heritage shows itself in the aftertaste, which is nutty and delicious.

Flavor and Aroma Ratings:

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

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Mandarin Cookies is one of those strains whose THC content can vary considerably, depending on the batch your supply comes from it can be considered a high-THC strain or just a normal amount. The average content computed by lab tests is 18%, but it can be in the 20%-25% range at some dispensaries. CBD and other cannabinoids are only present at very low levels.

There’s an “X factor” to consider, though. Since other producers have created their own versions of the strain, the THC content of their weed is often higher.

Limonene is one of the terpenes present in high amounts, evidenced by the strong citrus flavor and aroma of Mandarin Cookies. Other terpenes in this strain include myrcene, caryophyllene, humulene, nerolidol, pinene, ocimene, and linalool.

Lineage

Colorado’s Ethos Genetics created Mandarin Cookies as a proprietary strain, meaning the company controls the rights to determine who can obtain the seeds, clones, and genetic details. They do supply Mandarin Cookies to some seed banks and growers, however, it is one of the rare and unique strains; to get the “real” weed, look for the name “Ethos Genetics” on the label.

It’s been reliably reported that Ethos crossed their own Ethos Cookies #12 and Mandarin Sunset strains to create Mandarin Cookies, although it’s also commonly said that the Cookies strain they used was Forum Cut Cookies, a phenotype of Girl Scout Cookies. Either way, the strong citrus presence in the bud is clearly from Mandarin Sunset, a skunky orange strain.

As we’ve mentioned several times, other growers have tried to reproduce this strain. The one most often seen is a cross of Thin Mints GSC and Tangerine Power — but it’s indica-dominant and delivers effects quite different than Ethos Genetics’ original version.

Where to Buy Mandarin Cookies Seeds

Feminized seeds of the original Ethos Genetics Mandarin Cookies strain can be purchased online from authorized vendors like Seed Cellar and Seeds Here Now. Other sellers offer Mandarin Cookies seeds, but without the “Ethos” label there’s no way to know exactly what you’ll be getting.

Similar Strains

The uplifting and relaxing high of Mandarin Cookies is similar to the effects of strains like Guava, Lemon Royale, and Collins Ave. If it’s the delicious tangerine flavor you’re after, Tangerine Dream and Tangerine Power are good choices.

Mandarin Cookies Strain Review: FAQ

Q: What’s in Mandarin Cookies?
A: If you’re asking about the sativa/indica content, this is a 70/30 sativa/indica hybrid. If you’re asking about THC, levels average around 18% but many dispensaries sell bud with slightly higher THC content. There’s almost no CBD in this strain.

Q: How long is the Mandarin Cookies flowering stage?
A: It’s relatively short, 8-9 weeks for plants that are grown indoors. Outdoor plants should be ready for harvest in late October.