Strawberry Shortcake Strain Review

The name “Strawberry Shortcake” is used for two very different weed strains.

One is an indica-dominant hybrid that’s a cross of The White and White Wookie. It delivers a focused and uplifting head high combined with a much stronger body stone, which usually locks users to their couch.

The other is a strongly sativa-dominant hybrid that’s a cross of Strawberry Diesel and Juliet. It provides a motivating, focusing, and mood-elevating high that’s great for socializing or working, with only a mild body buzz.

Both versions of this strain have a delicious and strong berry aroma and flavor. They each also have pungent, earthy elements with some diesel in the aftertaste, and both may have undertones of biscuits and flowers.

Indica-dominant Strawberry Shortcake is more commonly seen in dispensaries.

Effects

As you’d expect, the two versions of Strawberry Shortcake hit users quite differently.

The effects of the indica-dominant strain begin with euphoric bliss, and then the cerebral high becomes focused and creative. It’s often difficult for users to take advantage, though, since a heavy body stone follows pretty quickly and is likely to become couch-locking. This Strawberry Shortcake isn’t necessarily sedating, but it can be if you smoke enough.

On the other hand, the sativa-dominant version of this weed will let you take full advantage of the happy, social, focused, and creative head high it provides. Motivation increases as well, and the mild physical effects of this Strawberry Shortcake won’t interfere with getting work done, tackling a to-do list, or socializing with friends or family.

The first version of this strain is good evening weed since the body lock won’t allow you to do much other than sit on the couch and enjoy the buzz. The second version is a good choice for daytime use, for more active evening activities (whether they’re at home or out partying), and even as a wake-and-bake bud.

Bottom Line: Both versions of Strawberry Shortcake deliver happy and stress-busting cerebral highs, but the indica version will probably lock you to your couch while the sativa one will let you rock ‘n roll at work or play.

Positive Effects — Indica Version:

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

Positive Effects — Sativa Version:

Energy: 4/5
Creative: 3/5
Pain: 3/5
Stress: 4/5
Sleep: 1/5
Mood: 5/5

Side Effects

Many of the negative effects are the same for both versions of Strawberry Shortcake. Dry throat and dry eyes are likely, as are the munchies. They may each cause increased anxiety or paranoia in inexperienced users or those already dealing with anxiety, but veteran users are unlikely to have those reactions. Newbies should start slowly with this strain.

Needless to say, indica Strawberry Shortcake makes most users somewhat lethargic, but those smoking the sativa version won’t have to worry about feeling sleepy when smoking this strain.

Negative Effects — Indica Version:

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

Negative Effects — Sativa Version:

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

Medical Conditions

Both types of Strawberry Shortcake are good choices for mood disorders, but medical users say the euphoria produced by the sativa version is better at easing stress and anxiety, allowing them to experience “real” life for at least a little while.

The strongly-energizing head high of the sativa version is praised by those with chronic fatigue syndrome, while the somewhat-sedating effect of the indica version is preferred by patients with insomnia issues. There’s a difference in how pain patients react as well. They say indica Strawberry Shortcake is good for serious pain, but sativa only helps with chronic pain.

Flavor and Aroma

For two types of weed with different lineages, indica- and sativa-dominant Strawberry Shortcake have surprisingly similar scents and tastes.

Strawberries and sugar are predominant in the aroma of both strain versions, with earthy, floral, and gassy scents making their appearance as the weed is ground or broken up. The creamy smoke tastes primarily of delicious strawberry, sugar, and biscuits, but there’s some earth and diesel in there as well, particularly in the aftertaste.

Flavor and Aroma Ratings:

Earthy: 3/5
Citrus: 2/5
Fruity: 5/5
Spice: 1/5
Wood: 2/5

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

The THC content in the two types of Strawberry Shortcake is similar. It averages around 18%-19% in the indica version, and 20%-22% in the sativa. Batches shipped to dispensaries, of course, can vary in THC content and are likely to have slightly higher-than-average THC levels. CBD content is quite low, while CBG and CBC levels may approach 1%.

The terpene profiles of each version of Strawberry Shortcake are similar. Each has high levels of caryophyllene, myrcene, and carene; the indica has more bisabolol, and the sativa contains more terpinolene and limonene.

Lineage

Indica-dominant Strawberry Shortcake is a cross of White Wookie and The White created by Colorado’s Cannarado Genetics. The sativa-dominant version comes from either Heavyweight Seeds or Dark Horse Genetics, each said to have crossbred the Juliet and Strawberry Diesel strains.

Where to Buy Strawberry Shortcake Seeds

These seeds are very difficult to find, and you have to be careful when purchasing this strain’s seeds because both the indica-dominant version and the sativa one are labeled “Strawberry Shortcake.”

As of this writing, the only seeds available from online vendors are standard seeds for the sativa version, and they can be found at Seedsman, Seed City, and Seed Supreme.

Similar Strains

If you’re unable to find Strawberry Shortcake in your area, you might consider trying Black Cherry OG or Bubba’s Gift as alternatives to the indica-dominant variety, and Tangie or Clementine for the sativa version.

Strawberry Shortcake Strain Review: FAQ

Q: Is Strawberry Shortcake indica or sativa?
A: That’s a great question because there are two strains each called Strawberry Shortcake. One is a 75/25 sativa hybrid; the other is strongly indica-dominant although the exact percentages can vary depending on the cultivator.

Q: How long does Strawberry Shortcake take to flower?
A: It’s said to be a fast-flowering strain, taking anywhere from 7-10 weeks. That information isn’t gospel, though, since the virtual unavailability of seeds and clones means very few growers have been able to get their hands on Strawberry Shortcake plants.