AAAA+ Orange Cookie Smalls

You might never think to pair cookies with orange juice, but that’s exactly what breeder Obsoul33t has done with his flavor-focused hybrid Orange Cookies. Obsoul33t’s current endeavor Franchise Genetics (already known for its cultivation efforts with various Alien lines) developed Orange Cookies as a cross between Girl Scout Cookies and Orange Juice. Alternatively, some claim that a phenotype of Girl Scout Cookies called Forum Cookies — and not Girl Scout Cookies itself — is this strain’s parent. In any case, Orange Cookies’ potency and bag appeal are clear — it won 2nd Best Hybrid Flower in the 2015 High Times Cannabis Cup and carries a THC composition that ranges from 15% to 20%.

Orange Cookies has medium-sized hairy buds that hold the dense structure typical of indica varieties. Its leaves are a bright green punctuated by hints of purple; this latter color is the product of pigments called anthocyanins in the leaves reacting to colder than average temperatures during the growing process. Orange pistils contrast with these colorful flowers. This strain’s high resin content is made obvious by the presence of a coating of milky-white trichomes that makes it sticky and particularly difficult to break up by hand. Orange Cookies has an arresting smell to match its striking visuals. An overpowering smell of fresh and tangy citrus wafts up from the buds; it may remind some cannabis aficionados of pungent sativa Tangie. Breaking or grinding up the dense buds brings out a peppery herbal kick to complement the smell of orange zest. When combusted, flowers burn smooth and have a pleasantly sugary-sweet taste on exhale with a hint of funk. Notably, despite Orange Cookies’ purple hues, no grape or berry flavors are present — the pigments that determine this strain’s color do not have a corresponding effect on its taste.

Orange Cookies’ effects take hold of users quickly, with a buzzy and energetic feeling in the head. This rush is soon met with a palpable body high that is relaxing without being too heavy or immobilizing. As users settle into the high, they may feel motivated and more thoughtful than usual — but this strain’s stoney indica feeling keeps users grounded, preventing them from careening into an overly cerebral, paranoid experience. Because of these well-rounded effects, Orange Cookies is a great strain for enhancing active pursuits like hiking or exercising, as well as more contemplative, creative tasks. It is as enjoyable as a daytime “wake and bake” strain as it is at night.

Its versatility also makes Orange Cookies a valuable strain for medical cannabis patients. Its contended and lucid mood elevation can be a great way to relieve the troubling symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety; as a bonus, its middle-of-the-road effects mean that those already suffering from anxiety need not worry about paranoia. Orange Cookies’ numbing body high can relieve chronic aches and pains. If higher doses are consumed, it can also help bring about deep and refreshing sleep. Depending on the individual user’s tolerance, undesirable side effects include the standard dry mouth and bloodshot eyes.

Seeds of Orange Cookies are not yet available for commercial sale, making this a “clone only” strain; prospective growers must obtain clippings from mature plants of Orange Cookies in order to grow genetically identical crops. It can be successfully grown indoors or out, although, as with any cannabis strain, indoor grow operations afford more exacting control over ambient conditions. Growers should make sure they top off the short, bushy plants, trimming any broad fan leaves that could block light and air from reaching the lower branches. When grown indoors, Orange Cookies flowers within 7 to 9 weeks and offers growers a low to medium yield of flowers. As with parent strain Girl Scout Cookies, the plants may need staked supports like wooden dowels in order to keep its flowering buds from drooping on overburdened branches.

It may not help prevent scurvy, but Orange Cookies is a great choice for some mellow, thoughtful unwinding at any time of day. Its deep flavor and high resin production also makes it valuable in the production of aromatic hash and other concentrates. Sharing this strain’s citrus goodness with friends or enthusiastic acquaintances is sure to win you some gratitude.