Sunset Sherbet

Sherbinksi, a.k.a. Mario Guzman, chose his moniker as an homage to this fan-favorite strain. His name is known far and wide in the cannabis world: his work with the Cookies Fam, a collective of breeders from the Bay Area, helped bring about the world famous Girl Scout Cookies strain. Sherbinksi says that he created Sunset Sherbet by accident when, in 2014, he accidentally pollinated a Girl Scout Cookies plant with a male Pink Panties (thought to be a cross of a Florida kush and Burmese landrace) at his grandmother’s house. The end result? A delicious, well-balanced strain that exhibits characteristics from all of its unique parents.

Sunset Sherbet is sometimes mistaken for the strain “Sherbet” or other Sorbet strains. Sorbet, for instance, is described by Leafly as a potential predecessor of Sunset Sherbet. Sherbet as a strain also differs from Sunset Sherbet in a number of ways. Dark Heart Nursery notes that Sherbet tends to lean more on the Pink Panties side of its parentage while Sunset Sherbet may take on more GSC characteristics.

Sunset Sherbet Strain Effects: Indica or Sativa?

This strain is universally beloved thanks to its balanced effect profile. While generally described as an “indica-leaning hybrid” (85% indica to 15% sativa), Sunset Sherbet’s effects can best be expressed by examining its parentage. 

Girl Scout Cookies, one of Sunset Sherbet’s parents, is known for its euphoric, uplifting effects that don't glue your body to the couch. These properties definitely carry over into Sunset Sherbet — it’s a strain that induces euphoria, an uplifted cerebral mood and the giggles. Experienced connoisseurs may also be able to pick up hints of Sunset’s Durban poison grandparent. This can look like an increase in sociability, talkativeness or a rush of mental energy and creativity that makes the strain ideal for social gatherings or creative tasks. 

In terms of physical effects, there’s definitely a nice body buzz to be enjoyed. The OG Kush grandparent offers a sense of physical comfort that’s easy to relax into. The physical high isn’t as heavy or sedating as one may typically expect from a kush — it’s a relaxing, uplifting high that melts away all your worries in a toke or two. Side effects may include dry eyes, dry mouth, anxiety and dizziness.

Strains with well-balanced effect profiles such as Sunset Sherbet are often fan favorites for medical marijuana patients, due to the fact that they can provide relief for many symptoms without too much sedation or other unwanted side effects.

Users report Sunset Sherbet may help manage conditions including insomnia, chronic pain, lack of appetite, dementia, inflammation, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Some also note using the strain to help battle stress, anxiety and depression.

Sunset Sherbet Characteristics and Terpenes

Known for being a resinous plant, Sunset Sherbet is a visually striking, extra “frosty” strain. Its deep, rich evergreen leaves are accented with purple hues, and covered in long, red hairs. Buds are extremely dense and are larger in diameter than most Cookies strains. A rich, glittering coat of silver trichomes completes the visual appeal.

What Does Sunset Sherbet Strain Taste Like?

The smell and taste of Sunset Sherbet is perhaps what makes this strain truly iconic. An array of different flavors can be picked up here ranging from a savory sweetness attributed to the GSC parent to a smooth, mint-like aroma. Notes of citrus, sweet berries and a faint earthy herbaceousness can be detected as well. The smoke is clean and earthy, with just a hint of sourness hovering in the background. 

In terms of terpene profiles, True Terpenes describes Sunset Sherbet as boasting a whopping 32% beta-caryophyllene content. This could explain some of Sunset Sherbet’s extremely relaxing properties, as beta-caryophyllene is known for interacting with the endocannabinoid system. True Terpenes also notes that other terpenes prominently found in Sunset Sherbet include the tell-tale sour limonene (17%) and fenchol. Fenchol is a less common terpene that has a “fresh, lemon-lime taste,” and boasts antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. A few other terpenes such as linalool and humulene make up the remaining terpene content (<9% each). 

Sunset Sherbet Yield and Grow Info

Sunset Sherbet is considered to be a fairly easy strain to grow in or outdoors. It takes about 8 weeks to flower and enjoys warm, dry climates. However growers should note this strain typically has very low yields of less than an ounce per sq ft (indoor) or 11 ounces per plant (outdoor). It is, however, said to be quite resistant to mold and mildew and doesn’t require a lot of careful tending to. 

Looking for Sunset Sherbet seeds? You can find them from Seed Junky Genetics but be sure to use a trusted seedbank. Keep in mind these seeds are backcrosses, i.e. Sunset Sherbert back crossed to the original plant. Homegrown Cannabis Co also has Sunset Sherbet seeds; these are likely to be S1s, or seeds from the first selfed generation of the original parent/clones.

By Janelle Lassalle

Artist, Writer, and Content Creator

@jenkhari