Every now and then a strain comes along that’s so special it makes a name for itself in the cannabis market. Case in point: the iconic “dessert weed”, Sunset Sherbet. Sunset Sherbet owes its name and genetics to the infamous cannabis “tastemaker and curator of world-famous genetics”, Mr. Sherbinski. 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 Cookie Fam, a collective of breeders from the Bay Area, helped bring about the world famous GSC strain.
Sunset Sherbet Strain Genetics
Sunset Sherbet, as it turns out, is a happy accident. Sherbinksi described the tale as taking place in 2014 when he accidentally pollinated a GSC 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 Girl Scout 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 doesn’t glue bodies to couches. These properties definitely carry over into Sunset Sherbet–it’s absolutely a strain that induces euphoria, uplifted cerebral mood and the giggles almost instantaneously. Experienced connoisseurs may also be able to pick up hints of its Durban poison grandparent. This can look like an increase in sociability/talkativity or a rush of mental energy and creativity that makes this strain ideal for social gatherings or creative tasks.
In terms of physical effect there’s definitely a nice body buzz to be enjoyed here. The OG Kush grandparent potentiates a sense of physical comfort that’s easy to delight in. And thanks to the influence of other strains in the genetic mix 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.
Some side effects may include dry eyes, dry mouth, anxiety and dizziness.
Sunset Sherbet Strain Medical Benefits
Strains with well-balanced effect profiles such as Sunset Sherbet are often fan favorites for medical patients. This is due to the fact they can provide symptom relief for many without experiencing too much sedation or other unwanted side effects.
Users report Sunset Sherbet may help manage the following conditions: insomnia, chronic pain, lack of appetite, dementia, inflammation, arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Some also note using it to help battle stress, anxiety and depression.
Sunset Sherbet Profile
Known for being a very resinous plant, Sunset Sherbet is a visually striking, extra “frosty” strain. Its deep, rich evergreen leaves are accented with purple hues and are 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 nicely.
The smell and taste of Sunset Sherbet, however, 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.
Sunset Sherbet Strain Terpenes
In terms of terpene profiles True Terpenes describes Sunset Sherbet’s as boasting a whopping 32% beta-Caryophyllene content. This can potentially explain some of Sunset Sherbet’s extremely relaxed properties as beta-Caryophyllene is known for directly 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 commonly occurring terpene that has a “fresh, lemon-lime taste”; it 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 oz/plant (outdoor). It is, however, said to be a plant quite resistant to mold and mildew that 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 S1’s, or seeds from the first selfed generation of the original parent/clones.
By Janelle Lassalle
Artist, Writer, and Content Creator
@jenkhari