Girl Scout Cookies Cannabis Grow Guide

Introducing the Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) Cannabis Strain

Girl Scout Cookies is one of the most popular cannabis strains in North America, selling particularly well on the West Coast. Below is everything you need to know about Girl Scout Cookies cannabis, including information on its celebrated genetic lineage, therapeutic effects, terpenes, adverse reactions, and more. 

Genetics 

Girl Scout Cookies is an indica-leaning hybrid cannabis strain, usually being 60 percent indica and 40 percent sativa (might vary slightly). Its parent strains include South African landrace sativa Durban Poison, which is felt in the GSC’s rich aroma, and classic OG Kush which passes the specific bud structures on the flowers. Girl Scout Cookies was first bred in the San Francisco Bay Area by the Cookie Fam collective, therefore the strain is also known as just Cookies. GSC plants can contain anywhere between 18 and 29 percent of THC, making it one of the most potent strains available to cannabis users. In addition, Girl Scout Cookies may contain trace amounts of CBD, which usually is no more than 0.5%. 

Effects

With ‘high’ lasting for hours, GSC combines the best of both sativa and indica worlds. Consumption results in a powerful, happy and euphoric punch, followed by a full-body relaxation and knock down. It melts away stress and mild pains. When taken later in the day, it can help improve sleep. 

Medical Uses

GSC has a proven record of treating mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Can also offer relief from migraines and neuropathy. It’s great for stress relief, as an appetite stimulant, and a sleeping aid. 

Side Effects

The strain may leave some users feeling unusual and disoriented, which may owe to high levels of THC. It can irritate the mouth and gums. It might also create a sensation such as feeling hungry but being unable to eat. 

Taste and Smell

GSC has an intriguing combination of sweet, woody and minty tastes, combined with pungent, spicy and citrusy aroma with a hint of vanilla. 

Terpenes

The dominant terpenes in Girl Scout Cookies cannabis include caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool. The citrusy aroma and uplifting effects can be prescribed to limonene. Myrcene adds up to the strain’s relaxing and sedative experience. Linalool contributes to the strain’s anti-depressant effect.

Growing Difficulty

Girl Scout Cookies can be difficult-to-grow strain, but regardless, it’s being increasingly accepted among home growers because of its high quality and appeal. What might pose a challenge to home cultivators is the appearance of mold. GSC is vulnerable to mold and mildew, so taking protective actions and monitoring plants daily, especially during flowering, would be necessary. Outdoor plants may require a support stake into the ground and fixing the stem to it. Staking is used to protect tall and heavy-flowered plants from breaking under their own weight, or to withstand natural elements such as strong winds and rain. 

Flowering and Yield

Girl Scout Cookies cannabis plants have a flowering period between 8 and 10 weeks, depending on what kind of seeds you source out. Anticipate yields of around 17 ounces per plant if cultivating indoors, and 24 ounces if cultivating outdoors. 

What Are the Optimal Grow Conditions for Girl Scout Cookies Cannabis?

GSC thrives in warm climates with moderate temperatures and low humidity. If you’re planning to grow Girl Scout Cookies outdoors, the ideal environment is warm and dry places similar to its native California. Outdoor growers should look for sunny spots that have well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, and natural protection from winds and pests. Supporting heavy branches with stakes or trellis may also be required. 

Growing indoors would demand recreating the same environment conditions. The grow room should have an impeccable ventilation system, with oscillating fans in place to circulate the air, and exhaust system to get rid of excess heat and moisture. Pruning the canopy will ensure the entire plant has sufficient exposure to airflow, eliminating hiding spots for mold. 

Indoor grow rooms for Girl Scout Cookies cannabis plants should have optimal day temperatures in the range between 70-80°F (21-26.5°C), and slightly cooler night temperatures of 65-75°F (18-24°C). Humidity levels need to be adjusted to around 45% during vegetation, and reduced to around 35% during flowering to avoid mold or mildew. Both LEDs and HPS can be installed as grow lights. 

How to Grow Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) Cannabis Strain Indoors? 

GSC seedlings should be placed into small pots or seedling trays with a well-draining soil. They should be provided with 18-24 hours of light per day and maintain a consistent temperature and humidity. The first month is an opportunity to create a robust root system by supplementing plants with root stimulants (e.g., commercially-available solutions rich in B vitamins, mycorrhizal fungi, or seaweed extract) and primary nutrients (nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus feed).

In fact, throughout all stages of growth, ensure that you dispense sufficient amounts of macronutrients to your Girl Scout Cookies plants. Monitor pH levels to see if nutrient absorption is properly conducted. Water the plants when the top layer of the soil feels dry on the touch. 

Here’s how to continue during vegetation and flowering. 

Vegetation Period 

Light: 18-20 hours daily
Environment: Daytime temperature around 70-80°F (21-27°C)
Humidity: 40-50%
Training: Topping, trimming and low-stress training (LST) will promote bushier growth and boost yields. You can also use stakes to support stems, or trellis later on to support branches. 

Flowering Period 

Light: 12 hours light, 12 hours darkness
Temperatures: Continue to optimize temperatures, with slightly cooler nights that will stimulate flower colorations
Humidity: Lower in the range of 30-40% 
Training: Remove unnecessary foliage and maintain good airflow to avoid mold or pest infestations. 

How to Prevent Mold in the Grow Room? 

Girl Scout Cookies plants are susceptible to mold and mildew. If mold attacks, isolate the infected crop and remove any affected leaves, buds, or other plant matter. Keep away affected plants from the grow area because the problem can spread quickly. Second, adjust the environment by increasing airflow with fans, using a dehumidifier to lower humidity, and stabilizing the temperature. 

Protective Actions: 

• Make daily inspections on your GSC plants and defoliate dense areas.
• If you grow several plants, space them out.
• Wash foliage with natural fungicides such as neem oil or baking soda.
• Stick to the recommended humidity levels at all times, and install a dehumidifier during the flowering period of Girl Scout Cookies plants.
• Maintain stable temperatures in the grow room. 

Immediate Treatment: 

1. Isolate the plant: keep affected plants away from the grow area.
2. Remove infected parts: trim away any leaves, branches or buds that show visible signs of mold. Use clean equipment and trim carefully.
3. Discard waste: throw out the trimmed parts in a sealed bag and don’t enter with that bag in the grow area.
4. Clean and wash the plants: use hydrogen peroxide solution (one part 35% hydrogen peroxide to one gallon of water) to wash plants and get rid of any remaining spores. 

Learn more HERE on how to recognize and deal with mold or powdery mildew while home cultivating cannabis plants. 

Which Cannabis Strains Carry Girl Scout Cookies Genetics? 

Girl Scout Cookies is a parent strain to a number of hybrids and crosses, borrowing its advantageous characteristics to exciting new cannabis varieties. Its influence has not gone unnoticed. If you cannot find Girl Scout Cookies, but you feel compelled to try something similar to it, you can always look for some of its children. Here they are: 

• Sunset Sherbet: a cross between Girl Scout Cookies and Pink Panties
• Gelato: a descendant of GSC and Sunset Sherbet (We explain how to grow Gelato here)
• Animal Cookies: a powerful hybrid between Fire OG and GSC.
• Cookies and Cream: cross between Starfighter and GSC.
• Cereal Milk: an indica-dominant hybrid of Girl Scout Cookies, Snowman and Cherry Pie. 

How to Level Up Your Experience with Girl Scout Cookies Cannabis? 

The Girl Scout Cookies cannabis strain offers an excellent high experience for early evening. In the beginning it’s giving energy, but then it’s completely relaxing and couch-lock, therefore it combines well with activities such as watching a movie and taking a snack. One thing is sure, it will do away with the stress of the day. 

With its rich taste and flavor, it's a pity not to try Girl Scout Cookies cannabis with some luscious snacks and drinks when the opportunity shows up. 

Midday: enjoy a few puffs with coffee or tea. GSC flavors will combine pretty with a fragrant sip of flat white or cold brew, or with the earthy and aromatic undertones of warm herbal concoctions. 

Afternoon: combine with a chocolate cake or vanilla pudding to reinforce on the sensory pleasure of the strain’s sweet and sugared touch. 

Evening: Girl Scout Cookies cannabis strain is perfect to pair with bold-flavored piquant dishes, such as Korean kimchi stew or Thai chili noodles. It’s a combination that just might reverse any threat of couch lock and help you stay alert for yet another round of toke. 

More grow guides from Soft Secrets:

• Blue Dream Cannabis How to Grow Guide 

• OG Kush Cannabis: Strain Origins, Effect and Grow Tips

• 10 Top Tips for Choosing the Right Cannabis Genetics