Even if you’re new to cannabis, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the Strawberry Cough strain. Flavorful, uplifting, and typically inspiring a telltale cough as you exhale, it’s a bona fide legend in the annals of weed. In this Strawberry Cough strain review, we’ll share the backstory of this much-loved variety, including:
- The origins and genetics of Strawberry Cough
- Whether it’s an indica or a sativa
- How strong Strawberry Cough typically is
- Its flavor, aroma, and appearance
- What to expect from the experience
- Growing tips for Strawberry Cough at home
Whether you’re curious about its effects or looking for a flavorful daytime option, this guide has you covered.
What Strain is Strawberry Cough: Origins & Genetics
Unfortunately, Strawberry Cough is tough to pin down. If you’ve spent any time digging into specific strains of cannabis, you’ve probably noticed that some varieties have somewhat hazy backstories. Believed to have originated when a novice grower gifted a clone to renowned cultivator Kyle Kushman, Strawberry Cough is reputed to be a cross between the Strawberry Fields and Haze strains.
Whatever its true origin, the legend of this sparkly sativa quickly grew, as much for its euphoric effects as for its tendency to inspire a telltale cough, even among seasoned smokers.
Is Strawberry Cough Indica or Sativa?
While most cannabis varieties combine aspects of indica and sativa strains, Strawberry Cough is usually labeled a sativa or a sativa-dominant hybrid, imparting a blend of stimulating, creative, and euphoric effects with some soothing sensations in the background. As with all strains, those characteristics come from its parents.
Strawberry Fields
Known for its unmistakable strawberry aroma and smooth, fruity flavor, this beloved hybrid may impart deep euphoria and chill relaxation, along with those bright, strawberry-scented flavors.
Haze
A sweet, spicy, and earthy sativa, Haze is beloved for both its flavor and its high-energy effects. Since appearing in Santa Cruz in the 1960s, it’s gone on to inspire countless clones and strains all around the world.
How Strong Is the Strawberry Cough Strain?
With an average THC content between 18% and 25%, Strawberry Cough is considered a medium to fairly heavy hitter, depending on your tolerance. But thanks to those typically uplifting rather than chill effects, Strawberry Cough can be an excellent choice for social gatherings or daytime use.
As the principal cannabinoid, THC plays an outsized role in predicting a strain’s effects, but it’s not the only cannabinoid you’ll find here. Many batches of Strawberry Cough contain roughly 1% CBG, a minor cannabinoid that may contribute to the entourage effect, by which different compounds work in harmony to potentiate each other’s effects.
Strawberry Cough’s Berry-Kissed Flavor, Aroma, and Appearance
Open a bag of Strawberry Cough and you’ll be face-to-face with some truly spectacular-looking herb. Its dense and conical electric-green nugs boast a flush of deep orange pistils and a thick coating of frosty trichomes, the tiny glands that produce most of the cannabis plant’s compounds.
As for flavor, think of ripe strawberries with a backbeat of spicy pepper—often credited as the inspiration for the “Cough” in the strain’s name. Those Strawberry Cough strain flavors are courtesy of the strain’s terpenes, the fragrant oils that contribute the bulk of any cannabis variety’s sensory notes. The major ones you’re likely to find in Strawberry Cough include:
- Myrcene: Earthy and musky; frequently found in strains reported to promote full-body relaxation.
- Pinene: Fresh and resinous; often associated with a clear-headed, focused experience.
- Caryophyllene: Peppery and spicy; often associated with a sense of comfort or ease.
The combined effect of these individual compounds is a highly delicious, fruit-forward blast. If you love uplifting strains that seem to waft by on a sweet berry-scented cloud, chances are you’re going to love Strawberry Cough.
Potential Strawberry Cough Strain Effects
Given what you already know about Strawberry Cough, its sativa effects and sensations should be top of mind. Think elevated mood and increased sociability as the primary takeaways, with an increased potential for creative spark as a bonus.
As a result, many Strawberry Cough reviews point to the strain’s uplifting potential, like this glowing Leafly review: “My body feels relaxed and my head clear. This is going to be my go-to sativa from now on. If you have anxiety/depression and are worried [about] chronic anxiety after smoking this, don’t worry: this will help you tremendously.”
That said, there are some tasks this strain isn’t particularly well-suited for. If you’re looking to unwind or drift off into restful slumber, seek out a relaxing indica. If you’re unsure about a given strain or product, you can always ask our team for guidance and remember to start low and go slow.
Growing the Strawberry Cough Strain: Tips & Tricks
Once a clone-only strain, Strawberry Cough seeds are now available for purchase. This strain has a reputation as a low-maintenance grow, so if it’s your first time growing your own cannabis, this one’s a great option to start with. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you plan your crop.
Preferred Climate
The Strawberry Cough strain prefers higher temperatures, with an ideal temperature range of 70°F to 85°F. If outside temperatures tend to fall on the cooler side, you may need to consider a greenhouse or have your plants in movable flower pots that can be taken to a warmer space at night.
Flowering Time & Training Techniques
The Strawberry Cough strain is typically ready for harvest in about 9 weeks. Depending on your latitude, outdoor growers should plan to harvest around early October.
Though a sativa-dominant hybrid, Strawberry Cough can get bushy. With careful pruning, topping, and training, you’ll increase airflow to interior branches and keep your plants healthy and mildew-free.
Yield
Strawberry Cough can produce a handsome yield. If grown indoors, you can expect to reap roughly 400 to 600 grams per square meter. When grown outdoors, the yield can reach up to 650 grams per plant.
Stock Up on More Bright Sativa Strains at Mission
As a classic sativa with a sweet, fruit-kissed flavor and upbeat effects, the Strawberry Cough strain can be a great choice for daytime use or creative tasks. But be forewarned: The spicy aftertaste just might make you enact the “cough” part yourself!
You can find high-quality Strawberry Cough flower and pre-rolls at Mission Dispensaries in Massachusetts or Illinois. Not sure if this is the right fit for your needs? Our knowledgeable team is always here to help guide your experience and answer any questions.
