You can't miss the jar called "Sherbet" (or "Sherbert," depending on the store), which always catches the light - and your attention - in a dispensary. There is something enticing about a name that implies a sweet, fun smoke. Does this popular marijuana strain deliver on the promise?
Following dozens of times using this strain, plus two unsuccessful grow-outs for myself, I will say yes - Sherbet is a modern classic for a reason. Not only have I used Sherbet; it has earned a permanent place in my own collection. I will explain why.
First Impressions: A Feast for the Senses
Sherbet is often visually impressive. The nugs I typically purchase are very dense and irregularly-shaped, with a thick, green foundation covered in vibrant orange hairs. However, the true visual spectacle is the white frost covering the buds giving the appearance of the nugs having been coated with powdered sugar. It is a fitting visual representation of a strain named after a dessert.
The Aroma – Where the Magic Begins:
This is where Sherbet earns its namesake. When you crack open a jar, you are met with a complex odor profile that, in my experience, far exceeds the majority of other "desserts" strains.
- First Wave: The initial aroma is sweet and creamy and smells of vanilla and sugar. This is similar to the powder found at the bottom of a bag of rainbow sherbet.
- Second Wave: A bright, fruity, and tart scent of citrus and berries follows. I get a strong lime or orange peel note that balances the sweetness of the strain perfectly.
- UnderNotes: If you really dive into the jar, you will find the classic, gassy earthiness - a trait passed down from its Girl Scout Cookies heritage. It reminds you that this dessert has some serious firepower.
The flavor of Sherbet is an extremely accurate representation of the aroma of Sherbet, which is not always the case. On the inhale, the flavor is the same sweet, creamy, fruity pastry-like flavor as the aroma. However, the exhalation is where things get interesting. The earthy, diesel notes from its GSC parentage begin to appear, and leave you with a slightly spicy, pungent aftertaste that lingers pleasingly. It is this contrast between sweet and gas that keeps me returning to Sherbet. It is not simply a one-dimensional sugar bomb - it has personality.
Effects - A Blissful, Couch-Locking Embrace
Let's discuss why you came here: the effects of Sherbet. Sherbet is classified as a hybrid, however, based upon my own personal experiences with the strain, I would describe it as being primarily indica-based. Below is a breakdown of how I usually experience the effects of Sherbet:
- Minutes 1-10 (Head High): It begins in the brain. A rapid, euphoric head-high washes over the brain, and I feel mentally calm and happy. This is a great time to listen to good music or converse creatively. My anxiety and stress simply disappear.
- Minutes 10-45 (Body Relaxation): The initial cerebral rush eventually yields to a very relaxing, physically-heavy body high. This is not an immediate couch-lock, but rather a heavy, warm blanket of relaxation. For me, this is the ideal time to watch a movie or simply relax after a long day.
- Time After Hour 1 (The Crash): As the high peaks and begins to decline, the physical high becomes much more pronounced. I am completely content to remain exactly where I am. At this point, Sherbet can be quite sedating, which makes it a great option for an evening strain to assist in helping with sleep issues. Make no plans for after this, you may end up canceling them.
Personal Use of the Sherbet Strain: I mainly turn to Sherbet in the late afternoon/early evening. It is my go-to strain for turning off from work mode, addressing post-work aches and pains, and creating the environment for a restful nights' sleep. Additionally, it is a great social strain for a small group of people that want to hangout in a relaxed atmosphere.
Growing the Sherbet Strain: A Rewarding Challenge
I have attempted to grow Sherbet twice and here is my honest assessment: Sherbet is a strain that requires a level of experience to grow successfully.
Sherbet grows into a medium-sized plant and responds well to low-stress training (LST) to allow maximum light to penetrate to the lower areas of the plant. Sherbet flowers in approximately 8-9 weeks.
Be cautious of mold and powdery mildew. The dense, sticky nugs that we enjoy so much are also susceptible to retaining moisture. To prevent these conditions from occurring, excellent air circulation and strict control of humidity levels are essential. In my first attempt to grow Sherbet, I was lax in controlling these elements, and the resulting yield suffered from this issue.
If you can provide the necessary care, the yield is substantial, and the pride of consuming the fruits of your labor (i.e., your own Sherbet) is incredibly rewarding. Sherbet produces a tremendous amount of trichomes, and the terpene profile is especially evident when you can harvest at the optimal time.
Conclusion
Sherbet is an elite strain that represents a perfect fusion of flavor and effects. While Sherbet may not be the strongest strain in terms of potency, it has the benefit of providing a very powerful, relaxing high that does not overwhelm the user, along with a unique dessert-like flavor profile.
- Patients/users seeking relief for stress, anxiety, pain, and insomnia, and those looking to enjoy one of the best tasting strains on the market.
- Those who require a full-on sativa for day-time energy or those that are beginners and are sensitive to strong hybrids.
In short, Sherbet is not only a flavor, it is an experience - one that each enthusiast should have at least once.