Trulieve first released GSC (formerly known as Girl Scout Cookies) on March 1, 2019, in their flower vape cups (review here). At the time, I was really hyped to finally get to try this strain that I had heard so much about (especially on that Disjointed show that ran a couple seasons on Netflix), and the results of my purchase exceeded my expectations. That batch of flower really did smell and taste like some sort of cookie, and it made me feel great.

I’ve picked up a couple of batches of the full flower form of GSC since then, and for some reason, I always forget to review it again. I have been sitting on this batch that I have now since about February (I’m a slow smoker), and luckily, I realized I needed to review it before I finished it off.

In my recent reviews of the Florida Keys phenotypes, I commended GrowHealthy for being the first Florida MMTC to label and market different phenotypes as separate strains. I think this should be an industry standard, as some phenotypes may have significantly different effects than the “main” strain in the line.

Why did I bring this up, and what is a phenotype, exactly? If you need a refresher on phenotypes, here is a good link I have been using in my other reviews.

I mention phenotypes because I believe this batch of GSC is a different phenotype from the other batches I have purchased from Trulieve in the past. The smell, taste, and appearance are all different enough that I was suspicious; however, I really thought I might be on to something when I realized the description of the Thin Mints phenotype of GSC closely matches the eighth that I have.

Quick Facts:

GSC (Hybrid)

Price at time of review: $53/eighth 

Lineage: Durban Poison x OG Kush

Batch/Harvest Number: DUFL-BLD-H-17-PK-38

Cannabinoids

THC: 16.10%

CBD: 0.030%

CBG: 0.050%

Total Cannabinoids: 16.90%

Terpenes

“*” denotes the two dominant terpenes in this strain

*Beta-Myrcene: 0.223%

*Trans-Carophyllene: 0.922%

Carophyllene-Oxide: 0.180%

R-Limonene: 0.224%

Linalool: 0.162%

Alpha Humulene: 0.248%

Total Terpenes: 1.959%

Appearance/Cure

This batch is from February 2020, around the time that Trulieve hit another significant improvement in the quality of their flower. Trulieve flower has always been grown and cured well relative to the rest of Florida’s market, but I started seeing some changes near the end of Q1 2020 – like the trichomes being allowed to mature much more, like in the above image of this GSC.

This batch looks physically different from all other batches of GSC that I’ve gotten from Trulieve. I have found GSC to typically have really small buds, but these were more medium-small to medium. The color was darker, with more almost-black than green, and a bountiful covering of dark orange pistils.

The cure is excellent, with dense, slightly sticky buds that are cured to an almost perfect moisture content – though this batch could have gotten away with being ever so slightly drier.

This flower is actually 6 months old now, but it has preserved its freshness fairly well.

Appearance/Cure Rating: 6.90/10.00

Smell/Taste

This is what really makes me suspect that this is a different GSC phenotype – this stuff smells really minty to me. Previous batches of Trulieve’s GSC smelled more like warm, fresh, sugary cookies to me – like when they’re fresh out of this oven. This batch, however, is much more herbal, peppery, earthy, and significantly minty.

I must admit that I preferred the other batches to this; I am not a fan of the earthy, herbal, minty terpenes when they are as dominant as they are in this eighth.

When smoked, I taste a strong earthy sensation on the inhale, followed by a spicy and peppery exhale. Unfortunately, I don’t particularly enjoy these tastes. This is entirely subjective, however, so remember that my “meh” could be your “whoa!”.

Smell/Taste Rating: 4.00/10.00

Effects/Medical Use

The area that this batch of GSC most feels like past batches, would have to be the effects. I have always experienced very balanced “indica” and “sativa” effects from this strain, and that was no exception with this eighth.

Cerebral invigoration is the forerunner here, lasting for a full 20 minutes before warm body relaxation sensations begin to creep in on the downslope of the effects. I’d say this is a suitable strain for just about any time of the day: morning, afternoon, evening, night, or anything in between. Though this wouldn’t be a “desert island” strain for me in the smell and taste department by any means, I think I could get by if I only had GSC to smoke – and maybe that’s one of the main reasons this is such a popular strain – its versatility. There are few strains that I find suitable for use at all times of the day and night, but GSC is one of those rare genetic wonders. For this reason, I believe it’s an outstanding medicinal strain.

I do tend to feel a bit sleepy on the comedown of GSC if I medicate with a large amount, but not really enough to warrant a full couchlock. I’d say this cut might be slightly sativa-dominant in effects, as there seems to be more cerebral uplift than anything else.

GSC is a good staple to have around. And if I can consistently find the batches that taste like fresh cookies, it’d be that much better.

Possibly good for treating:

• Depression
• Anxiety 
• Moderate aches and pains
• Moderate nausea/gastrointestinal issues
• General Relaxation 
• Insomnia (possibly in higher doses)

I’m definitely no medical doctor, so please take the preceding conditions only as my own personal observations from using this strain and having experience with a multitude of different cannabis strains. Everybody is different, and every body reacts differently to various medications. 

Effects Rating: 6.00/10.00

Overall Rating: 5.63/10.00

Overall, I would best describe GSC as a “slightly above average” hybrid strain from Trulieve.

It seems like Trulieve is only getting better at growing flower through time. I hope that their grow team sees this review and knows that their efforts are noticed – the quality is seriously on another level than it was this time last year, and it’s nice to see this batch from February and remember when Trulieve really begin to take their quality to the next level.

As far as this being the “thin mints” phenotype – maybe it is, and maybe it isn’t. Regardless, I encourage all Florida MMTCs to begin labeling and selling their different phenotypes as different strains entirely. This is a win-win for both the patients and the MMTCs: the dispensaries have a larger variety of products with the same amount of raw material, and patients can lock in the best strain for their conditions with more ease and consistency.

You can be assured I’ll continue to be here to try and review all the newest strains, so be sure to hit that subscribe button on the sidebar or bottom of the screen, depending on your platform. I love connecting with all of you!

Be well, and stay healthy. Thanks for reading!

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