Girl Scout Cookies | Cannabis Strain Review & Effects
Also known as: GSC, Cookies, Thin Mint Cookies
OG Kush x Durban Poison
Girl Scout Cookies is a hybrid strain (OG Kush x Durban Poison) with THC levels of 19-28%. It features a Beta-Caryophyllene-dominant terpene profile and is known for euphoria and relaxation. Best used during the evening.
THC
19-28%
CBD
0-0.2%
Best Time
Primary Effects
Flavor Notes
Sweet, Earthy, Mint, Chocolate
Aroma
Sweet and earthy with hints of mint and subtle chocolate notes
Research Sources
28 peer-reviewed studies
Verified Via
PubMed / DOI
Evidence
Research-Backed
Updated
December 2025
What is Girl Scout Cookies?
Girl Scout Cookies is a hybrid strain (OG Kush x Durban Poison) with THC levels of 19-28%. It features a Beta-Caryophyllene-dominant terpene profile and is known for euphoria and relaxation. Best used during the evening.
About Girl Scout Cookies Strain
Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) is a potent hybrid that launched a flavor revolution in cannabis. Its unique beta-caryophyllene dominance provides anti-inflammatory potential through CB2 receptor activation, while limonene contributes to mood elevation. The strain has won numerous Cannabis Cup awards and spawned a whole "Cookies" family of popular genetics.
Related Reading
Terpene Profile
Primary research: Anti-inflammatory
Concentration Levels
Cannabinoid Profile
Therapeutic Profile Matches
Based on Girl Scout Cookies's terpene and cannabinoid profile, it may be well-suited for these therapeutic applications:
migraines
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports migraines & headaches
- thc dominant ratio matches profile
- Best used evening, aligning with condition needs
nausea
- High limonene content supports nausea & appetite loss
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports nausea & appetite loss
- thc dominant ratio matches profile
multiple sclerosis
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports multiple sclerosis
- Best used evening, aligning with condition needs
crohns ibd
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports crohn's disease & ibd
- Best used evening, aligning with condition needs
chronic pain
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports chronic pain
- Best used evening, aligning with condition needs
Match scores are theoretical
These scores are based on terpene/cannabinoid research and do not guarantee specific effects. Individual responses vary significantly. Always consult a healthcare provider.
- 1
Gertsch J, et al. β-Caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2008
Landmark paper: BCP directly activates CB2 receptors.
- 2
Klauke AL, et al. The cannabinoid CB2 receptor-selective phytocannabinoid beta-caryophyllene exerts analgesic effects in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain European Journal of Pain. 2014
Showed dual mechanism for neuropathic pain relief.
- 3
Bahi A, et al. β-Caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist produces multiple behavioral changes relevant to anxiety and depression in mice Physiology & Behavior. 2014
BCP reduced anxiety via CB2 receptor activation.
- 4
Horvath B, et al. β-Caryophyllene ameliorates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in a cannabinoid 2 receptor-dependent manner Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 2012
BCP reduced inflammation markers and oxidative stress.
- 5
Tambe Y, et al. Gastric cytoprotection of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene, beta-caryophyllene Planta Medica. 1996
BCP protected gastric mucosa in ulcer models.
- 6
Tagen M, et al. Vaporized D-limonene selectively mitigates the acute anxiogenic effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2024
Johns Hopkins study showing limonene specifically reduces THC-induced anxiety in humans.
- 7
Vieira AJ, et al. Limonene: Aroma of innovation in health and disease Chemico-Biological Interactions. 2018
Comprehensive review of limonene's anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.
- 8
Kiecolt-Glaser JK, et al. Olfactory influences on mood and autonomic, endocrine, and immune function Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2008
Lemon scent exposure improved mood and reduced norepinephrine.
- 9
Sun J. D-Limonene: safety and clinical applications Alternative Medicine Review. 2007
D-limonene showed gastroprotective effects and clinical safety.
- 10
Rogerio AP, et al. Preventive and therapeutic anti-inflammatory properties of the sesquiterpene alpha-humulene in experimental airways allergic inflammation British Journal of Pharmacology. 2009
α-Humulene reduced airway inflammation via NF-κB inhibition.
- 11
Fernandes ES, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of compounds alpha-humulene and (-)-trans-caryophyllene isolated from the essential oil of Cordia verbenacea European Journal of Pharmacology. 2007
α-Humulene showed anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects.
- 12
Fiorini D, et al. Pharmacological review of α-humulene Phytochemistry Reviews. 2024. doi:10.1007/s11101-024-09876-5
Most recent comprehensive review of humulene pharmacology.
- 13
Legault J, Dahl W, et al. Antitumor activity of balsam fir oil: production of reactive oxygen species induced by alpha-humulene as possible mechanism of action Planta Medica. 2003
α-Humulene showed antitumor activity via ROS production.
- 14
Gaoni Y, Mechoulam R. Isolation, structure, and partial synthesis of an active constituent of hashish Journal of the American Chemical Society. 1964. doi:10.1021/ja01062a046
Landmark paper first identifying and synthesizing THC.
- 15
Whiting PF, et al. Cannabinoids for medical use: A systematic review and meta-analysis JAMA. 2015
Comprehensive review finding moderate evidence for chronic pain.
- 16
Aviram J, Samuelly-Leichtag G. Efficacy of Cannabis-Based Medicines for Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Pain Physician. 2017
Systematic review of clinical trials for neuropathic pain.
- 17
Lutge EE, et al. The medical use of cannabis for reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV/AIDS Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013
Systematic review of cannabis for HIV/AIDS symptoms including appetite.
- 18
Smith LA, et al. Cannabinoids for nausea and vomiting in adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015
High-quality evidence for CINV efficacy.
- 19
Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 2020
Review of THC effects on sleep architecture.
- 20
Novotna A, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, enriched-design study of nabiximols (Sativex), as add-on therapy, in subjects with refractory spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis European Journal of Neurology. 2011
Phase III trial showing efficacy for MS spasticity.
- 21
Silvestro S, et al. Molecular Targets of Cannabidiol in Experimental Models of Neurological Disease Molecules. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD's therapeutic applications and molecular targets.
- 22
Thiele EA, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial Lancet. 2018
Phase III trial leading to FDA approval of Epidiolex.
- 23
Devinsky O, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial Lancet Neurology. 2016
Open-label trial showing 36.5% reduction in seizures.
- 24
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series Permanente Journal. 2019
79.2% of patients reported reduced anxiety within first month.
- 25
Bergamaschi MM, et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011
CBD reduced anxiety in simulated public speaking test.
- 26
Burstein S. Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2015
Review of CBD's anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- 27
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series Permanente Journal. 2019
66.7% of patients reported improved sleep in this anxiety and sleep study.
- 28
Urits I, et al. Use of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of chronic pain Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD for chronic pain management.
Research Verification
All citations link directly to PubMed or the original source. You can verify any claim by clicking the reference link. Learn more about how we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of Girl Scout Cookies?
GSC delivers potent, balanced effects starting with cerebral euphoria and gradually transitioning to full-body relaxation. Its high caryophyllene content may provide anti-inflammatory benefits through CB2 receptor activation.
Is GSC a strong strain?
Yes, GSC is considered a potent strain with THC levels often reaching 25-28%. Beginners should start with small amounts. Its effects are powerful but balanced between mental stimulation and physical relaxation.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Hybrid
- Genetics
- OG Kush x Durban Poison
- Breeder
- Cookie Family
- Genetic Family
- Cookies/Gelato Family
- Best Time of Use
- Evening
- Availability
- common
- Grow Difficulty
- difficult
Dominant Terpene
Beta-Caryophyllene
Spicy, peppery, woody, clove-like
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Educational Information
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis products.
Strain Variability
Profiles vary between batches, growers, and growing conditions. Always check lab test results for the specific product you're purchasing.
Beyond Indica/Sativa
Effects are better predicted by cannabinoid and terpene profiles than strain classification. Focus on the chemistry, not the label.
Understanding Therapeutic Profiles
Learn how terpenes and cannabinoids work together to create each strain's unique effects and therapeutic potential through the entourage effect.
Learn About Therapeutic Profiles