What is a Cake Strain?

One of the many amazing attributes of cannabis is the seemingly infinite variations of the plant produced by growers around the world. Cannabis plants can be tall and lanky or short and compact, with the colors of the plants ranging from bright green to deep purple. Different strains, also known as cultivars, can express a range of intoxicating effects, from uplifting to relaxing, among others. But what's a cake strain?

Different cannabis strains are often grouped based on a common genetic origin or flavor profile. Kush strains, for example, are derived at least partially from cannabis plants that originated in the Hindu Kush mountain range of central Asia. The different strains in a group each exhibit unique characteristics that make them stand out while retaining traits in common that link them. These common traits often include similar terpene profiles, giving the strains in a group similar but not quite the same aroma and effects.

Over the past several years, a group of cannabis varietals known as cake strains have become popular. One of the most popular, the Wedding Cake strain, can be found at dispensaries nationwide in legal states, often in multiple product forms, including dried flower, wax, vape cartridges, and more.  Not the only cake strain, Wedding Cake is joined by others, including Birthday Cake, Ice Cream Cake, and more.

What are Cake Strains?

If you’ve seen or heard about cake strains, you may have wondered what makes them special. Cake strains are often known for buds covered in frosty trichomes, giving them the appearance of a freshly iced confection. Underneath this layer of frosting, the flowers are bright green with an occasional splash of purple. The leaves are often darker than the flower, ranging from olive to a deep forest green. Many cake strains have an aroma with notes of vanilla.

The first cake strain was reportedly produced by Anthony “JBeezy” Hart, a famous cannabis breeder and founder of Seed Junky Genetics. Hart has said that the original Cake strain was a unique phenotype of the strain Triangle Mints T, a cross of the cultivars Triangle Kush and Animal Mints. Triangle Kush was bred from the same genetic line as OG Kush, while Animal Mints is a hybrid cross of the Animal Cookies, GSC, and Blue Power.

Since its introduction, the original Cake strain has been bred with other cultivars, resulting in a large family of cake strains to choose from. Some of the most popular in the group include Wedding Cake, Birthday Cake, and Ice Cream Cake, although new variations of the category frequently appear at cannabis retailers as new, related cultivars are bred.

What are the Reported Effects of Cake Strains?

The original Cake strain and other varietals are known for their pronounced intoxicating effects. Although they can vary from one cultivar to another, the effects of cake strains may include an uplifting euphoria that can inspire happiness, creativity, and a sense of well-being. The cake strains are often said to be relaxing, making them options to relieve stress and anxiety after work. In some cake strains, this relaxation is accompanied by sedation, with some consumers reporting use as a sleep aid. Cake strains may also induce a strong body high that can grow into a strong feeling of physical relaxation.

Although patients and consumers commonly report these effects when they use cake strains, it is important to remember that the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in cannabis can affect each individual differently. Different cultivation methods can also encourage plants to express varied terpene and cannabinoid profiles, further complicating the differences among cake strains in various state medical and adult-use markets, including their effects. 

What Conditions Do Cake Strains Help With?

Commonly reported effects of cake strains make them valuable cultivars for many cannabis patients. The relaxing and anxiety-relieving effects of cultivars, including the Birthday Cake strain may help calm patients with post-traumatic stress disorder while easing anxiety and stress. The sedating and relaxing effects of the strain Wedding Cake have reportedly helped some patients with sleep issues. 

Some patients have found that the strong body high induced by the terpenes in cake strains can help relieve certain types of pain. Others have reportedly used cake strains to address pain, inflammation, headaches, anxiety, and loss of appetite.

Main Terpenes in Cake Strains

Every cannabis strain produces aromatic compounds known as terpenes. These aromatic molecules, which give each cultivar its particular scent, are also thought to be responsible for some of the therapeutic effects of cannabis. While each cultivar (and even plant) has its own terpene profile, closely related varietals, such as the cake strains, can have similar terpene profiles.

Most cultivars, including the Ice Cream Cake strain, generally express caryophyllene as the dominant terpene. Known for its flavor and aroma reminiscent of black pepper, caryophyllene may have pain-relieving and inflammation-reducing properties, although more research on its therapeutic effects is needed.

Cake strains (and many others) may also be rich in myrcene, a terpene with potential antibacterial, sleep-inducing, and pain-relieving effects. Limonene, a terpene with a citrusy aroma that may have antioxidant and anti-anxiety properties, is also found in many cake strains. Linalool, a terpene found in lavender that may have analgesic and other benefits, is also prevalent in cake strains, as is pinene, a terpene with the fragrance of pine that might be beneficial for pain, anxiety, and inflammation.

The Top 5 Cake Strains

While many cake cannabis strains have been bred and are available commercially, several have stood the test of time and become favorites of cannabis patients and consumers.

• Wedding Cake is a cultivar with balanced vanilla, peppery, and herbal notes known for effects including euphoria and relaxation. Many consumers report using the strain as an aid for ailments such as insomnia, depression, appetite loss, and nerve pain.
• London Pound Cake has aromas of vanilla and lemon, along with berry, fruit, and nutty notes. The strain's effects are generally reported as calming and relaxing.
• Ice Cream Cake is a cross of Wedding Cake and Gelato #33 with vanilla, nutty, and fruit flavors. Reported effects of the strain include relaxation and sedation.
• Birthday Cake is a cake strain known for its euphoric, relaxing, sedating effects. Its sweet flavors evoke memories of a favorite childhood dessert.
• Lava Cake is a sweet-smelling cultivar that is appreciated for its euphoric and relaxing effects.

While these are among consumer favorites, new cake strains are being bred and introduced to the market in many areas, try one the next time you want a tasty strain to add to your personal menu.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.