What is a Gelato Strain?

Cannabis strains fall into distinct categories based on their genetic lineage. These strain families share similar looks, smells, and effects, giving consumers an idea of the potential effects. Gelato has been one of the most sought-after strain families for the past decade.

What are Gelato Strains?

Gelato strains are known for hitting strong, smelling great, and being colorful. The lineage dates back to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2014. All-star breeder Mr. Sherbinski first crossed Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, bringing to life a future cornerstone of the cannabis community.

Gelato strains have flourished since reaching the public. With a seemingly ever-expanding roster of phenotypes and crossbreeds, there’s plenty of Gelatos to sample.

Today, the Gelato family tree is deep and filled with colorful, heavy hitting options. However, consumers must be diligent in their search for true Gelato strains, as many claiming to be Gelato, or its offshoots like Runtz, are imposters.

Consumers should note that the Gelato strain family delivers with some of the most fragrant and stunning buds bursting with vibrant orange, pink, purple, and dark green hues. 

What are the Reported Effects of Gelato Strains?

The Gelato strain family is often associated with delivering balanced, full-body highs, with effects frequently felt throughout the body all at once.

Capable of producing a diverse range of effects, Gelatos are popular in both recreational and medical consumer communities. Some of the most commonly reported effects include:

• Euphoria: Increased happiness and euphoria are among the most commonly reported effects.
• Relaxation: Gelato strains’ soothing physical relaxation and calming effects are common at the tail end of the consumption experience.
• Creativity: Some consumers report feelings of increased creativity and focus. 
• Sensory Enhancement: In some consumer experiences, colors appeared more vibrant while sounds resonated stronger. 

The above effects are typical but not guaranteed, as each consumer will experience cannabis differently. Factors ranging from tolerance level, consumption method, the strain consumed, and plenty more can all influence the overall experience. 

What Conditions do Gelato Strains Help With?

Gelato is often linked to a range of beneficial effects centered around physical and/or mental relief. Some of the most common therapeutic effects associated with Gelato strains are: 

• Anxiety and Stress: Gelato’s euphoric and mood-boosting properties may help some patients manage anxiety and depression symptoms.
• Chronic Pain: The strain family’s relaxing properties have been linked to decreased chronic pain and inflammation levels in some patients. 
• Insomnia: The relaxing and sedative effects in Gelato strains may improve sleep quality in some consumers with conditions like insomnia.
• Loss of Appetite: Increased appetite is a common effect, potentially benefiting anyone experiencing appetite loss.
• Creative Block: While not a medical condition, the creative energy produced by Gelato strains may help creatives break through any mental blocks associated with their work. 

Anecdotal findings suggest that Gelato strains could benefit a large number of consumers. However, research into the short- and long-term effects of cannabis remains ongoing. Anyone interested in using cannabis for medical purposes should first consult with a medical physician. 

Main Terpenes in Gelato Strains

Terpenes are essential to plants. With cannabis, the microscopic compounds are crucial to creating a strain’s unique smells and flavors along with the “frosty” appearance on some buds. Terpenes also work with the plant’s hundreds of compounds, including THC and CBD, to create what many consider to be the optimal experience, also known as the Entourage Effect. 

Some of the more abundant terpenes found in Gelato strains include:

Limonene

Known for its zesty citrus aroma, limonene is often associated with increased mood elevation and decreased stress–as well as anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.

Linalool

Commonly found in indica strains, linalool offers a lavender-spice aroma with a reported wide array of benefits, including improved sleep, stress relief and antimicrobial properties. 

Myrcene

Myrcene offers a rich profile composed of earth, fruit, spice, and often musky herbs, associated with effects like improved sleep and pain relief.

Caryophyllene

With its spicy, floral and peppery aromas, caryophyllene has a unique ability to directly activate CB2 receptors, something other terpenes cannot do.

The Top 5 Gelato Strains

Gelato strains are abundant these days. From well-known names to more under-the-radar crowd pleasers, plenty of picks are worthy of top five consideration. 

With much to choose from, consider the below options as some of the best to get introduced to the Gelato family:

Gelato

The OG. Gelato, also known as Gelato 33 or Larry Bird, contains various fruity, creamy flavors including berry, sherbet, orange, and vanilla. Known for producing effects that make users feel relaxed, happy, and aroused, Gelato is used by many to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.

Gelato 41

Gelato 41, aka Bacio Gelato, is a potent indica strain popular for its deep purple buds, relaxing effects, and sweet vanilla, chocolate, and orange aromas. Consumers often choose Gelato 41 for reducing anxiety, stress, and pain levels–which may also improve sleep.

Black Cherry Gelato

Black Cherry Gelato is a sweet, berry-flavored hybrid strain known for its relaxing, sleep-inducing effects and increased hunger. It is commonly used for managing pain, depression, and stress.

Lemon Cherry Gelato 

Lemon Cherry Gelato is regarded for its blend of tangy, tropical citrus and cherry flavors. Its relaxing, giggly effects and pleasant, tingling body sensation, make it a regular pick among those with anxiety, depression, and pain.

Super Runtz

Runtz is arguably the most popular cultivar, formed from a Gelato cross. Super Runtz carries on the family lineage, offering a sweet, fruity citrus profile known for uplifting, focused effects balanced by eventual feelings of rest. With a wide range of reported effects, consumers may turn to Super Runtz to ease anxiety, depression, or stress levels while also improving their sleep.

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.