The Cookie Fam has released several varietals of Gelato, with each assigned its own number. For this review, we went with the highest-shelf and most popular choice: Gelato #33, also known as “Larry Bird,” ironically named for the jersey number of the only NBA player who probably never smoked any weed. 

There were a few other Gelato strains available at Cookies SF on my visit. Gelato #25 was the most noticeably pungent of the bunch. Gelato #41 was visibly teeming with the most orange hairs. Gelato #45 has the highest THC content, weighing in at 26.7 percent THC. All of them are sweet-smelling and potent. But Gelato #33 is the most well-known and popular, so that’s the Gelato we put to the taste test.

This strain is from the Cookie Family, so you know there will be some Girl Scout Cookie — that is, the Cookies with the infamous F1 phenotype of Durban Poison — in the mix.

Gelato #33 is a cross between OG Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookie and Sunset Sherbet, a lineage made clear by its minty-sweet aroma and impressive prevalence of orange hairs.

Upon firing up this particular Gelato, the head high hits you immediately — like, before you’ve even exhaled. The taste is a thick, woody smoke with a refined lavender aftertaste. Right from the first puff, Gelato #33 boldly announces itself as premium, top-quality bud.

The cerebral, heady high is outlasted by a more relaxing body effect. This is, after all, an indica-dominant strain with high THC. This strain seems ideal for low-impact outdoor activities like hiking or walking, with a mind-expanding euphoria that hits quickly and allows for focus and concentration. But within 10 to 20 minutes, that head high evolves smoother and more physical body calm that remains for close to an hour.

That said, if you’re at risk for paranoia or depression, then the strong Gelato #33 might not be the best strain for you to use. The initial powerful head high is indeed conducive to concentration, but also has the potential to set you on a negative head trip if you’re not in a good space mentally.

A fun little burst of energy came with my first few puffs of Gelato #33, giving way to a more relaxing sense of rest. In that sense, the effect of this Gelato really is kind of like a sugar buzz.

Potency: 21.6% THC, 0% CBD

Appearance: These flowers look like dense and compact tiny little boulders, all somewhat ovular and football-shaped. They’re dark green with clearly visible purpling, orange-red hairs and frosted with a coating of crystals.

Aroma: Totally like a Starburst. A sweet, fruit soda-like scent with hints of cannabis spiciness.

Flavor: Very subtle for the Girl Scout Cookie lineage, but an austere, hashy, premium taste.

Effect: A dreamy head high upon first contact, followed by a lengthy, physically relaxing body high. The effect lasts for up to an hour, but does allow for physical functioning.

Medical Applicability: The body high is useful for eliminating moderate physical pain or muscle spasms, or as a general analgesic. The strain has a relaxing feel and is useful for combating irritability.

Overall Impression: Many people call this Gelato a “daytime” smoke, but I would save it for days with short to-do lists and lots of opportunities for relaxation.