Gelonade strain: a fan-favorite weed variety 

gelonade strain nugs

With so many types of cannabis on the market today, shopping at the dispensary can be overwhelming. However, one variety that’s perfect for newbies and connoisseurs alike is the Gelonade strain.

This sativa-dominant hybrid is uplifting but not buzzy, offering surprisingly balanced effects. Its brilliant green nugs feature bright orange hairs and a generous coating of frosty trichomes, giving A+ bag appeal. Gelonade’s tangy citrus aroma is invigorating, inviting, and simply irresistible. 

As a cannabis strain, Gelonade could be pure perfection. If you’re curious about why the California favorite gets such high regard, this guide has all you need to know.

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Gelonade strain lineage

Gelonade is a cross of Lemon Tree and Gelato 41, first created by Sacramento-based Connected Cannabis. The variety was an instant hit when it first debuted, taking home the 2018 Cannabis Cup for Best Sativa Flower.

 

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The strain boosts a well-regarded genetic line, with heavy hitters on both sides. Gelato 41 is a member of the prominent Cookies family and is itself a cross between Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Cookies. Ancestors on the Cookies side include iconic landraces Durban Poison and Hindu Kush.

Lemon Tree actually shares some of the same relatives as Gelato 41, specifically gas-forward Chemdawg. Other notable family members include Skunk #1 and Afghani.

Terpene profile and potency 

The dominant terpenes in the Gelonade strain from Connected are citrusy limonene, peppery caryophyllene, and floral linalool. These compounds are responsible for the deliciously fragrant aroma and flavor profile. They also help drive the effects.

Opening a jar of Gelonade, you’re immediately struck by the tantalizing scent. A lemon-forward perfume focuses the mind, while hints of fuel and tang scintilate the nostrils. Notes of vanilla and tropical fruit round out the complex bouquet.

In terms of taste, Gelonade is even more complex. The smoke is mouth-puckering yet skunky with a side of cream, almost like you bought a lemon sorbet at the local gas station. It’s new-school exotic weed meets old-school genetics at its finest. 

 

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Gelonade strain effects

Gelonade is known to be an energizing weed strain perfect for focus or enhanced creativity. However, it’s also well-balanced, meaning it’s not overtly buzzy like some other sativa strains. Instead, it offers a happy high perfect for any time of day.

Given the dynamic and spirited effects of Gelonade, it may be a great choice for a gathering or sesh. A few hits could turn you into the life of the party, chatting the night away. Many reviewers smoke the strain prior to doing chores, finding their homes squeaky clean in no time.

Gelonade tends to be on the potent side. Eighths from Connected currently being sold in San Francisco are testing around 30 percent THC. Despite its high THC content, novices should still enjoy the pleasant effects—as long as they only take one or two hits.

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Growing the Gelonade strain

Gelonade is thought to be a relatively easy weed strain to grow both indoors and outdoors. Feminized Gelonade seeds from Blimburn flower in eight to nine weeks and could easily produce a pound per plant if conditions are right. Blimburn suggests low-stress training and hydroponic mediums for its Gelonade genetics.

On the plant, Gelonade buds are incredibly visually appealing, with tons of orange pistils. Expect a bright green hue with flecks of purple and a thick coating of trichomes. It may be tempting to smoke this flower as soon as it comes off the stalk, but patience is a virtue during the drying and curing process, so be sure to give this one all the time it needs.

gelonade strain cannabis plant
Expect Gelonade plants to have flecks of purple and orange Photo: Getty & Canva

Gelonade strain frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Want to know more about the Gelonade strain? You’re not alone. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.

Is Gelonade strain indica or sativa?

Gelonade is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain. However, it is incredibly balanced thanks to the unique blend of terpenes. Genetics and growing conditions can impact the final plant, and every person is different, meaning Gelonade effects may vary.

Who created Gelonade?

Gelonade was initially created by Connected Cannabis in Sacramento, California. Other brands have since debuted their own versions.

Is Gelonade top shelf?

Given the hype around Gelonade, it definitely fetches top-shelf prices in many markets. Budget-friendly varieties do exist, so it’s worth asking a budtender about the different brands available at the local dispensary.

Why is it called Gelonade?

The name Gelonade comes from the plant’s parents: Gelato 41 and Lemon Tree. Instead of calling the strain Gelotree or Lemonato, the breeders instead opted to invoke lemonade landing on Gelonade.

Gelonade: an uplifting fan-favorite

Gelonade may have hit the scene five years ago, but there’s a reason it’s still in high demand. The mouth-watering aroma, stunning appearance, and incredibly joyful effects make the strain a consistent top-seller. 

The universal appeal puts Gelonade in the ranks of other popular varieties such as Wedding Cake, Blue Dream, and Runtz. With so many fervent fans, Gelonade could easily end up in the weed strain hall of fame. 

 

rachelle gordon

Rachelle Gordon is a cannabis journalist, Emerald Cup judge, Budist critic, and editor of GreenState.com. She began her weed writing journey in 2015 and has been featured in High Times, CannabisNow, Beard Bros, MG, Skunk, and many others. Rachelle currently splits her time between Minneapolis and Oakland; her favorite cannabis cultivars include Silver Haze and Tangie. Follow Rachelle on Instagram @rachellethewriter