If you love buzzy, inspiring hybrids that practically beg you to get off the couch, you’re going to love the Gelonade weed strain. An aromatic, highly potent, and full-flavored cannabis variety, Gelonade is a smash hit both in the adult-use and medical communities. Many fans appreciate how it helps them unwind and feel more at ease, making it a popular choice among those navigating daily stress or physical discomfort.
We’re proud to offer Gelonade as part of our in-house lineup, and in this deep dive, we’re sharing everything you need to know before trying it yourself, including:
- Gelonade strain origins and genetics
- Is the Gelonade strain indica or sativa?
- Appearance, flavor, and aroma
- The Gelonade experience: strain effects
- Tips for growing Gelonade
…and more on the Gelonade experience. Ready for a citrussy kick? Let’s get rolling!
Gelonade’s Strain Origin and Genetics
First bred by Connected California and now cultivated by HENDRX, who acquired Connected in 2017, Gelonade has become a staple on many “best of” lists. It even took home 1st Place Sativa in the 2018 Amsterdam Cannabis Cup. What makes it so special? It all comes down to its genetics.
Gelonade is a cross between Lemon Tree and Gelato 41—two strains known for their punchy effects and memorable flavors. Together, they create something that’s more than the sum of its parts: a citrus-scented sativa with serious staying power.
Lemon Tree
There’s no mistaking the aroma of this lemony strain. With a bold mix of diesel and citrus, Lemon Tree is known for creating a feel-good vibe that many turn to when they want to reset after a long day. Its uplifting profile makes it a favorite for those seeking a fresh mental perspective and a little lightness in their routine.
Gelato 41
A cross between Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Cookies, Gelato balances sweet, creamy notes with a rich floral finish. Many describe the experience as mentally stimulating yet physically grounding, making it a versatile strain that’s earned a loyal following for its complex effects and standout taste.
Is Gelonade Strain Indica or Sativa?
Technically speaking, Gelonade is a hybrid. But if you’re shopping based on traditional effects, it leans heavily into its sativa lineage. Think of it as your go-to for a creative spark or midday motivation. Whether you’re catching up with friends or getting into a weekend project, Gelonade brings the kind of focused energy you’ll want to ride for hours.
How Potent Is the Gelonade Strain?
Since it’s a natural agricultural product, Gelonade’s THC level can vary from crop to crop. But with a THC content ranging from the low 20% range all the way up to a reported 31%, it’s a cultivar to be approached with care. For reference, our premium house-grown Gelonade strain currently tests out at roughly 22% THC.
Gelonade’s Bag Appeal: Appearance, Flavor, and Aroma
If you love to get up close and personal with cannabis flower, Gelonade is a feast for the eyes, sporting dense, bright-green buds set against rich purple leaves and thickets of deep orange pistils. Just one glance at the dense coating of trichomes should tell you Gelonade is one potent strain.
As for its flavor, Gelonade is bright and tangy, with zesty citrus notes set off by creamy vanilla. It boasts a complex aromatic profile thanks to its dynamic terpenes, the fragrant oils that lend their scents—and some effects—to cannabis, as well as countless other plants. The dominant terpenes in Gelonade include:
- Limonene: Delivers bright citrus notes and is associated with mood-boosting effects.
- Caryophyllene: Spicy, peppery, and clove-like, this full-flavored terpene adds mystery to countless strains. Some studies suggest it may help control inflammatory and nociceptive pain, as well as potentially relieve anxiety and depression.
- Myrcene: Earthy and musky, this terpene is essential to the cannabis world and is believed to play a major role in the ensemble effect, synergizing the actions of other terpenes and cannabinoids. By itself, myrcene exhibits potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Linalool: Floral and bracing, it’s the defining terpene in lavender. Some studies suggest it may help reverse the cognitive impairment and memory loss caused by neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s..
Together, these terpenes create a flavor profile that’s part lemon sorbet, part herbal cream—with a touch of peppery funk to keep it interesting.
The Gelonade Experience: Potential Strain Effects
Gelonade is a hybrid, with its genetics comprising 70% sativa and 30% indica. From the first hit, you’ll likely notice an immediate shift in perspective. Users describe the Gelonade strain as having cerebral, creative, and uplifting effects. It’s the kind of high that clears out mental cobwebs, making room for new ideas or fresh energy. That makes it perfect for daytime use, social settings, or any time you need to shake off a foggy mood.
On the flip side, if you’re looking for something to lull you to sleep or zone you out on the couch, Gelonade probably isn’t your best bet. It’s built for motion, interaction, and spark, not sedation. If you’re looking to wind down for the night, check out a classic indica instead.
Tips and Tricks for Growing the Gelonade Strain
Thinking about growing Gelonade? You’re in luck! It’s considered relatively low-maintenance, especially if you can offer the right conditions. This strain thrives in warm, humid environments with ample airflow, which helps mitigate the risk of mold and mildew.
Indoors, Gelonade typically flowers in about 8 to 9 weeks, while outdoor growers can expect to harvest by early to mid-October. When cultivated with care, it offers solid yields—up to 500 grams per square meter indoors and as much as 550 grams per plant outdoors. With the right setup and some basic training techniques, you’ll be well on your way to a vibrant and rewarding grow.
Other Gelonade Family Strains
Given Gelonade’s popularity, it should be no surprise that there are already a number of intriguing spin-offs. Here are a few we think are worth your time:
- Purple Gelonade: Like the original Gelonade weed strain, this variant is heady and sativa-like, but with sweeter and more candy-like flavors added to the mix.
- Cherry Gelonade: This Gelonade offshoot typically delivers a similar experience to the original, with a rush of euphoric inspiration and a noticeable buzz. However, the flavor is rounder, sweeter, and more soda-like, making it perfect for a day at the beach.
- Pink Gelonade: While it shares the same Gelonade strain genetics as the original, this phenotype is characterized by a distinctly pinkish hue in its buds. You can still expect the same dynamite mix of flavors and effects as the original, though.
The Gelonade Strain: The Region’s Best Selection of Flower, Edibles, and More
Gelonade is a must-try for those who enjoy high-energy strains with vivid flavors and a joyful, heady high. Whether you’re heading to the beach, going on a hike, or just looking for something to liven up your playlist, it’s the kind of flower that brings the sunshine with it.
Ready to explore it for yourself? Browse our online menu for a selection of Gelonade flower, pre-rolls, and more, also available for in-store shopping or same-day delivery throughout San Diego. Check out our delivery zone map to see if we deliver to your area.
We’re always here to help you find your new favorite.
