Strawberry Cough is a well-known cannabis strain recognized for its sweet strawberry aroma, smooth smoke, and uplifting cerebral effects. It is widely categorized as a Sativa-dominant hybrid, making it a popular choice among users looking for an energizing and mentally stimulating experience. Known for its distinctive flavor and gentle cough-inducing exhale, Strawberry Cough has earned a reputation in the cannabis community for both its sensory profile and social functionality.
This strain gained popularity not just for its effects but also for its genetics and story. Bred by legendary cultivator Kyle Kushman, Strawberry Cough is believed to be a cross between Strawberry Fields and Haze, two strains known for their unique terpene and cannabinoid profiles. The result is a hybrid that leans heavily toward the Sativa side, offering users an alert, creative, and euphoric high.
Strawberry Cough is frequently sought out by medical and recreational users alike due to its reported benefits for managing stress, anxiety, and mood-related conditions. Its ability to provide mental clarity without heavy sedation makes it a strong contender for daytime use or social scenarios.
In the sections that follow, we will break down its classification, genetics, effects, and key characteristics so you can understand exactly what makes Strawberry Cough one of the most iconic cannabis strains available today.
Is Strawberry Cough a Sativa or Indica?
Strawberry Cough is classified as a Sativa-dominant hybrid, meaning it shares more characteristics with Cannabis sativa than Cannabis indica. While it may contain some indica genetics due to its hybrid status, its effects, growth patterns, and terpene profile are primarily aligned with traditional Sativa strains.
In terms of genetic expression, users report uplifting, cerebral effects that enhance focus, creativity, and sociability. These are hallmarks of Sativa-dominant strains, which are often preferred for daytime use and mental stimulation. Unlike heavy Indicas, which are associated with sedation and body relaxation, Strawberry Cough delivers a clear-headed high that supports energy and alertness.
From a cultivation perspective, Strawberry Cough exhibits tall growth, thinner leaves, and longer flowering times—traits commonly associated with Sativa varieties. The plant also produces buds with a light green color and bright orange hairs, often coated in a dense layer of trichomes that signal high resin content.
Its cannabinoid and terpene profile further supports its Sativa classification. Strawberry Cough often contains moderate to high levels of THC, typically ranging from 15 to 22 percent. Its dominant terpenes include myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, which together contribute to the strain’s unique combination of fruity aroma and energizing effect.
Whether you are seeking a strain to enhance daytime productivity or support mental clarity, Strawberry Cough’s Sativa-dominant nature makes it a standout option for users looking to avoid couch-lock while still enjoying the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
The Genetic Lineage of Strawberry Cough
Strawberry Cough is widely believed to be a cross between Strawberry Fields and Haze, two influential strains that contribute both to its flavor and its signature Sativa-leaning effects.
- Strawberry Fields is a lesser-known strain that imparts the rich, fruity aroma and sweet berry flavor that define Strawberry Cough. It is thought to be an Indica-dominant strain, which may explain the calming body sensations that occasionally accompany Strawberry Cough’s more cerebral high.
- Haze, on the other hand, is a classic Sativa strain renowned for its energizing, euphoric, and long-lasting effects. It is also known for contributing to elevated THC levels and a spicy, herbal terpene profile.
The resulting hybrid, Strawberry Cough, exhibits a genetic structure that leans strongly toward Sativa, but with just enough Indica influence to provide a smooth and manageable experience. This unique combination of traits has made it a staple in both medical and recreational cannabis communities.
While some variation exists across cultivators and seed banks, most phenotype expressions of Strawberry Cough retain the following consistent traits:
- A sweet, strawberry-forward nose inherited from Strawberry Fields
- A mentally stimulating, creative high typical of Haze lineage
- Compact, resin-rich buds with vibrant orange pistils
The genetic foundation of Strawberry Cough brings together two distinct cannabis lineages. The result is a strain that delivers a flavorful, uplifting experience rooted in carefully selected parent genetics.
Key Characteristics of Strawberry Cough
Strawberry Cough stands out for more than just its uplifting effects. It has a unique combination of chemical properties, aromatic compounds, and visual features that make it a go-to choice for many cannabis users.
THC and Cannabinoid Content
Strawberry Cough generally contains THC levels between 15 and 22 percent, offering a potent yet balanced experience. It has very low CBD content, making it more suitable for users seeking a psychoactive high rather than therapeutic effects from cannabidiol.
Terpene Profile
This strain’s effects and flavor are largely shaped by its dominant terpenes:
- Myrcene – contributes to the fruity, sweet aroma and mild relaxation
- Pinene – sharpens focus and may counteract memory fog
- Caryophyllene – adds a peppery kick and may offer anti-inflammatory properties
These compounds not only influence the taste and smell but also play a role in the strain’s mental and physical effects.
Flavor and Aroma
As its name suggests, Strawberry Cough has a sweet strawberry aroma that’s often described as fresh and slightly earthy. The smoke is smooth but has a tendency to cause a brief coughing fit — hence the name. On the exhale, many users pick up hints of herbs and mild spice.
Visual Appearance
The buds of Strawberry Cough are light green and densely packed, often dusted with a thick coating of crystal-like trichomes. Bright orange pistils weave through the flower, giving it a vibrant appearance that signals freshness and quality. Buds tend to be medium in size with a slightly conical or tapered shape.
Altogether, the strain’s strong visual appeal, aromatic profile, and moderate THC levels make it especially popular among users who enjoy flavorful Sativas that don’t sacrifice potency.
Common Effects
Users typically report the following sensations after consuming Strawberry Cough:
- Euphoria – a noticeable mood lift that promotes optimism and mental clarity
- Creativity – enhanced ideation and focus, often favored by artists and writers
- Sociability – an increase in talkativeness and ease in social settings
- Energy – a mild, functional buzz that helps keep you active without jitteriness
These effects are consistent with Sativa-dominant strains, making Strawberry Cough a good fit for users who want to stay productive or engage in daytime activities without feeling heavy or couch-locked.
History and Origin of Strawberry Cough
The story behind Strawberry Cough is nearly as iconic as the strain itself. Known for its flavorful smoke and uplifting effects, Strawberry Cough has a unique origin rooted in personal cultivation, urban growing conditions, and underground cannabis innovation.
Created by Kyle Kushman
Strawberry Cough was first bred by Kyle Kushman, a well-known cannabis cultivator, writer, and organic growing advocate. At the time, Kushman was working as a journalist for High Times Magazine and experimenting with genetics in his New York City apartment.
The original genetics came from a clone of Strawberry Fields, a strain named for its fruity aroma. According to Kushman, the clone was gifted to him by a friend who had grown it outdoors near a strawberry patch, which supposedly enhanced its sweet aroma. He later crossed it with a Haze plant, aiming to amplify the uplifting Sativa qualities while retaining the berry-forward terpene profile.
Rise to Fame in the Early 2000s
Strawberry Cough quickly gained traction after Kushman moved to the West Coast and began sharing the strain with other growers and medical patients in California. Its distinct strawberry aroma, expansive smoke, and energizing high made it a favorite among connoisseurs and dispensaries.
In the mid-2000s, Strawberry Cough became widely available in dispensaries across legal cannabis markets and was featured in various strain review publications. Its popularity has only grown with the rise of legal cannabis and the demand for flavorful, functional Sativa hybrids.
Cultivation Roots and Urban Legend
Part of the strain’s mystique comes from its origin in a New York City grow setup, where Kushman reportedly used organic, veganic cultivation methods even before they became mainstream. The idea that a now-famous strain began in an apartment closet using a gifted clone adds to its legend and underlines its grassroots appeal.
Today, Strawberry Cough remains a staple in both medical and recreational markets, and many growers continue to work with its genetics to develop new, terpene-rich hybrids.
FAQs About Strawberry Cough
Strawberry Cough is a Sativa-dominant hybrid known for its sweet strawberry aroma, smooth smoke, and uplifting cerebral effects that spark creativity and focus.
Strawberry Cough is a Sativa-dominant hybrid, meaning it shares more traits with Sativa cultivars. It delivers an energizing and mentally stimulating high perfect for daytime use.
Strawberry Cough is believed to be a cross between Strawberry Fields and Haze. These parent strains contribute to its fruity aroma, Sativa energy, and creative effects.
As the name suggests, it smells and tastes like fresh strawberries with hints of herbs and spice. The smoke is smooth but can make you cough slightly on the exhale.
Users report feelings of euphoria, focus, creativity, and sociability. It’s often chosen for daytime use and social settings since it provides clarity without heavy sedation.
Strawberry Cough was bred by Kyle Kushman, a legendary cultivator and writer who developed the strain by crossing a clone of Strawberry Fields with Haze in New York City.
Strawberry Cough’s main terpenes are myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene. Together they create its fruity, peppery scent and contribute to its uplifting and clear-headed effects.
