Gelato 45 Strain Review: Flavor, Effects & Sativa/Indica.

What is the Gelato 45 Strain?

Gelato 45 is one of the most talked-about strains in the Gelato family, known for its strong flavor, balanced effects, and beautiful appearance. If you’ve seen buds that sparkle with trichomes and smell like sweet cream mixed with fuel, it might have been Gelato 45.

This strain comes from crossing Girl Scout Cookies (Thin Mint) with Sunset Sherbet, making it a hybrid with strong indica effects. Still, it doesn’t knock you out like a heavy couch-lock indica. That’s why many smokers ask: “Is Gelato 45 strain indica or sativa?” The answer is: it leans indica-dominant, but it won’t leave you stuck. You’ll feel calm and lifted at the same time.

Gelato 45 became popular through brands like Connected Cannabis Co. and Cookies, especially in California. It’s now grown by licensed cultivators across the U.S. and even in places like Spain and Canada. You’ll find it listed on major strain sites like AllBud and Leafly, often rated 4.5+ stars by users who love its mix of flavor and feel.

So, what makes this strain stand out from other Gelato numbers like 33 or 41? What kind of high does it give? Is it best for daytime or night? Can beginners use it? Let’s break it all down and show you where to find the real thing, plus 7 trusted Gelato-related picks from known dispensaries.

Top 7 Gelato Strains & Brands You Should Know

1. Gelato 45 by Connected Cannabis Co. (California)

This version is one of the original and most trusted. You’ll get dense buds, strong bag appeal, and a clean high with both body and mental effects. It’s sold in many high-end California dispensaries.

Features:

• THC: 24–29%
• Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
• Flavor: Sweet, earthy, creamy gas
• Aroma: Cream and pine
• Grow type: Indoor

Pros:

• Trusted brand quality
• Consistent flavor and effect
• Smooth smoking
• Looks premium
• Often lab-tested

Cons:

• Expensive per eighth
• Hard to find outside California

2. Gelato 33 (Larry Bird) – Cookies Brand

While not Gelato 45, Gelato 33 helped put the Gelato family on the map. Known for its bright purple hues and balanced high, it’s a go-to for people who like a clear mind with a relaxed body.

Features:

• THC: 22–26%
• Type: Balanced hybrid
• Flavor: Fruity and sweet
• Aroma: Vanilla and mint
• Looks: Purple-green with orange hairs

Pros:

• Great for focus
• Widely available
• Less sedative than Gelato 45
• Easy on the lungs
• Good for any time of day

Cons:

• Weaker body high
• Doesn’t hit as hard for daily users

3. GDP x Gelato 45 (aka Gello) – Private Growers in Michigan & Oregon

This mix of Granddaddy Purple and Gelato 45 is rich in body effects. You’ll feel a strong chill without losing clarity. Some call it “Gello,” and it’s mostly sold through private-label cultivators.

Features:

• THC: 26–30%
• Type: Strong indica hybrid
• Flavor: Grape candy and diesel
• Aroma: Sharp, earthy funk
• Texture: Sticky and dense

Pros:

• Deep body high
• Great for sleep
• Pain relief focused
• Rare cut
• Makes good concentrates

Cons:

• Not easy to find
• May cause dry mouth

4. Gelato #45 by Jungle Boys – Los Angeles, CA

Jungle Boys is one of the most respected names in West Coast cannabis, and their Gelato #45 cut lives up to the hype. Their version is grown in small batches with heavy indoor control. This strain feels strong but balanced—you can still think straight, but your body will feel like it’s floating.

Features:

• THC: 27–31%
• Type: Indica-leaning hybrid
• Flavor: Creamy with hints of fuel and vanilla
• Aroma: Sweet gas and earthy pine
• Grow style: Indoor only

Pros:

• Extremely high quality
• Clean burn and flush
• Dense buds with full trichomes
• Used in live resin production
• Smooth inhale

Cons:

• Premium price
• It may be too heavy for beginners

5. White Gelato – Amsterdam Genetics (Netherlands)

White Gelato is a European twist on the Gelato line. It’s grown and sold by Amsterdam Genetics and has gained popularity in Dutch coffee shops. This version crosses White Widow with Gelato, offering more cerebral effects and a floral smell.

Features:

• THC: 20–25%
• Type: Sativa-dominant hybrid
• Flavor: Light citrus, creamy floral
• Aroma: Herbal and pine
• Best for: Daytime

Pros:

• Great for social use
• Clear-minded high
• Easier on the body
• Less risk of anxiety
• Good for focus

Cons:

• Lower THC than others on this list
• May not satisfy heavy smokers

6. Gelato Mintz – Seed Junky Genetics

This hybrid is a cross between Gelato 45 and Kush Mintz, developed by Seed Junky. It’s icy-looking, rich in terpenes, and known for a relaxed but alert high. Great for afternoon or weekend use.

Features:

• THC: 25–29%
• Type: Hybrid
• Flavor: Mint, vanilla, and pine
• Smell: Herbal cream
• Origin: California-based breeder

Pros:

• Unique minty taste
• Long-lasting effects
• Balanced head and body feel
• Excellent bag appeal
• Smooth flavor profile

Cons:

• Hard to grow at home
• Rare in non-legal states

7. Sunset Gelato – San Francisco Bay Area, CA

If you like deeper body effects, this indica-heavy version of the Gelato family is worth trying. Sunset Gelato has a grape-candy smell and a relaxing buzz that hits within minutes. It’s popular in California and has spread to Oklahoma and Arizona shops.

Features:

• THC: 24–27%
• Type: Indica-dominant
• Flavor: Grape, citrus, vanilla
• Effects: Calming and body-heavy
• Popular for: Stress, sleep, pain

Pros:

• Strong evening strain
• Great for stress relief
• Good for heavier tolerance
• Can aid sleep
• Widely available in the U.S.

Cons:

• Not ideal for work or errands
• Can make you sleepy midday

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Gelato 45 Strain Cut

You’ll see Gelato 45 or related hybrids sold everywhere, but not all are equal. If you’re serious about quality, you need to look at a few key things before buying.

1. Know the Source

Buy from dispensaries or growers you trust. Brands like Cookies, Connected, Jungle Boys, or Seed Junky are known for legit Gelato genetics. If you’re buying street-level or unbranded weed labeled as “Gelato 45,” there’s a good chance it’s not real.

2. Check the THC and Terpenes

True Gelato 45 strain effects are smooth, with a calming body buzz and mental clarity. Look for THC levels between 24–30%, but don’t ignore terpenes—especially limonene, caryophyllene, and linalool. These control the taste and how the high feels.

3. Look at the Bud Quality

Real Gelato 45 should be dense, with bright orange hairs, lots of crystals, and a creamy, sweet smell. If it’s dry, has no smell, or looks flat green, it’s either old or fake.

4. Price is a Clue

Exotic strains like Gelato 45 usually cost more than average. If someone offers it cheap with no packaging or test results, be careful. You might be getting a low-grade hybrid passed off as Gelato.

What Strain is Gelato 45?

Gelato 45 is an indica-dominant hybrid, created by crossing Sunset Sherbet with Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. This combination gives it strong, relaxing effects along with a calm, balanced mental state. It’s not a pure indica, but it leans more toward the indica side, making it great for night use or late afternoons when you want to wind down without completely crashing.

Many people ask, “Is Gelato 45 strain indica or sativa?” The answer is simple: it’s indica-leaning but not heavy like some couch-lock strains. You’ll still be able to focus, hold a conversation, or watch a movie, but your body will feel calm and loose. That’s what makes it different from other heavy indicas—it relaxes without numbing your brain.

Compared to other Gelato cuts, 45 is deeper in aroma, slightly earthier, and has a creamier aftertaste. It also lasts longer than Gelato 33 or 41, especially in concentrates.

Gelato 45 Strain Effects and User Experience

The effects of Gelato 45 kick in quickly and usually start with a smooth mental lift. Most people feel a light pressure behind the eyes, followed by a calm, happy vibe. There’s no racing heart or paranoia, making it beginner-friendly in small doses.

After 15–20 minutes, the body high comes in slowly. It doesn’t hit like a truck, but it rolls in smooth, relaxing your arms, legs, and lower back. You’ll feel chill, slightly heavy, and maybe even a little smiley.

Common Gelato 45 effects:

• Calm and clear mind
• Body relaxation
• Light euphoria
• Reduced stress and tension
• Mild hunger (aka the munchies)

Good for:

• Evening smoking
• Stress relief
• Chilling with music or movies
• Post-work recovery
• Light social settings

In high doses, Gelato 45 can make you sleepy, especially if you smoke late at night or mix it with edibles. But in small amounts, it’s manageable and doesn’t drag you down.

FAQ: Gelato 45 Strain