Gelato #45: The Michael Jordan of Phenotypes
Gelato #45: The Michael Jordan of Phenotypes
Strain Overview
Type: Hybrid (Indica Leaning / 60/40 Split)
Breeder: Cookie Family (Mario Guzman aka Sherbinski & Jigga)
Lineage: Sunset Sherbert x Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies
Market Status: Global Icon; The "Breeder's Choice" for modern crosses.
THC Content: 20% – 25%
Dominant Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Limonene, Humulene
Key Effects: Mood Elevation, Creamy Relaxation, Social Ease, Balanced Euphoria
In the legendary "Phenotype Hunt" that took place in the San Francisco Bay Area garages of the Cookie Family, number 33 got the fame (Larry Bird), and number 41 got the power (Bacio). But number 45? Gelato #45 got the style.
Nicknamed the "Michael Jordan" phenotype (referencing MJ's jersey number), Gelato #45 is widely considered the most aesthetically pleasing and stable of all the Gelato lines. While it may lack the heavy sedative knockout of the #41, it makes up for it with incredible bag appeal, a smoother velvet-like smoke, and a genetic stability that has made it the backbone of the modern "Exotic" market. If you are smoking a top-shelf purple strain in 2026, there is a high probability Gelato #45 is the mother.
History and Lineage: The Bay Area Royalty
The creation of the Gelato line is perhaps the most important breeding event of the 2010s.
The Parents:
Sunset Sherbert: The father of the modern dessert trend. It brings the sweet, fruity, creamy profile.
Thin Mint GSC: The legendary phenotype of Girl Scout Cookies. It brings the potency, the minty undertone, and the rock-hard bud structure.
The Selection: When breeders Jigga and Sherbinski grew out the seeds from this cross, they found several "keepers."
#33 (Larry Bird): The most balanced.
#41 (Bacio): The strongest/gassiest.
#45 (Michael Jordan): The prettiest. It was selected specifically for its deep purple coloring, incredible trichome density, and sweet, non-offensive flavor profile.
The Legacy: Gelato #45 became the "Breeder's Cut." Because it transfers its purple color and frosty structure so reliably to its offspring, it was used to create countless hits, including The Menthol, Jet Fuel Gelato, and Biscotti.
Terpene Profile: Berries and Cream
Gelato #45 defines the "Dessert Weed" category. It has almost no "skunk" or "fuel" smell. It smells like a bakery.
Dominant Terpenes
Caryophyllene (The Spice): Provides a warm, cinnamon-like background that interacts with the sweet notes to create a "baked goods" aroma.
Limonene (The Citrus): Instead of sour lemon, this presents as a sweet, candied citrus—like the glaze on a fruit tart.
Humulene (The Hops): Adds a subtle earthy/woody note that keeps the sweetness from being artificial.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: A rich blend of sweet berries, lavender, and earthy dough. It smells soft and inviting, not sharp.
The Smoke: It is famous for being incredibly smooth on the throat (velvet smoke). The taste is creamy vanilla, sweet cherries, and a hint of mint on the exhale.
Strain Effects: The Happy Medium
Gelato #45 is the ultimate "Mood Weed." It doesn't send you to space, and it doesn't glue you to the floor. It puts you in a good mood.
The Experience
The Lift: The high begins with a cerebral buzz that wipes away stress and grumpiness. It is an instant antidepressant.
The Float: A physical relaxation sets in, but it isn't heavy. You feel light and floaty rather than weighed down.
The Social: This is an excellent strain for sharing. It makes you talkative, giggly, and appreciative of art or music.
The Functionality: Unlike Gelato #41, you can still get things done on #45. It is perfect for gaming, creative work, or chores.
Best For: Depression, social anxiety, creative blocks, and daytime relaxation.
Medical Benefits
While recreational users love the flavor, medical patients appreciate the mental relief.
Mood Disorders: It is widely used for depression and PTSD because it provides euphoria without the racing thoughts of a Sativa.
Chronic Fatigue: It offers a mental spark that helps with motivation.
Mild Pain: It helps with general aches and stiffness, though it may not be strong enough for severe acute pain.
Stress: The "comfort food" flavor profile combined with the relaxing terpenes acts as a nervous system dampener.
Growing Gelato #45: The Purple Queen
This is the strain you grow when you want to show off.
Growth Structure
The Color: This is one of the few strains that will turn jet black/purple regardless of temperature. The contrast between the dark leaves and the white resin is stunning.
The Structure: It grows with a classic hybrid structure—medium height, strong lateral branching.
The Yield: Moderate. It is not a massive producer like Blue Dream, but the quality of the buds (A+++) justifies the lower weight.
The Resistance: It is surprisingly hardy for a cookie strain, showing decent resistance to mold and mildew.
Flowering Time: 9 weeks.
Grower’s Tip: Gelato #45 is a "calmag" hog. Make sure you supplement Calcium and Magnesium during the flowering stretch, or you will see rust spots on the leaves. Also, flush well at the end to let those purple colors shine through without excess nitrogen interference.
Final Verdict: The Exotic Standard
Gelato #45 is the strain that civilized the high-potency market. Before Gelato, strong weed tasted like fuel and earth. Gelato #45 proved that weed could taste like dessert and look like a jewel. While it may have been surpassed in raw potency by newer crosses, it remains the Gold Standard for Bag Appeal. If you want a strain that looks beautiful in the jar, tastes like sweet cream, and makes you feel like an NBA legend, you want the #45.
You should choose Gelato #45 if:
You want the best-tasting strain in the Gelato family.
You are growing for bag appeal (Deep Purple/Black buds).
You prefer a balanced, happy high over a knockout stone.
You are an artist or creative looking for inspiration.
Score: 9.5/10 (The Aesthetic King)