Orange Velvet: The Original Creamsicle Strain
Orange Velvet: The Original Creamsicle Strain
Strain Overview
Type: 50/50 Hybrid (Perfectly Balanced)
Origin: Pacific Northwest (USA) / Preserved by MzJill Genetics
Lineage: Unknown Skunk Lineage (Pacific Northwest Heirloom)
Famous Offspring: Mother of Jilly Bean
THC Content: 14% – 18% (Moderate / Connoisseur Grade)
Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, Valencene, Myrcene
Key Effects: Dreamy Euphoria, Gentle Mood Lift, Sensory Enhancement, Zero Anxiety
In the era of 30% THC monsters that smell like gasoline and garlic, Orange Velvet (often called OV) is a gentle, sweet reminder of a different time.
This strain is legendary not for its raw power, but for its flavor. It is widely considered to have one of the most distinct and delicious terpene profiles in cannabis history, smelling exactly like an Orange Creamsicle or melted sherbet.
While it was a cult favorite in the Pacific Northwest for years, it gained global fame as the mother plant used to create the award-winning Jilly Bean. It was the personal favorite of the legendary breeder MzJill, who saved this cut and used it to launch an empire of citrus-forward genetics. Orange Velvet is the ultimate "dessert weed" for smokers who care more about taste than getting obliterated.
History and Lineage: The Northwest Heirloom
The origins of Orange Velvet are somewhat mysterious, rooted in the underground growing scene of Washington and Oregon.
The Discovery: The strain was a clone-only variety circulating in the Pacific Northwest. It was essentially a unique Skunk phenotype that had lost the "skunk" smell entirely, replacing it with a sweet, creamy vanilla-citrus aroma.
The MzJill Connection: The strain was gifted to MzJill (co-founder of TGA Subcool Genetics). She recognized that while the plant wasn't the highest yielder or the most potent, its smell was one-in-a-million.
The Jilly Bean Era: To add vigor and potency to the gentle OV, MzJill and Subcool crossed it with the powerful Space Queen male. The result was Jilly Bean, which carried the Orange Velvet flavor to the masses. However, purists still hunt for the original Velvet cut for its smoother, creamier experience.
Terpene Profile: Orange Sherbet and Vanilla
Most "orange" strains (like Tangie) rely on a sharp, acidic Limonene profile that smells like cleaning fluid or rind. Orange Velvet is different. It relies on a rare combination of terpenes (including Valencene) that mimics the smell of sweet fruit flesh and cream.
Dominant Terpenes
Valencene: Named after Valencia oranges, this sesquiterpene provides a sweet, complex citrus aroma rather than a sour one.
Limonene: The engine of the mood-lifting effects.
Myrcene: Provides the "velvet" quality—a smoothness that rounds off the sharp edges of the citrus.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It smells like orange soda, vanilla ice cream, and subtle floral notes. It is incredibly inviting and sweet.
The Smoke: It is famous for being "velvety" smooth (hence the name). It rarely induces coughing. The exhale tastes of creamy orange candy and faint earth.
Strain Effects: The Softest High
Orange Velvet is the antithesis of a panic-inducing Sativa. It is gentle, warm, and friendly.
The Experience
The Smooth Entry: The high comes on slowly. There is no heart-racing rush. It feels like a warm bath for the brain.
The Euphoria: It puts a permanent smile on your face. It is a mood-enhancer that makes the world look brighter and friendlier.
The Clarity: You remain fully functional. It is an excellent strain for art, gardening, or socializing because it doesn't cloud your thoughts.
The Duration: It is a shorter high, typically lasting 60–90 minutes, fading gently without a crash.
Best For: Novice smokers, flavor chasers, daytime use, and curing a bad mood.
Medical Benefits of Orange Velvet
Because of its moderate THC and distinct terpene profile, it is a highly effective therapeutic strain for emotional regulation.
Anxiety & PTSD: This is a top-tier anti-anxiety strain. It lacks the racy edges of other citrus strains, providing a calm center.
Depression: The aromatherapy aspect of the orange scent combined with the euphoric high helps break gentle depressive episodes.
Nausea: The smooth smoke and stomach-settling terpenes make it great for those who cannot handle heavy, chem-tasting strains.
Social Anxiety: It acts as a perfect social lubricant, making conversation easy and fluid.
Growing Orange Velvet: The Connoisseur's Crop
Growing Orange Velvet is done for love, not for cash cropping.
Growth Structure
The Yield: It is a moderate yielder. It doesn't produce massive colas, but rather many medium-sized, rock-hard nuggets.
The Color: The plant is beautiful, often developing maroon and purple leaves that contrast against the bright orange pistils.
Resin: The resin is greasy rather than sandy. It feels oily to the touch, which is a sign of high terpene content.
Difficulty: It is relatively easy to grow, though it can be sensitive to over-feeding. It prefers organic soil and a lighter nutrient schedule.
Grower’s Tip: To maximize the "creamsicle" smell, do not rush the drying process. A slow, cool cure of at least 30 days is required to let the Myrcene and Valencene marry into that signature vanilla-orange scent.
Final Verdict: The Dessert of the Garden
Orange Velvet is a strain that proves potency isn't everything. In a world of high-octane hybrids, OV stands out by offering a luxurious, sensory experience. It is the comfortable sweater of cannabis strains—cozy, reliable, and delightful.
You should choose Orange Velvet if:
You prioritize flavor above all else.
You want a strain that smells like dessert (specifically Orange Creamsicle).
You are prone to anxiety and need a gentle, happy high.
You are a fan of MzJill or the Jilly Bean lineage.
Score: 9.3/10 (The Flavor Champion)