Raspberry Cough: The Clarity Berry
Raspberry Cough: The Clarity Berry
Strain Overview
Type: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (70% Sativa / 30% Indica)
Breeder: Nirvana Seeds (Original Popularizer)
Lineage: Cambodian Landrace (Sativa) x ICE (Indica)
Market Status: The "Work Weed"; Raspberry Cough is a classic Sativa that has maintained a cult following for decades. While its name implies a harsh smoke, the "Cough" actually refers to the rapid lung expansion and potency that often catches smokers off guard. Unlike its daughter (Raspberry Kush), which puts you to sleep, Raspberry Cough is designed to wake you up. It fuses the racy, electric energy of a Southeast Asian landrace with the resin production of the Dutch classic ICE. It is widely considered one of the best strains for productivity, focus, and depression.
THC Content: Moderate to High (18% – 24%)
Dominant Terpenes: Pinene, Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Limonene
Key Effects: Clear-Headed Focus, Energetic Buzz, Mood Elevation, Mild Euphoria
Raspberry Cough is high-octane fuel for the brain.
It offers a sharp, crisp profile that wakes up the senses. It smells of Asian spices, fresh raspberries, and pine needles. It eschews the "heavy" feeling of modern poly-hybrids, offering a clean, soaring high that allows you to function, create, and socialize without the fog.
History and Lineage: The East Meets West
This strain is a breeding triumph that tamed a wild Landrace Sativa for indoor growers.
The Mother (Cambodian Landrace): The caffeine. This indigenous Sativa from Southeast Asia is legendary for its no-ceiling, jitter-free energy. However, like most landraces, it grows uncontrollably tall and takes forever to flower.
The Father (ICE): The anchor. A powerhouse Indica-dominant hybrid (Afghan x Shiva x Northern Lights x Skunk), ICE was chosen to reduce the height, increase the density, and shorten the flowering time of the Cambodian mother without overpowering its Sativa effects.
The Synthesis: Raspberry Cough is the perfect compromise. It retains the clear, electric high and exotic spice of the Cambodian parent but grows on a plant that is manageable indoors and covered in the "Ice" (trichomes) of the father.
Terpene Profile: Spiced Berries and Pine
The aroma of Raspberry Cough is distinctively sharp and spicy, contrasting with the creamy sweetness of the Kush varieties.
Dominant Terpenes
Pinene (The Focus): The dominant terpene. It provides a sharp pine forest and turpentine aroma. Pinene is known as a bronchodilator (opens lungs) and aids memory retention, contributing to the "Clear" high.
Caryophyllene (The Spice): Highly present. It adds a peppery, Asian spice note that hits the nose immediately.
Myrcene (The Fruit): While less dominant than in the Kush version, it provides the subtle raspberry and herbal tea sweetness that softens the spice.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is zesty and earthy. It smells of spiced herbal tea, pine needles, dried raspberries, and eucalyptus.
The Smoke: Expansive and sharp. It tastes of earthy spice and tart berry on the inhale, with a piney, woody finish on the exhale.
Strain Effects: The Productivity Tool
Raspberry Cough is famous for being a "functional" drug. It is favored by those who need to get things done.
The Experience
The Expansion: The smoke expands in the lungs (hence the name), leading to an immediate head rush. You feel awake instantly.
The Clarity: Unlike Haze strains which can be dreamy or foggy, this high is laser-focused. It quiets background noise and allows you to zero in on tasks.
The Motivation: It acts as a mild stimulant. It is excellent for cleaning the house, exercising, or powering through a boring spreadsheet.
The Peace: The Cambodian genetics provide a sense of inner calm and well-being, making it a powerful anti-depressant without the sedation.
Best For: Daytime work, studying, hiking, fatigue, depression, and asthma (due to bronchodilating terpenes).
Growing Raspberry Cough: The Tamed Sativa
Thanks to the ICE father, this plant is much easier to grow than a pure Landrace, though it still demands respect.
Growth Structure
The Stature: Tall. It leans Sativa in structure. Even with the ICE influence, it will stretch significantly in flower. Early topping is recommended to control height.
The Yield: Moderate to High. It produces long, thin colas rather than chunky nuggets.
The Foliage: It has thin, saw-toothed Sativa leaves that allow light to penetrate deep into the canopy.
The Resilience: It is generally hardy and resistant to cooler temperatures, thanks to the Dutch genetics in the father.
The Time: It finishes flowering in 9 to 11 weeks. Patience is required to let the Sativa buds swell.
Grower’s Tip: Do not harvest too early. The Cambodian genetics often throw out a second wave of pistils late in flower. Wait until the trichomes are cloudy to amber; harvesting too early can result in a jittery, anxious high.
Similar Strains / Lineage Relations
If you enjoy the profile or growth of Raspberry Cough, you might also appreciate these three genetically related or similar strains:
Raspberry Kush: The Daughter.
Why: As detailed in previous reviews, this is the direct offspring. Choose the daughter if you love the raspberry flavor but want to sleep or relax rather than work. It flips the effect from Energy to Sedation.
Strawberry Cough: The Rival.
Why: This is the most comparable strain on the market. Both are "Cough" fruit Sativas. Strawberry Cough tends to be sweeter and more floral, while Raspberry Cough is spicier and earthier. Both offer excellent clear-headed highs.
ICE: The Father.
Why: If you want the resin production and growth structure of Raspberry Cough but want a heavy, "Stoned" Indica effect, grow the father. It is a classic Dutch "White" strain known for potency.
Final Verdict: The Clarity Berry
Raspberry Cough is the coffee of the cannabis world. It is a utility strain designed for the morning and the afternoon. It offers a unique flavor profile that blends the exotic spice of Southeast Asia with the sweet berries of the West, all wrapped in a package that keeps you motivated and happy. If you have a long to-do list and need a boost that tastes delicious, this is your strain.
You should choose Raspberry Cough if:
You love Spice/Berry/Pine flavors.
You need Focus and Energy.
You suffer from Fatigue or Depression.
You dislike "Foggy/Confusing" highs.
Score: 9.3/10 (The Productivity Berry)