Guava
Guava is an 80% sativa-dominant hybrid with roots in Gelato #33 and the legendary Cookies Fam genetics. Dominated by Limonene, Caryophyllene, and Myrcene, it delivers a burst of tropical citrus aroma and a smooth, creamy flavor that lives up to its name. Expect euphoric mood elevation, sharp creative focus, and social energy — all wrapped in a gentle body warmth that keeps the experience grounded and enjoyable.
The Short Answer
What kind of high is Guava?
Limonene-led and creamy-tropical on the palate, most often reported euphoric and picked for nature activities in the morning.
Terpenes decide how a strain feels — THC% only decides how strong the dose is. Here is the family, the chemistry behind it, and what people reach for it to do.
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that shape the character of a high. The blend a strain carries — not its THC percentage — is what makes one feel bright and social and another heavy and sleepy, which is why the top three are listed rather than just the leader.
Terpene percentages belong to the jar, not the strain. They move with harvest timing, drying, cure and shelf age — the lighter ones literally evaporate. What holds steady is which terpenes lead, so that is what we rank.
See the full profile →Learn how terpenes work →- Anxiety reduction
- Mood elevation
- Stress relief
- Caryophyllene Spicy, peppery, woody
- Myrcene Earthy, musky, fruity
Ordered by measured share — the exact percentages shift with every batch and cure.
The effects reported most often across our research sources. Every body is different — set, setting and tolerance all move the result.
- Uplifted
- Happy
The activities this strain gets picked for most often, leading with the specific ones rather than the broad buckets nearly every strain shares. A starting point, not a prescription — what works for you is personal.
See the full list →The flavor notes reported most often across our research sources, led by the most specific one — flavor tracks the terpene blend, but cure, age and how you consume it all shift what actually lands on the palate.
See the full profile →- Sweet
- Berry
The aroma notes reported most often across our research sources — what the jar gives up before you light it. This is the strain's own recorded profile, not the textbook aroma of its lead terpene.
See the full profile →- Sweet
- Earthy
- Best Time morning
- Era 2012
- Rarity Common
Genetics Sativa-Dominant Hybrid A lineage label, not an effects predictor — most modern flower is a hybrid, and the terpene mix above is what you will actually notice.
Potency Check the label, not the strain Varies by batch, grower and harvest — check the label on the product you are buying. Scan your label → Reported ranges →
Heads up Most reported: dry mouth and dry eyes. Responses vary — start low, go slow. Review safety →
Your guided read
6 chapters on Guava
Start at the top and work down — each chapter builds on the one before it. Jump to any chapter to read it on its own.
- The Experience How this strain is reported to feel, and when people reach for it.
- Look, Aroma & Taste The smell and flavour you will actually notice — and the terpenes behind them.
- Chemistry & Research Therapeutic reports, published research, and what the lab numbers do — and do not — tell you.
- Using It Well Consumption methods that suit this strain, and the side effects to plan around.
- Where It Comes From The genetics, the breeders, and the recognition it has picked up along the way.
- The Full Story The long-form profile and community video reviews, once you want the detail.
Strain Highlights
Key insights at a glance
The Experience
Professor High Says...
In-depth strain breakdown from Professor High, our AI cannabis expert
Okay so — the first thing I noticed when I lit this up was the smell. Just this incredible tropical citrus wave, like someone squeezed a guava right next to a perfectly ripe mango. And then it hit. That Limonene-forward euphoria is something else entirely — it doesn't just lift your mood, it restructures it. Like my brain went from baseline to this bright, sunny operating mode where everything feels genuinely interesting and worth engaging with.
The focus is what really gets me scientifically. Limonene is documented to influence serotonin and dopamine transmission, and I can feel that mechanism working. My thoughts are organized but free-flowing — creative without being scattered. The Caryophyllene adds this warm spiced undertone to the experience, like a subtle body comfort that keeps you from feeling unmoored. It's the kind of high that makes you want to call a friend, pick up a sketchbook, or just go on a very enthusiastic walk and notice everything around you. Genuinely one of the more elegant sativa profiles I've encountered.
Effects Profile
Euphoric · Uplifted · Happy
Best enjoyed during morning
Energizing start to your day
Best For
Nature Activities · Concerts & Live Music · Stretching
Effect Sources
- 1 Guava Strain: Tropical Hybrid With a Smooth, Uplifting Twist secretnature.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 Guava Weed Strain Information | Leafly leafly.ca(opens in new tab)
- 3 Guava Strain Information & Effects sativauniversity.com(opens in new tab)
- 4 Strawberry Guava Strain - Hybrid Cannabis Review, 19% THC, 0.04% CBD & 0.77mg/g Limonene hytiva.com(opens in new tab)
- 5 Guava Strain - Fruity and Uplifting Cannabis wayofleaf.com(opens in new tab)
- 6 Guava Strain – Weedpedia.org weedpedia.org(opens in new tab)
- 7 Guava Cake Cannabis Strain Information - GrowDiaries growdiaries.com(opens in new tab)
7 verified sources
Look, Aroma & Taste
Aroma & Flavor
Fruity · Tropical · Sweet
Aroma & Flavor Sources
- 1 Guava Strain: Tropical Hybrid With a Smooth, Uplifting Twist secretnature.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 Guava Weed Strain Information | Leafly leafly.ca(opens in new tab)
- 3 Guava Strain Information & Effects sativauniversity.com(opens in new tab)
- 4 Strawberry Guava Strain - Hybrid Cannabis Review, 19% THC, 0.04% CBD & 0.77mg/g Limonene hytiva.com(opens in new tab)
- 5 Guava Strain - Fruity and Uplifting Cannabis wayofleaf.com(opens in new tab)
- 6 Guava Strain – Weedpedia.org weedpedia.org(opens in new tab)
- 7 Guava Cake Cannabis Strain Information - GrowDiaries growdiaries.com(opens in new tab)
7 verified sources
Aromas
Flavors
Terpene Profile
Limonene leads · 10 terpenes mapped
Terpene Sources
- 1 Guava Strain: Tropical Hybrid With a Smooth, Uplifting Twist secretnature.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 Guava Weed Strain Information | Leafly leafly.ca(opens in new tab)
- 3 Guava Strain Information & Effects sativauniversity.com(opens in new tab)
- 4 Guava Strain – Weedpedia.org weedpedia.org(opens in new tab)
- 5 Guava Cake Cannabis Strain Information - GrowDiaries growdiaries.com(opens in new tab)
5 verified sources
Terpene Distribution
Terpene profile: Limonene 0.8%, Caryophyllene 0.5%, Myrcene 0.4%, Phellandrene 0.2% .
Limonene Dominant
Flavor: Citrus, lemon, orange
Caryophyllene
Flavor: Spicy, peppery, woody
Myrcene
Flavor: Earthy, musky, fruity
Phellandrene
Full Profile
Limonene
0.85%
Flavor Profile:
Citrus, lemon, orange
Effects:
Caryophyllene
0.5%
Flavor Profile:
Spicy, peppery, woody
Effects:
Myrcene
0.4%
Flavor Profile:
Earthy, musky, fruity
Effects:
Phellandrene
0.23%
Linalool
Not lab-measured
Flavor Profile:
Floral, lavender, sweet
Effects:
Pinene
Not lab-measured
Flavor Profile:
Pine, fresh forest
Effects:
Carene
Not lab-measured
Ocimene
Not lab-measured
Flavor Profile:
Sweet, herbaceous, woody
Effects:
Humulene
Not lab-measured
Flavor Profile:
Hoppy, woody, earthy
Effects:
Bisabolol
Not lab-measured
Flavor Profile:
Sweet, floral, honey
Effects:
Appearance
Deep forest green · Bright lime green
Color Palette
Texture
Dense, well-structured nugs with a slightly sticky resin coating. The buds feel firm but not overly compact, with a visible layer of crystalline trichomes that catch light beautifully. The surface is slightly fluffy at the edges with tightly wound calyxes at the core.
Crystal Density
high
Heavy frost coating
Chemistry & Research
Medical Effects
12 reported therapeutic uses on file
Medical Effect Sources
- 1 Guava Strain: Tropical Hybrid With a Smooth, Uplifting Twist secretnature.com(opens in new tab)
- 2 Guava Weed Strain Information | Leafly leafly.ca(opens in new tab)
- 3 Guava Strain Information & Effects sativauniversity.com(opens in new tab)
- 4 Strawberry Guava Strain - Hybrid Cannabis Review, 19% THC, 0.04% CBD & 0.77mg/g Limonene hytiva.com(opens in new tab)
- 5 Guava Strain – Weedpedia.org weedpedia.org(opens in new tab)
- 6 Guava Cake Cannabis Strain Information - GrowDiaries growdiaries.com(opens in new tab)
6 verified sources
Mental Effects
- •Anxiety Relief
Reduces anxiety and promotes calm without heaviness
- •Stress Reduction
Alleviates stress and mental tension effectively
- •Mood Enhancement
Elevates mood and promotes happiness and euphoria
- •Depression Management
Helps alleviate depressive symptoms and low mood
- •Focus and Clarity
Enhances mental focus and concentration ability
- •ADHD Support
Assists with attention and hyperactivity management
Professor High visualization
Body Effects
- •Chronic Pain Relief
Reduces persistent pain and chronic discomfort
- •Inflammation Reduction
Decreases inflammatory response and swelling
- •Muscle Tension Relief
Eases muscle tension and physical tightness
- •Migraine and Headache Relief
Alleviates headaches and migraine symptoms
- •Appetite Stimulation
Increases appetite and helps with appetite loss
- •Nausea Relief
Reduces nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort
Medical Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated based on available research and user reports, provided for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical purposes. Do not use cannabis if pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition without consulting your doctor.
What Research Says
Peer-reviewed studies, terpene science & safety guidance
What does the research say about Guava?
Guava is a hybrid cannabis strain containing up to 30.0% THC, with a terpene profile dominated by Limonene and Caryophyllene. This page currently has good data confidence. Below are profile sources when available plus authoritative resources for understanding the compounds in this strain.
Terpene Research
Cannabinoid Information
Cannabis Regulations & Safety
Educational resources only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for health decisions.
Cannabinoids (THC & CBD)
THC 18.67-30% · Type I chemovar
THC% tells you how strong. Terpenes tell you how it feels.
THC percentage is a property of the product in your hand, not of the strain. It shifts with the batch, the grower, the harvest, and how the flower was cured and stored — the same strain can test several points apart from two different jars.
Treat the ranges below as market context for what to expect on a shelf — then read the actual label on the product you are buying, and use the terpene profile to judge how it will feel.
High THC (>15%), low CBD (<1%) - Most common recreational strains
Using It Well
Consumption Methods
Vaping · Smoking · Concentrates
Recommended Methods
Side Effects
Dry Mouth · Dry Eyes · +3 more
Side effects vary by individual. Start low, go slow. Consult a healthcare professional with concerns.
These are commonly reported effects. Individual experiences may vary based on dosage, tolerance, and consumption method.
Where It Comes From
Lineage & History
Gelato #33 × Sunset Sherbert · bred by Sherbinskis
Guava is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain with multiple documented lineages. Primary lineage traces to Gelato #33 (Sherbinskis breeding), while alternative sources indicate parentage from Sunset Sherbert and Girl Scout Cookies (Sherbzilla). Related strains include Guava IX (Stardawg x Guava), Strawberry Guava (Strawberry Banana x Papaya), and Guava Cake (Gold Leaf x Wedding Cake).
Genetics
Origin Timeline
First cultivated in 2012
Breeder
Sherbinskis
Seed Bank
Seed Junky Genetics
Awards & Recognition
2 awards & mentions
Competition Wins
Emerald Cup winner for best terpenes
1st Place Best Sativa 2012
The Full Story
Detailed Description
The long-form profile · ~4 min read
Guava: The Tropical Sativa-Dominant Hybrid That Radiates Pure Sunshine
If you've ever wanted a strain that transports you to a breezy tropical island while keeping your mind sharp and your spirit lifted, Guava is exactly what you've been searching for. This 80% sativa-dominant hybrid has earned a devoted following for its intoxicating aroma, smooth flavor profile, and a balanced high that manages to feel both energizing and genuinely relaxing at the same time.
🧬 Genetic Heritage & Lineage
Guava's roots trace back to some of the most celebrated genetics in modern cannabis culture. The primary lineage connects directly to Gelato #33, the crown jewel of Sherbinskis' legendary breeding program — a San Francisco Bay Area collective responsible for some of the most refined genetics of the 2010s. An alternate lineage documented by Sherbzilla points to Sunset Sherbert and Girl Scout Cookies as parent strains, both of which share deep ties to the same Cookies Fam genetic family. Either way, Guava inherits a remarkable genetic pedigree that consistently delivers premium-quality effects and flavor.
Originally developed in the 2010s, Guava quickly expanded its family tree. Notable related cultivars include:
- Guava IX — a cross with Stardawg by Nature's Heritage
- Strawberry Guava — Strawberry Banana x Papaya by Oni Seeds
- Guava Cake — Gold Leaf x Wedding Cake by Seed Junky Genetics
- Forbidden Guava — Stardawg x Afghani
👃 Terpene Profile & Aromatics
Guava's aromatic identity is one of its most celebrated qualities — and it's no accident. The terpene profile is dominated by a powerful triumvirate:
| Terpene | % | Effect Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Limonene | 0.85% | Mood lift, anxiety relief, citrus brightness |
| Caryophyllene | 0.50% | Spicy depth, pain relief, anti-inflammatory |
| Myrcene | 0.40% | Earthy base, body relaxation, tropical roundness |
| Phellandrene | 0.23% | Citrusy-minty freshness, energizing quality |
Additional supporting terpenes include Linalool, Pinene, Humulene, Bisabolol, Ocimene, and Carene — each adding complexity and nuance. The result is an aroma that opens with bright tropical citrus and fresh guava, unfolds into sweet mango and pineapple, and settles into a subtle earthy diesel undercurrent that gives it that familiar cannabis character. The dominant Limonene at nearly 1% is responsible for the luminous citrus quality that hits you the moment you crack open the jar.
👅 Flavor Experience
On the inhale, you'll be greeted by a wave of sweet tropical fruit — fresh guava and citrus zest lead the way, with berry notes dancing in the background. The mid-palate opens into a creamy, almost dessert-like smoothness that reflects the Gelato/Sherbert heritage beautifully. On the exhale, you'll notice a gentle earthy spice from Caryophyllene, rounding out the experience with just a whisper of diesel that keeps it grounded and complex. The aftertaste lingers pleasantly — sweet, fruity, and slightly herbal.
🎯 Effects & Experience
Guava's high is a study in balanced sativa energy. Onset is quick — typically within 5-10 minutes — beginning as a warm euphoric pressure behind the eyes that radiates outward. You'll feel an immediate mood elevation and sense of mental clarity that makes conversation flow naturally and creative thinking feel effortless. The peak arrives with focused, energized euphoria that keeps you motivated and engaged without the jittery edge some sativas can produce. The 20% indica genetics provide a subtle body warmth that keeps everything feeling comfortable and grounded. Duration typically runs 2-3 hours, tapering gently without a hard crash.
Primary effects you'll experience:
- ✨ Euphoric mood elevation
- 🎯 Sharp mental focus and clarity
- 💬 Social ease and talkativeness
- 🎨 Creative inspiration
- ⚡ Gentle energetic motivation
- 😌 Mild body relaxation
🎮 Use Cases & Activities
Guava is a daytime and morning companion built for productivity with pleasure. You'll find it pairs exceptionally well with creative work, social gatherings, outdoor adventures, or anything that benefits from an uplifted, engaged mindset. It's particularly well-suited for artists, writers, and anyone tackling tasks that require both focus and imaginative thinking.
💚 Medical & Therapeutic Potential
Guava may help with:
- Anxiety and stress — Limonene's mood-modulating properties may offer significant relief
- Depression and low mood — the euphoric elevation can help lift emotional heaviness
- Chronic pain and inflammation — Caryophyllene's CB2 receptor activity may provide meaningful relief
- Fatigue — the energizing sativa profile makes this a potentially helpful daytime option
- Appetite stimulation and nausea relief — reported across multiple user reviews
👁️ Visual Characteristics
Guava buds are visually stunning — dense, medium-to-large nugs with a classic hybrid structure. You'll notice a rich forest green base layered with lighter lime green patches and the occasional subtle purple undertone. The buds are blanketed in a thick coat of frosty white trichomes that give them a glittering, almost luminescent quality. Vivid orange pistils weave throughout the bud structure, creating a striking color contrast that signals premium quality.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Guava and its family have earned serious industry recognition:
- 🏆 Emerald Cup Winner — Best Terpenes (Strawberry Guava)
- 🥇 1st Place Best Sativa — 2012 (Stardawg Guava)
These accolades reflect the exceptional terpene quality and sativa expression that the Guava lineage consistently delivers.
⚠️ Consumer Considerations
Guava is approachable for intermediate users and above. Beginners should start slow — THC ranges from 18-30% depending on the batch, and the potent Limonene-forward profile can occasionally trigger anxiety or paranoia in sensitive individuals at higher doses. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most commonly reported side effects, so keep water nearby. Overall, Guava is a crowd-pleasing, widely available strain that rewards mindful consumption with a genuinely exceptional experience.
Research Methodology
How we compiled this strain profile
This strain profile was compiled from 13 published sources covering 'Guava'. Our research pipeline cross-references these sources and reports how strongly they agree — see the confidence breakdown below.
Data Quality by Section
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Strain Highlights
Key insights at a glance
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