Forbidden Fruit is an indica-dominant cannabis strain bred from Cherry Pie and Tangie, known for a tropical citrus and cherry flavor and a heavy, calming high. The cross appeared in California in the mid-2010s, and several growers and brands claim credit for it. Flower usually tests between about 20% and 26% THC, so it is a strong strain best saved for the evening.
Forbidden Fruit Strain at a Glance
| Type | Indica-dominant hybrid |
|---|---|
| Lineage | Cherry Pie × Tangie |
| Breeder / origin | Disputed; several California-linked breeders and growers are credited, and the cross dates to the mid-2010s |
| THC | 20–26% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, Limonene, Beta-caryophyllene |
| Aroma and flavor | tropical citrus, cherry, sweet earth, spice, orange, tropical fruit, earthy spice |
| Reported effects | relaxed, happy, sleepy, euphoric |
| Best for | evening use, winding down, low-key hangouts |
| Flowering time | 8–9 weeks |
Where Forbidden Fruit Comes From
Forbidden Fruit is almost always described as a cross of Cherry Pie and Tangie. Cherry Pie is a Granddaddy Purple and Durban Poison descendant known for its sweet, sour cherry character, while Tangie traces to a California Orange and Skunk #1 line and is prized for its loud tangerine smell. Put the two together and you get the fruit-forward profile that gave the strain its name.
Who made the first cross is not settled. One account credits UrbanGardener408 of Chameleon Extracts. Another, reported by cannabis press, says a breeder called Joseph dusted a Tangie plant with Cherry Pie pollen around 2016. Dispensary listings tell a third version involving a Crockett Family Farms Tangie and Cherry Pie pollen from a breeder named Jigga. Seed banks such as Zamnesia also sell their own versions. Because the strain spread from clones and from several independent crosses, the cut you find can vary.
The name has nothing to do with the biblical fruit; it is simply a marketing nod to how good the jar smells. Forbidden Fruit became a favorite in the concentrate world, where live resin and diamonds made from it are common, and it has since been used as a parent in newer crosses.
Forbidden Fruit Effects: What It Feels Like
Forbidden Fruit usually starts with a warm, happy lift behind the eyes, a feeling of ease that arrives within a few minutes of smoking. Within half an hour the body takes over. Shoulders drop, muscles loosen and the mind quiets. Many people describe it as relaxed and euphoric rather than foggy, which is why it works well for unwinding after a long day.
The indica side becomes obvious at larger doses. Expect couch-lock, heavy eyelids and a strong appetite. In the evening it pairs well with a movie, a meal or a bath, and plenty of people report it sets them up for sleep. A small dose can stay light and sociable, but this is not a strain to pick before an errand-filled afternoon. Because many batches test in the mid-20s for THC, newer consumers should start with a single small puff or a low-dose edible.
Forbidden Fruit Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
The nose is a mix of ripe tropical fruit, orange peel and dark cherry, with a sweet, earthy undertone that hints at the Cherry Pie side. Breaking up a bud releases more citrus and a touch of pepper. Good jars smell sweet and bright rather than skunky.
On the inhale the flavor is fruity and a little sugary, closer to orange candy than to fresh citrus. The exhale brings earthy, slightly spicy notes. Myrcene, limonene and caryophyllene are the terpenes most often reported, and limonene is responsible for much of the citrus lift while caryophyllene adds the peppery finish. As with any strain, terpene levels shift between growers, so treat the profile as a guide rather than a promise.
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Limonene: bright citrus, also found in lemon and orange peel
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
Terpene levels vary from grower to grower and batch to batch, so check the lab label on the package. Learn more in our guide to cannabis terpenes.
Side Effects and How to Use Forbidden Fruit
The usual THC side effects apply: dry mouth, dry or red eyes and, at high doses, dizziness or a groggy morning after. The strong indica tilt means drowsiness is the most likely complaint, so avoid driving or work tasks. People who are prone to anxiety can feel uneasy if they overdo it, so start low, keep water handy and wait before taking more.
How strong Forbidden Fruit feels depends on the batch, your tolerance and how you consume it. Start low, go slow, and read our guide to dosing cannabis.
Do People Use Forbidden Fruit for Medical Reasons?
In user reviews, Forbidden Fruit is often mentioned for stress, trouble sleeping, muscle tension and general aches, mostly because the body effect is calming and the head stays comfortable. Some people also reach for it when their appetite is low. This reflects what consumers report, not medical evidence, and anyone managing a health condition should talk to a clinician.
These are user reports, not clinical findings. For what research actually supports, see our cannabis health and research section, and talk to your doctor before using cannabis for a health condition.
Growing Forbidden Fruit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Flowering: 8–9 weeks
- Yield: Medium to high
- Height: Medium; stretches somewhat in early flower
- Environment: Indoor or greenhouse; outdoor in warm, dry climates
Forbidden Fruit grows as a bushy plant with a moderate stretch, so topping and some trellising help keep the canopy level. Growers report dense, cherry-scented buds that need good airflow, and that is a concern in the damp Pacific Northwest fall, when botrytis can set in. A greenhouse or indoor room with dehumidification is the safer choice west of the Cascades. Reports on yield and flowering time vary by cut, so check what your clone source recommends.
Home-grow rules depend on the state: adults can grow at home in states such as California (six plants per residence), Michigan (12 per residence) and Oregon (four per household), while Washington and Illinois allow home growing only for registered medical patients. Check your state in our cannabis laws by state guide before you plant anything.
Strains Like Forbidden Fruit
- Cherry Pie: the Granddaddy Purple descended parent with a sweet cherry nose
- Tangie: the citrus-heavy parent with a more energetic high
- Granddaddy Purple: a related grape and berry indica for evening use
- Wedding Cake: another sweet, strong, relaxing indica-leaning hybrid
- Gelato: a dessert-style hybrid with fruity sweetness and a calm body
- Purple Punch: a berry-forward strain with a similar sleepy finish
Browse more indica strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Indica Strains to Explore
Four Star General · Fritter Glitter · Garlic Breath · Florida Sundae · Fire OG · Fatso · All indica strains
Where to Buy Forbidden Fruit
Dispensary menus change every week, and Forbidden Fruit may be sold under its own name, as a cross or as a pre-roll or vape. The fastest way to find it is to check store menus online before you go. In Spokane, browse Spokane dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Cannabis & Glass North Spokane and Smokane. In Chicago, browse Chicago dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Ivy Hall – Damen and Ivy Hall – Logan Square. You can also browse licensed dispensaries in every state we cover. Adults 21 and older can buy with a valid photo ID; see cannabis laws by state for purchase limits.
Forbidden Fruit FAQ
Is Forbidden Fruit indica or sativa?
Forbidden Fruit is an indica-dominant hybrid. Its Cherry Pie side brings the heavy, relaxing body effect, and Tangie adds some uplift and citrus flavor.
How strong is Forbidden Fruit?
Flower typically tests between about 20% and 26% THC, which is strong. Concentrates made from it can run far higher, so check the label.
What does Forbidden Fruit taste like?
Sweet orange and tropical fruit with a cherry note, followed by earthy, slightly spicy flavor on the exhale.
What is Forbidden Fruit a cross of?
Cherry Pie and Tangie. The exact breeder is disputed, and several people and companies claim credit.
Is Forbidden Fruit good for sleep?
Many users find it relaxing enough to help them wind down at night, especially at moderate to higher doses. Effects vary from person to person.
Is Forbidden Fruit good for beginners?
It is better suited to experienced consumers because it is potent and sedating. A beginner should start with a very small amount.
For adults 21+ in legal states. Strain information reflects breeder descriptions, lab data and user reports; effects vary by person and batch. Not medical advice.
