Strawberry Cough is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain most often listed as a cross of Haze and Strawberry Fields, known for a sweet strawberry aroma and a cheerful, uplifting high. Its true origin is disputed, and the grower who popularized it, Kyle Kushman, has said he did not create it. Typical THC is around 16% to 20%.
Strawberry Cough Strain at a Glance
| Type | Sativa-dominant hybrid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Strawberry Couch |
| Lineage | Haze × Strawberry Fields (disputed) |
| Breeder / origin | Unknown; popularized by Kyle Kushman |
| THC | 16–20% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, Pinene, Beta-caryophyllene |
| Aroma and flavor | strawberry, sweet, berry, earthy, sweet berry |
| Reported effects | uplifted, happy, energetic, talkative |
| Best for | daytime use, social settings, afternoon creative time |
| Flowering time | 9–10 weeks |
Where Strawberry Cough Comes From
Strawberry Cough’s origin is unclear. It is commonly listed as a Haze cross with Strawberry Fields, though some sources reverse the family tree and call Strawberry Fields a descendant of Strawberry Cough. Neither version has been backed by seed-bank records.
The best-documented part is how it spread. Grower Kyle Kushman has said in interviews that he did not breed it. He described getting the genetics from a first-time grower in Bridgeport, Connecticut, whose accidental cross produced it. After he moved to California in the mid 2000s he spread clones widely, which helped make the name familiar.
Since then, Strawberry Cough has become one of the most recognizable fruit-named sativa-leaning strains. Retail pages sometimes attach cup wins or other claims to it, and those are not independently supported.
Strawberry Cough Effects: What It Feels Like
Strawberry Cough is known for a bright, talkative, light-bodied high. The head effect comes first and is cheerful and clear, with an easy sociability and a boost in energy. The body stays loose but not sedated.
Most people use it in the morning or afternoon, for chores, walks, conversation or creative work. The name hints at the other thing it is known for: harsh, coughing-prone smoke, which is thought to come from its resin and aromatic compounds. In larger doses it can get racy for anxiety-prone users.
Strawberry Cough Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
True to the name, the aroma leans sweet and strawberry-like, with a hint of earthy, herbal funk underneath. Fresh strawberry shows up on the inhale and a sweet, slightly earthy flavor on the exhale.
Published lab data for the strain is limited and varies by batch. Myrcene, pinene and caryophyllene are among the terpenes most often reported. Treat any single terpene ranking as approximate rather than fixed.
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Pinene: fresh pine, also found in pine needles and rosemary
- 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 Strawberry Cough
Dry mouth and dry eyes are common, and many people cough when they smoke it. Higher doses can bring anxiety, a racing mind or a fast pulse, especially for sativa-sensitive users. Start low and avoid it close to bedtime.
If you are new to Strawberry Cough, start with one small inhalation or 2.5 mg in an edible and wait before taking more; see our dosing guide.
Do People Use Strawberry Cough for Medical Reasons?
Reviewers often say they reach for Strawberry Cough for low mood, fatigue and stress, since it tends to feel upbeat. It is not usually chosen for sleep or heavy pain. These are anecdotal reports, and anyone with a health concern should talk to a doctor.
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 Strawberry Cough
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Flowering: 9–10 weeks
- Yield: Medium
- Height: Medium to tall
- Environment: Indoor or outdoor in warm, dry conditions
Strawberry Cough shows a Haze-like stretch, so topping and training help in a tent. Flowering usually takes nine to ten weeks, and outdoor plants finish in mid to late October. Late harvests are a real risk in the Pacific Northwest, where autumn rain can threaten the airy but long colas. A greenhouse or an early-finishing cut is safer.
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 Strawberry Cough
- Strawberry Banana: a fruitier cross with a heavier body effect
- Strawberry Shortcake: another strawberry-flavored hybrid with a sweeter profile
- Lemon Haze: a bright, energetic Haze-line sativa
- Blue Dream: a gentler, balanced Haze-line hybrid
- Jack Herer: a clear, focused daytime classic
- Strawberry Milkshake: a creamier strawberry strain
Browse more sativa strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Sativa Strains to Explore
Strawberry Lemonade · Super Lemon Haze · Super Silver Haze · Strawberry Blue · Strawberries and Cream · Sputnik · All sativa strains
Where to Buy Strawberry Cough
Dispensary menus change every week, and Strawberry Cough 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 San Diego, browse San Diego dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Wellgreens Dispensary (4337 Home Ave) and Cake House Sorrento Valley. In Chicago, browse Chicago dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Dr Greenthumb’s Chicago and Verilife – Chicago River North. 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.
Strawberry Cough FAQ
Is Strawberry Cough indica or sativa?
Strawberry Cough is a sativa-dominant hybrid. Most users describe it as uplifting and energetic.
Why is it called Strawberry Cough?
The name comes from its strawberry aroma and its tendency to make people cough when they smoke it.
What is Strawberry Cough a cross of?
It is usually listed as Haze crossed with Strawberry Fields. Sources disagree, and the lineage is not documented.
How strong is Strawberry Cough?
Typical THC is around 16% to 20%, which is moderate. Retail cartridge figures above that reflect concentrates, not flower.
Who created Strawberry Cough?
No breeder is confirmed. Kyle Kushman helped popularize it and has said he received it from a grower in Connecticut.
Is Strawberry Cough good for daytime?
Yes, most people find it light and uplifting, which suits the day more than the evening.
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.
