Menthol strain guide
Menthol, usually sold as The Menthol, is a hybrid from Compound Genetics that crosses Gelato 45 with a stack of fuel strains. It's named for its smell: a cool, minty note over diesel and herbs. People describe it as energetic and talkative, and it has become a parent to strains like Pave and Pink Certz.
Where does Menthol come from?
The Menthol is credited to Compound Genetics, a California breeder known for gassy, dessert-style strains. Its listed cross is Gelato 45 bred with a White Diesel and (High Octane x Jet Fuel) plant, which is why it's sometimes called a four-way cross.
It has since become a parent in its own right. Compound used it to make Pave with Paris OG and Pink Certz with Grape Gasoline, and other producers have crossed it with strains like Runtz.
What does Menthol smell and taste like?
The name sets the expectation: a cool mint and menthol note, backed by spicy herbs and a sharp, chemical fuel side. Reviewers also pick up pine, lemon, earth and something close to tobacco. Not everyone finds the mint strong, and a few say it's faint.
Caryophyllene, limonene and linalool are the terpenes listed for it. Caryophyllene brings a peppery bite, limonene a citrus lift and linalool a soft floral side. The taste usually follows the smell, minty and herbal with fuel on the finish.
Menthol effects: what people report
Reports of The Menthol lean upbeat. People most often call it energetic, focused and talkative, which is a little surprising for a strain usually listed as indica-leaning.
These are experiences people report, not promises. How it feels depends on the product, how much you have and your own tolerance. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most common complaints, and some people mention feeling anxious.
How strong is Menthol?
The Menthol is usually a high-THC strain. One grow database lists it at up to 25% THC or more, and one tested product came in at about 20%. CBD is very low. Concentrates made from it run much higher, so don't compare a vape number with a flower number.
If you're new to it, start with a small amount and give it time before having more. The THC and CBD numbers for your batch are on the label, and they matter more than the strain name.
Buying Menthol in Canada
Look for both names, Menthol and The Menthol, and read the label closely: many products are crosses that only use it as a parent, like Pave or Pink Certz.
You might find it as dried flower, pre-rolls, vape cartridges or live rosin. Check the THC and CBD numbers and the packaging date, since fresher flower keeps more of that cool, minty smell.
Menthol vs Pave
Pave is a child of The Menthol, crossed with Paris OG, and it kept the cool menthol edge. The Menthol leans mint, herbs and sharp fuel, while Pave adds sweetness and fruit like grape and plum. The Menthol is mostly described as energetic and talkative, and Pave as euphoric and relaxing, and Pave is often listed higher in THC. If you want the minty original, try The Menthol. If gas with a sweeter, fruity side sounds better, go with Pave.
Strains like Menthol
If you like Menthol, these are the closest matches:
- Pave: its child with Paris OG, sweet and gassy with the same cool edge.
- Gelato 45: its Gelato parent, with pepper, pine and a hint of menthol.
- Pink Certz: another child, minty and sweet with heavy fuel.
- Jet Fuel: part of its fuel-heavy side, sharp and diesel-forward.
