Shirley Temple strain guide
Shirley Temple is an indica-leaning hybrid named after the cherry-topped soda drink, and the smell fits: sweet cherry, berry and a little earth. Most listings give it as a cross of Cherry Kandahar and Charlotte's Web, and people describe it as relaxed and cheerful.
Where does Shirley Temple come from?
The cross most often given is Cherry Kandahar with Charlotte's Web. Cherry Kandahar brings the fruit, while Charlotte's Web is best known as a high-CBD plant, which makes the high THC numbers on many Shirley Temple listings a bit of a surprise.
The name is also used for more than one plant. One strain database lists a separate Shirley Temple from The Seed Kompany, described as a CBD-rich variety, and some listings call it CBD-dominant while others show very high THC. The original breeder of the THC-rich version is not well documented, so the label on your product matters.
What does Shirley Temple smell and taste like?
Shirley Temple leans sweet: cherry candy, berry and red fruit punch, with pine, herbs and some earthy wood underneath. The flavour is often described as sweet and fruity with a peppery, spicy finish.
One published lab panel lists myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene and limonene as its main terpenes. That's a single product, so other batches may test differently.
Shirley Temple effects: what people report
People most often describe a relaxed, mellow body feel with a happy, euphoric mood. Reviewers say it can feel a little tingly without pinning you to the couch, and some mention feeling creative or uplifted.
There aren't many reviews, so take these as early impressions, not promises. How it feels depends on the product, how much you have and your own tolerance.
How strong is Shirley Temple?
Listings vary a lot. One strain database gives an average of about 16% to 25% THC, and one published product result came in above 31%. That wide spread is another sign different plants share the name.
Check your label before you start, and begin with a small amount. If you're curious why CBD and THC numbers can look so different, our guide to reading cannabis labels walks through it.
Buying Shirley Temple in Canada
Since the name covers both THC-rich and CBD-rich plants, look closely at the THC and CBD figures on the package, not just the strain name. Check the producer and packaging date too.
Shirley Temple vs Charlotte's Web
Charlotte's Web is one of Shirley Temple's listed parents, but the two are used very differently. Charlotte's Web is famous for being very high in CBD and very low in THC, with a clear, mild feel and an earthy, piney smell. The THC-rich Shirley Temple sold in most markets swaps that for sweet cherry and berry and a much stronger, relaxed high. If you want something mild and low in THC, Charlotte's Web is the one. If you want fruit and a fuller effect, Shirley Temple fits better.
Strains like Shirley Temple
If you like Shirley Temple, try these:
- Charlotte's Web: a listed parent, high in CBD and much milder.
- Cherry Pie: sweet cherry and earth with a relaxed, happy feel.
- Black Cherry OG: dark cherry fruit with a heavier OG body.
- Forbidden Fruit: sweet cherry and tropical fruit that leans calm.
