Golden Leaf Strain Review

Gold Leaf is a strain that has become very popular in the cannabis community. Also known as Bergman’s Gold Leaf, this hybrid provides both mellowing effects and fantastic highs.

Thanks to its high THC content, Gold Leaf is known to have several physical and mental benefits. 

Despite its popularity, Gold Leaf is very potent, so this strain may not be suitable for some individuals. If you’re wondering if you should give this Gold Leaf a try, we can help.

Our review includes information about Gold Leaf’s genetics, general effects, and medicinal benefits. Keep reading to find out more about this unique cannabis strain. 

Golden leaf

Strain History

Genetics

Gold Leaf is an Indica dominant hybrid strain. This strain is rare, with roughly 60% Indica and 40% Sativa. This strain may contain more Indica, but unusually, it has a Sativa heritage.

Sativa strains grow taller than Indica ones, which explains why Gold Leaf grows so large. This Indica dominant hybrid is also high in THC. These qualities act as a mood enhancer, helping to create a euphoric state.  

Origin

This rare strain was created by ILGM seed bank’s founder, Robert Bergman. Bergman is based in Amsterdam and has several years of experience growing cannabis.

Gold leaf came out of Bergman’s initial desire to find the best cannabis strain for users. He made it by joining it with different hybrid strains that he interweaved himself. 

The actual genetics of Gold Leaf aren’t known, as Bergman has kept the parents’ identity a secret. Some among the cannabis community speculate that one half could come from the Early Skunk strain.

Like Gold Leaf, Early Skunk is another Indica dominant hybrid that’s high in THC. However, this is just speculation, so this strain’s true origin remains unknown. 

Strain Profile

Strain Appearance

This strain initially received its name due to its appearance, as its trichomes look golden in color. It has a lot of resin-covered buds that also look yellow and gold. The nugs aren’t very large, they’re circular and compact.

They range in color; some are a deeper green, while others are lighter orange. Lots of yellow and orange small hairs lie on top. Gold Leaf grows relatively large due to its Sativa heritage; some have been known to grow up to 7’ tall. 

Strain Flavor

Gold Leaf has a hearty taste that’s overwhelmingly earthy. Both sweet and peppery flavors with strong herbal tones start emitting from it. Many users like how Gold Leaf tastes, enjoying its slight citrus undertones.

The notes are strong, but they’re not too intense, so it’s quite pleasant to use. Gold Leaf is unique in flavor, as there aren’t many types of cannabis that taste similar. Some users taste citrus and juicy flavors, but overall, this strain is earthy, spicy, with gentle hints of diesel. 

Strain Aroma

Gold Leaf’s scent smells just like its flavor. Many pick up citrus and floral notes, though some claim to smell berry undertones. It has a specific earthy smell that’s quite strong.

Gold Leaf starts out smelling both sweet and spicy, then lets the herbal notes come through. Like its flavor, this is an earthy strain that has a gentle sweetness. It’s not overpowering, but it does have a satisfying smell upon use. 

Strain Cannabinoids

Gold Leaf is well known for its high THC content. This psychoactive component releases dopamine, which can induce a euphoric state and cheerful feelings. Most Gold Leaf strains have between 20% and 23% THC.

Higher levels of CBD can counteract the effects of THC. As Gold Leaf is low in CBD, you’ll still get the euphoric effects from this strain. THC-rich strains are also known to aid chronic pain and poor appetite, making this a good choice for those suffering from serious illnesses. 

Gold Leaf also has a low percentage of CBC. This cannabinoid isn’t psychoactive, but it’s known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. CBC can treat depression and acne well. Most Gold Leaf plants contain between 0.42 and 0.93% CBC. 

Strain Terpenes

Gold Leaf’s earthy taste comes from terpene myrcene. Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis, but it’s also found in other substances, like lemongrass and beer.

It’s responsible for herbal tastes and scents, giving a Gold Leaf a spicy, peppery flavor. Myrcene is also believed to have calming and soothing effects on the body, making this a good choice for anxiety sufferers. 

Myrcene is the richest terpene within Gold Leaf, but this strain also contains trace amounts of caryophyllene and limonene. Like myrcene, caryophyllene also provides peppery and herbal notes.

It’s believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. Limonene is found in citrus fruit peels, giving Gold Leaf its underlying citrus flavor and scent. It’s thought to aid anxiety and lower stress levels. 

Strain Side Effects

On the whole, Gold Leaf is a calming strain, helping users with mental and physical issues. The beginning effects start with a lift in mood, then an overwhelming euphoric feeling.

Many users experience a creative urge, inspired to create new art pieces. The Indica effects start happening a short time later, relaxing your muscles as it makes you feel calm. 

Like any other cannabis strain, Gold Leaf can have negative effects when overused. When taken in suitable amounts, it has a low risk of some side effects. These include dry eyes, paranoia, anxiety, dizziness, and headaches.

The Indica within Gold Leaf can make your eyes feel heavy, so this is best consumed a few hours before bed. However, make sure that you don’t have this one right before going to sleep, as the Sativa induces a burst of energy at first. 

Medicinal Benefits

Gold Leaf is known to treat a variety of ailments. The effectiveness of this strain varies from person to person, but users have seen an improvement in the following conditions:

Appetite Issues

When taken in greater quantities, Gold Leaf is known to induce the munchies. This makes it a great strain for those who have lost their appetites, such as those suffering from long-term illness, mental conditions, or medication side effects. 

Anxiety and Depression

Users have claimed that Gold Leaf’s soothing effects have helped ease their depression. Medical attention should always be self-medicating with cannabis, but Gold Leaf’s high THC content can be effective at improving one’s mood. 

Similarly, Gold Leaf’s calming effects may also aid with anxiety. The Indica within can help control racing minds. However, anxiety sufferers should know that overconsuming cannabis can induce anxiety, so always stay within your limits. 

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain depends on the individual, so while Gold Leaf may help some manage their pain, it might not help others. Several users have claimed that this strain temporarily relieved short-term pain, like tissue damage, broken bones, or impact injuries.

However, Gold Leaf may not help with long-term pain, like backaches, muscle strain, or regular migraines. 

These are the main conditions that Gold Leaf may treat, but this strain may also have other medicinal benefits, like aiding insomnia, relieving stress, and even helping ADHD. 

Strain Review

Gold Leaf is one of the most unique cannabis strains made. Users will love its light citrus taste and cheerful effects. However, this is a better strain for experienced cannabis users. Gold Leaf has a very high THC content that creates euphoric and uplifting effects.

These may be too much for cannabis beginners to handle at first. While the chance of side effects is low, newbies may experience paranoia or insomnia on a greater level than cannabis enthusiasts. 

As it’s a hybrid, Gold Leaf has both uplifting and relaxing effects. This makes it a good choice for those who want to improve their mood. It can also increase creativity levels, so artistic individuals may prefer this strain over others.

Gold Leaf is also known for its several medicinal benefits. Professional advice should always be sought before self-administering cannabis, but this strain may relieve some ailments. 

Do be aware that when taken in large amounts, Gold Leaf may induce sofa lock. Keep your intake within your levels and remember to keep drinking water afterward.

As Gold Leaf is a potent strain, the effects occur soon after it’s taken. It’s best to ensure that you have free time and avoid using this strain before any other activities. 

Remember that this is a hybrid. Sativa induces a quick burst of energy which is followed by Indica’s sleepy effects. This means that the best time to take Gold Leaf is in the afternoon, not just before bed or too early in the day.  

Overall, Gold Leaf is an impressive strain that’s best for intermediate cannabis users. It has a unique flavor and an interesting scent that pleases the senses. Many users will love its smooth smoke and uplifting effects.

As long as you time this one right, Gold Leaf is an excellent well-rounded cannabis strain.

Strain Grow Information

Strain Seeds

Gold Leaf seeds come in two varieties. Feminized seeds flower well if they receive 12 or fewer hours of sunlight each day. These are best for professional or commercial growers.

When grown indoors, these can be harvested in 15-20 weeks. Outdoors, you can harvest them in early October. 

Gold Leaf also comes in autoflower seeds. These produce smaller plants that are easier to grow. You can harvest these as early as 10 weeks after planting.

These are better for beginner growers or those with smaller spaces. These are also a good choice if you want to harvest all year round. 

Flowering Time

When Gold Leaf is grown indoors, it generally takes between 54 and 63 days to flower. Expect your plant to flower at the beginning of October if you’re growing it outside. 

When growing Gold Leaf indoors, be sure to regularly prune your plant so that it produces a good harvest. If you’re growing it outside, remember that this is a very tall plant. You could see your Golf Leaf reach up to 7 feet tall, so be prepared.

Also, ensure that you expose your plant to enough warmth and sunlight, or it won’t grow as efficiently. 

Strain Yield

Gold Leaf is a tall plant, especially when allowed to grow outside. When grown outside, Gold Leaf plants normally have a yield of around 28 ounces per plant.

Gold Leaf plants grown indoors can produce a yield ranging from 15 to 23 ounces per square meter. As it produces generous harvests, Gold Leaf is a nice strain for both commercial and beginner growers. 

Dave Roberts
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