Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Context
Sherb Dosi #8 x Dosidos #18 is a boutique cross from Archive Seed Bank, the Portland-based breeder renowned for Face Off OG and the original Do-Si-Dos line. Archive, led by breeder ThaDocta, emphasizes verified clone-only parents and rigorous selection to stabilize desirable chemotypes. Within that philosophy, the #8 and #18 designations reflect stand-out phenotypes chosen from large hunt populations for vigor, resin density, and layered terpene expression.
The Sherb Dosi parent typically traces to a Sherb or Sunset Sherbet line paired with Do-Si-Dos, producing flavors that bridge dessert-sweetness and OG gas. Selecting the #8 cut signals a keeper expression with an ideal combination of color, bag appeal, and head-turning aroma. Pairing that with Dosidos #18 tightens the pedigree around Archive’s flagship cookie-OG architecture, stacking resin traits and heavy-hitting potency.
This cross is positioned as a modern hybrid that reflects the post-2015 shift toward dessert-forward genetics, where gelato, sherbet, and cookie families dominate menus. Archive’s role in popularizing Do-Si-Dos made this pairing a natural progression, with the goal of adding sherbet brightness to the dense, doughy funk and hash-wash performance of Dosi. The result is a cultivar that fits the market demand for high THC, high terpene content, and vivid coloration without sacrificing yield.
From a market-history perspective, consumer data across legal states show dessert-hybrid categories consistently rank in the top tiers for sales. Between 2019 and 2023, retail datasets from multiple U.S. states showed Cookies and Gelato-adjacent lines making up a large fraction of top-20 flower SKUs. Sherb Dosi #8 x Dosidos #18 rides that wave while keeping Archive’s old-school OG backbone to anchor effects and structure.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Expectations
Genetically, Sherb Dosi #8 x Dosidos #18 is an indica-sativa hybrid with a noticeable indica lean in bud structure and finish time, yet a hybrid headspace in its effect. The Sherb Dosi side injects fruit gelato notes, playful color expression, and improved vertical stacking. The Do-Si-Dos #18 selection concentrates resin production, dense calyxes, and the earthy-lime-cookie perfume for which the Dosi family is known.
Do-Si-Dos itself descends from the Cookies clan, with OGKB and Face Off OG BX1 in its backbone, which explains the layered earth, nut, mint, and gas. Sunset Sherbet ancestry often contributes limonene and berry-citrus sweetness, plus a tendency toward anthocyanin expression under cooler nights. In this cross, growers commonly observe phenotypes that range from sherbet-sweet and candy-forward to Dosi-dominant earthy-kush expressions, with keeper plants balancing both.
In terms of plant morphology, expect medium internodes, a moderately wide leaf with rounded tips, and spear-to-golf-ball colas depending on training. Calyx-to-leaf ratio is frequently favorable, with many pheno winners trimming quickly due to minimal sugar-leaf protrusion. Resin heads trend large and sandy to glassy, which is prized for both hydrocarbon and ice-water hash production.
Phenotypic distribution in a 10–20 seed pop tends to show at least two distinct flavor camps and one middle-ground keeper. Selection criteria often zero in on terpene intensity at day 50–60, resistance to powdery mildew, and the ability to stack colas without larf. Archive lines are known for consistent potency, so selection usually focuses on flavor loudness and structure rather than raw THC alone.
Appearance
Sherb Dosi #8 x Dosidos #18 typically produces dense, high-contrast flowers coated in thick trichome coverage. The base color runs forest to lime green with frequent lavender or violet streaking as temperatures drop late bloom. Pistils range from pale peach to deep tangerine, providing an attractive color pop against the frost.
Buds often finish with a tight nug density similar to classic Dosi cuts, yet retain a sherbet-like luster that reads glossy under display lights. The calyxes swell prominently in the last two weeks, enhancing that golf-ball structure common in Archive cookie-OG descendants. Under 900–1000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD and adequate calcium, foxtailing is minimal and colas stay blocky.
On close inspection, the trichomes form a thick blanket with plentiful capitate-stalked glands and a glassy appearance. That surface resin often measures 2.0–3.0% total terpene content by dry weight in well-grown indoor batches, aligning with reports for high-terp dessert hybrids. The trim bin piles up sugar leaf sparkling with heads, signaling both solid bag appeal and wash potential.
Cured flowers hold color extremely well when dried at 60–62°F and 58–62% RH, with anthocyanins staying vivid for weeks. Even after four to six weeks of cure, the buds remain sticky to the touch, indicating robust monoterpene retention. Retail buyers often remark on the camera-ready look, which helps this cultivar stand out in competitive top-shelf cases.
Aroma
The dominant nose presents a layered dessert profile: sweet sherbet, citrus zest, and bright berries wrapped around a nutty, earthy cookie core. As the jar breathes, secondary notes of lime peel, mint, and floral lavender emerge, a hallmark of Do-Si-Dos leaning phenotypes. Caryophyllene’s warm spice supports the base while limonene and linalool provide top-end sparkle.
Breaking a nug intensifies a creamy, doughy aroma reminiscent of vanilla gelato and fresh pastry. Some phenos drift toward a gassy OG finish with hints of diesel and pine, while others lean into orange sherbet and candied berry. The aroma throws far; when properly cured, opening a 1-ounce jar can perfume a small room within seconds.
During grind, the bouquet deepens into an earthy-lime-cookie funk that lingers on fingertips and grinders. Users frequently report aroma persistence for 20–40 minutes post-grind, reflecting a terpene-rich resin matrix. That longevity correlates with total terpene loads above 2% by mass, which is common for the dessert-hybrid family.
Late flower, live plant aromas concentrate sharply; growers note that carbon filtration or supplemental ozone is often necessary in weeks 6–9. In drying rooms, the first 48–72 hours release intense orange-lime and dough notes, and improper conditions can quickly volatilize top notes. Careful dry and cure protect these volatiles, preserving the signature sherb-meets-dosi nose.
Flavor
On inhale, expect a creamy citrus front akin to orange sherbet and sweet cream, followed by berry gelato tones. Mid-palate, the profile shifts to nutty cookie dough with a faint mint and floral edge. Exhale finishes earthy-sweet with a kiss of lime peel and peppery spice from caryophyllene.
Vaporization at 350–375°F emphasizes candied citrus and lavender while muting heavier earthy notes. At 390–410°F, nutty cookie and OG gas grow more obvious and throat feel becomes fuller. Combustion preserves the dessert sweetness but adds a toasted sugar character many compare to caramelized crust.
Terpene persistence is notable; the aftertaste can linger for several minutes, especially with cooler dabs of live rosin. For concentrates, ice-water hash and rosin from this lineage commonly retain the sherbet brightness that keeps dabs refreshing rather than cloying. Pairing with citrus-forward beverages or unsweetened green tea accentuates the lime-mint facet.
Flavor intensity correlates strongly with late-flower environmental control and proper dry-curing. Batches dried hotter than 65°F or below 50% RH tend to lose top notes and skew toward base earth. Best-in-class examples show layered sweetness across the entire draw with minimal harshness and a clean, aromatic finish.
Cannabinoid Profile
While exact potency varies by phenotype and cultivation, Sherb Dosi #8 x Dosidos #18 sits firmly in today’s high-THC tier. For similar Archive dessert hybrids, lab panels commonly return total THC in the 20–28% range by dry weight, with standout batches entering the low 30% window. CBD is typically minimal, often below 0.5%, while CBG can register in the 0.3–1.2% range depending on selection and maturity.
In fresh flower, most cannabinoids begin in their acidic forms, with THCA representing the bulk of total THC. Upon decarboxylation during combustion or vaping, THCA converts to delta-9 THC, driving primary psychoactivity. Minor cannabinoids like CBC and THCV may appear in trace quantities (for example 0.05–0.3%), which can subtly influence perceived effects.
Total active compounds are not just about THC; robust terpene loads often land between 1.5% and 3.5% by weight in optimized indoor grows. This magnitude can modulate onset and subjective intensity through entourage effects, even when absolute THC values are similar. Users frequently report that terpene-rich batches hit more immediately and feel more layered than terpene-poor equivalents.
For concentrates derived from this cultivar, hydrocarbon extracts and live rosin can exceed 70–80% total cannabinoids with 5–12% terpenes in top-tier runs. Such ratios produce exceptionally flavorful and potent experiences that outpace most cured resin. As always, potency is highly contingent on cultivation skill, harvest timing, and post-harvest handling.
Terpene Profile
The dominant terpene triad for this cross is usually beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool, reflecting both the Dosi and Sherb pedigrees. Caryophyllene provides warm spice and a grounding bass note that pairs well with OG-derived earth. Limonene delivers citrus brightness and perceived uplift, while linalool adds floral-lavender sweetness that complements the dessert theme.
Secondary contributors often include myrcene, humulene, and ocimene. Myrcene can lend a juicy, mango-adjacent depth and may accentuate relaxation perceptions. Humulene injects hop-like dryness and subtle bitterness that keeps the profile from becoming overly saccharine, while ocimene can flash a fresh, green-sweet tone.
Typical terpene distribution in dialed indoor batches may look like: caryophyllene 0.4–0.8%, limonene 0.3–0.7%, linalool 0.1–0.3%, myrcene 0.2–0.6%, humulene 0.1–0.3%, with trace ocimene and nerolidol. Total terpene content frequently lands near 2–3% by dry weight, squarely within the dessert-hybrid norm. Outdoor or greenhouse production can slightly reduce total terpene percentages but sometimes increases complexity via broader minor-terp footprints.
Boiling points and volatility matter in consumption and curing. Limonene and ocimene are highly volatile and can be lost rapidly if dry rooms run hot or breezy; linalool is somewhat more stable. Cooler curing, minimal handling, and airtight storage at 55–62% RH preserve top notes and maintain the sherbet-citrus glow.
Experiential Effects
Most users describe an initial headlift within minutes, pairing a bright mood shift with gentle sensory amplification. A warm, body-centered relaxation follows, easing muscle tension without immediate couchlock at moderate doses. The arc often settles into a calm, focused contentment suitable for creative tasks, films, or unhurried socializing.
At higher doses, the Do-Si-Dos backbone asserts with heavier body effects, eyelid weight, and time dilation. Sedative qualities may surface in the later phase, especially in terpene-rich, caryophyllene-forward phenotypes. Novices should start low, as terpene-potent batches can feel stronger than their THC numbers suggest.
Many consumers report a clean finish without racy undertones, thanks to the balancing linalool-limonene interplay. However, susceptible individuals could experience transient dry mouth, dry eyes, or, at excessive doses, brief anxiety. Hydration and paced, micro-stepped dosing mitigate most discomforts.
In social settings, the cultivar typically leans friendly and warm, avoiding the heavy narcotic fog of older kush cuts until later stages. For daytime use, small inhalations or low-temperature vaporization keep clarity intact while delivering flavor. Evening sessions can indulge in larger draws to welcome the body melt and sleep-friendly descent.
Potential Medical Uses
While strain-specific clinical trials are rare, the broader cannabis literature offers relevant context. The National Academies reported substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults and moderate evidence for improving short-term sleep outcomes. Observational datasets from medical programs also associate inhaled THC-dominant products with reductions in pain intensity scores and improved sleep continuity.
Given its caryophyllene-limonene-linalool profile, this cross may suit patients targeting stress, low mood, or sleep-onset difficulty. Caryophyllene, a CB2-binding terpene, has been investigated for anti-inflammatory potential, while linalool has been studied for anxiolytic properties in preclinical models. Limonene has been associated with mood-lifting effects in aromatherapy contexts, which some patients find synergistic with THC.
For breakthrough pain or neuropathic flares, balanced inhalation protocols can provide rapid onset. Patients often benefit from 1–2 small inhalations, reassessing after 10–15 minutes to titrate to effect. For oral routes, beginners might start at 2.5–5 mg THC, while experienced patients may require 10–20 mg, always adjusting conservatively to avoid over-sedation.
As with all THC-dominant chemovars, potential adverse effects include dizziness, dry mouth, or transient anxiety, particularly in naïve users or at high doses. Patients with a history of psychosis or severe cardiovascular disease should consult clinicians before use. Cannabinoid therapies can interact with other medications via CYP450 pathways, so medical guidance is recommended.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Growth habit and timing: Sherb Dosi #8 x Dosidos #18 expresses as a compact to medium-height hybrid with strong lateral branching. Indoors, anticipate a 7–10 day stretch after flip, typically 1.2–1.6x vertical growth, though some sherb-leaners may hit 1.8x. Flowering generally finishes in 63–70 days, with many phenos peaking in the 65–67 day window for best terpene intensity and resin maturity.
Environment: In veg, target 24–28°C day, 19–22°C night, 60–70% RH, and 0.9–1.2 kPa VPD. In flower, shift to 24–26°C day, 18–21°C night, 45–55% RH, and 1.1–1.4 kPa VPD. Late flower (last 10–14 days) can run 21–24°C day, 16–19°C night, 40–45% RH to curb botrytis risk and sharpen color.
Lighting and DLI: Vegetative PPFD of 300–500 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ supports tight internodes; increase to 700–900 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in bloom, with advanced rooms pushing 1000–1100 µmol under CO2. Maintain daily light integral around 35–45 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ in bloom; higher DLI requires corresponding nutrition and CO2 at 800–1200 ppm. Avoid excessive PPFD late flower to limit foxtailing and preserve volatile monoterpenes.
Substrate and pH: In coco and hydro, run pH 5.8–6.2 with 10–20% runoff; in soil, maintain 6.3–6.7. The cultivar responds well to buffered coco blends with added calcium and magnesium. Organic living soil also performs, but monitor late-flower nitrogen to avoid chlorophyll bite that can mute dessert top notes.
Nutrition and EC: In veg, feed at 1.0–1.3 EC with balanced N:K and ample Ca/Mg to fortify structure. Transition to bloom at 1.5–1.8 EC weeks 1–3, then 1.8–2.2 EC weeks 4–6 if plants are demanding and environmental controls are tight. Taper slightly to 1.6–1.8 EC in the final two weeks to encourage clean burn and maximize terpene clarity.
Training: Topping once or twice in early veg helps establish four to eight strong mains. Low-stress training and trellising guide lateral growth into an even canopy, preventing central cola shading. Defoliation at day 21 and day 42 of flower in dense canopies improves airflow and light penetration, reducing the risk of microclimates and powdery mildew.
Irrigation strategy: In coco, frequent small irrigations maintain 20–30% daily runoff and stable root-zone EC. Soil growers should water to full saturation and allow for proper drybacks, tracking pot weight to avoid overwatering. Maintain root-zone temperatures near 20–22°C; cold roots suppress uptake and can stunt late-flower bulking.
Pest and disease management: Archive cookie-OG descendants can be susceptible to powdery mildew under crowded, humid conditions. Maintain leaf-surface cleanliness, adequate spacing, and vigorous air exchange (aim for 20–30 total room air exchanges per hour in sealed rooms). Prophylactic IPM using alternating biologicals like Bacillus subtilis and Beauveria bassiana in vegetative stages can suppress PM and soft-bodied pests.
Flower support: Buds get dense by week 6; install trellis layers early to prevent lodging. Maintain horizontal airflow across mid-canopy to reduce botrytis risk in late flower. Prune lower, unlit growth during early bloom to reduce larf and focus energy on top sites.
CO2 enrichment: This cultivar responds well to 900–1200 ppm CO2 when PPFD exceeds 800 µmol. Expect 10–20% improvements in biomass when environmental parameters and nutrition are aligned. Always monitor VPD and irrigation to match the increased metabolic rate under CO2.
Harvest timing: Trichome targets of 5–10% amber with the majority cloudy often align with the best balance of potency and flavor. Sherb-forward phenos may hit this window slightly earlier than Dosi-leaners. Many growers report peak terp intensity between days 63–67, even when pushing resin for another few days would boost amber percentage.
Yields: Indoor yields of 450–600 g·m⁻² are common in dialed rooms, with high-performance systems occasionally exceeding 650 g·m⁻². Outdoors, well-grown plants in full sun and rich living soil can produce 700–1200 g per plant, contingent on season length and disease pressure. Grams per watt in efficient LED rooms often land in the 1.5–2.2 range when canopy management and environment are optimized.
Drying and curing: Dry at 60–62°F and 58–62% RH for 10–14 days, aiming for a steady, slow dehydration that protects monoterpenes. After stem-snap, trim and cure in airtight containers burped as needed to maintain 58–62% RH for a minimum of 3–4 weeks. Terpene brightness and dessert-layer complexity typically peak after 4–6 weeks of cure, with minimal harshness.
Hash making: The cross often produces excellent wash yields due to its large, robust trichome heads. Ice-water hash yields of 3–5% of fresh frozen mass are reported for similar Dosi x Sherb pedigrees in optimal conditions, with standout phenos surpassing 5%. Rosin tends to be highly aromatic, with sherbet-lime leading and cookie dough rounding the edges.
Outdoor notes: In temperate climates, plant out after soil temps reliably exceed 55°F. Space generously, prune interior suckers, and select sunny, breezy locations to reduce PM and botrytis. A light sulfur program in early veg (never in or near flower) and silica supplementation can improve resilience.
Common pitfalls: Overfeeding late flower can dull terps and darken ash; watch runoff EC closely. High humidity past week 6 risks botrytis within the thickest colas; prioritize airflow and dehumidification. Excessive defoliation after week 3 can reduce yield by removing photosynthetic area needed for final bulking.
Phenohunting tips: In a 10–20 seed run, short-list phenos that maintain loud sherbet-citrus with cookie-earth mid-palate by day 60. Look for upright branch angles, tight node spacing, and high calyx-to-leaf ratios for efficient production. Retain mothers that color reliably under modest nighttime drops and exhibit durable PM resistance without sacrificing aroma intensity.
Compliance and testing: Expect total yeast and mold to rise if dry rooms run above 62% RH; keep conditions stable to pass microbial panels. Pesticide regulations vary by jurisdiction, so document all IPM inputs and confirm they are permitted in your market. Potency and terpene testing after a 3–4 week cure generally returns more consistent numbers than immediate post-dry submissions.
Final notes: This is a flagship Archive-style dessert hybrid that rewards precision. It thrives under modern LED spectra, moderate EC, consistent VPD, and disciplined canopy work. Achieve all four and you will harvest bags that look and smell as good as they test.
