Mint Cannabis Strains
The Complete Guide to Minty Weed
Discover refreshing mint-flavored strains like Kush Mints, Animal Mints, and Thin Mint GSC. Learn what terpenes create that cool, minty flavor and find your perfect strain.
Last Updated: January 2026 | By: The Library Education Team
What Are Mint Cannabis Strains?
Mint cannabis strains are varieties known for their cool, refreshing, menthol-like flavors and aromas. These strains get their distinctive minty taste from a unique combination of terpenes that create a cooling sensation when consumed.
The "Mints" family of strains has become one of the most popular genetic lines in modern cannabis. Starting with Girl Scout Cookies (GSC), breeders developed the Thin Mint phenotype, which led to SinMint Cookies, then Animal Mints, and eventually the hugely popular Kush Mints.
What makes mint strains so appealing? Beyond their refreshing flavor profile, most mint strains deliver potent effects thanks to their GSC and OG Kush lineage. They typically feature high THC content (20-32%), making them favorites among experienced cannabis consumers seeking both flavor and power.
What Makes Cannabis Taste Minty?
Mint flavor in cannabis doesn't come from a single terpene—it's created by a combination of compounds working together. Here are the key terpenes responsible for that cool, refreshing taste:
| Terpene | Flavor Profile | Vaporization Temp | Also Found In | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menthol | Peppermint, cool | 212°F (100°C) | Peppermint | Cooling sensation |
| Eucalyptol | Eucalyptus, minty | 348°F (176°C) | Eucalyptus | Respiratory relief |
| Beta-Phellandrene | Minty, peppery | 300°F (149°C) | Parsley, dill | Anti-inflammatory |
| Carvacrol | Oregano, thyme, mint | 401°F (205°C) | Oregano | Antimicrobial |
| Limonene | Citrus with mint undertones | 349°F (176°C) | Citrus peel | Mood elevation |
Vaporization Tip
To maximize mint flavor when vaping, start at lower temperatures (340-360°F). This preserves the delicate menthol and eucalyptol terpenes that create the cooling sensation. Higher temperatures extract more cannabinoids but may diminish the minty taste.
The Mints Family Tree
The mint strain family traces back to the legendary Girl Scout Cookies. Here's how the lineage evolved:
Each generation built upon the minty characteristics of its parents, culminating in strains like Kush Mints that are specifically bred for their pronounced mint flavor.
Top 8 Mint Cannabis Strains
From the iconic Kush Mints to the potent Animal Mints, these are the best mint-flavored strains available today:
1Kush Mints
22-28% THCGenetics
Animal Mints × Bubba Kush
Type
Indica-dominant hybrid (70/30)
Dominant Terpenes
Limonene, Linalool, Caryophyllene
Flavor Notes
Mint, cookies, fuel, earthy
The crown jewel of mint strains. Kush Mints delivers a perfectly balanced experience with cooling mint flavor, cookie sweetness, and gassy undertones. Its indica-dominant genetics provide deep relaxation while maintaining mental clarity.
Best For: Evening relaxation, stress relief, creative projects
2Animal Mints
23-32% THCGenetics
Animal Cookies × SinMint Cookies
Type
Hybrid (50/50)
Dominant Terpenes
Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene
Flavor Notes
Mint, diesel, sweet cookie dough
The parent of Kush Mints, Animal Mints is known for its exceptionally high THC content and diesel-forward mint profile. This potent hybrid delivers heavy relaxation with a sweet, minty finish.
Best For: Insomnia, pain relief, appetite stimulation
3Thin Mint GSC
24-28% THCGenetics
Durban Poison × OG Kush (Thin Mint phenotype)
Type
Hybrid (60% indica / 40% sativa)
Dominant Terpenes
Caryophyllene, Limonene, Linalool
Flavor Notes
Sweet mint chocolate, earthy, pungent
The legendary phenotype that started the mint strain craze. Thin Mint GSC combines the classic Girl Scout Cookies genetics with a distinct minty, chocolate cookie flavor reminiscent of its namesake treat.
Best For: Mood elevation, relaxation, social settings
4Gelato Mint
20-25% THCGenetics
Sunset Sherbet × Thin Mint GSC
Type
Indica-dominant hybrid
Dominant Terpenes
Limonene, Caryophyllene, Humulene
Flavor Notes
Sweet, minty, fruity, dessert
A dessert lover's dream, Gelato Mint combines creamy gelato genetics with refreshing mint. The result is a smooth, flavorful strain that provides balanced effects perfect for any time of day.
Best For: Afternoon use, creativity, relaxation
5Mint Chocolate Chip
19-23% THCGenetics
SinMint Cookies × Green Ribbon BX
Type
Hybrid (60/40 indica)
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
Flavor Notes
Mint, chocolate, earthy
True to its name, Mint Chocolate Chip delivers a dessert-like experience with pronounced chocolate and mint notes. A slightly lower THC content makes it approachable while still delivering satisfying effects.
Best For: Evening use, dessert lovers, sleep
6SinMint Cookies
20-26% THCGenetics
Girl Scout Cookies × Blue Power
Type
Indica-dominant hybrid
Dominant Terpenes
Caryophyllene, Limonene
Flavor Notes
Sweet, minty, cookie, diesel
The foundational strain in the Mints family tree. SinMint Cookies crosses GSC with Blue Power to create a potent, minty indica that laid the groundwork for Animal Mints and Kush Mints.
Best For: Chronic pain, insomnia, stress
7The Menthol
24-30% THCGenetics
Kush Mints #11 phenotype
Type
Indica-dominant hybrid
Dominant Terpenes
Limonene, Caryophyllene
Flavor Notes
Strong menthol, minty, cooling
For those seeking the ultimate mint experience. The Menthol is a Kush Mints phenotype selected specifically for its intense menthol flavor and cooling sensation. Not for beginners.
Best For: Experienced users, strong relief, nighttime
8Jealousy
25-30% THCGenetics
Gelato 41 × Sherbet Bx1
Type
Hybrid
Dominant Terpenes
Caryophyllene, Limonene, Linalool
Flavor Notes
Creamy, minty, fruity, candy
A modern classic that combines Gelato genetics with subtle minty undertones. Jealousy has taken the cannabis world by storm with its unique flavor profile and balanced, versatile effects.
Best For: Social settings, daytime, creativity
Quick Comparison: Mint Strains at a Glance
| Strain | THC | Type | Best For | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kush Mints | 22-28% | Indica-hybrid | Evening, relaxation | Mint, cookies, gas |
| Animal Mints | 23-32% | Hybrid | Pain, insomnia | Mint, diesel, sweet |
| Thin Mint GSC | 24-28% | Hybrid | Mood, social | Mint chocolate, earthy |
| Gelato Mint | 20-25% | Indica-hybrid | Creativity, afternoon | Sweet, minty, fruity |
| Mint Choc Chip | 19-23% | Hybrid | Evening, sleep | Mint, chocolate |
| SinMint Cookies | 20-26% | Indica-hybrid | Pain, stress | Sweet, minty, diesel |
| The Menthol | 24-30% | Indica-hybrid | Heavy relief | Strong menthol, cooling |
| Jealousy | 25-30% | Hybrid | Social, daytime | Creamy, minty, candy |
How to Enjoy Mint Strains
Vaporizing (Recommended)
Best method for preserving mint terpenes. Start at 340-360°F for maximum flavor, then increase to 380°F+ for stronger effects.
Flavor preservation: Excellent
Smoking
Classic method that delivers full effects. Combustion may mute some minty notes but still provides a refreshing experience.
Flavor preservation: Good
Live Resin Concentrates
Live resin made from mint strains preserves the full terpene profile, delivering intense minty flavor in concentrate form.
Flavor preservation: Excellent
Cartridges
Convenient option for on-the-go. Look for live resin carts to preserve the minty terpene profile.
Flavor preservation: Varies by product
Mint vs Other Flavor Families
| Flavor Family | Key Terpenes | Example Strains | Taste Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint | Menthol, Eucalyptol | Kush Mints, Animal Mints | Cool, refreshing, minty |
| Citrus | Limonene | Lemon Haze, Tangie | Bright, zesty, lemon |
| Berry | Myrcene, Linalool | Blueberry, GDP | Sweet, fruity, grape |
| Diesel | Caryophyllene | Sour Diesel, Chemdawg | Pungent, fuel, chemical |
| Pine | Pinene | Jack Herer, Blue Dream | Fresh, forest, herbal |
Mint Cannabis Strains: Frequently Asked Questions
What cannabis strain tastes the most like mint?
Kush Mints and The Menthol are the strains most known for their strong minty flavor. Kush Mints has a cool, cookie-like mint taste, while The Menthol delivers an intense menthol experience that some compare to peppermint.
What terpenes make cannabis taste minty?
Mint flavor in cannabis comes from a combination of terpenes including menthol, eucalyptol, beta-phellandrene, and carvacrol. Limonene can also contribute minty undertones when combined with other terpenes.
Is Kush Mints indica or sativa?
Kush Mints is an indica-dominant hybrid (approximately 70% indica, 30% sativa). It's a cross between Animal Mints and Bubba Kush, known for relaxing effects with a euphoric mental lift.
What strain is Kush Mints crossed with?
Kush Mints was created by crossing Animal Mints (SinMint Cookies × Animal Cookies) with Bubba Kush. This lineage gives it both minty flavor and potent indica effects.
Are mint strains strong?
Yes, most mint strains are considered potent. Kush Mints averages 22-28% THC, Animal Mints reaches 23-32% THC, and The Menthol can hit 24-30% THC. These are best suited for users with some cannabis experience.
What's the difference between Animal Mints and Kush Mints?
Animal Mints is the parent strain (50/50 hybrid) with diesel-forward mint flavor and heavy effects. Kush Mints is its offspring (70/30 indica-dominant), crossing Animal Mints with Bubba Kush for a more cookie-forward, relaxing experience.
Does Thin Mint GSC taste like actual thin mints?
Thin Mint GSC has a sweet, minty, chocolate-adjacent flavor that many compare to the famous cookie. It's sweeter and earthier than pure mint strains like Kush Mints, with more cookie dough and chocolate notes.
Where can I buy mint strains in New Jersey?
The Library dispensary in West Orange, NJ carries a rotating selection of mint-flavored strains including options from the Kush Mints and GSC families. Check our online menu for current availability or visit us at 5 Washington Street.
Shop Mint Strains at The Library
Ready to try refreshing mint-flavored cannabis? Browse our selection of Kush Mints, Animal Mints, and other minty strains at The Library dispensary in West Orange, NJ.
Location
5 Washington Street
West Orange, NJ 07052
Phone
(862) 786-0886Hours
Mon-Thu: 10am-9pm
Fri-Sat: 10am-10pm
Sun: 10am-8pm
21+ with valid ID required. NJ Cannabis Retail License RE000228