Table of Contents
Cement Shoes is an indica-dominant hybrid strain with a reputation for its heavy, body-numbing effects, much like the name suggests. With its origins in a cross between Animal Cookies, OG Kush, and Wet Dream, Cement Shoes is known for its high potency, tranquilizing properties, and ability to provide full-bodied relaxation. It is particularly favored among medicinal users for pain relief and stress reduction while also being appreciated by recreational users for its intense euphoric and sedative effects.
This guide delves into the genetic composition, chemical profile, medical and recreational applications, and the latest scientific insights surrounding the Cement Shoes strain.
Genetics and Origin
Parent Strains:
- Animal Cookies: A potent hybrid known for its deeply relaxing and therapeutic effects.
- OG Kush: One of the most well-known cannabis strains, renowned for its balanced high and earthy, pine-like aroma.
- Wet Dream: A lesser-known sativa hybrid that contributes cerebral effects and a sweet, citrusy flavor to Cement Shoes.
With these genetics, Cement Shoes carries the best of both worlds—deep sedation from its indica lineage and a hint of mental stimulation from its sativa ancestors.
Classification:
- Type: Indica-dominant Hybrid (~80% Indica, 20% Sativa)
- THC Content: 19–24%
- CBD Content: <1%
- Terpenes Profile: Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene
Chemical Profile and Scientific Breakdown
Cannabinoid Content:
- THC: 19–24%
- CBD: <1%
- CBG: ~1%
- Other cannabinoids: Trace amounts of CBC and CBN
Terpene Profile and Aromatics:
Terpenes contribute significantly to the strain’s therapeutic effects and sensory appeal:
- Myrcene (~0.8–1.2%) – Responsible for the sedative and muscle-relaxing effects.
- Limonene (~0.5–0.7%) – Adds a citrusy, sweet aroma while providing mood-enhancing effects.
- Caryophyllene (~0.4–0.6%) – Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Humulene (~0.2–0.4%) – Contributes appetite suppression and antibacterial benefits.
- Linalool (~0.1–0.3%) – Provides calming and anxiolytic effects.
Flavor and Aroma Profile:
- Aroma: Earthy, citrusy, and nutty with hints of vanilla.
- Flavor: Sweet citrus with a creamy, nutty aftertaste.
Medical Benefits and Therapeutic Uses
Cement Shoes is widely used in medical cannabis communities due to its potent analgesic, anxiolytic, and sedative properties.
1. Pain Management
- The high THC content and caryophyllene terpene contribute to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
- Best for: Chronic pain, arthritis, migraines, muscle spasms, fibromyalgia, and nerve pain.
2. Anxiety, Stress, and Depression Relief
- Limonene and linalool work together to uplift mood while myrcene provides relaxation.
- Users report reduced stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms after consumption.
3. Insomnia Treatment
- The sedative properties of Cement Shoes make it one of the most effective strains for inducing deep, restful sleep.
- It is especially useful for those with chronic insomnia or night-time anxiety.
4. Appetite Stimulation
- The strain may induce strong munchies, which is beneficial for patients suffering from loss of appetite due to medical treatments (e.g., chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS-related wasting syndrome).
5. Muscle Relaxation and Anti-Spasmodic Effects
- Cement Shoes can help alleviate muscle spasms, cramps, and tension, making it ideal for patients with multiple sclerosis or those recovering from intense physical activity.
Recreational Uses and Effects
Beyond its medical applications, Cement Shoes is popular for its recreational benefits:
1. Deep Relaxation & Full-Body Sedation
- Beginners should be cautious, as the heavy indica effects can lead to couch-lock.
- Perfect for a lazy evening, movie night, or deep meditation.
2. Euphoria and Mental Calm
- Users often report a blissful, carefree state, making it ideal for relieving daily stress.
3. Sleep Aid for Recreational Users
- Great for those who need help winding down after a long day.
4. Creativity Boost (at Lower Doses)
- While predominantly sedative, some users report enhanced creativity and introspection in the early phase of the high.
Cultivation Information
Cement Shoes is a moderately challenging strain to grow, best suited for those with intermediate to advanced cultivation skills. Given its indica-dominant nature, it has a bushy structure, requiring proper pruning, humidity control, and strategic training to optimize yield and potency.
Environmental Conditions for Optimal Growth
To maximize growth and resin production, it’s crucial to mimic its natural Mediterranean environment while controlling key growth factors:
a. Temperature & Humidity
- Vegetative Stage:
- Temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C)
- Humidity: 50–60%
- Flowering Stage:
- Temperature: 68–78°F (20–26°C)
- Humidity: 40–50% (Prevents mold and bud rot)
- Late Flowering (Final 2 Weeks):
- Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
- Humidity: 30–40% (Enhances trichome production)
Using humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and oscillating fans ensures consistent airflow to prevent mold, which can be a risk due to the strain’s dense bud structure.
Light Requirements for Maximum Yield
Cement Shoes thrives under high-intensity light, promoting both compact bud development and high cannabinoid production.
a. Indoor Lighting
- Vegetative Stage:18/6 light cycle
- LED Grow Lights (Full Spectrum): 300–400 μmol/m²/s PAR intensity
- HID (High-Intensity Discharge) Lights: 600W HPS/MH
- Flowering Stage:12/12 light cycle
- LED Grow Lights: 600–900 μmol/m²/s PAR intensity
- HID: 1000W HPS for maximum bud development
A light stress training (LST) approach can optimize light penetration and prevent lower buds from being underdeveloped.
Soil vs. Hydroponic Cultivation
Choosing the right growing medium is critical for nutrient absorption and root health.
a. Soil Cultivation (Organic Approach)
- Preferred Soil Type: Light, well-aerated, nutrient-rich soil
- Ideal pH Level: 6.0–6.5
- Soil Additives:
- Mycorrhizal fungi (for enhanced root absorption)
- Bat guano & worm castings (for natural nutrient enrichment)
b. Hydroponic System (Advanced Method for Faster Growth)
Hydroponics allows faster vegetative growth due to direct nutrient absorption. A Deep Water Culture (DWC) or Ebb and Flow system works best for Cement Shoes.
- Ideal Hydroponic pH: 5.5–6.0
- Nutrient Solution EC (Electrical Conductivity):
- Veg Stage: 1.2–1.8 mS/cm
- Flowering Stage: 1.8–2.4 mS/cm
Using a Reverse Osmosis (RO) water filtration system ensures a pure nutrient uptake without unwanted mineral build-up.
Nutrient Feeding Schedule
Cement Shoes is a heavy feeder, requiring balanced macronutrients (N-P-K) and secondary micronutrients.
a. Vegetative Stage Feeding (Week 1–4)
- Nitrogen (N): High (for leaf and stem development)
- Phosphorus (P): Moderate
- Potassium (K): Moderate
- Recommended Nutrient Ratio: 3-1-2 (N-P-K)
b. Flowering Stage Feeding (Week 5–10)
- Reduce Nitrogen (N) to prevent leafy buds
- Increase Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) for bud growth and terpene production
- Recommended Nutrient Ratio: 1-3-2 (N-P-K)
A Calcium-Magnesium (Cal-Mag) supplement is essential to prevent nutrient deficiencies, especially in hydroponic systems.
Training Techniques for Higher Yield
Cement Shoes produces dense, resin-coated buds, which require proper training to enhance light exposure and maximize yield.
a. Low-Stress Training (LST)
- Gently bend branches outward and secure them with soft ties
- Improves airflow and light penetration for larger colas
b. Screen of Green (SCROG) Method
- Use a net to spread branches evenly
- Encourages a wider canopy, leading to increased bud production
c. Defoliation (Selective Pruning)
- Remove lower fan leaves to focus energy on top colas
- Prevents moisture retention (reducing mold risk)
CO₂ Enrichment for Potency Boost
Supplementing CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) levels can increase bud density and cannabinoid production.
- CO₂ PPM Levels:
- Vegetative Stage: 800–1000 PPM
- Flowering Stage: 1200–1500 PPM
Using a CO₂ generator or tank in a sealed grow tent can enhance photosynthesis, resulting in higher THC and terpene levels.
Harvesting & Curing for Maximum Potency
Proper harvesting and curing techniques preserve cannabinoids and terpenes, ensuring maximum flavor and potency.
a. Harvest Timing
- Optimal Harvest Time: 8–10 weeks of flowering
- Best Indicator:Trichome color
- Milky white trichomes = Peak THC levels
- Amber trichomes = More sedative effects
b. Drying Process
- Temperature: 60–70°F (16–21°C)
- Humidity: 45–55%
- Drying Time: 7–10 days in a dark, ventilated space
c. Curing Process (Enhancing Flavor & Smoothness)
- Glass Jars (airtight) for slow curing
- For the first week, open the jars every day to let the moisture out.
- Ideal Curing Duration: 3–4 weeks for peak terpene expression
Pest & Mold Prevention
Due to Cement Shoes’ dense bud structure, preventative pest and mold control is necessary.
a. Common Pests
- Spider mites: Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Fungus gnats: Apply diatomaceous earth on the ground.
b. Mold Prevention
- Maintain humidity below 50% during flowering
- Increase air circulation with oscillating fans
Scientific Research and Studies on Cement Shoes
Several studies on cannabis compounds reinforce the medical benefits associated with Cement Shoes:
- Pain Relief and Inflammation:
- A 2019 study published in the Journal of Pain Research highlights the analgesic potential of myrcene and caryophyllene, both present in Cement Shoes.
- Sleep and Insomnia:
- A 2020 study in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that high-THC indica strains significantly improve sleep quality in individuals with chronic insomnia.
- Anxiety and Stress Reduction:
- Research in Neurotherapeutics (2021) identified limonene and linalool as potential anxiolytic agents that promote relaxation and stress relief.
Methods, Onset, and Duration
The method of ingestion plays a crucial role in how Cement Shoes’ cannabinoids (primarily THC) are absorbed, impacting the onset, intensity, and duration of effects. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of various consumption methods, including their bioavailability, onset time, peak effects, and duration.
1. Inhalation Methods (Smoking & Vaping)
Inhalation is the most common method of cannabis consumption, providing a rapid onset of effects due to direct pulmonary absorption.
a. Smoking (Combustion)
- Common Forms:
- Joints (rolled cannabis)
- Blunts (rolled with tobacco leaf wrap)
- Pipes (dry herb)
- Bongs (water filtration)
- Onset: 1–5 minutes (fast absorption via alveoli in the lungs)
- Peak Effects: 15–30 minutes
- Duration: 2–4 hours
- Bioavailability: ~30 percent (THC delivered into the bloodstream)
- Advantages:
- Fast-acting effects
- Easy to dose incrementally
- Disadvantages:
- Loss of some cannabinoids due to combustion (around 30 to 50 percent destruction)
- Smoke inhalation can be harsh on the lungs
b. Vaping (Dry Herb or Concentrates)
- Common Forms:
- Dry Herb Vaporizers (heat flower to 350–400°F without combustion)
- Concentrate Vaporizers (uses cannabis extracts like wax, shatter, or oil)
- Onset: 1–5 minutes
- Peak Effects: 15–30 minutes
- Duration: 3–5 hours
- Bioavailability: ~40–50 percent (higher than smoking due to better THC preservation)
- Advantages:
- Higher efficiency (more THC preserved)
- Smoother on the lungs compared to smoking
- Disadvantages:
- Requires specialized equipment
- High-potency concentrates may cause overwhelming effects for beginners
2. Oral Ingestion Methods (Edibles & Capsules)
Oral ingestion produces longer-lasting and more intense effects due to metabolism in the liver, converting THC into 11-hydroxy-THC (which is more potent and has a longer half-life).
a. Edibles (Gummies, Brownies, Beverages)
- Onset: 30–120 minutes (depends on metabolism and food intake)
- Peak Effects: 2–4 hours
- Duration: 6–12 hours
- Bioavailability: ~4–20 percent (due to first-pass metabolism in the liver)
- Advantages:
- Long-lasting, powerful effects
- No lung irritation
- Disadvantages:
- Delayed onset can lead to overconsumption
- Unpredictable intensity due to individual metabolism differences
b. Capsules & Tinctures (Sublingual or Swallowed)
- Sublingual Method (Under the Tongue):
- Onset: 15–30 minutes
- Peak Effects: 1–2 hours
- Duration: 4–6 hours
- Bioavailability: ~20–35 percent (better than edibles due to direct bloodstream absorption)
- Swallowed Capsules:
- Onset: 30–90 minutes
- Peak Effects: 2–4 hours
- Duration: 6–10 hours
- Bioavailability: ~4–12 percent
- Advantages:
- Sublingual method offers fast, controlled dosing
- Capsules provide discreet and precise dosage
- Disadvantages:
- Swallowed forms have low bioavailability due to liver metabolism
- Long duration may be overwhelming for new users
3. Topical & Transdermal Methods
a. Cannabis-Infused Creams & Lotions (Topical)
- Onset: 15–60 minutes
- Peak Effects: 1–2 hours
- Duration: 2–6 hours
- Bioavailability: Low (around 5 percent, as cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream)
- Advantages:
- Best for localized pain and inflammation
- No psychoactive effects, making it ideal for medical use
- Disadvantages:
- Limited effects beyond the applied area
- Not suitable for systemic effects like anxiety relief
b. Transdermal Patches (Systemic Absorption)
- Onset: 30–90 minutes
- Peak Effects: 2–6 hours
- Duration: 8–12 hours
- Bioavailability: ~50 percent (direct bloodstream absorption)
- Advantages:
- Controlled, steady THC release
- No lung or digestive system involvement
- Disadvantages:
- Slow onset compared to inhalation
- Limited availability and higher cost
4. Comparison Table of Ingestion Methods
| Method | Onset Time | Peak Effects | Duration | Bioavailability | Psychoactive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking | 1–5 min | 15–30 min | 2–4 hrs | ~30 percent | Yes |
| Vaping | 1–5 min | 15–30 min | 3–5 hrs | ~40–50 percent | Yes |
| Edibles | 30–120 min | 2–4 hrs | 6–12 hrs | ~4–20 percent | Yes |
| Tinctures (Sublingual) | 15–30 min | 1–2 hrs | 4–6 hrs | ~20–35 percent | Yes |
| Capsules (Swallowed) | 30–90 min | 2–4 hrs | 6–10 hrs | ~4–12 percent | Yes |
| Topical Creams | 15–60 min | 1–2 hrs | 2–6 hrs | ~5 percent | No |
| Transdermal Patches | 30–90 min | 2–6 hrs | 8–12 hrs | ~50 percent | Yes |
Potential Side Effects
While Cement Shoes is well-tolerated, users should be aware of potential side effects:
- Dry mouth and dry eyes (common with high-THC strains)
- Dizziness or mild paranoia (particularly in new users or when overconsumed)
- Sedation and couch-lock (avoid heavy doses during the daytime)
Conclusion
Cement Shoes is a powerful indica-dominant hybrid with strong medicinal and recreational benefits. It’s particularly valued for its pain relief, stress reduction, sleep enhancement, and full-body relaxation. With a unique combination of citrusy, earthy, and nutty flavors, this strain is a favorite among both medical patients and recreational consumers who seek a deep, tranquilizing high.
For those looking for an intense, sedating cannabis experience, Cement Shoes is one of the best choices available.
For a complete directory of cultivars, visit our Cannabis Strain Reviews.
