Cinderella 99
Jack Herer (presumed)
Cinderella 99, often abbreviated as C99, is a sativa-dominant cultivar that gained popularity in the late 1990s for its rapid flowering time and uplifting effects. Created by Mr. Soul of Brothers Grimm Seeds, it is celebrated for its bright, tropical aroma and flavor profile.
Appearance
Cinderella 99 plants typically exhibit a compact, Christmas-tree shape with strong apical dominance, reaching moderate heights. The foliage is a vibrant green with narrower leaves, indicative of its sativa heritage. Flowers are characterized by a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, making them easy to trim and presenting a refined, spear-like structure. Mature buds are often covered in dense trichomes, with pistils changing from white to apricot and copper tones.
Buds tend to be medium in density, which can help mitigate the risk of botrytis. They have swollen, slightly pointed calyxes and, when grown under optimal conditions, show minimal foxtailing. The overall visual presentation is clean, bright, and resinous.
Aroma & Flavor
The aroma of Cinderella 99 is predominantly sweet and tropical, featuring notes of pineapple and ripe citrus, often with hints of grapefruit and orchard fruits. Terpinolene is a key aromatic compound, contributing a fresh, fruity, and slightly piney character. Supporting notes can include floral and herbal undertones, with some phenotypes expressing a distinct candy-like sweetness reminiscent of peach or grape.
The flavor profile closely mirrors the aroma, with bright pineapple and grapefruit notes leading the palate. Consumers often experience a clean, piney finish, and a candied fruit aftertaste on the exhale, similar to pineapple gummies or fruit candies. Some users detect subtle white-wine or green-tea nuances, particularly when vaporized at lower temperatures.
Effects
Cinderella 99 is known for delivering an intensely uplifting and motivational high, making it a popular choice for daytime use. It is often cited for its ability to promote focus and elevate mood without the excessive raciness sometimes associated with other sativa strains. The experience is generally described as clear-headed and energetic.
Terpenes & Cannabinoids
Cinderella 99 typically tests at THC levels around 20%, with CBD content below 1%. The terpene profile is often dominated by terpinolene, which contributes to its characteristic fruity and piney aroma. Other terpenes commonly found include myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, and ocimene, which collectively shape the strain's complex bouquet and effects.
Origins & Lineage
Developed by Mr. Soul of Brothers Grimm Seeds in the late 1990s, Cinderella 99 is believed to descend from a plant called Princess, itself a phenotype of Jack Herer. The breeding objective was to replicate the desirable traits of Princess, including its potent high and tropical terpene profile, while improving consistency and reducing flowering time. Early breeding may have involved a Shiva Skunk male and a P94 male.
The strain quickly became a favorite for its speed, yield, and distinctive pineapple-citrus aroma. Over the years, various phenotypes, such as the Pineapple and Grapefruit expressions, have been identified. Brothers Grimm Seeds re-released verified genetics in the mid-2010s, helping to standardize the cultivar after market variations had emerged.
Growing
Cinderella 99 is considered a relatively fast-finishing sativa-dominant strain, typically flowering in 50-60 days. It responds well to training techniques like topping, developing multiple colas and maintaining a manageable size indoors, often reaching 80-120 cm after training. Outdoors, it can grow taller, up to 180-240 cm in suitable climates.
The plant has a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, resulting in buds that are easy to trim. It is known for its strong apical dominance and tidy growth structure. The yield is generally considered good, especially given its rapid flowering time. Proper drying and curing are recommended to preserve its delicate terpene profile.