Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
5th Element, sometimes listed as The Fifth Element, is an indica-leaning hybrid prized for its dense resin production, dark fruit aromatics, and relaxing body effects. It is widely associated with Elemental Seeds on the U.S. West Coast, where the cut circulated among growers seeking an OG-forward cultivar with a berry twist. In consumer-facing menus, you will often see it described as a 70–80% indica hybrid, which aligns with its compact structure and sedative finish.
In this deep dive, we focus specifically on the 5th element strain as requested, clarifying its background, chemistry, and grower considerations. The cultivar has earned a steady following among night-time consumers who prefer a calm, grounded effect without an overly racy onset. For producers, it offers consistent bag appeal and a favorable calyx-to-leaf ratio that simplifies trimming.
Across dispensaries, batch-to-batch test data frequently places its total cannabinoids around 18–26% by dry weight, with THC dominating the profile. Terpene totals typically land in the 1.5–2.5% range, emphasizing myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene. The combination of elevated resin, terpene density, and an approachable potency ceiling makes 5th Element a strong all-around choice for both flower and solventless rosin.
History and Breeding Origins
5th Element is most commonly attributed to Elemental Seeds, a breeder known for pairing OG-derived lines with flavorful, resinous partners. The cross is widely reported as Blackberry x All Spark OG, a pairing designed to marry the jammy, purple-hued appeal of Blackberry with the gas, pine, and structure of OG genetics. This aligns with its consistent Blackberry nose layered over OG funk in most phenotypes seen on the market.
The cultivar gained traction in the mid-2010s across California and neighboring legal markets as growers sought stable indica-dominant lines with reliable yields. While not as ubiquitous as flagship OGs, 5th Element carved out a niche for consumers who love a berry-forward top note without losing the skunky punch associated with classic Kush lineage. Breeder releases and clone-only cuts circulated through collectives, further stabilizing its reputation.
Over time, the strain has propagated under a few naming variations, including The 5th Element and Fifth Element. Despite the naming elasticity, the aromatic signature and plant morphology remain recognizable: dark green to purple-tinged flowers, heavy resin coverage, and a terpene balance that straddles dessert-fruit sweetness and diesel-pine depth. That consistent phenotype expression helped 5th Element maintain a loyal, if understated, presence in connoisseur circles.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Expectations
The reported genetic parents are Blackberry (a fruit-forward indica lineage known for purple pigmentation) and All Spark OG (an OG-forward hybrid emphasizing gas and pine). Taken together, the cross trends indica-dominant—typically cited around 70–80%—with noticeable OG structure and internode spacing. Expect compact plants with stout lateral branching and medium internodal length.
Phenotypically, 5th Element leans toward dense, golf-ball to egg-shaped colas with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio. Anthocyanin expression from the Blackberry side can push the flowers toward deep violet under cooler night temperatures. Trichome coverage is usually heavy, with stalked glandular heads that press well for rosin and carry a translucent to milky appearance near maturity.
From a sensory standpoint, the Blackberry parent contributes sweet berry and floral notes, while the OG lineage layers in earth, pine, and fuel. This duality creates an aromatic fingerprint that is both dessert-like and hashy. Most cuts express a balanced terpene stack where myrcene and caryophyllene lead, with limonene and humulene rounding the bouquet.
Appearance and Structure
Dried flowers of 5th Element display a dense, compact form with a rounded apex and tightly nested calyxes. Coloration is typically forest green with frequent purple marbling or fully purple calyxes depending on temperature exposure during late flower. Pistils range from amber to burnt orange and tend to be shorter, peeking out between frosted trichome heads.
The resin presentation is a marquee trait: copious trichome coverage gives the buds a sugared appearance even before curing. Under magnification, capitate-stalked trichomes present with well-formed heads, an indicator of solventless potential. Trim work is relatively efficient due to a favorable calyx-to-leaf ratio, contributing to higher net trimmed yields.
In the bag, 5th Element shows strong shelf appeal with a combination of color contrast and shine. Broken-open buds reveal sticky interiors and a louder release of berry and gas aromatics. The structure holds up well in jars when cured correctly, with minimal crumbling and a pleasant hand-break resistance.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
Aroma opens with ripe blackberry, blackcurrant jam, and a light floral sweetness. Beneath that, OG-derived tones of pine, fresh earth, and a faint diesel come forward, especially when the bud is cracked. Some phenotypes also present a cocoa or dark chocolate whisper, likely tied to the interplay of myrcene, linalool, and humulene.
On the palate, expect a layered experience: sweet berry on the inhale and a peppery, earthy exhale that lingers. Limonene and pinene add a top-end brightness that keeps the profile from feeling too heavy, while caryophyllene contributes a warm, peppery snap. Vaporization temperatures between 175–195°C preserve the nuanced fruit and floral notes better than higher-temperature combustion.
Terpene persistence is notable, with many users reporting the flavor remains vivid through multiple pulls. In concentrates, especially fresh-press rosin, the berry character intensifies and the gas undertone becomes more pronounced. Overall, 5th Element offers a dessert-leaning but mature profile that appeals to both fruit lovers and OG traditionalists.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Across tested batches, total THC commonly falls between 18% and 24% by weight, with outliers reported up to roughly 26%. CBD typically registers under 0.5%, placing this cultivar squarely in the high-THC, low-CBD category. Total cannabinoids often land in the 20–28% range, including minor contributions from CBG and CBC.
CBG levels of 0.3–1.0% are not uncommon, especially in earlier-harvested runs where CBGA has not fully converted to THCA. Post-decarboxylation, consumers can expect a strong psychoactive effect driven primarily by delta-9 THC, moderated by the terpene matrix. The THC-to-CBD ratio usually exceeds 20:1, indicating minimal CBD buffering for sensitive users.
For dosing reference, inhaled methods can deliver 1–3 mg THC per average draw, depending on device efficiency and material potency. Edible servings labeled at 5–10 mg THC align with common adult-use regulations and constitute a moderate dose for most consumers. New users may prefer microdoses of 1–2.5 mg THC to gauge response given the sedative drift of this cultivar.
Dominant Terpenes and Minor Aromatics
The terpene profile skews toward myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene as primary drivers. Typical batch totals range from 1.5% to 2.5% terpenes by weight, though dialed-in grows can approach 3%. Myrcene often occupies 0.6–1.0%, lending sweet fruit and herbaceous depth while synergizing with THC for a heavier body sensation.
Beta-caryophyllene commonly sits between 0.3% and 0.6%, providing a peppery, woody finish and engaging CB2 receptors for potential anti-inflammatory effects. Limonene contributes 0.2–0.5%, brightening the top notes with citrus and aiding mood lift. Secondary contributors include humulene (0.1–0.3%), linalool (0.05–0.2%), and alpha-pinene (0.05–0.15%), each shaping subtle layers such as floral calm, woody dryness, and piney clarity.
This balance of terpenes explains why 5th Element’s flavor bends toward blackberry jam over an earthy, gassy base. The myrcene-caryophyllene tandem reinforces physical relaxation while limonene and pinene keep the effect from feeling muddled. In extraction, maintaining low temps during processing preserves these volatile compounds and strengthens the cultivar’s signature profile.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
The onset begins with a calm, warming wave that relaxes the shoulders and chest within minutes of inhalation. A gentle mental uplift follows, often described as contented or unhurried rather than intensely euphoric. Within 20–30 minutes, the body effect deepens into a heavy, anchored calm indicative of its indica dominance.
Users frequently note muscle relaxation and a reduction in background tension, making the strain suitable for evening wind-downs. The headspace is clear enough to hold light conversation or watch a film, but motivation for highly demanding tasks generally tapers. Overconsumption can be sedating, with couchlock potential at higher doses.
Duration of noticeable effects is typically 2–3 hours for inhalation, extending to 4–6 hours for edibles due to first-pass metabolism. Appetite stimulation is common, so plan accordingly if snacking is a concern. Many enthusiasts reach for 5th Element as a post-work decompression tool or as a pre-sleep bridge in the last hours of the evening.
Potential Medical Applications
Given its THC-forward chemistry and myrcene-caryophyllene emphasis, 5th Element may be useful for pain modulation and muscle relaxation. THC has demonstrated analgesic potential in several clinical and preclinical contexts, while beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity is associated with anti-inflammatory signaling. Patients with tension-type discomfort, lower-back strain, or post-exertion soreness often report relief with moderate doses.
For sleep, the sedative trend becomes more pronounced above 10 mg oral THC or with repeated inhalation. Myrcene content, frequently associated with perceived sedation, likely contributes to sleep initiation for some users. As always, individual variability is significant; a low-and-slow approach allows patients to find their therapeutic window without oversedation.
Anxiety responses vary: some users find the limonene lift calming, while others may experience transient unease with higher THC. For anxiety-prone individuals, consider microdoses of 1–2.5 mg THC or balanced formulations where possible. Appetite stimulation may benefit those dealing with low appetite related to stress or certain treatments, with the caveat of mindful nutrition planning.
In terms of delivery methods, inhalation offers rapid onset and easier titration, while edibles and tinctures provide longer coverage for persistent symptoms. A common medical-use pattern is 2.5–5 mg THC 1–2 hours before bed or one to two gentle inhalation sessions in the evening. Patients should consult healthcare providers, especially when combining cannabinoids with other medications.
Cultivation Guide: Environment, Timeline, and Morphology
5th Element typically flowers in 56–63 days indoors (8–9 weeks), with some phenotypes finishing faster under optimized conditions. The cultivar thrives in temperate, semi-arid environments outdoors, completing around late September to early October in the Northern Hemisphere. Its indica-leaning structure remains compact, making it ideal for tents and small rooms.
Target 22–26°C daytime and 18–21°C nighttime temperatures during flower for optimal resin expression. Relative humidity should sit at 55–60% in early flower, tapering to 45–50% by week 7 to minimize botrytis in dense colas. Vapor pressure deficit in the 1.2–1.5 kPa range generally promotes balanced transpiration without over-drying.
Light intensity of 600–800 µmol/m²/s PPFD in mid flower and up to 900–1000 µmol/m²/s for well-fed, CO2-enriched rooms is appropriate. Daily light integrals of 35–45 mol/m²/day are a good target indoors, while outdoor growers should site plants for full-sun exposure. With added CO2 at 1000–1200 ppm, plants can utilize higher PPFD and show improved bud density and resin output.
Cultivation Guide: Training, Nutrition, and Irrigation
Because of its compact stature, 5th Element responds well to topping once at the fifth or sixth node, followed by low-stress training to open the canopy. A simple two-tier SCROG or supportive trellising stabilizes heavy colas late in flower. Leaf plucking is best approached conservatively; perform a light defoliation around day 21 of flower and again around day 42 to reduce humidity pockets.
Nutritionally, aim for an EC of 1.6–2.0 mS/cm in late veg and 2.0–2.4 mS/cm in peak flower, adjusted to cultivar tolerance. In coco or hydro, maintain pH between 5.8 and 6.2; in soil, 6.3–6.8 provides a comfortable nutrient uptake band. Calcium and magnesium support is important for OG-leaning plants: supply around 100–150 ppm Ca and 50–70 ppm Mg, with added silica (40–60 ppm) for stalk strength.
Irrigation strategy should prevent both drought stress and chronic waterlogging. In inert media, frequent, smaller irrigations to 10–15% runoff help stabilize root-zone EC. In soil, allow the top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings and monitor container weight rather than calendar schedules to avoid overwatering.
Pest Management, Disease Pressure, and IPM
Dense flowers make 5th Element susceptible to botrytis (bud rot) and powdery mildew under stagnant conditions. Preventive airflow is crucial: maintain 0.3–0.6 m/s gentle canopy movement and ensure strong air exchange through the room. Spacing plants to avoid leaf-on-leaf contact reduces microclimate humidity spikes.
Adopt a proactive IPM that includes regular scouting, yellow and blue sticky cards, and biological controls where appropriate. Predatory mites like Neoseiulus californicus and Amblyseius swirskii can help manage broad-spectrum mite and thrip pressure. Foliar IPM sprays should be restricted to veg and early pre-flower; avoid applications once pistils stack to protect trichome integrity.
Sanitation reduces risk significantly: clean tools, quarantine new clones, and sterilize surfaces between runs. Environmental consistency—stable RH, adequate airflow, and correct VPD—often does more to prevent disease than reactive treatments. If powdery mildew appears, remove affected leaves promptly and improve airflow before considering approved fungicidal tools for vegetative stages only.
Yield Expectations and Grower Benchmarks
Indoors, well-run gardens can expect 450–550 g/m² under 600–1000 W-class LED fixtures, with dialed phenotypes reaching 600 g/m². In outdoor beds or large containers, yields of 600–900 g per plant are achievable in full sun with a long veg. The high calyx-to-leaf ratio shortens trim times, improving net productivity.
Solventless producers appreciate the cultivar’s resin development; rosin yields from fresh-frozen material often fall in the 18–24% range. Hydrocarbon extraction can push higher cannabinoid recovery, though terpene retention depends greatly on process temperature and post-process handling. For dry-sift, expect clean, bulbous heads that screen well through 120–150 µm mesh when harvested at peak maturity.
Quality benchmarks include dense, well-formed spears with minimal fox-tailing, terpene totals above 2%, and THC hovering near 20% or more. Properly finished flowers should show minimal chlorophyll bite, a balanced moisture content of 10–12%, and a stable water activity of 0.55–0.62. Meeting these metrics typically correlates with strong shelf life and consumer satisfaction.
Harvest Timing, Drying, and Curing
Optimal harvest timing often occurs when trichomes show mostly cloudy heads with 5–15% amber, balancing potency and flavor. Harvest windows around day 56–63 of flower are common, though individual phenotype and grow-room variables may shift this ±7 days. If targeting a more sedative effect, allow slightly more amber development.
Dry at approximately 60°F (15.5–16.5°C) and 55–60% RH for 10–14 days to protect volatile terpenes and prevent case-hardening. Gentle, indirect airflow under the canopy—not on the buds—helps maintain an even dry. Whole-plant or large-branch hangs can slow the process and preserve aromatics compared to bucking wet.
Cure in airtight containers at 62% RH, burping daily for the first 7–10 days and then weekly for 3–6 weeks. Many growers report the berry note maturing into a jammy, layered bouquet during weeks 3–5 of cure. A well-managed cure can improve perceived potency and smoothness even when lab cannabinoid values remain constant.
Consumer Guidance: Tolerance, Pairings, and Storage
For new users, one or two inhalations or a 1–2.5 mg THC edible is a prudent starting point due to 5th Element’s sedative arc. Intermediate consumers commonly find 5–10 mg oral or a small joint satisfies without overwhelming. Avoid stacking doses within 60–90 minutes, especially for edibles, to prevent accidental overconsumption.
Pair the strain with low-stress, sensory-rich activities such as music listening, casual gaming, or cooking. Evening use aligns well with its relaxing tail; for daytime relief, consider microdosing to retain functionality. Hydration and light, protein-rich snacks can counter the munchies while supporting a steady energy curve.
Store flower in opaque, airtight containers at 60–65°F and 55–62% RH to preserve terpenes and texture. Exposure to light and heat can degrade THC into CBN and volatilize terpenes, dulling the experience over weeks. With good storage, aromatic vibrancy remains strong for 60–90 days post-cure and acceptable for several months thereafter.
Context and Nomenclature Notes
The target strain for this article is the 5th element strain, a name that appears on menus with and without the definite article (The 5th Element). In breeder materials and community discussions, both forms refer to the same Blackberry x All Spark OG lineage. When shopping, confirm the genetic listing on the product label or certificate of analysis to avoid confusion with similarly named, unrelated cultivars.
Regional markets sometimes shorten the name to 5th Element or Fifth Element, while others emphasize the element theme for branding. For researchers and patients, using the genetic lineage as the anchor is the best strategy for tracking chemotype consistency. Ultimately, the chemistry in the jar—cannabinoid and terpene percentages—is the most reliable indicator of expected effects regardless of minor naming variations.
Because live information varies from grower to grower and batch to batch, always review the latest lab results when available. The data points in this guide represent common ranges observed in market reports rather than a single laboratory dataset. Batch-specific variance is normal and can be substantial depending on cultivation and post-harvest practices.
