Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Origin
Anaphylaxis is a modern, boutique cultivar bred by MassMedicalStrains (MMS), a breeder known for expressive, high-terpene sativa lines and carefully selected collaborations. The project emerged as a joint effort with Thug Pug, pairing Peanut Butter Breath (often abbreviated PB Breath) with a cut known as Deadly Sativa. This lineage marries the savory, dense resin of Peanut Butter Breath with the racy, uplifting, and aromatic volatility typical of elite sativa stock.
The name Anaphylaxis is intentionally provocative, nodding to the cultivar’s explosive, full-on effect profile and pungent terpene output rather than any medical implication. It arrived on the radar of dedicated growers during the early 2020s, with 2022 being a notable year for public attention and limited releases. Enthusiasts seeking unusual chemotypes, complex flavor stacks, and a cerebral sativa tilt quickly adopted it as a pheno-hunting target.
MassMedicalStrains built its reputation on strains that combine intense aromatics with layered effects, and Anaphylaxis fits neatly into that catalog ethos. Internal selection focused on phenotype uniformity of vigor and resin, while leaving room for expression in terpene balance and coloration. Across early tester runs, growers described stand-out plants that leaned either toward bright, terpinolene-dominant sativa bouquets or toward the creamy, nutty-spiced signatures of PB Breath.
Genetic Lineage and Collaborative Context
Anaphylaxis descends from PB Breath x Deadly Sativa, an intentional cross designed to harmonize body-rich resin with a mostly sativa, energizing high. Peanut Butter Breath, commonly credited as Do-Si-Dos x Mendo Breath F2, is renowned for dense trichomes and a caryophyllene-forward, nutty-gas flavor. Deadly Sativa contributes speed, lift, and a tendency toward terpinolene/ocimene-dominant aromas, often expressed as citrus, pine, and fresh herb.
MassMedicalStrains and Thug Pug entered this collaboration to create something both connoisseur-grade and functionally versatile. Leafly’s 2022 coverage of top seeds and clones named Anaphylaxis specifically as an MMS x Thug Pug highlight, reinforcing its reputation among discerning home growers and craft cultivators. That signal boosted interest and demand, pushing the cultivar into a wider pheno-hunting circuit.
The result is a mostly sativa hybrid that retains structural density and mouth-coating resin from its PB Breath parent while accelerating growth dynamics and high-energy effects from Deadly Sativa. Expect medium internodes, moderate-to-high stretch, and a terpene spectrum that can tilt in multiple directions depending on phenotype. This blend is exactly the kind of heterogeneous canvas experienced growers seek when hunting for keeper cuts.
Appearance and Morphology
Anaphylaxis typically exhibits a medium-tall structure with a 1.6x to 2.2x stretch after flip, reflecting its mostly sativa heritage. Internode spacing tends toward medium—tighter than many pure sativas but more open than most indica-leaning hybrids. With adequate light intensity (800–1000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in bloom) and canopy management, colas stack into tapering spears packed with crystalline resin.
Calyx-to-leaf ratio is favorable, especially in phenotypes that lean Deadly Sativa, reducing trim time and improving bag appeal. Under cooler night temperatures (60–65°F/15.5–18.3°C) in late flower, some phenos will purpling on sugar leaves and calyx tips. Trichome density is notable: well-grown plants develop a snow-globe frosting by week 7–8 of bloom.
Bud structure straddles sativa spears and PB Breath’s chunkier nodules, yielding firm tops with a little fox-tail potential if environmental parameters push heat or PPFD too high. Final dry buds present a matte-lime to forest-green palette, often with aubergine streaks and thick, opaque heads. Pistils start bright tangerine and amber out to warm copper by harvest.
Aroma Profile
The aroma of Anaphylaxis is dynamic and volatile, often filling a room within minutes of opening a jar. Terpinolene and ocimene phenotypes deliver a sparkling top note of citrus zest, crushed pine needles, and sweet herbs. Underneath, PB Breath influences add a savory-nutty layer, reminiscent of toasted peanut skins, cocoa nib, and faint garlic-kush spice.
On the plant, living resin can broadcast an almost candied-pine bakery smell that intensifies with gentle stem rubs. During dry and cure, monoterpenes flash off if rushed; slow, controlled drying preserves the bright citrus and woodland facets. Many growers report that the bouquet deepens markedly after a 4–6 week cure, revealing vanilla-malt and graham cracker undertones.
Terpene persistence is strong: sealed jars retain headspace pungency for months with proper storage. However, exposure to heat and UV can markedly flatten the top notes over time. Controlled storage (dark, 55–65°F/12.8–18.3°C, water activity 0.58–0.65) helps maintain aromatic integrity and minimizes terpene loss.
Flavor Profile
Flavor follows the nose with a vivid sativa brightness over a grounding, confectionary base. First draw often presents lemon-lime spritz, sweet pine, and fresh-cut herbs, signaling terpinolene or limonene leadership. As vapor or smoke evolves, caryophyllene and humulene bring a peppery, toasted character that evokes nut butter and crackers.
On exhale, many users note a lingering citrus-pepper snap with a creamy, slightly woody finish. The aftertaste can hang for 5–10 minutes, particularly when consumed via convection vaporization at 370–390°F (188–199°C). Phenotypes leaning PB Breath may show richer chocolate, coffee, or toasted sesame notes, especially after extended cure.
Terpene intensity benefits from proper dry and cure; rushing the process tends to flatten nuance into generic herb. Well-grown, slow-dried Anaphylaxis often tests high in total terpene content, translating into amplified flavor clarity at modest doses. With glass or ceramic hardware, the flavor expresses cleanly without the metallic edge some alloys impart at higher heat.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
While lab results vary by phenotype and cultivation practice, Anaphylaxis commonly tests in the high-teen to mid-20% range for THC. A realistic indoor target under optimized conditions is 18–26% total THC by dry weight, with elite cuts occasionally pushing higher. CBD content is typically minimal (<1%), consistent with most modern sativa-leaning hybrids bred for psychoactive potency.
Minor cannabinoids can contribute meaningful entourage effects even at low percentages. CBG often appears in the 0.5–1.5% range in resin-rich phenotypes, and CBC may register around 0.2–0.8%. While these values depend heavily on selection and maturation, they help explain reports of both clarity and comfort in the high.
Potency expression correlates with cultivation metrics such as PPFD, CO2 enrichment, and root-zone health. Under 800–1200 ppm CO2 and PPFD near 900–1000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹, many growers see denser resin heads and higher total cannabinoids compared to ambient conditions. However, heat and drought stress beyond optimal VPD windows can degrade cannabinoids, emphasizing the importance of balanced environmental control.
Terpene Ensemble and Chemotype
Anaphylaxis displays chemotypes ranging from terpinolene-dominant sativa profiles to caryophyllene/limonene-forward hybrids. Common top-three terpene stacks include: terpinolene + ocimene + limonene, or caryophyllene + humulene + limonene, with myrcene and linalool as supporting actors. Total terpene content often lands between 1.5–3.5% of dry flower, with standout grows exceeding 4%.
Terpinolene levels in expressive phenos can approach or surpass 0.5–1.0% of dry weight, conferring the sparkling citrus-pine signature. Caryophyllene regularly registers 0.3–0.8%, aligning with reports of spicy, peppery edges and potential CB2 receptor activity. Ocimene, while sometimes overlooked, contributes the sweet, green-herbal lift and can be present at 0.2–0.6%.
These profiles are sensitive to drying parameters and harvest timing. Pulling plants when trichomes are mostly cloudy with limited amber helps preserve monoterpenes that volatilize easily. Conversely, later harvests may mute the bright top notes while slightly deepening earthy and woody elements.
Experiential Effects and Onset
As a mostly sativa cultivar, Anaphylaxis is widely reported to deliver an alert, buoyant headspace with a steady somatic ease. Inhaled onset emerges within 2–5 minutes, peaking around 30–60 minutes, and settling into a 2–4 hour arc for most users. Many describe a crisp, creative ignition early, followed by a more grounded, body-light calm as caryophyllene and humulene assert themselves.
Phenotypes heavy in terpinolene and limonene often feel sparkling and task-friendly, with sensory sharpening and gentle euphoria. PB Breath-leaning expressions layer in a warm, comforted body profile that softens edges without sinking energy. Users sensitive to strong sativa can mitigate raciness by starting with smaller doses (e.g., 1–2 inhalations) and building gradually.
Common side effects for THC-forward cultivars include dry mouth and dry eyes, which observational surveys often place above 50% and around 30–40% prevalence, respectively. Occasional dizziness or transient anxiety can appear at higher doses, especially in inexperienced users or when consumed in stimulating environments. Hydration, controlled set-and-setting, and dose titration are practical strategies to reduce unwanted effects.
Potential Medical Applications and Considerations
Early consumer reports and breeder notes have associated Anaphylaxis with mood elevation and a reduction in rumination for some individuals, aligning with the uplifting chemotype. Leafly’s 2022 roundup noted the cultivar among promising seeds, with commentary suggesting potential appeal to people dealing with low mood or anxious spirals. It is crucial to stress that such reports are anecdotal and individual responses vary widely.
From a pharmacological perspective, limonene and terpinolene have been studied for potentially mood-lifting and alertness-promoting properties in preclinical contexts. Caryophyllene’s activity at CB2 receptors is of interest for inflammation pathways, although clinical evidence specific to this strain is limited. As with all cannabis, no claim should be interpreted as medical advice or as a guaranteed therapeutic effect.
For patients exploring cannabis adjunctively, careful titration is key. Start with low THC exposure—particularly for anxiety-prone individuals—because high doses can paradoxically exacerbate anxiety or tachycardia. Consultation with a clinician familiar with cannabinoid medicine can help align dosing strategies with individual health histories and medications.
Safety, Allergies, and the Name ‘Anaphylaxis’
The strain’s name can be confusing because anaphylaxis is also the term for a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Cannabis allergy is real and documented in the literature, with symptoms ranging from rhinitis and conjunctivitis to urticaria (hives), angioedema (swelling), and dyspnea (difficulty breathing). Leafly’s overview of cannabis allergies notes that reports even include anaphylaxis associated with ocular symptoms and systemic reactions in sensitized individuals.
Importantly, the existence of a strain called Anaphylaxis does not imply it causes allergic reactions at a higher rate than other cultivars. Allergic responses relate to plant proteins, pollen, and sometimes cross-reactivity, not the cultivar name. However, individuals with known cannabis allergy or severe plant allergies should approach any new cannabis product cautiously.
If signs of allergy occur—itching, hives, swelling, wheezing, or severe eye irritation—discontinue use and seek medical care. For any suspected anaphylaxis (rapid swelling, breathing difficulty, drop in blood pressure, or fainting), emergency care is critical. As a general best practice, introduce new strains at low doses, and avoid exposure during pollen-heavy phases if you are cultivating.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Environment and Schedule
Anaphylaxis performs well in controlled indoor environments and thrives outdoors in warm, temperate climates with low late-season humidity. Indoors, target day temperatures of 75–82°F (23.9–27.8°C) in veg and 72–78°F (22.2–25.6°C) in flower, with night drops of 5–10°F (2.8–5.6°C) to encourage color and resin. Relative humidity should track 60–70% in veg, 45–55% in early/mid flower, and 40–45% in late flower to limit botrytis risk.
VPD management improves vigor and resin output; aim for 0.9–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in bloom. Light intensity of 400–600 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in veg and 800–1000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in flower is appropriate, with 12/12 photoperiod to initiate bloom. Under supplemental CO2 (800–1200 ppm), plants will tolerate the higher PPFD ranges and produce heavier calyx development.
In soilless media, maintain pH 5.8–6.2; in living soil or peat-based mixes, 6.2–6.8 is suitable. Electrical conductivity (EC) can range 1.4–1.8 mS/cm in mid-veg and 1.8–2.2 mS/cm during peak bloom, tapering to 1.2–1.4 before flush. Always calibrate feed to plant response—leaf tip burn, clawing, or interveinal chlorosis signal adjustments.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Training, Nutrition, and IPM
Anaphylaxis tolerates topping and low-stress training (LST), making it a good candidate for SCROG canopies in small spaces. Top once at the 5th–6th node, then LST lateral branches to create an even plane; a second soft topping before flip can further multiply heads. Expect a 1.6–2.2x stretch, so set the trellis accordingly to avoid late flower overcrowding.
Defoliation should be measured—remove large fan leaves that block interior light around day 18–21 of flower, then perform a light cleanup at day 42–45. Over-defoliation can spike stress and reduce terpene intensity, particularly in terpinolene-leaning phenos. Maintain adequate airflow: target 0.3–0.5 m/s across the canopy to reduce microclimates.
For nutrition, emphasize balanced N in veg, then shift to higher K and moderate P in bloom. Many growers succeed with N-P-K ratios near 1-1-1 in veg and 1-2-3 in peak flower, along with calcium and magnesium support to prevent tip necrosis. Integrated Pest Management should be preventive—weekly scouting, yellow/blue sticky cards, and rotating beneficials such as Amblyseius swirskii, A. cucumeris, and predatory mites for broad-spectrum coverage.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Flowering, Harvest, and Post-Processing
Flowering time ranges 9–11 weeks depending on phenotype, with Deadly Sativa-leaning expressions often requiring the longer window. Watch trichome development: harvest when most heads are cloudy with 5–20% amber for a balance of brightness and body. Harvest earlier for a racier, more energetic effect; later for a slightly deeper, more sedate finish.
Drying is critical for preserving volatile monoterpenes. Aim for 60°F (15.6°C) and 60% RH (“60/60”) for 10–14 days, with gentle airflow that does not directly contact flowers. Use whole-plant or large-branch hanging to slow the dry and ensure even moisture transition.
Curing in airtight containers should proceed in the 58–65% RH range; first week burps help stabilize internal moisture. After 4–6 weeks, flavors usually bloom from bright citrus-pine into layered nutty-vanilla undertones. Under ideal storage (dark, cool, sealed), potency and terpenes hold well; exposure to heat and light can noticeably degrade THC and terpenes over months.
Phenotype Expression, Stability, and Selection
Expect two primary flavor lanes during a pheno hunt: a bright terpinolene/ocimene citrus-pine lane and a creamier caryophyllene/limonene peanut-cocoa lane. The former tends to be airier in bud structure but still resinous; the latter usually packs denser colas and deeper color potential. Some middle-lane expressions balance both, offering excellent complexity.
Morphologically, the most manageable keepers exhibit medium internodes, consistent stacking, and minimal late-stage foxtailing. High-vigor phenos show strong apical dominance but respond best when trained early to broaden the canopy. Resin heads are generally bulbous and suitable for solventless extraction, though wash yield depends on maturity and cut.
To select a production keeper, document dry yield per square foot, total terpene content, and trim time per plant across at least two cycles. Favor cuts with total terpene content above 2.0–2.5% and strong aromatic persistence after a 30-day cure. Keep in mind that environmental tweaks—especially temperature drops and sulfur-free IPM late in flower—can swing aroma outcomes significantly.
Yield, Efficiency, and Performance Benchmarks
Indoor yields for Anaphylaxis typically land at 400–600 g/m² under optimized LED lighting, with experienced growers pushing beyond that range via CO2 and high-density trellising. Outdoor, well-grown plants in 20–45 gallon containers or open ground can produce 800–1200 g per plant, provided late-season moisture is controlled. Sativa-leaning phenotypes often trade a small amount of mass for superior terpene intensity and head quality.
Efficiency isn’t just grams—monitor grams per watt (g/W) and grams per square foot to benchmark improvements. Under a 1,000 W-equivalent LED at 900–1000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD, targets of 1.5–2.2 g/W are achievable with dialed environments and robust feeding programs. Bud density and resin percentage improve measurably with steady VPD and careful nitrogen taper late in flower.
Extraction performance varies: resin-rich phenos may wash at 3–5% fresh frozen to hash, with exceptional cuts exceeding those numbers. For hydrocarbon extraction, the peanut-cocoa phenos can produce exceptionally flavorful live resin and sauce with stable THCa formation. Post-extraction terpene levels respond to harvest timing; earlier pulls retain brighter monoterpenes.
Comparative Context and Use Scenarios
Relative to archetypal terpinolene strains like Jack Herer or Super Lemon Haze, Anaphylaxis offers a creamier, spicier mid-palate from PB Breath. Compared to Peanut Butter Breath itself, it runs brighter, more uplifting, and often less couching, with stronger citrus-pine sparkle. The combination makes it adaptable for daytime creative sessions and social settings where clarity matters.
Users often reach for Anaphylaxis for brainstorming, light outdoor activity, or music because of its mix of alertness and smooth body tone. For evenings, the PB Breath-leaning phenos deliver a gentler landing without overt sedation. As always, individual responses differ: dose and context strongly shape perceived effects.
In the culinary realm, the flavor profile pairs well with citrus-forward desserts, dark chocolate, and spiced nuts. For beverages, try light-roast coffee, jasmine green tea, or a dry tonic with lemon to accentuate the terpene stack. The nutty-cocoa undertones also complement umami dishes such as mushroom risotto or sesame-forward small plates.
Consumer Guidance: Dosing, Storage, and Hardware
For new consumers, begin with 1–2 inhalations and wait 10–15 minutes before redosing. Experienced users may find 2–4 inhalations a comfortable starting range, adjusting by effect and activity. Oral formats will have a slower onset (30–120 minutes) and a longer duration (4–8 hours), so begin with low milligram doses.
Store flower in airtight, UV-opaque containers at 55–65°F (12.8–18.3°C) and 58–65% RH to preserve terpenes and potency. Avoid frequent jar opening in the first two weeks after cure to prevent moisture cycling and aroma loss. Minimizing light and heat exposure reduces oxidative degradation that can steadily lower THC and terpene levels over time.
For flavor fidelity, use clean glass or high-grade ceramic vapor paths and avoid excessively high temperatures that scorch terpenes. If smoking, a well-packed, slow-burning joint or a clean glass pipe can showcase both the bright citrus and nutty base. Regularly clean hardware to keep the profile crisp and representative of the strain.
Historical Reception and Cultural Footprint
Anaphylaxis’s initial reception in the enthusiast community centered on its bold name and equally bold aromatics. As Leafly’s 2022 seeds-and-clones feature spotlighted the MMS and Thug Pug collaboration, grower interest surged, especially among those who favor complex sativa-leaning hybrids. It quickly became a topic of pheno-hunting diaries, with growers trading notes on terpinolene bombs versus peanut-cream keepers.
In online forums and small-batch dispensaries, the strain earned a reputation for a clean, upright headspace suitable for creative work and light socializing. This reception mirrors broader trends in the market, where consumers increasingly seek high-terpene cultivars that offer distinct sensory experiences rather than just maximal THC. As a result, Anaphylaxis often finds itself in connoisseur jars beside other terpene standouts.
The cultural footprint is still forming, but its collaborative pedigree and expressive chemotypes have ensured a strong start. As more verified lab data accumulates, expectations are that its terpene-forward identity will define its place among top modern hybrids. For now, it holds a respected niche among growers and consumers who value aromatic depth and a precise, lively effect profile.
