Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Arctic Fallout is a boutique cultivar introduced by House of Funk Genetics, a craft-minded breeding label known for small-batch, phenotype-driven projects. The strain’s name telegraphs its calling card: thick, frost-white trichome coverage that looks like a dusting of snow after a cold front. In grower circles, it quickly developed a word-of-mouth following for resin density, bag appeal, and a calm, body-forward effect profile typical of indica-leaning lineages.
The breeder has not publicly released a formal white paper on the cross, which is common for limited-release selections. Nonetheless, Arctic Fallout’s performance suggests intentional selection for cold-room resilience, dense calyx build, and solventless-friendly resin. Those traits are consistent with a breeder seeking high-quality hash output alongside top-shelf flower.
While exact launch dates vary by market, Arctic Fallout began appearing in connoisseur menus during the wave of craft strain proliferation in the late 2010s and early 2020s. That period saw consumers gravitate toward cultivars with clear visual identity and strong secondary processing potential. Arctic Fallout fit the moment by offering both a signature look and reliable potency.
House of Funk Genetics’ decision to keep the precise parent stock private has likely preserved the mystique of the cultivar. Limited public drops and clone-only cuts have enhanced its scarcity and desirability. As a result, Arctic Fallout remains a conversation piece among phenotype hunters and small commercial gardens that specialize in resin-first varietals.
Genetic Lineage and Heritage
Arctic Fallout is consistently described as mostly indica in heritage, with structure and effects that align with a broad 70/30 indica-to-sativa behavior. In practical terms, that means shorter internodes, stout branching, and a tendency to stack dense, golf-ball to cola-sized buds. The overall architecture supports rapid canopy fill, which is welcomed by indoor cultivators working within height limits.
House of Funk Genetics has not disclosed a definitive parentage, and any specific lineage claims circulating online are best treated as unverified. However, the phenotype signals frequently associated with Arctic Fallout include Afghan and Kush family markers: broad-leaf morphology, high calyx-to-leaf ratio, and terpene expressions that lean earthy, piney, and spicy. These cues point toward an indica-forward ancestry without naming exact lines.
Chemotypically, growers commonly encounter a THC-dominant profile with minor amounts of CBG and trace CBC. This pattern aligns with modern indica-dominant elites that have been selected in North American markets for potency and resin output. The cultivar’s resin behavior under cold-room conditions further suggests breeding intentionality toward trichome integrity and harvest consistency.
Because Arctic Fallout has been distributed in limited batches, phenotypic variation is noticeable between cuts. Some growers report a heavier pine-spice nose, while others find more diesel-cream undertones. Both expressions still track to indica-dominant chemovars in terms of effects, yield windows, and flowering time.
Appearance
The defining visual of Arctic Fallout is its glacial trichome sheen. Mature flowers present as olive to deep forest green with occasional midnight-purple shadows when run in cooler rooms. Orange to copper stigmas twist tightly around swollen calyxes, and the overall calyx-to-leaf ratio is high, which makes hand- or machine-trimming more efficient than leafier cultivars.
Bud density is substantial. Properly finished colas feel weighty in the hand with a firm snap on break, reflecting tight cellular structure and a high percentage of dried solids. After cure, the flower retains a glassy, frosted finish that persists even with routine handling, a sign of robust gland heads.
Under magnification, trichome heads are abundant and uniform, with capitate-stalked glands dominating the surface. Collectors looking for hash performance often report favorable head size distributions in the 70–120 micrometer range, which wash operators consider ideal for ice-water separation. The result is an eye-catching flower that doubles as a high-yield resin source.
Packaging appeal is notable: even small nugs appear dusted and luminous under shop lighting. This visual consistency translates well to retail, where consumers gravitate to frosted, structurally intact buds. In mixed ounces, Arctic Fallout’s appearance tends to stand out immediately.
Aroma
Anecdotal reports describe Arctic Fallout as opening with a cool, pine-forward nose accented by earth and a clean, menthol-adjacent lift. On first break, a coniferous brightness evokes alpine air, followed by a darker backbone of soil, pepper, and faint diesel. The bouquet is assertive without being acrid, and it expands noticeably after a fresh grind.
As the jar breathes, secondary notes develop. Many cuts express subtle cream or vanilla tones weaving into the pine-spice core, an interplay that smooths the overall profile. In some phenotypes, a faint sweetness emerges that softens the edges of the gas.
In rooms with good curing practices, the aroma carries across several meters when the jar is opened, which is a practical indicator of terpene mass off-gassing. Total terpene content in resin-rich, indica-dominant cultivars commonly ranges from 1.5% to 3.0% by dry weight, and Arctic Fallout often smells like it sits near the upper half of that band. Growers who cure slow at 60–62% RH report better retention of the refreshing top notes.
Environmental factors influence the aroma substantially. Cooler finishing temperatures and moderate VPD help preserve pinene and limonene, which are more volatile and prone to loss in hot, dry cures. Overly warm dryer rooms can flatten the pine lift and emphasize the earth-gas layer.
Flavor
The flavor follows the nose with a clean, pine-led entry and a cooling sensation that feels almost mint-tinged. On combustion, the first puffs deliver conifer and black pepper, with a creamy, faintly sweet undertone. The finish often carries a light diesel echo that lingers on the palate.
Through a dry herb vaporizer at 175–190°C, the high notes of alpha-pinene and limonene are more pronounced and taste brighter and greener. Raising the temperature toward 200–205°C brings out beta-caryophyllene’s warm spice and humulene’s woody bitterness, adding depth to the exhale. Many users find the vapor route preserves complexity and reduces harshness compared to hot, fast burns.
In rolled formats, a slow, cool burn preserves the layered profile best. Overgrinding and tight packing can mute the volatile fraction, so a medium grind and minimal tamping tend to yield a more expressive session. Paired beverages that complement the profile include unsweetened green tea or sparkling water with citrus peel.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Arctic Fallout is THC-dominant with consistently low CBD. In markets where lab summaries are available for indica-forward resin cultivars, typical THC values fall between 18% and 26% by dry weight, with CBD most often below 1%. Arctic Fallout commonly lands in the low-20% range in grower reports, though exact figures vary by phenotype and cultivation.
Minor cannabinoids are present in modest amounts. CBG is frequently detected between 0.2% and 1.0%, while CBC tends to be trace-level at roughly 0.05% to 0.2%. THCV, when present, is usually minimal and not a defining feature of the chemotype.
Dosing context helps clarify potency. A 0.5-gram joint of 20% THC flower contains about 100 mg of total THC before decarboxylation. Inhalation bioavailability for smoked cannabis is commonly cited in the 10–35% range, which implies 10–35 mg of THC may reach systemic circulation per half-gram session depending on inhalation technique and combustion efficiency.
Onset is rapid. Most users feel initial effects within 2–10 minutes after inhalation, with a primary wave peaking at 20–30 minutes and tapering over 2–4 hours. Edible infusions made from Arctic Fallout exhibit the typical oral onset lag of 30–120 minutes and a longer duration of 4–8 hours, with decarboxylation and preparation methods strongly influencing potency retention.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
The dominant terpene signatures in Arctic Fallout trend toward myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-pinene, with limonene and humulene frequently contributing. In resin-rich indica-leaning flowers, combined terpene content often falls between 1.5% and 3.0% by weight. Within that band, a reasonable expectation for Arctic Fallout is myrcene at roughly 0.6–1.2%, beta-caryophyllene at 0.2–0.6%, and alpha-pinene at 0.1–0.3%.
Limonene often shows in the 0.2–0.5% range, providing the citrus lift that brightens the top end. Humulene, typically 0.1–0.3%, adds a woody, slightly bitter note that rounds the finish. Trace linalool and ocimene may appear, particularly in cooler-grown lots that preserve delicate volatiles.
From a pharmacological perspective, beta-caryophyllene is notable as a dietary cannabinoid that binds selectively to CB2 receptors. This CB2 activity is associated with peripheral anti-inflammatory signaling, which may help explain some of Arctic Fallout’s body-easing character. Myrcene is frequently correlated with perceived sedation and muscle relaxation, while alpha-pinene has been studied for bronchodilatory and memory-modulating effects.
Terpene balance is sensitive to cultivation choices. Elevated canopy temperatures can strip monoterpenes like pinene and limonene, whereas cooler finishes and a slow cure better retain them. Growers targeting a pine-forward profile often finish at night temps of 18–20°C and dry at approximately 18–20°C with 58–62% RH for 10–14 days to reduce terpene loss.
Experiential Effects
As a mostly indica cultivar, Arctic Fallout generally leans toward body-centered relaxation with a calm, clear headspace at moderate doses. Users often report a gentle mood lift and physical ease within minutes, followed by a slow melt into comfort. The experience is not typically racy, and it suits evening wind-down or quiet social settings.
At higher doses, the sedative qualities become more pronounced. Many consumers describe a weighted body feel, reduced restlessness, and a softer sensory field that discourages long bouts of focused work. Appetite stimulation is common, and dry mouth and dry eyes are the most typical side effects.
Compared across sessions, tolerance and set-and-setting matter. A novice might find 1–2 inhalations sufficient, whereas high-tolerance consumers may prefer several draws to reach their desired state. When combined with screens or vaporization, the effects are often perceived as cleaner and more controllable.
Some users who are sensitive to high-THC strains should approach cautiously. While Arctic Fallout is rarely anxiety-forward, any potent THC-dominant flower can provoke discomfort in susceptible individuals, especially in unfamiliar environments. Starting slow and spacing inhalations by several minutes supports more predictable outcomes.
Potential Medical Uses
While formal clinical trials of Arctic Fallout specifically are not available, its chemical pattern suggests several potential applications. The THC-dominant, indica-leaning profile may help with short-term relief of stress, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping. The body-heavy component is often sought by patients managing evening discomfort.
Beta-caryophyllene’s activity at CB2 receptors has been explored for anti-inflammatory potential, which could be relevant to pain signaling in peripheral tissues. Myrcene is frequently associated with perceived sedation, which might support sleep onset. Alpha-pinene’s bronchodilatory properties could be subjectively noticeable as easier breathing, though it should not be treated as a medical intervention for respiratory conditions without clinician guidance.
Patients with neuropathic pain sometimes prefer THC-dominant cultivars that blunt hyperalgesia while preserving functional cognition at low to moderate doses. Arctic Fallout’s calm headspace can be compatible with light tasks in early effect windows. For individuals with nausea or decreased appetite, the cultivar’s munchie tendency may provide practical benefit.
As always, medical use should be individualized. Dosing regimens vary widely by metabolism, prior exposure, and concurrent medications. Patients should consult a qualified clinician, begin with low doses, and monitor for side effects such as dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, or anxiety.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Growth habit and vigor: Arctic Fallout behaves like a compact, indica-forward plant with rapid lateral branching. Internodal spacing commonly averages 3–5 cm in indoor environments, enabling quick canopy fill. The cultivar responds well to topping and low-stress training, which helps distribute bud sites and mitigate main-cola shading.
Photoperiod and timing: Expect an indoor flowering window of approximately 56–63 days from flip for most cuts, with some resin-heavy phenotypes benefiting from 63–67 days for maximum trichome maturity. Outdoor harvest in temperate zones typically falls late September to early October, depending on latitude and fall weather. Indica-dominant architecture lends itself to earlier finishing compared to sativa-heavy plants.
Lighting: In vegetative growth, target 400–600 µmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD with an 18/6 photoperiod and a daily light integral (DLI) of 20–30 mol·m−2·d−1. In flower, increase to 800–1000 µmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD with a DLI of 35–45 mol·m−2·d−1. CO2 enrichment at 900–1200 ppm can support higher PPFD; without enrichment, cap PPFD near 850–900 to reduce photooxidative stress.
Environment: Maintain 24–26°C day and 20–22°C night in veg, shifting to 23–25°C day and 18–20°C night in late flower to preserve volatiles. Relative humidity targets are 60–70% for seedlings, 50–60% for veg, and 40–50% for flower, with the last two weeks at 38–42% to curb botrytis risk. Use VPD bands of 0.8–1.1 kPa in veg, 1.1–1.3 kPa in early flower, and 1.3–1.6 kPa in late flower.
Airflow and canopy management: Arctic Fallout builds dense colas that require airflow to prevent microclimates. Maintain canopy air speed around 0.3–0.5 m·s−1 with oscillating fans. Implement a single or double trellis to support heavy tops and reduce stem lodging in weeks 6–9 of the cycle.
Mediums and containers: The cultivar performs reliably in living soil, coco, and hydroponic systems. In soil or soilless, 11–19 L containers per plant are common for indoor tents, while high-density SOG can use 3–7 L pots with many small plants. In coco, aim for frequent fertigation with 10–20% runoff to manage salt accumulation.
Nutrition and EC: In veg, supply an N-forward feed with a target EC of 1.2–1.6 mS·cm−1 and a pH of 6.2–6.8 in soil or 5.8–6.2 in coco/hydro. Transition to a bloom formula around week two of flower, ramping EC to 1.8–2.2 mS·cm−1 as the canopy thickens. Calcium and magnesium supplementation is often beneficial, especially under high-intensity LEDs; watch for interveinal chlorosis or necrotic spotting as early deficiency signs.
Irrigation strategy: Keep media uniformly moist but not waterlogged, as Arctic Fallout’s dense root ball appreciates consistent oxygen. In coco and hydro, multiple small feeds per day can stabilize EC and reduce stress. In soil, allow the top 2–3 cm to dry slightly between waterings while maintaining a regular cadence.
Training and pruning: Top once or twice by the fifth node, then apply low-stress training to create a flat canopy for SCROG. Perform a light lollipop and selective defoliation around day 21 of flower to improve airflow and bud light exposure. A second, lighter defoliation around day 42 can open the interior without over-stressing the plant.
Pest and disease management: Dense buds require early and continuous IPM. Use yellow and blue sticky cards for monitoring, and consider beneficials such as Stratiolaelaps scimitus for soil-dwelling pests and Amblyseius swirskii for thrips and whitefly pressure. Biological sprays like Beauveria bassiana or Bacillus subtilis can be rotated in veg, but discontinue foliar applications by week two of flower to avoid residue on buds.
Phenotype selection: Expect two general expressions during pheno hunts. One emphasizes resin mass and pine-spice terps with a slightly tighter node spacing and thicker colas, while the other may lean a touch sweeter and airier with equally strong frost but a marginally longer finish. Keep meticulous notes on vigor, internodal spacing, and wash yields to select cuts that match your end goal.
Hash making and resin behavior: Arctic Fallout’s trichome heads often separate cleanly in ice-water washes, making it a candidate for solventless. Indoor growers commonly report bubble hash yields in the 3–5% range of fresh frozen input by weight, with some exceptional phenos exceeding that band. For rosin, typical flower-press yields land around 18–24% at 85–95°C, contingent on cure and moisture content.
Yield expectations: In a dialed 1.2 × 1.2 m tent under 480–600 W of quality LED, trimmed dry yields of 450–600 g·m−2 are achievable with SCROG and good environmental control. Sea-of-Green approaches with many small plants can increase harvest frequency while holding per-run yield steady. Outdoors, well-managed plants can exceed 500 g per plant in 45–75 L containers, with larger fabric pots scaling higher under long veg.
Harvest timing and maturity cues: Begin close inspections around day 53–55 of flower. Target a trichome field of mostly cloudy with 10–15% amber for a balanced profile, recognizing that later harvests push sedation at the cost of some top-note brightness. Pistil color alone is not a reliable metric; always use a jeweler’s loupe or microscope for trichome appraisal.
Flush and finish: If running salt-based nutrients, a 7–10 day finish with low EC water can help reduce residual salts in the media. Organically grown plants typically do not require a classic “flush,” but tapering heavy feeds toward the final week is still prudent. Maintain night temps at 18–20°C to preserve volatile terpenes.
Drying and curing: Follow the 60/60 guideline—about 60°F (15.5–16.5°C) and 60% RH—for 10–14 days to slow the dry and protect terpenes. After stem snap, jar the buds at 62% RH and burp daily for the first week, then every few days for weeks two and three. A 3–8 week cure measurably improves smoothness and aroma complexity, with many connoisseurs noting peak flavor around week five.
Post-harvest storage: Store finished flower in airtight glass in a dark, cool space. At 62% RH and temperatures of 15–18°C, terpene and cannabinoid degradation slows markedly compared to warm, bright environments. Avoid plastic for long-term storage to reduce static and terpene loss.
Common pitfalls: Overly aggressive defoliation can stunt an otherwise vigorous plant, leading to airy buds. Likewise, high late-flower humidity above 55% RH invites botrytis in dense colas, particularly on phenos with thicker clusters. Keep pruning moderate and airflow consistent to protect the finish.
Seed versus clone strategy: If you have access to verified Arctic Fallout clones from House of Funk Genetics or trusted peers, you’ll benefit from known sex and a predictable finish. Seed runs are ideal for discovering a house cut tuned to your room, but expect variability and set aside space for selection. Maintain mother stock under 18/6 with gentle feeds to preserve vigor for repeated cloning.
Compliance and labeling: Track batch numbers, media inputs, and environmental logs to build repeatability and meet regulatory standards where applicable. Accurate labeling of harvest date, cure length, and storage conditions helps downstream processors and consumers. For commercial rooms, standard operating procedures with environmental setpoints reduce variance between cycles.
Summary for growers: Arctic Fallout rewards precision with resin, yield, and a standout phenotype that shines as flower and hash. Keep the canopy cool, the trellis tight, and the dry slow to showcase the strain’s alpine-pine character. With disciplined IPM and a measured hand, this mostly indica House of Funk Genetics selection can become a dependable flagship in craft menus.
