Written by Ad OpsOverview of Black Maple #22
Black Maple #22 is a competition-proven cultivar celebrated for its big-league bag appeal, indulgent dessert-gas aromatics, and high-potency effects. The phenotype earned major recognition in 2023 when Golden Leaf swept Oregon’s ninth annual Cannabis Cup with a lineup that included Black Maple #22, Lemonhead Delight, and Candy Fumez. That trophy pedigree immediately put #22 on the radar of connoisseurs and medical patients seeking both flavor and horsepower.
Positioned within the broader wave of modern candy and gas hybrids, Black Maple #22 sits comfortably alongside the kinds of strains that dominated top-shelf menus in 2023–2024. Leafly’s 420 ’24 list highlighted how dozens of standout flowers emerged across more than a dozen states, from Blue Lobster to Toad Venom and Banana Zoap. In that competitive climate, a Cup-winning Oregon entry signals not just local excellence, but a profile capable of impressing judges in blind evaluations.
While the exact parents of Black Maple #22 have not been publicly disclosed, the sensory and structural clues point to a dessert-forward lineage with a Kush/Cookies backbone. The name “Black Maple” evokes the cultivar’s darker anthocyanin expression and syrupy-sweet nose layered over dense, glistening flowers. For growers and consumers, the #22 pheno tag suggests this cut was selected from a larger hunt for its precision combination of resin density, stability, and standout flavor.
History and Naming
Black Maple #22 rose to prominence through competitive results rather than a big marketing push. In 2023, Golden Leaf’s entry helped the brand “blow the competition away” in Oregon’s Cannabis Cup, signaling that this phenotype performed under scrutiny and scored well across categories like appearance, aroma, flavor, and overall effect. Cup wins are multidimensional; they reward not just potency, but harmony and distinctiveness—two qualities that Black Maple #22 brings in abundance.
The #22 designation points to a phenohunt, where dozens of seeds are sprouted and sorted to isolate superior traits. Winning cuts typically show consistency across multiple runs, minimal hermaphroditism risk, and a strong response to dialing in environment and feed. The “Black” portion of the name likely nods to the cultivar’s propensity for deep plum-to-near-black coloration in cool finishes, while “Maple” hints at the confectionary aroma that evokes caramelized sugars and dark syrup.
Contextually, the rise of Black Maple #22 mirrors a broader shift toward dessert-gas profiles that still deliver forceful potency. America’s 420 ’24 lists showcased how many states now craft elite flowers, but Oregon remains a hotbed for fine-tuned terps and immaculate cures. Black Maple #22’s acclaim underscores that legacy: meticulous cultivation, a tuned dry/cure, and a phenotype selected to resonate with judges and consumers alike.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding
The precise parentage of Black Maple #22 has not been publicly disclosed, and reputable sources refrain from naming definitive parents. However, experienced tasters and cultivators point to a likely blend of candy-forward modern genetics and a gas/Kush or Cookies base. These families often carry dominant beta-caryophyllene and limonene, with supporting linalool or humulene, and that general terpene scaffolding matches reported aromas and effects for #22.
Deep coloration suggests a genotype predisposed to anthocyanin expression, a trait common in several contemporary dessert lines selected from Cookies, Gelato, and Zkittlez-descended pools. The “maple” sweetness and sticky resin also imply high capitate-stalked trichome density—another hallmark of dessert-era breeding that prioritizes solventless hash yields and mouth-coating flavor. Taken together, the phenotype likely blends a candy top note with a grounding, spicy-woody base common to Kush/Cookies lineages.
What we can say with confidence is that Black Maple #22 was pheno-selected for competitive performance. In breeder hunts, only a small fraction of seedlings—often under 5%—show the precise combination of terpene intensity, resin coverage, and morphology required for Cup-level entries. The #22 tag is a practical reminder of that selection process: dozens of contenders, one keeper cut.
Appearance and Structure
Black Maple #22 presents medium-to-dense buds with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio and minimal extraneous foliar material when well-grown. The flowers are compact and bulbous rather than long and foxtailed, with bracts stacking into tight clusters. Expect thick trichome armor that gives the buds a frosted, almost wet look under light, a visual cue of high resin head density.
Coloration is a defining aesthetic, especially when night temperatures are dropped in late flower to 60–65°F (15.5–18°C). Bracts can flush from olive to deep plum and near-black, contrasted by thick amber-orange pistils that curl across the surface like candied threads. Under magnification, the trichome heads look large and uniform—a positive sign for both bag appeal and extraction.
On the scale, well-finished Black Maple #22 nugs feel substantial, reflecting a strong calyx mass rather than stem weight. Trim crews report that the variety benefits from a careful dry hang to preserve the outer resin shell, then a touch-up trim to protect terpene glands. When cured correctly to 10–12% moisture content (water activity 0.55–0.65 a_w), the buds crack open with sticky interiors and a loud, syrupy aroma release.
Aroma
The aroma profile lands squarely in the dessert-gas camp with a distinctive maple-syrup impression on top. Freshly cracked jars release notes of caramelized sugar, dark berry compote, and woodsy spice, followed by a warm, peppery gas. Many tasters describe a bakery-like sweetness that interplays with resinous depth, resulting in a nose that’s both cozy and formidable.
Dominant aromatic drivers likely include beta-caryophyllene (peppery-spicy), limonene (candied citrus), and humulene (wood/earth), with supporting roles from linalool (floral) and possibly a trace of valencene or ocimene (sweet-tropical). In elite craft flower, total terpene content often measures 2.0–3.5% by weight, and top-shelf Oregon entries frequently cluster in that range. Within that, caryophyllene commonly sits around 0.5–1.2%, limonene 0.4–1.0%, and linalool 0.1–0.4%, though specific values vary by grower and harvest.
A properly managed cure magnifies the syrup-candy qualities and tames grassy volatiles. If dried too fast, the maple character retreats and the profile reads sharper and more herbaceous. The best examples hold a layered bouquet from jar to grinder to smoke, with persistence on the palate long after exhale.
Flavor
On inhale, Black Maple #22 delivers a silky sweetness reminiscent of burnt sugar and maple glaze laced with berry reduction. Mid-palate, a peppery-kush depth emerges, providing structure and preventing the flavor from becoming cloying. The finish is mouth-coating and slightly resinous, leaving candy-gas echoes for minutes.
Vaporization tends to emphasize the confectionary side—candied citrus, berry jam, and warm syrup—while combustion brings forward the spice and wood. In water pipes kept clean and cool, the exhale shows the best balance, with less acrid bite and more bakery sweetness. Rolled in papers, the flavor arcs from sweet to gas across the joint, often peaking in the middle third as resin heats and volatilizes.
Cure plays an outsized role in capturing the maple signature. A slow dry of 10–14 days at 60°F/60% RH (“60/60”) followed by 2–4 weeks of cure consistently yields richer, darker sweetness. Over-dried batches lose syrup complexity and skew toward generic sweet-herbal, so precision pays dividends.
Cannabinoid Profile
Black Maple #22 is a high-THC cultivar typical of recent Cup-caliber winners, with many Oregon batches reported in the mid- to high-20s for delta-9 THC by weight. While lab results vary by grow and harvest, a realistic bracket based on market norms is roughly 23–29% THC, with occasional outliers above 30% when perfectly dialed. Total cannabinoids commonly land in the 25–35% range, reflecting a robust resin chemistry.
Minor cannabinoids often detected in elite dessert-gas cultivars include CBG (0.2–1.0%), CBC (trace–0.4%), and THCV (trace–0.3%), though these numbers are batch-dependent. The dominant acidic form during harvest is THCA, which decarboxylates to delta-9 THC with heat; fresh COAs typically show THCA in the upper 20s, a small amount of delta-9 THC, and low measurable CBD. This chemistry aligns with Cup outcomes that reward potency coupled with terpene saturation.
For context, modern seed lines routinely advertise and achieve high-THC outputs under optimized conditions. Seed catalogs and reputable breeders cite figures of 23%+ THC as common in contemporary photoperiods, and Cup winners frequently exceed those baselines. Black Maple #22’s competitive pedigree suggests it comfortably resides in that upper echelon when grown and cured with care.
Terpene Profile and Chemical Drivers
The likely dominant terpene in Black Maple #22 is beta-caryophyllene, which imparts black pepper and warm spice and interacts with CB2 receptors for potential anti-inflammatory effects. Limonene follows as a bright, candied citrus top note that helps frame the “maple” sweetness and contributes to uplift. Humulene adds woody, balsamic undertones, while linalool provides floral calm that rounds any sharp edges.
Total terpene content in competition flower frequently registers between 2.0–3.5% by weight, and that range tracks with the loudness described for Black Maple #22. Caryophyllene values of 0.6–1.2% are common in spice-forward dessert cultivars; limonene often sits at 0.4–1.0%; linalool around 0.1–0.4%; and humulene 0.1–0.3%. Trace terps like ocimene, nerolidol, or valencene can contribute to the candy-tropical nuances that some tasters associate with berry syrup.
Anecdotally, consumers sometimes report that mango (rich in myrcene) enhances perceived onset or duration of the high, a popular claim echoed in strain marketing like Mango Kush. Myrcene levels vary widely in dessert-gas cultivars; when present above ~0.3–0.5%, it can soften the profile and lean effects toward body relaxation. Whether or not mango tricks actually extend intoxication, terpene synergy—the entourage effect—remains a plausible mechanism for the layered psychoactivity of #22.
Experiential Effects and Onset
Black Maple #22 is potent and fast to act, with inhalation onset typically within 2–5 minutes and a peak at 20–30 minutes. The first phase is often euphoric and sensory-rich, with intensified flavors and a pleasant head buzz that encourages conversation or creative focus. As the session deepens, a warm body melt emerges, settling tension in shoulders and lower back without immediate couchlock at moderate doses.
At higher intake, the sedative side becomes more pronounced and can tip users toward stillness or sleep. Many report a 2–3 hour primary duration with a gentle tail, making it suitable for late afternoon and evening use. Newer consumers should start low—1–2 inhalations or ~2.5–5 mg THC—and titrate slowly to avoid anxiety or over-sedation.
Subjectively, the cultivar reads as a “balanced heavy”—strong but not jagged—when matched to the right setting. A clean cure reduces harshness and supports a smoother, more controlled experience. Users sensitive to racy sativas tend to find #22 more grounding, provided they respect dose and set/setting.
Potential Medical Applications
Given its cannabinoid and terpene tendencies, Black Maple #22 may help with stress modulation, mood support, and short-term relief from moderate pain. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity aligns with anti-inflammatory potential, while limonene and linalool are associated with anxiolytic and mood-brightening properties in preclinical literature. Patients commonly report muscle relaxation and reduced sleep latency at evening doses.
For pain, the cultivar’s body-melt phase can be useful for tension headaches, back tightness, or post-exercise soreness. For sleep, 5–10 mg of THC-equivalent in inhaled or edible form 60–90 minutes before bed may improve sleep initiation, though higher doses increase the risk of next-day grogginess. As with all cannabis, individual responses vary, and careful journaling helps patients find their therapeutic window.
Those prone to anxiety should start at lower doses and consider pairing with calming routines like breathwork. Patients on sedating medications should consult clinicians about additive effects. Always confirm product COAs, as terpene distribution and potency materially influence medical outcomes.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Black Maple #22 responds best to precision indoor or greenhouse cultivation, where environment and feed can be tightly controlled. Growers should target a vegetative temperature of 76–80°F (24–27°C) with 60–70% RH, transitioning to 74–78°F (23–26°C) and 50–60% RH in early flower. In late flower, taper to 68–74°F (20–23°C) with 45–50% RH to harden resin and coax out color.
Lighting at 800–1,200 µmol/m²/s PPFD in flower is a solid sweet spot, with supplemental CO2 at 1,000–1,200 ppm raising photosynthetic ceilings. In veg, 400–700 µmol/m²/s PPFD supports tight internodes and robust lateral growth. Maintain a VPD of 0.8–1.1 kPa in vegetative and 1.2–1.5 kPa in bloom to balance transpiration and pathogen risk.
Media flexibility is high—quality coco coir, rockwool, living soil, or well-aerated peat mixes all work—provided irrigation and EC are consistent. Coco/hydro growers often run 1.6–2.2 mS/cm EC in mid-flower, pH 5.7–6.0, with runoff checks to prevent salt accumulation. Organic soil growers should build a balanced base (e.g., 1.5–2% N by volume via amendments) and top-dress PK and micronutrients at the flip and week 3–4 of flower.
Vegetative structure is medium stature with vigorous lateral branching and strong central stems. Expect internode spacing in the 1.5–2.5 inch range under adequate blue spectrum and intensity. The cultivar takes well to topping and mainlining; two toppings to 8–12 main colas under a trellis create an even canopy that maximizes light distribution.
Flowering time typically runs 8–10 weeks depending on cut, environment, and desired effect. Many dessert-gas phenos finish best around day 63–70, with some pushed to day 70–77 for heavier color and a more sedative effect profile. Watch trichomes: begin harvest planning when 5–10% of heads show amber with the majority cloudy, adjusting to preference.
Yield potential is above-average when dialed, with indoor returns of 1.5–2.5+ lb per light (approximately 500–900 g/m²) achievable under optimized CO2, PPFD, and nutrition. SCROG can improve usable canopy area by 20–30%, while light-deprivation greenhouses can produce 35–60 g/ft² in skilled hands. Resin coverage is a highlight, and solventless hash yields can be excellent when harvest maturity is timed to peak head size and integrity.
Nutritionally, target a balanced NPK in veg (e.g., 3-1-2 equivalents) and shift to PK support in bloom (e.g., 1-3-2 equivalents) with adequate calcium and magnesium. Maintain Ca:Mg ratios near 2:1 and monitor for early Mg deficiency (interveinal chlorosis) under high-intensity lighting. Avoid heavy late nitrogen; excess N beyond week 3–4 of flower can dull terps and delay ripening.
Irrigation frequency should match media and pot size; in coco, multiple small feeds per day at 10–20% runoff help stabilize EC. In living soil, water to full saturation and allow a healthy dryback guided by pot weight, using mulch to stabilize moisture and support microbial life. Keep root-zone temperatures near 68–72°F (20–22°C) for optimal nutrient uptake.
Integrated pest management is critical, particularly because dense, resinous buds are susceptible to botrytis late in flower. Implement preventive biologicals—e.g., regular releases of Amblyseius swirskii for thrips and whitefly, and Hypoaspis miles for fungus gnat larvae—alongside weekly scouting. Maintain airflow with oscillating fans, 0.3–0.5 m/s canopy airspeed, and strong dehumidification to keep leaf-surface wetness to a minimum.
For color and terp intensity, consider a gradual night drop (3–5°F/2–3°C) beginning around week 6 and a more pronounced drop (8–12°F/4–7°C) in the last 7–10 days if the cut is genetically predisposed to purple/black expression. Avoid severe stress that can invite intersex expression; gentle environmental shifts are safer than abrupt swings. Many growers report that a 48-hour dark period pre-harvest further hardens resin, though evidence is mixed—trial to your context.
Harvest, dry, and cure determine the difference between good and remarkable. Aim for a slow dry at 60°F/60% RH (or 58–60% RH in high-density rooms) for 10–14 days until stems just snap. Trim cold if possible (55–60°F/55–60% RH) to protect trichomes, then cure in sealed containers burped to 58–62% RH for 2–4+ weeks; peak terps often show between week 3 and week 8 of cure.
Black Maple #22 thrives as a clone-only production cut for consistency, but adventurous growers may hunt related seed lines to find similar expressions. Fast-flowering seed options can shave weeks off the calendar and reduce risks, a benefit highlighted widely for fast-version genetics. Across multiple grows, stable environmental control, clean irrigation, and disciplined IPM remain the foundations for Cup-grade results.
Awards, Market Reception, and Context
Black Maple #22’s breakthrough moment came with the 2023 Oregon Cannabis Cup, where Golden Leaf’s entries—including Black Maple #22—earned top accolades. In blind judging, Cup winners are vetted for structural integrity, nose, flavor fidelity, and clean burn, indicating that this cultivar excelled on multiple fronts. That win has driven interest among dispensaries and consumers seeking premium, competition-tested cuts.
The broader market context in 2024 shows intense nationwide competition. Leafly’s 420 ’24 feature underscored that dozens of elite flowers—from Blue Lobster to Toad Venom and Banana Zoap—were vying for shelf space and hype in more than a dozen states. Within that landscape, a Cup-winning Oregon cultivar signals both terroir-driven craftsmanship and a profile distinctive enough to stand out.
Demand patterns reflect the dessert-gas era: consumers increasingly gravitate to strains that combine candy sweetness with grounded spice and high THC. Black Maple #22 meets that brief and adds a memorable maple-syrup twist, helping it earn repeat purchases. For retailers, positioning #22 as a connoisseur option with competition pedigree resonates with shoppers who buy on flavor-first criteria.
Lab Testing, Quality Assurance, and Storage
Producers should publish batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COAs) covering potency, terpene profile, residual solvents (if applicable), heavy metals, pesticides, microbial, and mycotoxin screens. For flower, target moisture content of 10–12% and water activity between 0.55–0.65 a_w to minimize mold risk while preserving terpenes. Total terpene content of 2.0–3.5% is a realistic benchmark for loud, top-shelf batches.
Consumers can evaluate quality by inspecting trichome heads (cloudy with minimal amber if harvested for balanced effects), clean white ash indicating proper dry/cure, and stable, strong aroma from first to last nug. Off-notes like hay, must, or ammonia hint at drying or storage issues. Remember that high THC without adequate terpenes often feels flat—seek balanced COAs.
For storage, keep jars opaque or in the dark at 60–65°F (15.5–18°C) and 55–62% RH. Avoid oxygen cycling; repeated opening accelerates terpene loss. Under optimal storage, potency decline stays modest over 3–6 months, but aroma intensity can drop 10–25% as monoterpenes volatilize—buy fresh and store thoughtfully.
