Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming Context
Deep Breath is an indica-leaning cannabis cultivar celebrated for its layered bouquet, dense structure, and relaxing, body-centered experience. The name captures both the forest-fresh aromas found in certain phenotypes and the strain’s tendency to slow the pace of the day, encouraging a literal deep breath. Consumers commonly seek it as an evening companion, though some pinene-forward cuts can feel surprisingly clear and centering.
Multiple breeders have stewarded the Deep Breath name over time, which helps explain the range of phenotypes on the market. Landrace Bureau has released a mostly-indica Deep Breath selection, emphasized in its branding and curation. Meanwhile, earlier drops and crosses bearing the same moniker appear from outfits like Baked Beanz and Bulletproof Genetics, contributing to the cultivar’s evolving reputation in different regions.
Because of these parallel lineages, Deep Breath isn’t a single, monolithic clone but a family of closely related expressions. That diversity is a strength if you prize variety—some cuts lean pine and herb, others sweet earth and gas. To navigate the options, shoppers should look for lab panels listing terpene dominance and ask for batch-specific notes rather than relying only on the name.
Breeding History and Origins
The Deep Breath story is interwoven with the broader “Breath” family that descends from OGKB/Mendo Breath-style genetics, known for heavy resin and dessert-funk profiles. In 2018, Leafly’s New Strains Alert described Deep Breath by Baked Beanz as a deep mixture of “Breath” strains, starting with Alien Breath, itself reported as a cross involving the POGO lineage and Alien genetics. That write-up captured the intent: stacking complementary “Breath” traits to enhance resin density and flavor intensity.
Landrace Bureau’s Deep Breath selection represents a refined, mostly-indica expression that emphasizes stout morphology and consistent potency. While the breeding routes differ by brand, the shared objective is a robust, trichome-heavy plant with a terpene palette that ranges from pine and herbs to sweet earth, spice, and diesel. This convergence in goals explains why growers report similar cultivation behaviors across breeder lots despite divergent pedigrees.
Genetic diffusion accelerated as other breeders folded Deep Breath into new projects. SeedFinder genealogies list Deep Breath from Bulletproof Genetics in hybridizations that extend into multiple houses, signaling its utility as a donor for resin production and structure. As a result, market Deep Breath can be a composite of several lines; reputable vendors will document their cut, harvest date, and breeder provenance to help you match expectations.
Genetic Lineage and Alternate Cuts
Most Deep Breath lines can be traced to a blend of Breath-family building blocks, with Alien Breath frequently cited as a parent or grandparent. Alien Breath is associated with POGO and Alien genetics, bringing a citrus-herbal, extraterrestrial “fizz” that lifts the heavier cookie-kush base. Additions from OGKB, Mendo Breath, or similar dessert-kush lineages contribute to the strain’s broad-shouldered body effect and sticky trichome carpets.
Landrace Bureau’s version is advertised as mostly indica, which aligns with the compact internodes and early-flower vigor growers report. Baked Beanz’s assemblage is known for deeper funk, while Bulletproof Genetics’ appearances suggest breeder-facing selections that emphasize stability for crossing. These parallel lines can share headline traits—dense nuggets, heavy frost—while diverging on secondary notes like pine versus caramel-spice.
Given the mosaic, it’s best to view Deep Breath as a family rather than a single standardized clone. If you are hunting phenotypes from a pack, expect roughly 30–40% to lean pine-herbal, 30–40% sweet-earth and spice, and the remainder splitting the difference with gas and citrus accents. This distribution is anecdotal but reflects repeated grower reports across forums and sales feedback from boutique dispensaries.
Macroscopic Appearance and Bag Appeal
Deep Breath typically presents as compact, golf-ball to egg-shaped colas with high calyx-to-leaf ratios in the more elite cuts. Buds run medium to dark green with frequent anthocyanin expression—mauve to violet—in cooler night temps, especially late flower. Pistils vary from apricot to rust, threading densely through the top half of the bracts.
Trichome coverage is a headline feature. Mature flowers often show milky to cloudy gland heads and thick stalks that glisten under neutral 5000K light, giving a frosted sugar crust appearance. On a microscope, many cuts exhibit large capitate-stalked trichomes with high gland head retention after handling, a quality sought by hash makers.
Trim work highlights the structure nicely, as sugar leaves are short and can be closely manicured without damaging bud contours. Expect firm, resilient nugs that resist flattening in a jar, indicating robust calyx swelling. When broken open, the interior reveals a lighter lime core with crystalline density that suggests good dry/cure practices.
Aroma and Olfactory Notes
Aroma diverges by phenotype, but many batches open with forest-pine and cool herbal notes suggestive of alpha-pinene and fenchol. Leafly’s pine-forward features describe the sensation well—like stepping into deep woods, taking a deep breath, and catching a refreshing resinous snap. Beneath that top note, a second layer of sweet earth, damp wood, and soft spice points to myrcene and beta-caryophyllene.
Some expressions pivot toward dessert-kush territory with vanilla-caramel nuances and a faint doughy warmth. A gas-and-citrus edge appears in cuts with stronger limonene and humulene, lending a bright, almost terpene-cleaner pop on grind. Skunk-adjacent sulfur flickers can be present but tend to be restrained compared to classic Chem lines.
A fresh grind intensifies the pine-herb spectrum with a measurable jump in perceived sharpness. In blind sniff tests among budtender teams, pine-forward Deep Breath phenotypes are often identified within 2–3 sniffs thanks to that conifer snap. The bouquet generally persists during the session, with the last third of a joint leaning into savory spice and toasted wood.
Flavor and Consumption Characteristics
On inhalation, expect a cooling pine-herbal entrance followed by sweet soil and peppery warmth. Many users describe a mouth-coating resin quality that enhances perceived sweetness on the exhale. Vaporization at 180–190°C (356–374°F) brings forward bright conifer, citrus zest, and a eucalyptus-like lift, while combustion accentuates spice and toast.
Through a clean glass piece, the mid-palate can suggest cedar, anise, and faint vanilla, particularly in dessert-leaning cuts. Joints tend to burn evenly if the cure reaches 10–12% moisture content (M.C.), with white to light-gray ash when properly flushed and dried. Hash rosin from Deep Breath often tastes like pine taffy and spiced cookie, retaining top notes through multiple pulls.
Flavor longevity is above average for indica-leaning hybrids. Tasters commonly report that the first and second hits are nearly identical in brightness, with only minor terpene fade across the session. Pairing with citrus or herbal tea can accentuate the pinene zest while moderating palate fatigue.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Data
Potency varies with breeder line, environment, and post-harvest handling. Across indica-leaning Breath-family cultivars, legal-market lab reports frequently show total THC in the 18–26% range by dry weight, with standouts above 28% in dialed rooms. Median THC for US dispensary flower commonly hovers around 20–22%, so many Deep Breath lots test at or slightly above market average.
CBD typically remains below 1%, often in the 0.05–0.5% trace range, while CBG can appear at 0.5–1.5% in some phenotypes. Minor cannabinoids such as THCV and CBC generally register below 0.5% each, though individual plants may deviate. Total cannabinoid sums near 22–30% are not unusual when the flower is grown under strong PPFD and cured slowly to protect volatile compounds.
Keep in mind that laboratory variability and moisture content influence reported potency by several percentage points. Inter-lab differences of 1–3 percentage points are documented in proficiency testing, and over-dry samples can concentrate measured potency by reducing water weight. For consistent comparisons, review both total cannabinoids and the moisture-adjusted method notes on the certificate of analysis (COA).
Terpene Profile and Aromachemistry
The terpene backbone in Deep Breath frequently centers on beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene, with alpha-pinene playing a starring role in pine-forward phenotypes. Total terpene content commonly lands between 1.5% and 3.0% by weight in well-grown indoor flower, which aligns with typical premium-market ranges. Caryophyllene contributes pepper and woody spice while acting as a CB2 ligand, potentially modulating inflammation pathways without psychotropic effects.
Myrcene brings musky, earthy sweetness and is associated in observational data with more sedating experiences at higher concentrations. Limonene lifts citrus top notes and may support mood elevation in concert with THC via the entourage effect. Alpha-pinene imparts conifer freshness and has been studied for bronchodilatory effects in other botanicals, which some consumers report as a subjective “open-chest” sensation.
Secondary contributors like humulene (herbal-bitter), ocimene (green/terpenic), and linalool (floral) appear variably by phenotype. A pinene-dominant batch can show alpha-pinene at 0.15–0.35%, caryophyllene 0.40–0.80%, myrcene 0.25–0.70%, and limonene 0.20–0.50%, yielding a bright, structured aroma with depth. Preservation tactics—cold curing at 58–62% relative humidity—help retain these volatiles, reducing terpene loss that can exceed 30% in the first month if stored warm.
Experiential Effects and Set/Setting
Deep Breath is widely described as relaxing, body-heavy, and centering, consistent with its mostly-indica heritage. The onset can arrive quickly within 2–5 minutes when smoked, building to a plateau over 15–20 minutes. Vaporized doses feel cleaner and slightly clearer, with less perceived lethargy during the tail.
At moderate servings (e.g., 5–10 mg THC inhaled equivalent), users report muscle loosening, gentle euphoria, and a quieting of racing thoughts. Pine-forward phenotypes can deliver a curious clarity in the head while the body eases, a contrast that fans appreciate for evening reading or movies. At higher intakes (15+ mg inhaled equivalent), couchlock and eyelid heaviness become more common.
Side effects line up with standard THC responses: dry mouth, red eyes, and, at high doses, short-term memory fog or anxiety. If you overdo it, the conventional wisdom from recreational guides applies—hydration, snacks, and deep breathing until the peak passes, usually within 30–90 minutes for inhalation. Pinene-leaning batches may feel less foggy to some, but individual biochemistry and tolerance ultimately dominate the experience.
Potential Medical Uses and Evidence
While rigorous, strain-specific clinical trials are limited, Deep Breath’s chemotype suggests several plausible use cases. THC and beta-caryophyllene combinations are frequently explored for chronic pain and inflammation modulation, leveraging CB1-mediated analgesia and CB2 interaction. Observational surveys cite reductions in musculoskeletal pain scores with mid-THC, caryophyllene-rich chemovars, though controlled evidence remains preliminary.
Myrcene-rich, indica-leaning profiles are often selected by patients for sleep initiation challenges. Retrospective analyses of medical cannabis users report improved sleep latency with evening dosing of sedating terpene combinations, especially when CBD is low and THC moderate to high. Pinene’s presence is noteworthy for some patients who avoid heavy cognitive dulling, as alpha-pinene is hypothesized to counter certain THC-induced memory effects in preclinical contexts.
Anxiety outcomes vary: low doses may be calming in familiar settings, but high-THC servings can provoke unease. For new patients, titration strategies—begin with 1–2 mg inhaled THC and increase slowly—are prudent. Always consult a clinician if you are managing complex conditions or taking medications that interact with CYP450 enzymes, which THC and terpenes can influence.
Cultivation Guide: Growth Habits and Environment
Deep Breath expresses classic indica morphology: medium height, stout branching, and tight internodal spacing. Indoors, expect plants to finish 0.8–1.2 meters (2.5–4 feet) with minimal stretch if switched to flower at 30–45 cm. Flowering time typically runs 8–9 weeks (56–63 days) from the flip, with some dessert-leaning phenos happy at day 63–67 for maximum oil and color.
In controlled environments, target a vegetative VPD of 0.9–1.2 kPa and 1.2–1.5 kPa in early flower, relaxing to 1.0–1.2 kPa in late flower to protect terpenes. PPFD in the 900–1,100 µmol/m²/s range under LED with supplemental CO2 at 900–1,200 ppm supports dense canopy formation. Without CO2, aim for 700–900 µmol/m²/s to avoid stress while maintaining energy efficiency.
Root-zone parameters should be steady: in coco/hydro, pH 5.8–6.2 and feed EC 1.2–1.8 depending on phase and cultivar response; in living soil, focus on biology and top-dressings rather than EC. Temperatures of 24–26°C (75–79°F) lights-on and 20–22°C (68–72°F) lights-off reduce intersex risk and keep metabolism brisk. If chasing color, drop night temps 2–4°C in the final two weeks, but avoid harsh swings that can stun development.
Cultivation Guide: Nutrition, Training, and Irrigation
Deep Breath is a moderate feeder that rewards steady nutrition over heavy spikes. In soilless systems, consider a 3-1-2 N-P-K ratio in mid-veg, shifting toward 1-2-3 by week 3–4 of flower to support calyx swell. Cal-mag supplementation at 100–150 ppm Ca and 40–60 ppm Mg is often beneficial under LEDs with high transpiration rates.
Training strategies that open the canopy pay dividends because these plants pack dense flowers. Topping once or twice, followed by low-stress training (LST), creates 8–12 main sites per plant in 3–5 gallon containers. A single trellis net at 20–30 cm above the medium supports the canopy through week 5, with a second net optional for pheno-hunts pushing high PPFD.
Irrigation should match media and pot size: in coco, pulse watering to 10–15% runoff when the container loses ~50–60% of its water weight; in soil, water thoroughly and wait for the top inch to dry before repeating. Avoid chronic overwatering—Deep Breath’s tight bud structure makes it susceptible to botrytis if RH spikes coincide with saturated media. Late-flower sulfur burners are not advised; instead, lean on airflow (0.5–1.0 m/s across canopy) and proactive IPM.
Cultivation Guide: Flowering, Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Deep Breath sets trichomes early, with visible frosting by day 21 of flower in dialed rooms. By day 35–42, resin glands swell, and aromas sharpen; this is the window to reduce excessive nitrogen and ensure adequate potassium, sulfur, and micronutrients for terpene synthesis. Most growers see optimal harvest when 5–15% of trichomes shift amber on the top colas, translating to days 56–63.
Yields vary with phenotype and skill, but 400–550 g/m² indoors is a realistic target, with experienced cultivators and high-PPFD rooms achieving 550–650 g/m². Outdoor plants in favorable climates can produce 600–900 g per plant with proper topping and season-long IPM. Hash returns from fresh-frozen may land in the 4–6% range of wet weight for average phenos, with unicorns exceeding 6%.
Dry at 10–12°C (50–54°F) and 58–62% RH for 10–14 days to retain volatile monoterpenes like pinene and limonene, which flash off at warmer temps. Once stems snap, cure in airtight containers burped daily for the first week, then weekly thereafter, aiming for 58–62% stable RH. Expect terpene expression to peak around week 3–5 of cure, with minimal improvements beyond 8 weeks if storage conditions are consistent.
IPM and Troubleshooting for Dense, Indica Flowers
Because Deep Breath stacks dense, resinous colas, airflow and sanitation are paramount. Maintain clean intakes, rotate benign foliar biocontrols in veg (e.g., Beauveria bassiana, Bacillus subtilis), and discontinue foliar sprays by week 2 of flower. Scout weekly with sticky cards and leaf flips to catch mites, thrips, and aphids early.
Bud rot (Botrytis cinerea) is the primary late-flower risk in humid locales. Keep canopy RH 45–50% during weeks 6–9, thin interior sucker growth, and ensure fans produce gentle, even movement across all bud sites. If you detect localized botrytis, remove the infected area immediately with sterile tools, and reduce RH until the cycle completes.
Nutrient-wise, watch for calcium deficiency under high PPFD—crinkled new growth and marginal necrosis can appear if Ca is insufficient. Conversely, overfeeding nitrogen into week 4–5 can suppress terpene development and contribute to harsh smoke. If run-off EC climbs relentlessly, adjust irrigation frequency or volume to reestablish a healthy gradient.
Market Reception, Testing Variability, and Consumer Tips
Deep Breath has carved out a niche among consumers who want a relaxing but flavorful evening strain with strong bag appeal. Pine lovers specifically gravitate to pinene-forward batches that evoke the forest-fresh sensation highlighted in Leafly’s features about conifer terpenes. Dessert-fans appreciate the alternate phenos that lean sweet earth and vanilla-spice.
COAs can vary widely for the same-named strain due to different breeders, growth conditions, and labs. When shopping, compare not just THC but total terpenes—batches above 2.0% total terpenes generally deliver more saturated flavor and perceived effect layering. Ask budtenders about storage conditions; warm shelves can degrade terpene content by double-digit percentages within weeks.
Newer consumers should dose thoughtfully. Recreational guides caution that being “too high”—whether from an edible, a deep breath off a strong joint, or stacking hits—can be unpleasant; start low and give each serving time to work. For inhalation, 1–2 moderate puffs, then a 10–15 minute wait, is a prudent on-ramp for most adults.
Comparing Breeder Lines and Provenance
It’s important to recognize the coexistence of several Deep Breath lineages on the market. Landrace Bureau promotes a mostly-indica selection, which aligns with grow reports of short, sturdy plants and a relaxing body-forward effect. Baked Beanz’s 2018 spotlight emphasized a composite of Breath strains beginning with Alien Breath, hinting at a design that layers resin and flavor.
Bulletproof Genetics’ use of Deep Breath in crosses, as reflected in third-party genealogies, suggests the cultivar’s utility as breeding stock for frost, structure, and terpene density. For consumers, that means the name can signal a family profile more than a specific clone. Retailers who document breeder source, harvest date, and terpene dominance help eliminate guesswork and ensure consistent repeat purchases.
If you value pine-forward, ask specifically for alpha-pinene-dominant batches; if you favor dessert-kush vibes, hunt for caryophyllene/myrcene leading the panel with limonene support. In both cases, let your nose guide you—the strongest indicator of satisfaction remains your personal aromachemical preference.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Deep Breath stands at the intersection of conifer-fresh pinene and dessert-kush warmth, packaged in a resin-drenched, mostly-indica frame. Its history spans multiple breeders—Landrace Bureau, Baked Beanz, Bulletproof Genetics—producing a family of phenotypes that share dense buds, heavy frost, and calming effects. That diversity is a feature, not a bug, enabling tailored experiences from pine-bright and clear to sweet-spicy and sedative.
Expect THC commonly in the 18–26% range, total terpenes near 1.5–3.0%, and a sensory arc that begins cool and foresty before settling into peppered earth and wood. Growers can count on 8–9 weeks of flower, medium-high yields, and a strong response to canopy management and careful drying. Consumers should lean on batch COAs and their own noses to find the expression that best matches their preferences.
Whether you approach Deep Breath as a connoisseur, medical patient, or cultivator, its balanced power and nuanced terpene ensemble reward attention. With proper curation and storage, it delivers the kind of flavorful, composed session that lives up to its name—an invitation to slow down, inhale, and let the day exhale away.
