Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Kaffir Lime is a mostly sativa cultivar developed by SubCool’s The Dank, the influential breeding project founded by the late Subcool and known earlier as TGA Subcool Seeds. The breeder’s catalog helped define the citrus-forward segment of modern American cannabis, with classics like Agent Orange and Jack the Ripper setting the tone for terpene-rich, uplifting flowers. In that lineage of citrus obsessions, Kaffir Lime slots in as a sharp, lime-zest expression that highlights aromatic intensity as much as heady, functional effects. The name references the intensely fragrant Southeast Asian lime, often called makrut lime in food circles.
SubCool’s The Dank emphasized vigorous hybrids that finish in reasonable indoor timelines while retaining the soaring qualities of sativa-leaning highs. Most offerings aimed for 8 to 10 weeks in flower, robust resin production, and a distinctive terpene fingerprint visible in blind smell tests. Kaffir Lime reflects that design brief, leaning on energetic effects and a citrus-lime bouquet that makes it identifiable even in mixed jars. While the breeder rarely published exhaustive genetic disclosure for every release, the house style is unmistakable in this cultivar.
The strain’s introduction arrived during a period when citrus and lime terpenes were resurging in popularity among West Coast growers. Reports from hobby cultivators note that Kaffir Lime shares the fast-onset, clear-headed lift that made the breeder’s sativa lines famous. That makes it attractive in markets where daytime cultivars account for a substantial share of premium flower sales. In some retail data sets, citrus-terp profiles have been shown to outperform in repeat purchases, thanks to strong aroma recognition and perceived freshness.
Culturally, it is worth noting that the word kaffir carries negative connotations in some regions, and many culinary professionals prefer the term makrut lime. The strain’s name, however, follows the culinary convention familiar to North American growers and consumers. In dispensaries, budtenders often introduce it alongside other lime-forward selections to guide aroma-driven shoppers. Regardless of the label, the strain is defined by its bright green citrus signature and sativa-dominant experience.
Genetic Lineage and Influences
SubCool’s The Dank did not publish a formal, line-by-line pedigree for Kaffir Lime, and reputable databases list it as a mostly sativa hybrid with undisclosed parentage. That said, the breeder’s citrus bench almost always drew from lines like Jack the Ripper, Orange Velvet, Space Queen, and various Jacks and Skunks. Many of those lines are rich in limonene, terpinolene, and ocimene, which collectively produce lime peel, orange rind, and fresh-cut herb aromas. Kaffir Lime likely inherits a portion of that citrus toolbox, even if the specific parents remain proprietary.
Structurally, Kaffir Lime behaves like a sativa-leaning hybrid, with elongated internodes and a taller terminal cola when left untopped. The plant’s growth pattern suggests the presence of classic sativa influences, potentially Southeast Asian or Haze-influenced ancestry seen in the breeder’s wider catalog. Growers often report a 1.7 to 2.2 times stretch during the first three weeks of flower, consistent with sativa-dominant behavior. That stretch, paired with lime-heavy terpenes, narrows the likely family tree to the breeder’s citrus-forward mainstays.
Chemically, citrus cultivars from SubCool’s lineage frequently test with total terpene content around 1.5 to 3.0 percent by weight under competent indoor cultivation. Limonene is commonly the top terpene by relative abundance, with supporting roles from terpinolene and beta-caryophyllene. Pinene or ocimene often fill out the bouquet, adding pine needle and sweet-herbal tones beneath the lime peel. Kaffir Lime fits this fingerprint closely in grower reports, with a distinct lime-leaf nuance not always evident in orange-dominant sisters.
While conjecture about exact lineage should be treated cautiously, practical growers can treat Kaffir Lime as a citrus sativa modeled on the SubCool house template. That approach helps with canopy management, feeding strategy, and harvest timing. It also explains why aroma-driven consumers who favor citrus peaks often gravitate toward this cultivar. In other words, even without a disclosed pedigree, the phenotype’s behavior and chemotype point to a consistent family of influences.
Appearance and Bag Appeal
Kaffir Lime produces medium to large spear-shaped colas with a pronounced apical dominance when untrained. Bracts swell into tidy stacks, and the calyx-to-leaf ratio is favorable for quick trimming. The coloration is a vibrant lime to medium green with fiery orange pistils, aligning the visual with the name and aroma. Under lower night temperatures, some phenotypes show faint lavender accents along sugar leaves.
Trichome coverage is heavy and slightly glassy, giving the buds a frosted sheen that reads sticky even before touch. Mature capitate-stalked trichomes present with large, cloudy heads late in flower, and growers commonly harvest when 5 to 10 percent have turned amber to balance punch with clarity. In close-up, the resin rails along leaflet edges are conspicuous, and sugar leaves often retain strong aroma even after a light trim. The bag appeal is immediately citrus-forward, with an almost candied lime top note escaping the jar.
Buds tend to be moderately dense rather than rock-hard, consistent with sativa-leaning architecture. A practical bulk density range of 0.25 to 0.35 grams per cubic centimeter is typical for such sativa-dominant cultivars, depending on light intensity and environmental control. Skilled growers can coax tighter structure with higher PPFD and excellent airflow, but overwatering will loosen the finish. The final manicure is forgiving thanks to the plant’s naturally tidy form.
When broken up, Kaffir Lime releases a complex burst of lime peel, lemongrass, and a trace of pine-sour gas. This break-up aroma is stronger than the jar nose in many samples, a sign of volatile terpene release upon trichome rupture. The grind produces a bright, almost sparkling citrus powder that translates well to joints and dry herb vapes. In mixed jars, it remains easy to pick blind due to the distinct lime-leaf profile.
Aroma and Bouquet
The aroma presents as fresh lime zest, kaffir lime leaf, and a twist of lemongrass layered over sweet herbs. Limonene leads, but the supporting matrix suggests terpinolene and ocimene, which add green, floral, and slightly tropical high notes. Beta-caryophyllene adds a peppery warmth that deepens on the exhale, while alpha-pinene lends a foresty snap. Some phenotypes carry a faint fuel-mineral edge that anchors the citrus.
In properly cured flower, the jar nose is assertive without being cloying. Total terpene content in well-grown citrus cultivars often reaches 2.0 to 3.0 percent by weight, with standout batches exceeding 4.0 percent, and Kaffir Lime can sit squarely in that competitive range. Cure technique significantly affects perceived intensity; samples dried at 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 55 to 60 percent relative humidity for 10 to 14 days typically preserve brighter top notes. Rapid or hot drying can mute the lemongrass nuance and flatten the bouquet.
On first crack, the top note is lime peel rather than generic lemon. A second sniff reveals Kaffir leaf complexity, which in culinary contexts is prized for its perfumed, almost floral-green character. That differentiation from standard lemon-lime scents is part of this strain’s appeal, giving it a recognizable identity in crowded menus. The aroma is both refreshing and slightly exotic, echoing Southeast Asian kitchen staples.
In concentrates pressed from this cultivar, the terp profile leans toward sharper citrus rather than candy sweetness. Fresh frozen material can emphasize terpinolene and ocimene, while cured flower rosin often foregrounds limonene and caryophyllene. Expect bright, piercing aromatics in live resin or rosin, though aggressive post-processing may sacrifice delicate leaf notes. Careful low-temperature purging helps retain the lime-leaf signature.
Flavor, Mouthfeel, and Consumption Experience
The flavor tracks the nose closely, opening with fresh lime zest and micro-bitter peel notes that read authentic rather than sugary. As the burn line moves, a subtle lemongrass and sweet basil quality appears, suggesting ocimene and terpinolene at work. Peppery warmth from beta-caryophyllene rounds out the finish, leaving a tingling sensation on the tongue. The aftertaste is clean and citrusy, with a hint of pine.
In joints, the lime character stays prominent through the first two thirds if the flower is properly cured and ground. In glass, the flavor is more concentrated but also more sensitive to overheating, which can flip citrus to pithy bitterness. Dry herb vaporizers set between 175 and 190 degrees Celsius preserve limonene and terpinolene while preventing harshness. At lower temps, the profile is lighter and greener; higher settings emphasize pepper and resin.
Terpene boiling points inform how best to stage a session. Alpha-pinene volatilizes near 155 to 156 degrees Celsius, myrcene around 166 to 168, limonene near 176, and terpinolene roughly 186. Starting lower and stepping up allows the palate to experience top notes first, then the deeper warm-spice layer. This approach also reduces throat irritation and maintains flavor fidelity across draws.
The mouthfeel is smooth when adequately flushed and cured, with white to light gray ash indicating a well-finished sample. Excessively rapid drying or overdrying below 55 percent jar humidity often thins the flavor and punches up harshness. Conversely, curing to a stable 58 to 62 percent relative humidity retains oils that carry flavor without inviting mold. For connoisseurs, taste stability across the joint is a key indicator of quality with this cultivar.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
As a mostly sativa offering from SubCool’s The Dank, Kaffir Lime is generally potent, with THC commonly reported in the upper teens to mid twenties. In markets where lab-verified results are available, many comparable citrus sativas land between 18 and 24 percent THC, with standout cuts occasionally surpassing 25 percent under optimal conditions. CBD typically registers below 1 percent in these lines, while minor cannabinoids like CBG can range from 0.3 to 1.0 percent. The net effect is brisk and head-forward with little natural CBD buffering.
A 0.3 gram joint rolled from 20 percent THC flower contains roughly 60 milligrams of total THC potential before combustion. Bioavailable delivery via smoking is substantially lower; estimates place systemic absorption from smoked cannabis in the range of 10 to 35 percent depending on inhalation technique. That means the same joint might deliver 6 to 21 milligrams of THC, a dose many regular consumers find moderately strong. Vaporization can improve efficiency by a few percentage points while preserving more terpenes.
Onset with inhalation is typically felt within 2 to 5 minutes, peaks by 20 to 40 minutes, and tapers over 2 to 3 hours. Edible formulations built from Kaffir Lime extract will follow oral pharmacokinetics, with onset at 45 to 90 minutes and duration of 4 to 8 hours. Individual variability in metabolism can shift these windows, particularly with oral dosing. New consumers should titrate slowly, especially with potent sativa-leaning extracts.
While total THC is a useful benchmark, perceived potency also depends on terpene modulation and minor cannabinoids. Citrus-heavy terp profiles often feel fast and bright, sometimes amplifying stimulation beyond what raw THC percentage would predict. Users sensitive to anxiety may find high-THC, terpinolene-rich profiles more activating. Those seeking a calmer experience often blend with CBD flower or choose lower-THC batches.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
The dominant terpene in Kaffir Lime is most often limonene, the monoterpene responsible for the punchy citrus peel aroma. Supporting terpenes commonly include terpinolene, ocimene, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-pinene, each contributing distinct aromatic and potential pharmacological effects. In well-grown flower, total terpene content may range from 1.5 to 3.0 percent by weight, with limonene frequently occupying 0.5 to 1.5 percent of the sample. Variability between phenotypes and grows is common, so precise quantification requires lab testing of each batch.
Limonene imparts bright citrus notes and has been studied for potential mood-elevating and anxiolytic properties in preclinical models. Terpinolene adds floral-herbal brightness and, in animal studies, has shown both sedative and antioxidant properties depending on context and dose. Beta-caryophyllene engages CB2 receptors as a dietary cannabinoid, with anti-inflammatory potential suggested by several lines of research. Alpha-pinene has been associated with bronchodilatory effects and may counter memory deficits from THC in limited models.
The interplay between these terpenes shapes the sensory profile as much as any single component. For example, the combination of limonene and terpinolene often reads as lime leaf or lemongrass rather than simple lemon candy. Caryophyllene and pinene deepen the base, preventing the bouquet from becoming thin or fleeting. This balance gives Kaffir Lime its culinary, layered citrus impression rather than a one-note top end.
From a cultivation standpoint, terpene expression is sensitive to environmental cues. Excessive heat above 30 degrees Celsius and low humidity can accelerate volatilization and degrade delicate monoterpenes. Conversely, tight post-harvest control can preserve more of the profile; one study of stored cannabis indicated terpene losses of 20 to 30 percent over four weeks at room temperature, urging cooler, darker storage. Growers who prioritize terpene retention will find that careful drying and curing often move the needle more than marginal changes in feeding.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
Kaffir Lime is typically described as uplifting, clear-headed, and functional, with a cheerful energy that suits daylight and creative tasks. The initial onset lifts mood and focus, sometimes accompanied by a subtle body lightness. Many users report increased motivation for chores, brainstorming, or socializing without heavy sedation. The experience is often cleaner than sweet, dessert-leaning hybrids.
At moderate doses, the high remains crisp and engaging for 60 to 90 minutes before tapering to a gentle afterglow. Higher doses can introduce a racy edge for those prone to cannabis-induced anxiety, a common trait of potent sativa-leaning chemovars rich in terpinolene. Music appreciation and sensory detail tend to heighten early in the session, pairing well with walking, sketching, or kitchen prep. The lime-leaf aroma seems to prime expectation for brightness and clarity.
Physiologically, transient increases in heart rate by 20 to 30 beats per minute are typical with inhaled THC, and Kaffir Lime is no exception. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most frequently reported side effects, consistent with general cannabis use where xerostomia is self-reported by a majority of consumers. Snacks may taste unusually vivid, and citrus foods can seem especially complementary. Hydration and pacing help sustain a comfortable ride.
For experienced consumers, the strain slots neatly into the morning or midday rotation. It can serve as a pre-workout boost for light exercise or a catalyst for tidying and task initiation. For evenings, pairing with a small amount of a linalool- or myrcene-heavy cultivar can round off the high if something more relaxed is desired. Users new to potent sativas should start low, wait, and only then redose.
Potential Medical Applications and Safety Considerations
As a high-THC, sativa-leaning cultivar, Kaffir Lime may be of interest to patients seeking daytime relief without heavy sedation. The National Academies of Sciences review in 2017 found substantial evidence for cannabis efficacy in chronic pain management and strong evidence for antiemetic effects in chemotherapy-induced nausea. THC-dominant products like this strain may also support appetite stimulation where needed. For multiple sclerosis spasticity, evidence suggests a benefit from cannabis-based medicines, though individual response varies.
Terpenes present here have been studied for complementary effects. Limonene shows anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activity in animal models and limited human aromatherapy contexts, while beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity suggests anti-inflammatory potential. Alpha-pinene’s bronchodilatory effect could be relevant for some patients, though smoke inhalation itself can irritate airways. Clinical translation remains incomplete, and patients should consult healthcare providers experienced in cannabinoid medicine.
Dosing strategy should prioritize safety and titration. For inhaled routes, beginners might start with one or two small puffs, wait 10 to 15 minutes, and reassess; for edibles, a 2.5 to 5 milligram THC starting dose with a 2-hour wait is a cautious entry point. Patients with a history of anxiety or panic may prefer microdoses or combining with CBD. Ratios such as adding 5 to 10 milligrams CBD alongside a small inhaled dose of THC can soften edges for some users.
General safety considerations include avoiding driving or operating machinery while under the influence and keeping products away from children and pets. Like other high-THC strains, side effects can include tachycardia, anxiety, dizziness, and impaired short-term memory. Those with cardiovascular conditions should seek medical guidance before use. As always, lab-tested products with verified cannabinoid and contaminant results offer the most predictable and safe experience.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Growth Habit and Timing: Kaffir Lime behaves like a sativa-dominant hybrid with moderate vigor and pronounced stretch after flip. Indoors, expect 63 to 70 days of flowering under 12 hours of light, with some phenotypes finishing near day 63 and others happier at day 67 to 70. Outdoor harvests generally land from mid to late October in temperate northern latitudes. Plan for a 1.7 to 2.2 times stretch in weeks 1 to 3 of flower, and structure training around that expansion.
Environment and Climate: Vegetative temperature targets of 24 to 28 degrees Celsius with 60 to 65 percent relative humidity support steady growth. Flowering temps of 24 to 27 early, tapering to 22 to 25 late, with humidity stepping down to 50 to 55 percent early flower and 42 to 48 percent late, help curb mold. VPD windows of approximately 0.8 to 1.2 kilopascals in veg and 1.2 to 1.5 in flower balance transpiration and nutrient flow. Maintain strong canopy airflow and 20 to 30 air exchanges per hour in the room, targeting 0.3 to 0.5 meters per second of gentle leaf movement at the canopy.
Lighting and CO2: In veg, 400 to 600 micromoles per square meter per second PPFD produces stocky plants ready for training. In flower, 700 to 900 PPFD is a productive target, with advanced grows pushing 1000 to 1200 PPFD under supplemental CO2. At 1000 plus PPFD with 1000 to 1200 ppm CO2, yields can improve by 10 to 25 percent when nutrition and irrigation are dialed. Aim for a daily light integral near 35 to 45 mol per square meter in veg and 40 to 55 in flower for dense, terpene-rich results.
Mediums and pH: Kaffir Lime performs well in amended living soil, high-quality coco, or hydroponic systems. For soil, maintain pH of 6.2 to 6.8; for coco or hydro, keep pH between 5.6 and 6.2. Electrical conductivity ranges of 0.6 to 0.8 in early seedling, 1.2 to 1.6 in veg, and 1.6 to 2.2 in flower are typical benchmarks. Adjust according to plant response, media buffering, and runoff readings.
Feeding Strategy: Sativa-leaning plants often appreciate a balanced nitrogen profile without excess ammoniacal N in late veg. Provide robust calcium and magnesium support, particularly in coco, where 100 to 150 ppm of Ca and 40 to 60 ppm of Mg prevent deficiencies. In early flower, increase phosphorus and potassium gradually, peaking around weeks 4 to 6, then taper. Watch tips and leaf margins for signs of overfeeding; maintaining 10 to 20 percent runoff in soilless systems helps manage salt buildup.
Training and Canopy Management: Top once or twice in veg and apply low-stress training to build a flat, even canopy. A 2 by 2 foot scrog square per plant or similar trellis gives adequate support for long colas. Because stretch is substantial, flip to flower when the canopy is at 50 to 60 percent of final height in limited vertical spaces. Defoliate selectively at day 21 and day 42 to open sites, but avoid over-stripping in this sativa-leaning plant to preserve photosynthetic capacity.
Irrigation Practices: Allow for a wet-to-dry cycle that encourages oxygenation of roots, especially in coco and soil. In coco, frequent smaller irrigations once the root mass is established can maintain stable EC, sometimes 2 to 5 feeds per day in high-frequency fertigation. In soil, water thoroughly to runoff and wait until the top inch is dry before repeating. Avoid chronic overwatering which leads to loose buds and reduced terpene expression.
Pest and Disease Management: Common pressures include thrips, spider mites, and fungus gnats in indoor environments. Implement an integrated pest management program with sticky traps, weekly scouting, and strategic releases of beneficials like Amblyseius cucumeris for thrips or Phytoseiulus persimilis for mites. Keep leaf surfaces dry to reduce powdery mildew risk; late flower humidity under 50 percent and robust airflow are key. Sanitation and quarantine of incoming plant material remain the best first-line defenses.
Flowering Behavior and Yield: Kaffir Lime stacks spears with interstitial bract spacing tightening after week 5. Indoor yields in a dialed room can reach 450 to 650 grams per square meter, with skilled scrog growers occasionally exceeding that. Outdoor plants in 30 to 50 gallon containers fed and trained well can produce 500 to 900 grams per plant. Bud structure is moderately dense with minimal fox-tailing when heat is controlled.
Harvest Timing: Monitor trichomes with a jeweler’s loupe or microscope, harvesting when the majority are cloudy and 5 to 10 percent are amber for a bright yet complete effect. Pulling earlier at mostly cloudy with minimal amber will maximize citrus top notes and a racier head, while later harvest increases body and warmth at the expense of some brightness. Flush strategies vary; many growers reduce EC the final 7 to 10 days to improve burn and ash quality. Keep night temps a few degrees lower late to encourage oil preservation without stressing the plant.
Drying and Curing: Target 10 to 14 days at 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 55 to 60 percent RH in darkness with gentle airflow. Slow drying preserves monoterpenes like limonene and terpinolene, which are prone to loss under heat or forced air. Once stems snap and small buds feel dry to the touch, jar at 62 percent RH with frequent burps in week one, then weekly thereafter for 4 to 6 weeks. Ideal water activity for stable storage is roughly 0.58 to 0.62, which aligns with 58 to 62 percent RH in jars.
Processing and Extraction: Flower rosin yields from citrus-forward cultivars generally range from 15 to 20 percent with competent presses of 150 to 200 micron bags at 90 to 100 degrees Celsius. Fresh frozen for live rosin or resin accentuates top-end terpenes; expect bright, piercing citrus with a green-herbal edge. Mechanical separation can further refine sauce fractions, but aggressive heat may sacrifice delicate lime-leaf notes. Store concentrates cold to slow terpene evaporation and oxidation.
Quality Control and Storage: Terpene volatility is a real constraint; studies indicate total terpene levels can drop meaningfully within weeks at room temperature. Glass jars with tight seals, cool storage in the 50s Fahrenheit, and minimal headspace extend shelf life. Avoid direct light, which accelerates cannabinoid and terpene degradation. Proper storage can preserve aroma intensity and psychoactive consistency well beyond the initial cure.
Phenotype Selection: If hunting from seed, select for plants that express a true lime-leaf nose rather than generic lemon candy. Look for tight bract stacking by week 6, bright green coloration, and leaves that resist excessive nitrogen clawing in mid flower. Lab testing for terpenes can confirm limonene-dominant chemotypes with supporting terpinolene or ocimene as desired. Keep mother plants under 18 to 20 hours of light with modest feeding to retain vigor for multiple cloning cycles.
Sustainability and Cost Considerations: High-efficiency LEDs delivering 2.5 micromoles per joule or better reduce power costs compared to legacy HID fixtures. Water recirculation or drip-to-waste with runoff capture can cut water use, and living soils reduce bottled nutrient dependency. With wholesale markets sensitive to terpene intensity, proper environmental control and post-harvest technique often command higher prices per gram than marginal THC boosts alone. Focusing on lime-forward terps and clean burns is a winning strategy for premium positioning.
