Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
Kampot Red is a sativa-heritage cultivar developed by the boutique breeding house Legendary Hybrids. The name nods to Kampot, a coastal province of Cambodia famed for its pepper, and the Red descriptor reflects the cultivar’s notable ruby-to-copper pistils and warm spice aromatics. Together, these cues frame a sensory profile that leans peppery, citrusy, and herbaceous, supported by a lively, cerebral effect common to tropical sativas.
Legendary Hybrids positions Kampot Red as a modern craft expression of old-world vigor refined for today’s growers. While designed to be more manageable than long-run landraces, it retains the elongated floral clusters and energetic architecture that connoisseurs associate with Southeast Asian sativas. The result is a plant that rewards careful training and environmental tuning with aromatic density and a bright, uplifting experience.
Across early grow logs and dispensary descriptions, the strain is repeatedly praised for its clarity, mood elevation, and assertive spice-forward nose. Expect nuanced layers that shift from freshly cracked pepper and sweet citrus peel to resinous pine and tea-like florals. Kampot Red fits naturally into daytime and creative-use contexts, with a power curve that is motivating yet, when dosed wisely, not overwhelming for experienced consumers.
Historical Context and Breeding Story
Kampot Red’s emergence from Legendary Hybrids reflects a broader movement among craft breeders to revisit equatorial genetics and translate them for controlled indoor and greenhouse environments. In the past decade, sativa-leaning strains with Southeast Asian character have seen a resurgence, driven by growers seeking complexity beyond cookie-based hybrids. Legendary Hybrids entered that conversation with a focus on aromatic distinctiveness and structure that performs under high-intensity lighting.
The breeder has not released a full parentage chart, a common practice in boutique programs that protect proprietary selections. However, their branding and phenotype notes suggest a sativa backbone shaped for manageable internodal spacing, increased resin density, and a terpene stack that highlights pepper, citrus, and conifer. The intent appears to be delivering that classic upright energy while taming the extreme flowering times and spindly habits of some tropical lines.
Consumer-facing descriptions began circulating alongside forum-side grow journals, where cultivators reported vigorous vegetative growth and a stretch phase that required trellising. Feedback emphasized how topping and screen-of-green methods helped convert vertical momentum into uniform colas. From there, the strain’s reputation has grown among hobbyists and small-batch producers who prioritize aromatic fidelity and clean, heady effects.
Genetic Lineage and Heritage
Legendary Hybrids identifies Kampot Red’s heritage as sativa, and phenotype behavior supports that classification through narrow leaflets, long-running floral clusters, and pronounced stretch after the flip. While the breeder has not disclosed precise parents, morphological signals suggest influence from Southeast Asian sativa lines softened by a contemporary resin-forward selection. This approach is typical of craft programs that seek a balance between nostalgic character and commercial practicality.
Growers often note that Kampot Red exhibits a calyx-forward bud structure and a calyx-to-leaf ratio favorable for post-harvest trim efficiency. Internodal length can average 6–10 centimeters in vigorous environments, especially without aggressive training. These metrics align with modern sativa-dominant hybrids that are optimized to perform under 700–1,000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ of flowering light intensity.
Aromatically, the cultivar’s pepper-citrus signature hints at beta-caryophyllene and limonene leadership, with coniferous accents pointing toward pinene or terpinolene influence. Such a terpene stack is consistent with several renowned sativa families, even when the exact cross remains proprietary. For consumers, that typically translates to bright mental clarity, a gently elevated heart rate at higher doses, and a functional, social high.
Appearance and Morphology
Kampot Red develops tall, elegant frames with narrow, saw-toothed leaflets and a high calyx expression that gives buds a spired, tapering look. Pistils often mature into striking red-copper threads that visually define the cultivar in late flower. As temperatures drop slightly during ripening, some phenotypes display a faint anthocyanin blush along sugar leaves, enhancing bag appeal.
Bud density trends toward the sativa side: not fluffy, but less rock-hard than heavy indica structures. A well-tuned grow typically yields medium-firm spears with sparkling trichome coverage that presents as frosted along the ridges of each cola. Calyx-to-leaf ratios commonly exceed 2:1 in groomed canopies, accelerating trimming and preserving terpene-laden surfaces.
The plant’s stretch in the first 2–3 weeks of flowering can reach 150–220% of pre-flip height, depending on environment and training. Topping at the fifth or sixth node, followed by low-stress training, helps contain apical dominance and encourages a level canopy. Under sufficient light and airflow, lateral branching fills in with uniform, torch-like colas that dry down to symmetrical, attractive flowers.
Aroma and Bouquet
A fresh jar of Kampot Red greets the nose with a burst of peppercorn, sweet orange zest, and pine resin. Secondary layers suggest lemongrass, green tea, and faint floral honey, especially in phenotypes that express a touch more limonene and linalool. The overall bouquet is vibrant and clean, avoiding the musk-heavy notes found in many indica-leaning lines.
When ground, volatile monoterpenes bloom quickly, and the pepper note intensifies to something reminiscent of Kampot pepper, the cultivar’s namesake. Citrus aromatics brighten as well, hinting at a limonene backbone that pairs with caryophyllene’s spice. Woodsy edges suggest alpha-pinene and potentially terpinolene depending on phenotype.
In consumer feedback, scent intensity is often rated medium-high, with the bouquet radiating 60–90 seconds after opening a container in a small room. In sealed storage at 58–62% relative humidity, the aroma remains stable for several months if light and heat are excluded. Proper curing enhances the tea-floral lilt and smooths any raw chlorophyll edges that can shadow subtler notes.
Flavor and Consumption Experience
The flavor follows the nose closely: peppered citrus on the inhale, transitioning to pine sap and delicate herbal tea on the exhale. In joints and clean glass, the first third of the session is notably bright, after which resinous tones and light sweetness take the lead. Vaporization at 175–190°C preserves the citrus-floral top end, while combustion emphasizes spice and pine.
Mouthfeel is smooth when cured properly, with a dry, crisp finish and minimal harshness at ordinary draw rates. Ash typically burns a light gray to almost white when the dry and cure process hits a water activity target around 0.55–0.65. Many users report a lingering orange-peel bitterness balanced by honeyed notes, encouraging small, frequent puffs rather than long, hot draws.
Terpene persistence is good, with detectable flavor for 6–8 pulls in a half-gram joint before heating and carbonization mute higher volatiles. In a convection vaporizer, flavor retention is even stronger across temperature steps. Pairings that amplify its profile include citrus-forward sparkling water or lightly sweetened green tea.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Because Kampot Red is relatively new and proprietary, publicly posted lab aggregates are limited, but sativa-heritage cannabis sold in legal markets commonly tests at 18–24% THC by dry weight. CBD is typically below 1% in THC-dominant phenotypes, often in the 0.05–0.5% range. Minor cannabinoids such as CBG can register between 0.2–1.2%, with trace CBC and THCV appearing in some sativa-leaning chemotypes.
In practice, this potency range places Kampot Red in the modern mid-high bracket of recreational flowers. For most adult users, 2.5–5 mg inhaled THC equivalent produces noticeable stimulation and mood lift, while 10–20 mg can be strongly energizing and, in susceptible individuals, slightly racy. Tolerance, set, and setting influence outcomes considerably, so conservative titration is prudent.
Batch-to-batch variability should be expected, as phenotype selection and grow conditions have measurable effects on cannabinoid yield. Environmental parameters such as light intensity and spectrum, nutrient availability, and harvest timing can shift total THC by several percentage points. For verified data, request certificates of analysis from the producer, noting THC, total cannabinoids, and total terpene content.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Total terpene content in well-grown Kampot Red commonly falls in the 1.5–3.0% w/w range, aligning with many boutique sativa cultivars. Dominant contributors are frequently beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and alpha-pinene, with terpinolene or ocimene emerging in particular phenotypes. Myrcene tends to be present but not overwhelming, preserving a bright, non-sedating sensory character.
As a rough map, caryophyllene may appear at 0.2–0.7%, limonene at 0.2–0.6%, and pinene at 0.1–0.4% of dry weight in terpene-rich specimens. When terpinolene expresses, values in the 0.2–0.5% band contribute to the cultivar’s conifer-citrus lift and perceived mental clarity. Linalool, humulene, and ocimene commonly populate the supporting tier, shaping the floral, woody, and green fruit accents.
Phytochemical synergy likely underpins the strain’s perceived focus and mood-elevating effects. Caryophyllene is a CB2 agonist and, alongside limonene, is often associated with stress modulation and a buoyant affect in user reports. Pinene and terpinolene are frequently cited for their alertness-supporting qualities, which—combined with moderate THC—help Kampot Red deliver stimulation without heavy fog.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Subjectively, Kampot Red tends to produce a fast-onset, clear-headed elevation within 2–5 minutes of inhalation. Users often describe a sharpening of sensory perception and a gentle pressure behind the eyes that signals the peak approaching over 15–20 minutes. At moderate doses, the mood lift is pronounced but functional, supporting conversation, light creative work, or active leisure.
The high typically plateaus for 45–90 minutes and then tapers cleanly over 1.5–2.5 hours, depending on dose and consumption method. Unlike sedating cultivars, the comedown is airy and non-heavy, with minimal couchlock. Some users notice a mild increase in heart rate and alertness that can be beneficial for daytime tasks but may feel stimulating for those prone to cannabis-related anxiety.
Dose discipline is key to keeping the experience bright and comfortable. Many experienced consumers find that 1–2 small inhalations provide all-day utility without overactivation, while larger sessions are better reserved for social settings. As always, individual responses vary, and cross-tolerance with caffeine or other stimulants can shape the experience.
Potential Medical Applications and Considerations
Kampot Red’s profile may suit daytime symptom management where energy, focus, and mood support are desirable. For some patients, sativa-leaning cultivars are used adjunctively for fatigue, low mood, or attentional difficulties, particularly when sedation is counterproductive. Inhalation’s rapid onset can make this chemotype useful for breakthrough needs where quick relief is prioritized.
Evidence for cannabis in specific conditions varies by outcome and study design. A major scientific review found substantial evidence for the effectiveness of cannabis and cannabinoids in treating chronic pain in adults, and conclusive evidence for antiemetic effects in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Data for anxiety, depression, and attention disorders remain limited or mixed, emphasizing a need for personalized, cautious experimentation under medical guidance.
Patients sensitive to THC-related anxiety should start low and slow, as stimulating terpene stacks can feel racy at higher doses. Vaporization allows fine titration, and choosing batches with slightly lower THC or higher total terpenes can moderate intensity. Always consult a clinician where cannabis use intersects with prescription medications or cardiovascular concerns.
Cultivation Guide: Environment and Vegetative Strategy
Kampot Red expresses its best structure in warm, well-ventilated environments with consistent light intensity and balanced vapor pressure deficit. Target 24–28°C daytime temperatures in veg with 55–70% relative humidity, moving toward 23–26°C and 45–55% RH by late flower. A VPD of 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in flower supports transpiration and nutrient flow while discouraging pathogens.
Under modern LED fixtures, aim for 300–500 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD in early veg, scaling to 600–700 in late veg and 800–1,000 in mid flower, assuming sufficient CO2 and irrigation. Where CO2 enrichment is feasible, 1,000–1,200 ppm can improve photosynthetic efficiency and increase yield by 20–30% relative to ambient conditions, provided other inputs are optimized. Maintain robust horizontal airflow and directed canopy fans to strengthen stems and prevent microclimates.
Soilless mixes with high aeration or coco-coir substrates allow frequent fertigation and precise control. For hydroponic or coco systems, maintain root-zone pH between 5.7–6.2; in mineralized soil, 6.2–6.8 helps balance macro and micronutrient uptake. Vegetative EC commonly runs 1.2–1.6 mS·cm⁻¹, rising to 1.8–2.2 in peak flower depending on cultivar response and irrigation frequency.
Training is essential due to sativa vigor. Top once or twice by the fifth or sixth node, then employ low-stress training and a 1–2 layer trellis to spread growth laterally. Screen-of-green canopies at 20–25 cm above the pots help intercept stretch, producing an even field of colas at harvest.
Integrated pest management should begin in veg with sanitation, sticky cards, and periodic inspections. Beneficial predators like Amblyseius swirskii and Amblyseius californicus can suppress thrips and mite pressure in warm rooms. Avoid overwatering, which elevates risk for fungus gnats and root pathogens, and space plants to maintain a clear airway through the canopy.
Cultivation Guide: Flowering, Harvest, and Post-Processing
Expect a flowering window of roughly 9–11 weeks depending on phenotype and environmental optimization. Kampot Red will typically stretch for 14–21 days after the flip; deploying the second trellis before day 10 helps maintain structure. Aim to fill 70–80% of your screen before switching to 12/12, as the cultivar’s 150–220% stretch can easily overrun tight spaces.
Nutritionally, transition from a nitrogen-forward vegetative formula to a bloom ratio that increases phosphorus and potassium while keeping calcium and magnesium steady. Mid-flower EC in the 1.8–2.2 mS·cm⁻¹ range is common for coco and hydro; in soil, feed to moderate runoff and monitor leaf tissue for excesses or deficiencies. Many growers find success reducing EC by 15–25% during the last 10–14 days to encourage clean burn and smoother flavor.
Harvest timing should be guided by trichome maturity more than days on the calendar. For an uplifting profile, harvest when most trichomes are cloudy with 5–15% amber; later harvests with higher amber percentages can add weight and body but may dull the bright cerebral edge. In parallel, observe pistil recession and calyx swell as supporting signals of ripeness.
Drying sets the stage for terpene preservation and clean combustion. Target 16–20°C and 55–60% RH with gentle, continuous airflow for 10–14 days, aiming for final moisture content near 10–12% or a stable water activity around 0.55–0.65. Whole-plant or large-branch hangs help slow the dry for better terpene retention, especially in terpene-rich phenotypes.
Cure in airtight containers burped as needed to stabilize internal humidity at 58–62%. Monitor jar temperatures and odor; sharp ammonia indicates too-wet flowers and insufficient off-gassing. A patient 3–6 week cure rewards with tighter flavor focus, a smoother finish, and improved shelf stability.
Yields, Quality Metrics, and Lab Testing
Under competent indoor conditions with high-efficiency LEDs and CO2, growers commonly report 400–550 g·m⁻² of dried flower from Kampot Red. Outdoor or greenhouse plants, given long season and supportive climates, can exceed 600–900 g per plant, with exceptional management pushing higher. Yield is directly influenced by training efficiency, canopy density, and environmental steadiness across the stretch and bulking phases.
Quality metrics for finished material focus on potency, terpene content, and cleanliness. Well-grown batches often present total cannabinoids in the 20–28% range with terpene totals of 1.5–3.0% by weight, values typical of craft sativa-leaning flowers. Water activity between 0.55–0.65 and moisture content near 11% correlate with smooth combustion and mold safety.
Third-party lab testing validates consumer confidence and informs dialing of cultivation parameters. Request certificates that include THC, CBD, total cannabinoids, detailed terpenes, water activity, and microbial and heavy metal screens. Producers pursuing solventless extraction may use terpene totals and resin gland integrity under magnification as predictors for wash yields, with 3–5% returns from dried flower and higher from fresh frozen when trichome heads are abundant and well-attached.
Storage best practices extend shelf life and preserve volatiles. Keep packaged flower in lightproof, oxygen-limiting containers at 15–20°C and 55–62% RH, avoiding temperature swings that can condense moisture. Under stable conditions, sensory quality remains high for 3–6 months, though the brightest citrus top notes gradually diminish as monoterpenes volatilize.
Ultimately, Kampot Red is prized less for absolute biomass than for its distinctive spice-citrus bouquet and nimble headspace. With appropriate trellising, precise environmental control, and patient post-harvest care, the cultivar delivers a premium, character-driven outcome. Legendary Hybrids’ sativa heritage shows through in both the look of the plant and the clarity of the experience, giving growers and consumers a focused, modern expression of tropical energy.
