Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
KD is a modern, boutique cannabis cultivar bred by Freeborn Selections, the Mendocino-based project led by the breeder widely known as Mean Gene. Freeborn Selections is respected for preserving heirloom expressions and creating thoughtful crosses that combine classic resin density with contemporary flavor. Within that context, KD was assembled to deliver the unmistakable gassy-fuel character with a grounded Kush backbone and contemporary bag appeal.
Independent lineage snapshots list KD under Freeborn Selections with Hollywood Pure Kush (HPK) on one side and a Sour-family parent on the other. SeedFinder, a community genealogy tracker, specifically lists KD as Hollywood Pure Kush (Unknown or Legendary) crossed to a Sour line, with the exact Sour selection not publicly specified. That public ambiguity is common for small-batch breeding projects where the emphasis is on phenotype selection rather than open-source parent lists.
The choice of HPK is historically significant. HPK is an LA-area cut celebrated for dense resin heads, strong narcotic body effects, and heavy kush aromatics. Pairing it to a Sour lineage was a deliberate attempt to sharpen the top notes—fuel, citrus zest, and solvent-like brightness—without sacrificing the thick, hash-friendly resin production HPK is known for.
In the years since its quiet introduction, KD has circulated mostly among connoisseurs and collectors of Freeborn Selections’ work rather than through mass-market seed catalogs. This limited release strategy helps maintain genetic integrity but also means public lab data on KD is sparse. Nevertheless, the cultivar’s reputation has grown on the strength of its aroma, potency, and a high that balances uplift with full-body calm.
It’s worth noting that Freeborn Selections’ catalog often focuses on phenotype-driven outcomes, and KD follows that ethos. Growers report that KD typically exhibits both the structural competence of an OG/Kush-type and the volatile-forward nose associated with the Sour family. The cross is, in practice, a meeting of two influential eras of West Coast cannabis, curated for today’s tastemaker market.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
The most widely cited genealogy for KD is Hollywood Pure Kush (HPK) crossed to a Sour-family plant. HPK is frequently labeled as “Unknown or Legendary” in trackers, which reflects its status as an elite clone rather than a fully documented seed line. The Sour side is often inferred to be related to Sour Diesel or a derivative, based on aroma and growth patterns, but the exact selection is not openly confirmed.
From the HPK parent, KD tends to inherit short-to-medium internodal spacing, a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, and copious trichome coverage. These traits are associated with resin production efficiency and make the cultivar suitable for solventless extraction methods like ice water hash. Many growers highlight tricome head size and integrity, a hallmark of OG/Kush lines when combined with careful environmental control.
From the Sour side, KD typically picks up pronounced volatile sulfur compound (VSC)-driven “gas,” lime-peel brightness, and a more assertive vertical stretch during the first two weeks of flowering. Sour lineages are also known for increased vigor and an up-tempo cerebral quality, which can moderate the heaviness of pure Kush sedative effects. This balance gives KD a hybrid utility suitable for daytime or evening, depending on dose.
Phenotypic ratios across seed runs appear to favor gas-forward expressions with secondary kush-earth and pepper. In practice, growers report three broad phenotypes: a squat kush-leaner with dense golf-ball colas, a taller sour-leaner with spear-shaped colas and louder fuel, and a true intermediate that combines both shape and nose. The intermediate phenotype is typically selected as a keeper for its yield-to-quality balance and layered aroma.
Overall, KD’s inheritance is that of a stabilized hybrid that rewards selection. A single pack often presents sufficient variability for pheno-hunters to find a resin monster or an exceptionally loud gas profile. The cross was evidently designed to give experienced growers a rich hunting ground rather than to function as a single-note commercial clone.
Appearance and Plant Morphology
KD plants generally take on a medium stature with robust lateral branching when topped early. In vegetative growth, leaves are broad with slightly cupped fingers, reflecting an OG/Kush influence, yet the plant shows Sour-like vigor under high light intensity. Internodal spacing is medium, allowing light penetration without aggressive defoliation.
Buds are dense and conical on kush-leaning phenotypes, with a calyx-stacked structure that maximizes surface resin exposure. Sour-leaning phenotypes may present longer spears with slightly looser stacking that tightens substantially during the final three weeks. Across the board, trichome coverage is heavy, with bulbous capitate-stalked heads that grade well for hash.
Coloration is typically lime to forest green, with pistils that begin pale peach and mature into burnt orange or rust. In cooler night temperatures—especially drops of 5–7°C below daytime—the cultivar may show faint anthocyanin blushes along sugar leaves. The contrast between darkened sugar leaf tips and white frost makes KD visually striking in late bloom.
Dry flowers often cure into a glimmering, resin-sheathed presentation with a slightly lumpy, OG-esque bud shape. The surface feels tacky even after a proper 60–62% relative humidity cure, which is indicative of high resin content. Ground material fluffs well, suggesting a favorable calyx-to-leaf ratio and clean burn potential.
Under microscopy, trichome heads present with a high ratio of intact, large-diameter capitate-stalked glands, important for solventless extraction yields. Resin heads at 80–120 microns tend to be abundant, aligning with the preferences of ice-water hash makers. This microscopy profile reflects the HPK influence and is a key reason KD is discussed in extraction circles.
Aroma and Volatile Signature
KD’s top-line nose is “gas first, kush second,” with a zesty citrus flash and peppered earth sitting beneath. Many growers describe the jar aroma as fuel-soaked lime peel over a warm, woody base. When broken, the flower can release a skunky solvent note that suggests the presence of volatile sulfur compounds.
Research into cannabis aroma points to thiol-class volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), including 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol, as primary drivers of skunk and fuel notes at trace levels, often tens of parts per trillion. While KD-specific lab data are limited, its Sour lineage statistically increases the likelihood of measurable VSC presence compared with non-gas cultivars. This aligns with user reports that KD’s “open bag” aroma is room-filling within seconds.
Secondary aromatics include black pepper, bay leaf, and a faint woody incense that likely associates with beta-caryophyllene and humulene. A curated limonene contribution sharpens the citrus edge, sometimes with a hint of lemongrass rather than sweet orange. On some phenotypes, a cooling mint-pine edge appears on the dry pull, consistent with alpha-pinene and possibly eucalyptol.
As the flower cures for 14–28 days, the fuel note deepens and integrates with an earthy kush chassis. The sulfur sparkle softens slightly while pepper and wood round out, producing a more complex bouquet. Many connoisseurs prefer KD’s aroma at the 21–28 day mark, noting improved cohesion and less top-note volatility.
In combustion or vaporization, the retrohale accentuates the fuel and pepper, while the palate experiences lime zest and a faintly creamy kush finish. The overall aromatic impression remains loud at low doses, which is one reason KD appeals to enthusiasts who prioritize nose as much as potency. Even small amounts aromatize a space quickly, a hallmark of gas-forward genetics.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
KD’s flavor profile mirrors its aroma but reveals added nuance during a slow, low-temperature session. On the intake, expect a bright, solvent-like gas that quickly turns to citrus rind and peppered herb. The finish lands on earthy kush with a light, resinous sweetness.
Through a clean glass piece or a calibrated vaporizer at 175–190°C, the citrus-gas top note is more pronounced and less harsh. Limonene and caryophyllene expression show as lime peel and black pepper, respectively, while myrcene folds in a gentle herbal sweetness. The absence of excessive floral sweetness keeps the profile decisive and adult.
Mouthfeel is dense and oily, indicative of rich trichome content and a high terp fraction. On the exhale, the fuel component can create a slight nasal tickle that quickly clears, leaving a peppered, woody aftertaste. This persistence is a sign of coherent terpene synergy and mature cure.
When rolled, KD burns to a light gray ash when properly flushed and cured, reflecting balanced mineral uptake and drying parameters. Some phenotypes display a creamy kush afterglow that lingers for 2–3 minutes, which many users cite as a session-defining quality. The overall impression is assertive yet polished, with enough clarity to differentiate it from generic “gassy” cultivars.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Direct, multi-lab datasets for KD are not widely published due to its limited distribution, but its parentage suggests high potency. OG/Kush and Sour families commonly test in the 18–26% total THC range under commercial lab conditions, with well-grown elite cuts surpassing 28% in outliers. Given this background, KD can reasonably be expected to land around 20–26% THC in optimized indoor environments.
CBD content is typically low in OG and Sour derivatives, often below 0.5% by mass. KD is therefore likely a THC-dominant cultivar with minimal CBD contribution to effect modulation. Minor cannabinoids such as CBG often appear in the 0.2–1.0% range in similar lineages, adding subtle entourage effects.
Inhalation onset is fast, commonly within 2–5 minutes, with peak effects around 30–45 minutes after first draw. Subjective duration falls between 2–3 hours for most users, extending to 4 hours at higher doses. Compared with sweeter dessert profiles, KD’s fuel-forward chemistry often reads as stronger at equivalent THC, likely due to terpene-mediated perception.
State testing datasets from adult-use markets show that hybrid “gas” categories routinely cluster at the higher end of potency distributions. For example, large-sample retail data from 2019–2023 across multiple states have median total THC for top-shelf hybrids near 21–23%, with significant tail risk above 26%. KD fits this statistical neighborhood based on lineage, though local growing conditions and phenotype selection will drive exact outcomes.
As always, potency is only one axis of experience. KD is prized for the clarity and drive imparted by the Sour side and the muscular, grounding calm from HPK. This two-pronged profile often makes KD “feel stronger” than numerical potency alone would predict.
Terpene Profile and Minor Aromatics
While batch-specific terpene reports for KD are scarce, its chemical family points to a dominant cluster of beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene. In many gas-forward hybrids, caryophyllene frequently ranges from 0.3–1.0% by weight, contributing peppery warmth and CB2 receptor engagement. Limonene often falls around 0.2–0.6%, delivering citrus brightness and enhanced mood.
Myrcene, a ubiquitous cannabis terpene, commonly centers near 0.3–0.8% in contemporary hybrids and adds herbal depth and body relaxation. The Delicious Seeds listing for a different cultivar (Delicious Candy) identifies caryophyllene and myrcene as prominent, which echoes a broader trend across potent, earthy profiles. KD, although unrelated to that listing, sits squarely in this chemotype neighborhood by virtue of its Kush and Sour parentage.
Humulene is a likely supporting terpene, often detected between 0.1–0.4% in kush-forward plants, bringing woody, dry-hop character. Pinene (alpha and beta) may also appear in the 0.1–0.3% range, lending a pine-mint topnote and cognitive alertness that helps prevent over-sedation. Some Sour families express ocimene in trace-to-moderate amounts, adding a sweet, green lift detectable during dry pulls.
Beyond terpenes, volatile sulfur compounds are increasingly recognized as critical to the diesel/gas profile. VSCs are impactful at parts-per-trillion levels, so their presence can dominate perceived aroma even when terpenes are otherwise balanced. KD’s likelihood of detectable VSCs is high given user reports of immediate, room-filling fuel upon jar open.
Understanding these constituents helps growers and consumers set expectations for cure and storage. Higher limonene and VSC loads benefit from cooler, darker storage to reduce volatilization. A 58–62% RH cure window is recommended to protect nose without flattening the brighter top notes.
Experiential Effects and Use Scenarios
KD delivers a two-stage effect that many users find versatile. The first stage is a brisk cerebral uplift with increased sensory acuity, commonly associated with limonene- and pinene-supported THC activity. Within 10–15 minutes, a grounding, body-centered calm arrives, reflecting the HPK influence and myrcene/caryophyllene synergy.
Users often describe the headspace as clear but assertive, making KD suitable for creative work, focused chores, or social sessions at moderate doses. At higher doses, the body effects become more prominent, encouraging couch-friendly relaxation without necessarily inducing full sedation. The balance makes KD a day-to-night bridge strain depending on individual tolerance.
Commonly reported sensations include pressure behind the eyes, a light forehead tingle, and a warm drop across the shoulders and back. Appetite stimulation is moderate-to-strong, consistent with many Kush-influenced hybrids. Dry mouth and dry eyes are typical side effects; occasional users should hydrate and pace intake.
Onset, peak, and duration fall into predictable ranges for a high-THC hybrid. Expect onset in 2–5 minutes, a 30–45 minute peak window, and a 2–3 hour total arc, with lingering relaxation beyond that. Vaporization tends to emphasize clarity and citrus-lift, while combustion accentuates the fuel-kush body.
Scenario-wise, KD fits well into late afternoon and evening routines when tasks remain but a more relaxed mood is welcome. It pairs well with music, cooking, and laid-back conversation, and it can be a potent companion to films that benefit from tactile immersion. For wake-and-bake users with tolerance, KD can provide focused energy, but newcomers should start low due to perceived potency.
Potential Medical Uses and Supporting Evidence
KD’s THC-dominant profile suggests several potential therapeutic applications aligned with the broader evidence base for cannabis. THC has demonstrated analgesic properties in multiple clinical settings, and the caryophyllene present in kush-sour chemotypes acts as a selective CB2 agonist that may modulate inflammation. In practical terms, users often report relief for musculoskeletal pain, tension headaches, and stress-related discomfort.
The limonene-rich top note, common in KD phenotypes, is associated with mood elevation and reduced stress in observational literature. Myrcene contributes to muscle relaxation and may aid sleep when consumed later in the evening, particularly at higher doses. Linalool, if present in trace amounts, has documented anxiolytic properties, augmenting the calming phase of the experience.
Appetite stimulation is another frequently reported effect, which can be helpful for individuals dealing with appetite suppression from treatments or chronic conditions. The balanced head-and-body profile may also support anxiety relief without rapid-onset sedation, although individual responses vary significantly. Importantly, low-and-slow titration is recommended for those new to THC-dominant varieties.
Evidence syntheses note that terpene-cannabinoid interactions may contribute to perceived benefits beyond THC alone. Educational resources summarizing the science of terpenes point to linalool’s relaxation synergy with CBD and caryophyllene’s CB2-mediated anti-inflammatory potential. While KD is not a CBD-forward cultivar, the terpene ensemble could still modulate the overall effect profile in therapeutically relevant ways.
As with any cannabis use for health, medical oversight is advisable, especially for individuals with cardiovascular risk, psychiatric histories, or those taking medications with potential cannabis interactions. Start with a single inhalation and wait 10–15 minutes to gauge response. For sleep-oriented use, reserve KD for 1–2 hours before bed and consider a slightly higher dose to engage the body’s relaxation phase.
Cultivation Guide: Indoor, Greenhouse, and Outdoor
KD is suitable for indoor, greenhouse, and outdoor cultivation, with the best results coming from controlled environments that protect aroma intensity and resin quality. Grow difficulty is best described as easy-to-moderate for those comfortable with OG/Kush feeding and Sour stretch management. Plants respond well to topping, low-stress training, and trellised SCROG canopies.
Germination is straightforward using a 24–26°C environment and 80–95% RH in a rapid rooter or paper towel setup. Retailer comment threads across various strains often report variability of 1–2 days in germination times, underscoring the role of temperature and seed handling. In optimal conditions, healthy, fresh seeds of modern hybrids generally show 90–100% germination rates.
Vegetative growth thrives at 24–28°C with a 60–70% RH target and VPD around 0.8–1.0 kPa. Provide 18/6 lighting at 350–600 µmol/m²/s PPFD, pushing to 700 µmol/m²/s for vigorous phenotypes with adequate CO2 and nutrition. In soil, aim for pH 6.2–6.8; in hydro/coco, target pH 5.8–6.2 with an EC range of 1.2–1.8 mS/cm during late veg.
Switch to flower after plants reach 50–70% of desired final height, as KD typically stretches 1.5–2.0× in the first two weeks of 12/12. Maintain 24–26°C daytime and 20–22°C nighttime during weeks 1–5 of bloom, lowering to 22–24°C day and 18–20°C night for ripening. Target RH of 50–55% in early flower and 45–50% by mid-to-late flower to mitigate botrytis in dense colas.
Expect a flowering time of 9–10 weeks for most phenotypes, with kush-leaners finishing near day 63–66 and sour-leaners sometimes needing to day 70. KD’s resin development ramps up dramatically from week 6 onward; avoid excessive defoliation past day 21 to protect terpene synthesis. A light, targeted defoliation at day 21 and day 42 can improve airflow without overexposing colas.
Feeds in bloom should progressively increase EC to 1.8–2.2 mS/cm for heavy feeders, watching leaf tips for burn. Phosphorus and potassium demand rises from week 3–6; consider PK boosters judiciously and avoid over-salting that can mute terpene output. Calcium and magnesium support is important under high-intensity LEDs; maintain Ca:Mg ratios near 2:1.
Training strategies that work well include topping at the 5th node and bending branches to create a flat canopy 20–25 cm below the light during preflower. A single-layer trellis at 25–35 cm above the medium guides verticals and stabilizes colas under late-flower weight. Sour-leaning phenotypes benefit from an early supercrop to control top-heavy stretch during week 2.
Pest and disease management should prioritize preventative controls. KD’s dense resin and bud structure make it susceptible to botrytis if late-flower RH exceeds 55% without airflow. Implement integrated pest management with weekly inspections, yellow/blue sticky traps, and biologicals like Bacillus subtilis for PM prophylaxis and Beauveria bassiana for soft-bodied pests.
For solventless extraction, harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with 5–15% amber, typically between days 63–70. If growing for flower, some connoisseurs prefer a slightly earlier window with minimal amber to preserve the sharp citrus-fuel edge. Flush for 7–10 days in soilless systems as needed, aiming for stable runoff EC that approaches input.
Dry at 17–19°C and 55–60% RH for 10–14 days with gentle airflow, then cure in jars at 58–62% RH, burping daily for the first week. Avoid rapid dry-downs that collapse aroma; KD’s gas notes are volatile and benefit from a slow, measured process. After 21–28 days of cure, expect peak aroma integration and a smooth, oily smoke.
Indoor yields on a dialed SCROG typically range from 450–600 g/m² under 750–900 µmol/m²/s average PPFD. Outdoor plants in temperate-to-warm climates can produce 500–900 g per plant when topped and trained, finishing in early-to-mid October depending on latitude. Greenhouses with light dep can target tight 9–10 week cycles with excellent resin quality and minimized weather risk.
Finally, phenotype selection is key to unlocking KD’s potential. Keep cuttings of each candidate from a seed run and evaluate finished flowers for nose, resin quality, and growth behavior before committing to a mother. The best KD keepers combine room-filling fuel, lime-pepper snap, and dense, hashable resin with a cooperative canopy.
Context and Notes on Public Listings
KD is explicitly cataloged by community genealogy resources as a Freeborn Selections cultivar, with Hollywood Pure Kush and a Sour-family parent in its background. The HPK listing is frequently tagged as “Unknown or Legendary,” reflecting the clone-only heritage. The precise Sour selection has not been formally disclosed in public breeder notes at the time of writing.
Incorporating context from public forums and retail pages, it is clear that commentary labeled “K.D.” on various seed shop pages refers to user initials and not this cultivar. For example, user reviews on listings like Liberty Haze or Purple Punch Auto include the initials “K. D.” and mention germination outcomes or yield, but these notes do not describe KD the strain. Similarly, a Delicious Seeds page notes caryophyllene and myrcene for a different cultivar and mentions germination sometimes taking 1–2 days longer than expected; this serves as a general reminder about variability rather than a KD-specific attribute.
Practically, growers should treat KD as a limited-release, pheno-driven hybrid whose most reliable anchors are its breeder and its Kush-meets-Sour profile. Where specific lab numbers are absent, using family-typical ranges for THC, terpenes, and flowering time is a reasonable planning approach. As with all small-batch genetics, direct observation and careful record-keeping across a first run will produce the most accurate, garden-specific data.
