Written by Ad OpsOverview
Ketosis is a modern hybrid cannabis strain bred by Lupos CannaSeed, designed to balance indica and sativa heritage in a way that delivers clean energy with grounded body ease. As the name suggests, consumers often associate it with a lean, efficient experience that feels focus-forward without tipping into raciness. In markets where it has been tested, informal certificates of analysis from small craft runs report total cannabinoid content commonly in the low-to-mid twenties by percentage, placing it squarely in the contemporary premium potency tier.
While the breeder has not publicly released the exact parental cross, most phenotype reports describe medium internodal spacing, dense calyx stacking, and a terpene bouquet that leans citrus-fuel with a peppery backbone. Those traits align with many high-output hybrids, but Ketosis typically finishes with tighter nug structure and less foxtailing than more sativa-dominant peers. For consumers, the result is a strain that feels versatile across daytime and early evening, offering clarity that can transition into calm.
Growers are drawn to Ketosis for its combination of manageable vigor and high bag appeal. Typical flowering windows run 58 to 68 days from flip, with indoor yields commonly 450 to 600 g per square meter under optimized LED lighting. Outdoor plants, when given full sun and adequate root zone, have been reported to produce 600 to 900 g per plant depending on climate and season length.
History and Breeding Origins
Lupos CannaSeed positioned Ketosis as a balanced, production-ready hybrid intended for both boutique quality and commercial efficiency. The breeder’s catalog tends to emphasize modern terpene intensity and resin density, which is reflected in Ketosis’s sticky trichome coverage and concentrated aromatics. While precise parents have not been made public, the cultivar’s growth pattern points to a hybridization strategy that balanced stretch control with lateral branching.
The name choice communicates a specific brand identity: clean, purposeful energy resonant with the concept of metabolic ketosis. In consumer circles, this has shaped expectations toward a strain that supports task-oriented focus and minimal fog. Anecdotally, early adopter reports from West Coast grow communities note that the first waves of seeds and cuts appeared in small drops, contributing to a reputation for scarcity and exclusivity.
Because the parental lineage has not been confirmed by the breeder, claims tying Ketosis to any single flagship line should be treated with caution. Instead, growers tend to evaluate it by phenotype performance: bud density, terpene output, ease of training, and resistance to powdery mildew. Across these markers, Ketosis ranks as a dependable hybrid that tolerates a range of environments with above-average returns when dialed in.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotype Variability
Ketosis carries an indica/sativa heritage, functioning as a hybrid with enough sativa influence for motivation and enough indica influence to keep the ride controlled. Phenotype variation generally presents along a spectrum of two primary expressions. The more sativa-leaning expression shows longer petioles, slightly greater internodal spacing, and a brighter citrus-forward nose. The more indica-leaning expression remains squat with tighter nodes and a gassier, pepper-driven bouquet.
In side-by-side gardens, the sativa-leaning phenotype may stretch 1.8 to 2.0 times after flip, while the indica-leaning phenotype typically stretches 1.4 to 1.6 times. Both expressions finish with firm, high-caliper flowers that trim well by machine or hand. Trichome coverage is notably uniform across phenotypes, with gland heads that hold shape, making Ketosis attractive for ice water hash and dry sift, with reported fresh-frozen returns in the 4 to 6 percent range for experienced processors.
Because the breeder has kept parents undisclosed, growers should conduct a small pheno hunt when possible, selecting keepers based on canopy uniformity and terpene intensity. Phenotypes with slightly thicker leaf cuticles have shown improved resistance to low-humidity stress and mechanical defoliation. When selecting a mother, evaluate plants under both high light (900 to 1100 µmol m−2 s−1 PPFD) and moderate light (~700 µmol) to identify consistency across environments.
Morphology and Visual Appearance
Visually, Ketosis tends to produce medium-height bushes indoors, finishing around 90 to 140 cm with topping and light training. The canopy forms a balanced chandelier pattern: a strong central leader with four to eight satellite colas. Calyxes stack with a pronounced, teardrop geometry, and bract-to-leaf ratio is favorable for efficient trimming.
Under cool night temperatures of 16 to 18°C in late flower, many cuts display light anthocyanin blush along sugar leaves and calyx tips. Otherwise, the predominant colorway is lime to forest green punctuated by thickly frosted trichomes and copper-to-bronze pistils. In well-fed plants, fan leaves retain a healthy, deep green through week six before fading to gold if nitrogen is tapered.
Dried flowers show a tight, golf-ball structure with minimal foxtailing when VPD is maintained in the recommended band. Resin coverage is dense enough that grinder teeth quickly tack, a physical indicator consistent with observed total terpene levels around 2.0 to 3.5 percent by weight in dialed-in runs. Bag appeal is elevated by the contrast of sugar-coated calyxes against cleanly trimmed crow’s feet.
Aroma and Terpene Bouquet
Aromatically, Ketosis opens with a concentrated citrus rind note, often lime-grapefruit, layered over a volatile fuel and fresh pepper base. Secondary tones include sweet herb, faint mint, and a woody, humulene-driven dryness that reads as hops-adjacent. The first impression is bright and kinetic, while the finish lingers with spice.
When flower is broken, the bouquet intensifies into diesel-zest with a subtle creamy undertone. This suggests a terpene stack anchored by limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and myrcene, with supporting linalool and humulene. Total terpene content in optimized indoor conditions commonly tests between 2.0 and 3.5 percent, and advanced growers pushing living soil with slow-release amendments have reported totals above 4.0 percent in standout phenotypes.
Environmental conditions significantly influence bouquet expression. Cooler late-flower nights and steady root-zone temperatures around 20 to 22°C help preserve monoterpenes that might volatilize in warmer rooms. Proper dry and cure preserve limonene and linalool, both of which are susceptible to loss if temperatures exceed 21°C during drying.
Flavor Profile and Combustion Characteristics
On inhalation, Ketosis delivers a punchy lime-diesel snap that reads clean and crisp. The mid-palate brings peppercorn bite from beta-caryophyllene alongside a gentle floral sweetness, likely from linalool. Exhalation trends piney and slightly earthy, with a mint-cool finish when grown under high terpene-preserving conditions.
Vaporizer users often report the citrus top note at lower temperatures (175 to 185°C), with the spice and wood emerging as temperatures rise above 195°C. In joints and glass, ash tends toward light gray when the plant is flushed adequately and dried slowly, typically 10 to 14 days at 60 percent relative humidity and 16 to 18°C. Resin ring formation is common within the first third of a joint, a good indicator of oil content and proper cure.
The flavor holds through the bowl when moisture content lands in the 10 to 12 percent range with water activity between 0.55 and 0.65. Over-dried flower will lose the citrus lift first, flattening the profile into spice and earth. To maximize flavor retention, aim for airtight curing at 62 percent humidity for 3 to 6 weeks with minimal burping once the internal moisture has equalized.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Although official breeder COAs vary by lab, the most common potency observations place Ketosis in the 20 to 27 percent THCA range when grown under strong LEDs at 900 to 1100 PPFD. Average retail flower lots trend around 22 to 24 percent total THC after decarboxylation, putting it in line with contemporary premium hybrids. CBD is typically low, often below 0.5 percent, with some phenotypes registering trace levels only.
Minor cannabinoids add dimension. CBG commonly appears between 0.2 and 1.0 percent, and CBC is usually trace to 0.3 percent. While these minor constituents are present in modest quantities, they may modulate the overall experience, especially in the presence of terpenes like caryophyllene that interacts with CB2 receptors.
For extractors, Ketosis’s resin quality adapts well to both hydrocarbon and solventless methods. Hydrocarbon extractions have been reported at 18 to 24 percent yield from dried material with total cannabinoids in the mid-70s by percentage. Solventless ice water hash outputs in the 4 to 6 percent fresh-frozen range and 3 to 5 percent from dry trim reflect good gland head integrity and detachment under cold wash conditions.
Terpene Profile: Quantitative Insights
Growers consistently report a terpene hierarchy led by limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and myrcene. In dialed-in runs, limonene has tested at 0.5 to 1.2 percent by weight, caryophyllene at 0.4 to 0.9 percent, and myrcene at 0.3 to 0.8 percent. Secondary terpenes often include linalool (0.1 to 0.3 percent) and humulene (0.1 to 0.25 percent), providing floral lift and woody dryness.
Total terpene content is sensitive to drying and curing protocols. Studies across cultivars show that terpene losses can exceed 30 percent when drying above 21°C with excessive airflow, and Ketosis is no exception. Maintaining a gentle, cool environment retains more monoterpenes such as limonene and myrcene, which are more volatile than sesquiterpenes like caryophyllene.
The aromatic footprint translates to practical use-cases. Limonene and linalool correlate with perceived mood elevation and calm, while caryophyllene’s activity at the CB2 receptor is frequently cited in discussions of inflammatory modulation. Although individual responses vary, a terpene profile of 2.5 to 3.5 percent total is typically perceived as loud and expressive in the jar and on the palate.
Experiential Effects and Onset
Ketosis is widely described as providing a brisk onset within 2 to 5 minutes when inhaled, peaking by the 20 to 30 minute mark, and tapering over 2 to 3 hours. The initial phase is often characterized as clear-headed and tactile, pairing well with creative work, organization, and detail-oriented tasks. Unlike sharper, highly sativa-leaning cultivars, the body component arrives early and tempers the mental lift.
Users commonly report improved task engagement with minimal anxious edges, especially at doses under 10 mg THC equivalent for edibles or 1 to 2 inhalations for flower. At higher doses, the indica influence becomes more prominent, shifting the experience toward physical ease and quiet focus suitable for late-day unwinding. Music, light exercise, and outdoor walks are repeatedly mentioned as favorable pairings.
Side effects are typical of higher-potency hybrids. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most frequently reported, while transient dizziness can occur in new consumers or when combining with alcohol. As always, start low and go slow to calibrate individual tolerance and avoid overconsumption.
Potential Medical Uses
Nothing in this section is medical advice, and patients should consult a licensed clinician before using cannabis therapeutically. That said, Ketosis’s hybrid profile and terpene stack suggest several potential areas of interest. The combination of limonene and linalool has been associated with mood elevation and stress reduction in observational reports, while caryophyllene’s interaction with CB2 may be relevant to inflammatory pathways.
Patients managing workday stress or task-related focus challenges may appreciate Ketosis’s balanced clarity without pronounced sedation at modest doses. In anecdotal feedback, some users report relief from tension headaches and mild musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly in the shoulders and neck, which may reflect the strain’s body-calming component. Because the cannabinoid potency is high by current market standards, microdosing strategies can be effective, for example, one or two small inhales or low-milligram edibles.
For sleep, Ketosis is not a heavy sedative by default, but higher evening doses can increase somatic relaxation and facilitate sleep onset. For appetite effects, responses vary; some individuals report a moderate increase after the peak. As always, those with cardiovascular conditions, psychiatric histories, or medication interactions should seek medical guidance before incorporating any high-THC product.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Breeding and Heritage: Ketosis is a hybrid from Lupos CannaSeed with a balanced indica/sativa heritage. It was selected for resin density, terpene expression, and a workable growth habit amenable to both boutique and scaled production. Expect a flowering time of 58 to 68 days indoors, with outdoor harvests in late September to early October in temperate latitudes.
Environment and Climate: Ideal daytime temperatures sit at 24 to 27°C in veg and 23 to 26°C in flower, with nights 3 to 6°C cooler. Maintain VPD at 0.9 to 1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2 to 1.5 kPa in flower to balance transpiration and calcium transport. Relative humidity ranges of 60 to 70 percent in veg and 45 to 55 percent in flower help control pathogens while preserving terpene content.
Lighting and DLI: Under modern LEDs, target PPFD of 600 to 900 µmol m−2 s−1 in veg and 900 to 1200 µmol m−2 s−1 in flower, with a daily light integral of 35 to 45 mol m−2 d−1 in late flower. Increase CO2 to 800 to 1200 ppm to support higher PPFDs and maintain strong airflow. Too much PPFD without CO2 or proper VPD can cause light stress, manifested as taco-ing leaves and bleached bracts.
Mediums and Nutrition: Ketosis performs well in coco, rockwool, and living soil. In soilless systems, aim for solution pH 5.8 to 6.2 and EC 1.4 to 1.8 in veg, 1.8 to 2.2 in weeks 3 to 6 of flower, tapering to 0.6 to 1.0 in the final 7 to 10 days if you prefer a traditional flush. In living soil, focus on balanced amendments and maintaining a thriving microbial community; top-dress with calcium, magnesium, and potassium during early flower to support dense calyx formation.
Irrigation Strategy: Employ pulse irrigation in coco and rockwool with 10 to 20 percent runoff to prevent salt accumulation. Root-zone temperature is critical; keep it at 20 to 22°C for optimal nutrient uptake. Avoid overwatering in soil; allow 20 to 30 percent of the pot’s water weight to be used before rewatering to maintain oxygen availability.
Training and Canopy Management: Ketosis responds well to topping, low-stress training, and SCROG. Plan for a 1.5 to 1.8x stretch, and set trellis netting before flip to support developing colas. Strategic defoliation at day 21 and day 42 of flower improves light penetration and airflow; remove large fan leaves that shade bud sites but retain enough foliage for photosynthesis.
Plant Density and Spacing: In 3- to 5-gallon pots indoors, a density of 6 to 9 plants per square meter works well depending on veg time and training intensity. In high-density sea-of-green approaches using smaller containers (1 to 2 gallons), run 12 to 16 plants per square meter with minimal veg. For outdoor and greenhouse, allow 1.0 to 1.5 meters between plants to accommodate lateral growth.
Pest and Disease Management: Common pests include spider mites, thrips, and fungus gnats. Integrate beneficial insects such as Phytoseiulus persimilis for mites, Orius insidiosus for thrips, and Stratiolaelaps scimitus for gnats. For pathogens, Ketosis has average resistance to powdery mildew; maintain leaf surface dryness, ensure airflow exceeding 0.5 m s−1 across the canopy, and consider preventative applications of Bacillus subtilis or potassium bicarbonate in veg.
Calcium and Magnesium: Like many resin-forward hybrids, Ketosis can display interveinal chlorosis and tip burn if calcium and magnesium are marginal, especially under high PPFD and CO2. Supplement with a cal-mag product at 100 to 150 ppm combined Ca and Mg in soilless systems. Monitor runoff EC and pH weekly to prevent lockout; target runoff pH within 0.2 of your input solution.
CO2 and Airflow: Enriched CO2 boosts photosynthesis and bud density; keep it between 800 and 1200 ppm during lights-on and cut it off two weeks before harvest to reduce waste. Use oscillating fans to eliminate dead zones and maintain a steady canopy rustle without bruising leaves. Inline fans should exchange room volume every 1 to 3 minutes in non-sealed environments.
Yield Expectations: Indoors, trained plants yield 450 to 600 g m−2, with top-tier rooms exceeding 650 g m−2 using high-intensity LEDs, CO2 enrichment, and optimized irrigation. Outdoors in full sun, yields of 600 to 900 g per plant are realistic with 25- to 45-gallon containers or in-ground beds. Buds are dense and resinous, so support branches by week five to prevent lodging.
Flowering Timeline: Week 1 to 2, expect rapid pistil formation and moderate stretch. Week 3 to 5, calyx stacking accelerates, and terpene production increases sharply; manage humidity carefully to avoid botrytis in dense sites. Week 6 to 9, bulk and oil content rise; lower night temps can coax light coloration, and a 10- to 14-day nutrient taper helps improve burn quality and flavor.
Harvest Criteria: Judge readiness by trichome color and bud feel. For a brighter, more stimulating profile, harvest at mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 percent amber trichomes. For a slightly heavier, more sedative finish, target 10 to 20 percent amber; this timing typically lands between day 60 and 68 from flip depending on phenotype and environment.
Drying and Curing: Dry whole plants or large branches at 16 to 18°C and 58 to 62 percent RH for 10 to 14 days, achieving a moisture content near 10 to 12 percent. Aim for slow drying to preserve monoterpenes; rapid dry can reduce terpene content by double-digit percentages. Cure in airtight containers at 62 percent RH for at least 3 to 6 weeks, burping minimally once equilibrium is reached.
Post-Harvest Processing: Hand trim for boutique markets to preserve trichome heads on outer calyxes; machine assist can be used if flowers are properly conditioned to avoid chatter. Expect trim loss of 18 to 25 percent by weight from wet-trimmed material; dry trimming often retains more visible resin and can improve bag appeal. For extraction, fresh-frozen runs capitalize on Ketosis’s resilient gland heads; maintain subzero handling to protect heads and terpenes.
Outdoor and Greenhouse Notes: In Mediterranean climates, Ketosis is straightforward outdoors with basic IPM and trellising. In humid regions, defoliation and aggressive airflow are essential; consider greenhouse light dep to finish by late September and avoid fall rains. Organic growers report strong results with 2 to 3 percent total nitrogen in soil mixes by volume and regular top-dressing of calcium and potassium in early and mid flower.
Common Troubleshooting: If you see mid-flower tip burn with otherwise healthy leaves, reduce EC by 10 to 15 percent and confirm VPD. If aromas seem muted at harvest, review drying parameters and ensure room temps never exceed 18 to 19°C during the first 72 hours of dry. If lower buds lag behind, increase under-canopy airflow and thin inner larf during the week-21 defoliation pass.
Scaling for Commercial Rooms: Ketosis is compatible with vertical racking due to moderate final height and favorable node spacing. Standardize plant counts per tier and use uniform cut clones to simplify irrigation and fertigation recipes. With consistent SOPs, expect lot-to-lot potency variation within +/- 2 to 3 percentage points of THC and terpene totals clustering around 2.5 to 3.5 percent in stable rooms.
