Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
King is an indica cultivar developed by Reeferman Seeds, a Canadian breeder renowned in the 2000s for stabilizing landrace lines and crafting high-resin, hash-forward hybrids. Reeferman’s catalog has historically celebrated Afghan and Pakistani heritage, and King fits squarely into that vision with its stout stature, broad leaf phenotype, and resin density. While the breeder never issued a formal public parentage disclosure for King, its growth habits and terpene signature strongly suggest deep Afghan influence.
The naming of King aligns with a broader cultural trend in cannabis where “royal” titles signal potency, rarity, and nighttime utility. Leafly’s ongoing coverage of indica stalwarts often highlights myrcene-forward, sleep-leaning cultivars as kings among sedatives, reflecting consumer demand for reliable end-of-day relief. Within that context, King emerged as a boutique, breeder-forward selection meant to anchor a garden with dependable yields and classic indica effects.
Reeferman’s strategy historically emphasized selection for vigor and resin over flashy marketing, which explains why King remained a connoisseur’s whisper rather than a mainstream hype strain. Growers who preserved the line report consistent uniformity in leaf morphology and bud density across phenotypes. That stability implies multiple filial generations of selection, a hallmark of Reeferman’s approach.
As the market pivoted toward dessert terpenes and polyhybrid hype, King retained a niche following among hashmakers and patients seeking unadorned, earthy-pine relief. Its persistence is partly due to how well it dries and cures—King tends to retain structure and aroma over long cures, an old-school trait. This staying power underscores why classic indica breeding still matters in a modern, trend-driven scene.
Genetic Lineage and Breeder Notes
Although Reeferman Seeds did not publish the exact parentage of King, several data points help triangulate its likely lineage. The plant’s squat internodes, heavy lateral branching, and cucumber-shaped calyx stacking are classic Afghan and North Indian traits. The dominant earthy, piney, and hash spice notes further reinforce an origin in Afghan Kush and Hash Plant families.
A plausible breeding pathway is an Afghan landrace or Afghan Kush-dominant mother crossed to a hash-centric indica male, followed by filial selection for resin mass and structure. Reeferman’s archive repeatedly featured Afghan, Pakistani, and North Indian inputs, and King’s morphology tracks closer to those than to California OGs or purple-leaning grape lines. Importantly, King lacks the lemon-fuel volatility of OG Kush relatives, suggesting minimal OG parentage.
Breeder notes shared informally among growers emphasize that King clones reliably, roots within 10–14 days under standard 0.8–1.2 mS/cm EC cloning regimens, and tolerates higher EC in late bloom. The cultivar reportedly thrives under sea-of-green setups, indicating rapid apical dominance and uniform cola formation. These notes align with Afghan-dominant varieties that were historically favored for hash and single-cola field production.
While some royal-named strains like King Louis XIII trace to OG Kush x LA Confidential, King by Reeferman sits in a different genetic lane. Expect more earth-wood-spice than gas-lemon, more sedative body melt than euphoric uplift, and a bud architecture that stays compact even under intense light. The end result is a cultivar bred for performance and predictability rather than headline-grabbing novelty.
Morphology and Visual Appearance
King grows compact and bushy, typically reaching 70–110 cm indoors with minimal stretch when flipped at 30–40 cm. Internode spacing is tight at roughly 2–4 cm, and nodes stack into dense spears when trained into a flat canopy. Fan leaves are broad, dark green, and often five- to seven-fingered, with thick petioles and a waxy cuticle that reduces transpiration.
Mature flowers form golf-ball to torpedo-shaped colas with high calyx-to-leaf ratios, making for efficient manicure times. Buds are olive to deep forest green, with rust-orange pistils that mature into darker copper near harvest. Trichome coverage is heavy; heads are bulbous and milky, with a notable shift to amber after day 60 of flower under 12/12 lighting.
Under high-intensity LEDs, anthocyanin expression is limited, with faint purpling occasionally appearing on sugar leaves in late bloom at night temperatures below 18°C. Resin glands are tenacious and ideal for mechanical separation; dry sift yields are above average thanks to brittle trichome stalks at low humidity. Overall bag appeal is classic indica: compact, frosty, and unflashy—more mountain hashish aesthetic than modern candy gloss.
In cured form, King maintains a medium-tight structure that resists sponginess for months when stored at 58–62% relative humidity. Nugs break with a crisp snap rather than a crumble, indicating good calyx integrity. The visual signature pairs well with its intended use profile: sedative, grounded, and efficient.
Aroma and Bouquet
King’s aroma is anchored in earth, pine, and woody resin, with secondary notes of black pepper and faint sweet herb. The first impression often recalls cedar closet and damp forest floor, a profile associated with myrcene, pinene, and humulene. Breaking the bud releases a deeper hash spice reminiscent of old-world Afghan resin.
In a fresh grind, the pine element sharpens and a peppery tickle suggests beta-caryophyllene content. On the back end, some phenotypes show a breadcrumb sweetness—subtle, not the overt confection of dessert strains. The overall bouquet is steady rather than flashy, and it intensifies in a sealed jar over a two-week cure.
Relative to other royal-named cultivars, King is less citrus-forward than King Louis XIII and less grape-kushy than King’s Kush. The overlap lies in the earthy-pine backbone that consumers associate with bedtime indica staples. This alignment is consistent with Leafly’s description of top-shelf indica comfort buds as myrcene-dominant, sleep-friendly aromatics.
Aromatics concentrate during late flower when temperatures are kept at 24–26°C daytime and 18–20°C nighttime, with RH around 45%. Terpene retention benefits from gentle handling and cold trimming; aggressive bucking can volatilize pinene and humulene. For the fullest bouquet, aim for a slow dry at 15–16°C and 60% RH over 10–14 days.
Flavor and Palate
The flavor of King follows the nose: earthy and pine-led with a woody, resinous center. Initial inhales deliver conifer sap and garden soil, followed by a pepper-spice mid-palate that complements the body-heavy feel. On the exhale, a faint herbal sweetness rounds out the profile without tipping into candy territory.
Vaporization at 175–190°C accentuates the fresh pine and herbal facets while muting some of the charred wood notes that appear in combusted bowls. At higher vapor temps, the peppery edge intensifies, reflecting the thermal release of caryophyllene and humulene. Consumers seeking a gentler profile often prefer lower-temperature vaping to highlight myrcene’s softness.
Compared to King Louis XIII, which many retailers list around 24% THC with pronounced pine and wood, King by Reeferman is less bright and more grounded. If King Louis XIII is forest pine with polish, King is mountain cabin wood stove—denser, darker, and steadier. The finish lingers with a hashish echo, ideal for nighttime sessions.
Cured properly, the taste remains consistent across the jar, with minimal terpene loss over six to eight weeks. This stability makes King a dependable pairing for herbal teas or a light snack, especially when one is leaning into its appetite-stimulating tendencies. It is not a strain you chase for novelty sips; it is one you rely on for consistency.
Cannabinoid Potency and Chemistry
Verified lab panels specific to Reeferman’s King are limited in public databases, so cultivators often rely on batch-tested analogs and indica norms. Across comparable Afghan-dominant indicas, total THC commonly falls in the 18–25% range by dry weight, with standout phenotypes pushing 26% under optimized conditions. CBD is usually minor, often 0.05–0.8%, with total cannabinoids typically 20–28% when including minor constituents.
CBG content in Afghan-leaning varieties tends to sit between 0.3–1.0%, providing an additional layer of body relaxation without noticeable psychoactivity. THCV is generally trace (<0.2%) in these lines, though rare phenotypes may present slightly elevated values due to selection drift. The entourage is rounded by minor acidic precursors present before decarboxylation, which contribute to perceived smoothness in fresh-cured flower.
For inhalation, users frequently report strong potency at 1–2 average puffs of a 18–22% THC flower, aligning with standard pharmacokinetic curves that peak within 10–20 minutes and taper over 2–4 hours. Edible conversions using King’s trim and flower follow common decarb yields, with 70–80% efficiency typical for home infusions under 110–120 minutes at 105–115°C. When extracting for hash or rosin, returns of 18–23% from quality material are realistic for resin-rich indica cultivars.
It bears noting that kingly indica names in the broader market, such as King Louis XIII, regularly post lab THC around the mid-20s with terpene totals between 1.5–3.0% by weight. King by Reeferman, while distinct, occupies a similar potency class and should be approached with the same respect for dosage. Novice consumers are advised to start low and titrate slowly.
Terpene Profile and Aroma Chemistry
King’s dominant terpene is likely myrcene, a common anchor in sedative indicas and frequently cited by Leafly as the driver behind “great for falling asleep” profiles. In well-grown batches, myrcene may comprise 0.5–1.2% by weight, contributing to earthy, herbaceous depth and synergizing with THC to enhance perceived heaviness. Beta-caryophyllene often follows, typically 0.2–0.6%, lending pepper warmth and engaging CB2 receptors for anti-inflammatory potential.
Alpha- and beta-pinene collectively add 0.1–0.4%, sharpening the pine edge and lending subtle bronchodilatory effects that can make heavy smoke feel slightly more breathable. Humulene in the 0.1–0.3% range rounds out the woody bitterness and is often implicated in appetite modulation, though its role varies by individual. Trace linalool (0.05–0.2%) can add floral calm and is a common cofactor in nighttime indica comfort.
Total terpene content for well-cured, hand-trimmed King typically lands around 1.5–2.5% by weight, with top-shelf, cold-handled batches approaching 3.0%. These figures align with comparable royal-named indicas such as King Louis XIII, which retailers frequently describe as terpene-forward with wood and pine. King’s terpene persistence is notably strong in jars stored at 58–62% RH, suggesting robust oxidative stability for the dominant compounds.
Extraction amplifies pepper and wood due to caryophyllene and humulene’s lower volatility relative to monoterpenes. As a result, live rosin from King can taste spicier and less green than cured flower, especially when pressed at 90–95°C for 60–90 seconds. For maximum monoterpene retention, gentle processing and minimal agitation are recommended.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
King is a quintessential evening strain that emphasizes body relaxation, muscle release, and mental quieting. Onset is steady within minutes of inhalation, beginning as a warm heaviness behind the eyes that cascades to shoulders and lower back. Peak effects usually arrive by the 20–30 minute mark and plateau for 60–90 minutes before a gradual taper.
Users commonly describe strong sedation coupled with appetite stimulation, a combination that aligns with myrcene and humulene in the terpene ensemble. Cognitive effects lean toward calm detachment rather than chatter or creativity; this is a couch companion, not a brainstorming partner. Situationally, it pairs well with low-stimulus activities such as slow TV, ambient music, or pre-sleep routines.
Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most frequent side effects, consistent with high-THC indicas. At higher doses, orthostatic lightheadedness can occur, particularly when rising from a seated position soon after consumption; hydration and pacing mitigate this. Anxiety and racing thoughts are uncommon but can appear in very sensitive users or when combined with stimulants.
Across indica reviews in large platforms, 55–70% of users tag effects such as sleepy, relaxed, and hungry for comparable strains, and King sits squarely in that band. The effect profile overlaps with other “royal” staples that consumers turn to at the end of long days. For early sleepers or shift workers, King’s predictability is a key selling point.
Potential Medical Applications and Dosing Considerations
King’s sedative attributes make it a candidate for managing insomnia, especially sleep-onset difficulties. For patients experiencing stress-related muscle tension or chronic low back pain, its body-weighted relaxation can provide relief windows of 2–4 hours. The appetite lift is helpful for those dealing with diminished appetite from stress or temporary GI discomfort.
Leafly notes that related royal-named cultivars such as King’s Bread offer pain relief, appetite stimulation, and stress alleviation; King by Reeferman parallels those benefits but with more pronounced sedation. Patients with neuropathic pain or spasticity may appreciate the heavy body feel, though high THC can increase dizziness for some. Anxiety-prone individuals sometimes prefer pairing small doses of THC with CBD to temper intensity while preserving relief.
Dosing should follow a conservative, stepwise approach. For inhalation, begin with one light puff, wait 10–15 minutes, then reassess; many patients find therapeutic benefit at 1–3 puffs of 18–22% THC flower. For edibles or tinctures, start at 2.5–5 mg THC in the evening, increasing by 1–2.5 mg as needed every 2–3 days until the desired effect is reached.
Medical decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, particularly when combining cannabis with sedatives, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications. Those with cardiovascular concerns should avoid rapid position changes after dosing to reduce dizziness risk. As with any high-THC indica, operating vehicles or heavy machinery is contraindicated.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
King is a forgiving indica for intermediate growers and an efficient production strain for experts. Indoors, a 4–5 week vegetative phase under 18/6 lighting produces a dense, even canopy that responds well to topping and low-stress training. The flowering period averages 56–63 days from flip, with most phenotypes finishing by day 60 under optimal conditions.
Expect indoor yields of 450–550 g/m² under high-efficiency LEDs at 700–900 µmol/m²/s during mid flower, rising to 900–1,100 µmol/m²/s in weeks 6–8 if CO2 is enriched to 1,000–1,200 ppm. In CO2-ambient rooms, keep PPFD near 800–900 µmol/m²/s to avoid diminishing returns and stress. Outdoor plants in temperate Mediterranean climates can produce 600–900 g per plant, finishing late September to early October at 35–45° latitude.
Nutrient programs should target EC of 1.2–1.4 mS/cm in late veg, 1.6–1.8 in early flower, and 1.8–2.0 in peak bloom, with pH 6.3–6.6 in soil and 5.8–6.0 in coco. Potassium and phosphorus demand rises sharply from week 3 of flower; a PK boost applied judiciously prevents tip burn while supporting calyx expansion. Calcium supplementation (150–200 ppm Ca) helps maintain cell wall integrity in dense colas.
Environmental management is crucial due to King’s compact bud structure. Keep day temperatures 24–26°C and nights 18–20°C, maintaining VPD around 1.0–1.2 kPa in mid to late flower. Relative humidity at 50% in week 4 trending to 40–45% by week 8 reduces botrytis risk.
Training methods that shine include single topping at the fifth node followed by lateral scrog netting at 25–35 cm above the pot rim. For sea-of-green, run 16–24 plants per m² from well-rooted clones, flip at 12–20 cm height for uniform single colas. Defoliation should be light and targeted—remove inner fans at week 3 and again at week 6 to improve airflow without stalling growth.
Environmental Parameters and Plant Training
Airflow and canopy density management determine the difference between good and great harvests with King. Provide 10–15 total air exchanges per hour and 0.3–0.5 m/s canopy airflow via oscillating fans to scrub microclimates. Intake air should be filtered, and a 1–2°C leaf surface temperature drop relative to ambient indicates adequate transpiration.
Light strategy benefits from gradual ramping. Start flower around 700 µmol/m²/s and increase 50–100 µmol every 3–4 days as plants acclimate, checking for leaf edge curl and bleaching. A daily light integral of 35–45 mol/m²/day is effective in late flower for dense indica canopies.
King is tolerant of moderate training and responds to low-stress training, topping, and super-cropping if done before week 3 flower. High-stress techniques after week 2 of bloom are discouraged due to the cultivar’s compact internodes and susceptibility to slowed calyx inflation. Use a double-trellis system to support colas that can exceed 40–60 g dry per top in optimized rooms.
In living soil systems, King thrives with top-dressed amendments of kelp, fish bone meal, and basalt dust at transition, accompanied by microbial inoculants. In hydro or coco, maintain consistent runoff EC within 0.2 mS/cm of input and flush only if drift exceeds 0.4–0.5 mS/cm. Silica at 50–100 ppm strengthens stems and mitigates stress.
Pests, Pathogens, and IPM Strategy
Dense indica flowers invite botrytis and powdery mildew if humidity runs high in late bloom. Preventative steps include aggressive canopy thinning in the interior, leaf sanitation, and maintaining 40–45% RH from week 6 onward. A spore load reduction regimen—HEPA-filtered intake and UVC treatment of HVAC coils—lowers disease pressure.
For pests, watch for two-spotted spider mites and fungus gnats, which favor compact canopies and moist media. Weekly scouting with a 60–100x loupe and yellow sticky cards (1–2 per m²) helps detect early incursions. Predatory mites like Phytoseiulus persimilis and Amblyseius swirskii provide biological control, while Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis disrupts gnat larvae.
Neem-derived products and sulfur are best reserved for veg since residues can affect flavor; discontinue sulfur at least two weeks before flower flip and avoid oils beyond week 2 bloom. Potassium bicarbonate foliar sprays in veg can reduce powdery mildew spore viability without long residuals. Keep root zones oxygenated; water to at least 10–15% runoff in coco and avoid standing saucer water.
Sanitation between cycles is critical: a 3% hydrogen peroxide wipe-down followed by quaternary ammonium surface disinfection breaks pathogen cycles. Replace or sterilize trellis and soft ties. Quarantine new clones for 10–14 days to prevent hitchhiking pests from entering the production space.
Harvest Timing, Drying, and Curing
King expresses peak sedative payload when trichomes are predominantly cloudy with 10–20% amber, typically around day 58–63 of bloom. Earlier pulls at 5–10% amber provide a touch more mental clarity while retaining strong body relaxation. Late harvests beyond 20% amber deepen couchlock at the expense of brightness.
Wet trims risk terpene loss and can lead to overdry edges on dense colas; a hang-dry whole-plant or branch-dry method is recommended. Aim for 15–16°C and 60% RH with gentle air movement not directly on flowers, allowing a 10–14 day slow dry. Stems should snap with a fibrous break, and exterior moisture should feel fully balanced before jarring.
Initial cure proceeds in airtight glass at 62% RH using calibrated packs, with daily burping for 10–15 minutes during week 1 to off-gas chlorophyll volatiles. By week 3–4, burping can be reduced to every 2–3 days, and jars can be opened weekly thereafter. Terpene expression typically peaks by week 6 of cure, and King maintains flavor integrity for 3–6 months when stored cool and dark.
Hashmakers benefit from freezing fresh material at -18°C or lower within 1–2 hours post-harvest to preserve monoterpenes for live extraction. For dry sift, a 7–10 day bone-dry window at 30–35% RH makes trichome stalks brittle and increases yields. Gentle static techniques polish the final product without excessive heat that could dull flavors.
Comparative Context: Other “King” Strains in the Royal Family
The cannabis market hosts several royal-named cultivars, and it helps to distinguish King by Reeferman from its namesakes. King’s Bread (also called King’s Breath) is a Jamaican-leaning profile that Leafly highlights for pain relief, appetite stimulation, and stress alleviation; it trends more sativa and cerebral than Reeferman’s sedative King. Consumers should not conflate the two, though both promise appetite and stress relief.
King Louis XIII, widely celebrated and frequently measured around 24% THC, pairs earthy, piney, woody aromas with heavy relaxation. Leafly’s indica lists often cite it for sleepy, hungry, and tingly effects, paralleling much of King’s nighttime appeal despite different genetics. Notably, myrcene is commonly dominant in these royal indicas, linking their shared bedtime reputation.
King’s Kush from Green House Seeds combines OG Kush with a grape-leaning partner, delivering branching structure and high yields quite different from King’s compact Afghan posture. Meanwhile, the modern craft scene keeps minting royal spinoffs, like The King’s Poison from Sticky Fields, emphasizing extreme potency and contemporary flavor complexity. These references show how the “King” moniker signals strength and comfort across varied genetic backgrounds.
Beyond the “kingly” family, names like King Kong pop up on regional charts, underscoring consumer appetite for heavy hitters. The thread that ties them together is reliable, end-of-day relief with sizable THC and robust terpenes. King by Reeferman sits at the classic end of that spectrum, prioritizing earth, pine, and hash over dessert sweetness while delivering the sedative core many seek.
