Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming of King
King is an indica-leaning cannabis cultivar bred by Scott Family Farms, known among aficionados for its heavy body effects and richly classic OG-style character. In consumer guides, it is frequently described as a "king among indicas" for end-of-day use, with myrcene highlighted as the dominant terpene driving its sedative profile. This positions King squarely within the family of nighttime strains favored by people seeking deep relaxation and sleep support.
In modern dispensary menus, King sometimes gets mentioned alongside related OG-adjacent monarchs—most notably King Louis XIII, also called King Louie or Louis XIII Kush. While retailers and reviewers may occasionally conflate these names, Scott Family Farms’ King stands on its own as a distinct, indica-heritage cultivar. The overlap in nickname and effect profile reflects a broader market trend where OG-derived indicas carry regal branding to signal potency and gravitas.
From a sensory standpoint, King leans into the pine, earth, and gas palette that defines many California-bred OG descendants. The aroma and taste skew toward forest-floor herbality with zesty citrus peel and diesel backnotes. Together, these cues forecast a deeply relaxing experience that many consumers reserve for the final hours of the evening.
Historical Background and Breeding
Scott Family Farms developed King within a West Coast craft-breeding ethos focused on robust indica structure and consistent resin production. The farm’s approach emphasizes stability for growers and predictability for consumers, two traits that help a cultivar endure beyond hype cycles. While several OG-adjacent strains have shifted in popularity year to year, King has maintained steady demand in part because its effects are straightforward and reliably sedating.
Public strain lists and consumer guides regularly position OG-leaning indicas as nighttime mainstays, and King fits this historical lane. Across the 2010s and into the mid-2020s, data aggregators and retail menus show that indica-dominant OGs consistently place among top-selling bedtime varieties. King’s survival amid an ever-expanding marketplace suggests that classic, heavy-body indicas retain a durable niche.
Leafly’s editorial content nods to the category by highlighting regal-named indicas as standout sleep aids, singling out myrcene-led profiles for their couchlock potential. Within this cultural context, King represents a contemporary iteration of a tried-and-true blueprint: high-THC, terpene-rich flower tuned for decompression. In practice, it’s a cultivar that reliably aligns with the historical use case of OG-linked indicas—stress relief, pain management, and insomnia support.
Genetic Lineage and Related Cultivars
King’s precise parentage is closely held by Scott Family Farms, but market consensus places it in the OG Kush sphere with a firmly indica-heritage backbone. In public-facing strain literature, heavy-body phenotypes marked by pine, earth, and gas are frequently connected to OG or OG x indica crosses. The result is a plant architecture and chemotype that present as distinctly sedentary, with a focus on potency over racy uplift.
Because the cannabis market often cross-references strains with similar names, King is sometimes brought up in the same breath as King Louis XIII (also called King Louie or Louis XIII Kush). Those lines are commonly reported to be OG-derived and are widely known for deeply calming effects. While King is bred by Scott Family Farms and should not be assumed to be identical, the shared OG-adjacent profile explains the functional similarities in aroma and experience.
Separate from King are cultivars like King’s Kush (OG Kush x Grape) or newer boutique releases with regal branding. These adjacent varieties demonstrate how OG genetics spawn numerous offshoots with overlapping sensory traits. For growers and consumers, the key is to focus on breeder attribution—Scott Family Farms for King—and confirm chemotype via lab results rather than name alone.
Visual Characteristics and Bag Appeal
King typically produces dense, conical to spade-shaped flowers with tight calyx stacking that screams indica heritage. Buds often present a deep olive green hue streaked with darker forest tones, accented by copper to pumpkin-orange pistils. A thick, frosty coat of trichomes creates a silvery sheen that stands out even under low light.
On close inspection, trichome heads are usually plentiful and bulbous, indicating ripe resin that’s well-suited for solventless extraction. Consumers often note a slightly tacky feel when breaking apart cured buds, a sign of ample essential oils. When properly trimmed, King showcases crisp edges and a jar-ready profile with minimal sugar leaf.
Grind uniformity tends to be high due to the bud density and resin content. The broken flower releases a louder terpene burst than the intact nug, transitioning the bouquet from forest-pine to sharper citrus-gas. This bag appeal—look, feel, and nose—aligns with the classic OG aesthetic prized by connoisseurs.
Aroma: From Jar-Nose to Grind
The unground flower leans piney and woody, with an underlying earthiness reminiscent of fresh soil or damp cedar. Subtle sweetness from limonene and floral-lavender edges from linalool peek through the base layer. Those nuances sit beneath a dominant myrcene bedrock that reads as musky, herbal, and soothing.
Once ground, the bouquet intensifies and evolves. Sharp lemon-zest notes come forward, often joined by a peppery tickle that suggests caryophyllene is contributing to the spice. Many users also report a faint diesel echo, typical for OG lines with humulene or farnesene in the mix.
In blind comparisons, seasoned consumers can often pick King out of a lineup due to its deep, calming "forest and fuel" signature. The jar experience is assertive but not overwhelming, favoring a natural terpene balance over confectionary sweetness. For aroma-sensitive buyers, it reads "classic cannabis"—clean, resinous, and mature.
Flavor and Consumption Experience
On inhale, King presents pine sap and savory herbs, quickly developing into citrus peel and earth. The mouthfeel is dense yet smooth when properly flushed and cured, with the first two pulls often the most flavor-saturated. Exhale leans peppery and woody, sometimes finishing with a diesel twang.
In flower form, a slow, low-temperature draw (170–185°C/338–365°F) in a vaporizer accentuates limonene and linalool for a brighter, more floral flavor. Higher temperatures amplify caryophyllene and humulene, bolstering spice and wood while nudging the effects toward heavier sedation. Combustion still preserves the core terpene identity, but flavor clarity is best in convection-style vapes.
Concentrates from King tend to be robust and gassy, with live rosin capturing the pine-citrus top notes effectively. Solvent extracts may emphasize weightier base notes, giving dabs a profoundly earthy, OG-forward punch. Across formats, the taste arc remains consistent: forest, spice, fuel, then a softly sweet aftertaste.
Cannabinoid Profile: Potency and Minor Compounds
Most modern, indica-heritage OG lines test into the 20–28% total THC range, and King routinely lands in that neighborhood based on dispensary-posted certificates of analysis (COAs). In markets where COAs are publicly shared, King commonly reports CBD below 1% and total cannabinoids in the mid-20s to low-30s by weight. Such potency places it among stronger nighttime flowers, particularly for occasional users.
Minor cannabinoids appear in trace-to-moderate amounts. CBG is frequently detectable at 0.3–1.0%, with CBC and THCV occasionally registering below 0.2–0.5% depending on phenotype and cultivation factors. While these minors are present in small quantities, their ensemble with terpenes can subtly shape the overall effect profile.
The onset curve for high-THC, myrcene-dominant indicas tends to be brisk. Many users report perceptible body relaxation within 10–15 minutes of inhalation, peaking at 30–45 minutes, and plateauing for 90–150 minutes depending on dose and tolerance. First-time or low-tolerance consumers should begin with small inhalations or 1–2 mg THC equivalents to assess potency safely.
Terpene Profile: Dominance of Myrcene and Synergists
King’s aroma chemistry centers on myrcene, aligning with consumer guides that list it as the dominant terpene for this category of indicas. Myrcene is frequently associated with sedative, muscle-relaxant, and analgesic properties in preclinical literature, and it regularly anchors OG-style bouquets. Typical total terpene content in well-grown OG-adjacent indicas ranges from 1.5% to 3.0% by weight, with standout phenotypes exceeding 3% under optimized conditions.
Secondary terpenes often include beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and humulene. Beta-caryophyllene is notable for its CB2 receptor activity and may contribute to perceived anti-inflammatory effects, while limonene adds citrus brightness that can lift mood despite the strain’s overall heaviness. Humulene supports woodsy, herbal notes and may synergize with caryophyllene to fortify the savory backbone.
Tertiary contributors like linalool and farnesene may appear at lower levels but still influence the aroma’s softness and finish. Linalool brings a floral-lavender calm that many associate with evening readiness, and farnesene can introduce green apple-like freshness or quiet diesel undertones. This tiered terpene stack explains why King reads soothing yet complex, not one-dimensional.
Experiential Effects and Onset Dynamics
Consumers commonly describe King as a "lights-down" cultivar that excels in the final hours of the day. The first phase of effects often includes facial and shoulder relaxation, lowered mental chatter, and a calm, contented mood. As the session continues, heaviness in the limbs and a warm body melt set in, helping the user transition to rest.
In community reports and sleep-focused guides, OG-forward indicas like King and its regal cousins are repeatedly recommended for insomnia. Leafly’s sleep roundups have long highlighted King Louis-type profiles for their ability to quell restlessness when "warm milk just isn’t working," and King runs parallel in functional outcome. The dominant myrcene layer likely plays a role here, complemented by caryophyllene’s grounding spice.
Side effects generally mirror those of strong indicas: dry mouth, dry eyes, and potential grogginess, particularly at higher doses. Occasional reports of orthostatic lightheadedness suggest users should hydrate and rise slowly after prolonged sessions. Novices should start low and go slow—especially with edibles—where 2.5–5 mg THC can feel potent, and onset may take 45–120 minutes.
Potential Medical Uses and Patient Reports
Although clinical research on specific cultivars is limited, King’s chemotype suggests several potential medical applications. High-THC, myrcene-forward indicas are frequently chosen by patients seeking support with sleep latency and maintenance, making King a natural candidate for evening dosing. Patient anecdotes also cite relief from stress and generalized anxiety, with a calming mental fog that pares back rumination.
For pain management, beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 agonism and THC’s central analgesic effects may synergize to reduce discomfort. Patients with neuropathic or inflammatory pain sometimes prefer heavy indicas at night to separate symptomatic relief from daytime function. In these cases, low-dose vaporized flower before bed can provide 1–3 hours of meaningful benefit without next-morning overstimulation.
Appetite stimulation is another commonly reported outcome at moderate to higher doses. This can be helpful for individuals dealing with nausea or reduced appetite from treatments or underlying conditions. Given variability in individual response, patients should consult a clinician knowledgeable in cannabinoid therapy and keep a dosing journal to track efficacy and side effects.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide for King
Growth habit and vigor: King expresses a stout, indica-dominant frame with sturdy lateral branching and short-to-moderate internodal spacing. Plants typically finish in 8–9 weeks of flowering indoors, with outdoor harvest windows clustering from late September to early October in temperate zones. Under optimized conditions, indoor yields frequently land in the 400–550 g/m² range, while skilled outdoor growers can exceed 600 g per plant with ample sun and training.
Environment and lighting: King prefers a stable environment with day/night temperatures of 24–27°C (75–80°F) during early flower and 21–24°C (70–75°F) in late flower to preserve terpenes. Relative humidity should be managed from 60–65% in veg to 45–50% in early flower and 40–45% during the final two weeks to limit botrytis risk. Under LED systems providing 800–1,000 µmol/m²/s PPFD in mid-flower and up to ~1,200 µmol/m²/s for high-CO2 rooms, King responds with dense, resinous colas.
Training and canopy management: Topping once or twice during veg encourages an even canopy and multiple dominant colas. Low-stress training (LST) and a single trellis layer are typically sufficient, though a second net helps in late flower as buds gain mass. Strategic defoliation—light in week 3 of flower and a cleanup in week 6—improves airflow without overexposing colas, which can dry out terpenes.
Nutrition and substrate: In coco or hydroponic systems, an EC of 1.2–1.6 in veg and 1.6–2.0 in bloom suits most King phenotypes, with pH 5.8–6.2. Soil and soilless growers should target a balanced macro profile with elevated calcium and magnesium to support dense flower formation and prevent interveinal chlorosis. Many OG-leaning indicas appreciate sulfur during mid-to-late bloom to enhance thiol and terpene expression; consider a modest sulfur bump while avoiding nutrient antagonism.
Irrigation strategy: Maintain frequent, smaller irrigations in high-porosity media to keep root zones oxygenated. In soil, allow modest dry-backs to encourage root exploration, but avoid severe swings that can stress the plant and reduce yields. During late flower, slight reductions in water volume can boost resin density, though avoid extreme droughting that risks foxtailing or hermaphroditism.
Pest and pathogen watch-outs: Due to dense flower structure, King can be susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis in humid rooms. Preventative IPM is essential—rotate biological controls (e.g., Bacillus-based foliar in veg) with environment-first tactics like strong airflow and HEPA intake filtration. For pests, keep a close eye on spider mites and thrips; weekly scouting with sticky cards and leaf inspections is a must.
CO2 and advanced controls: In sealed environments, enriching to 1,000–1,200 ppm CO2 during weeks 2–6 of bloom can lift biomass and cannabinoid output. Pair enrichment with precise VPD management (1.1–1.4 kPa in mid-flower) to drive transpiration without over-drying. As harvest nears, taper CO2 and slightly lower temps to concentrate terpenes and minimize volatilization.
Flowering timeline and finishing: King’s resin swell typically accelerates in weeks 6–8, with terpene intensity peaking in the final 10–14 days. Monitor trichomes closely: a target of 5–15% amber with the remainder cloudy often yields a heavy, sedative effect profile. Extending harvest for more amber can deepen sedation but may shave a point off perceived flavor brightness.
Expected yields and quality metrics: With attentive cultivation, indoor runs commonly produce 1.5–2.5+ ounces per square foot of canopy. Well-executed cycles frequently achieve total cannabinoid values of 22–28% and total terpene content of 1.5–3.0%, aligning with consumer expectations for top-shelf indica flower. Phenotypic variance exists, so selecting a keeper cut through small test runs is wise before scaling.
Harvest Timing, Drying, Curing, and Storage Best Practices
Harvest decision-making: Use a 60–100x loupe to evaluate trichome heads across upper, middle, and lower canopy. For a classic King effect—relaxing but not overly narcotic—aim for milky/cloudy dominance with a modest amber fraction. If prioritizing sleep and muscle melt, let more heads amber, balancing against potential terpene fade.
Drying protocol: Hang whole plants or large branches at 18–20°C (64–68°F) and 55–60% RH for 10–14 days, keeping the room dark and air movement gentle but consistent. Slower, cooler drying preserves volatile monoterpenes like myrcene and limonene, which can flash off in hot, dry conditions. Avoid fans blowing directly on colas, which can case-harden exteriors while interiors remain wet.
Curing regimen: After a clean, conservative trim, jar or tote the flowers at 58–62% RH and 16–20°C (60–68°F). Burp daily for the first 10–14 days if using sealed jars without humidity-regulating packs, then taper to weekly openings as moisture equalizes. A 4–6 week cure markedly improves King’s pine-citrus clarity, smoothness, and perceived potency due to optimized moisture and terpene equilibrium.
Long-term storage: Keep finished flower in airtight, UV-opaque containers at 15–18°C (59–64°F) and stable 58–62% RH. Light, heat, and oxygen are the principal drivers of terpene and cannabinoid degradation, with studies showing substantial terpene loss over weeks under poor conditions. For retail, nitrogen-flushed packaging and rapid inventory turnover help preserve King’s signature nose and flavor.
