Written by Ad OpsIntroduction to King Louis
King Louis, often marketed as King Louis XIII or King Louie OG, is a celebrated, mostly indica cultivar prized for its deep relaxation, pine-forward aroma, and classic OG character. Bred by Zamnesia from OG Kush and LA Confidential genetics, this strain carries the hallmarks of old-school California gas with a refined European seedbank polish. It is widely reported as a nighttime favorite thanks to its heavy body effects, rapid onset, and long, tranquil finish.
Potency is a headline feature. Leafly lists King Louis at an average THC of about 21% with roughly 1% CBG and thousands of positive user ratings, including a 4.6/5 from over 1,000 reviews in 2025. Meanwhile, Cannaconnection’s seed listing for King Louis notes phenotypes testing up to 24% THC, underscoring the cultivar’s capacity to hit hard for experienced consumers.
The strain’s sensory profile leans piney, earthy, and woody with a clean citrus edge, a balance that resonates strongly with fans of OG and classic kush expressions. Terpene-wise, King Louis is frequently described as limonene-forward with notable myrcene contributions, a combination that helps explain its relaxing yet mood-lifting quality. Between its storied lineage, broad availability in seed form, and robust market presence, King Louis continues to anchor indica menus from California to Europe.
History and Naming
King Louis emerged from Southern California’s OG Kush ecosystem during the 2000s and quickly cultivated a reputation among heavy indica fans. The “XIII” moniker commonly attached to the name nods to the French monarch Louis XIII, a flourish that underscores the strain’s regal reputation in connoisseur circles. As the cut moved through California, it became a fixture in dispensaries known for nighttime power and a classic pine-diesel bouquet.
Zamnesia later stabilized the variety in feminized seed form by combining OG Kush with LA Confidential, preserving the stout structure and resin output that made the original so beloved. This created a reliable path for home growers and small-scale producers to access King Louis genetics without hunting down the historically clone-only lines. The seed release helped the strain proliferate across Europe while maintaining the core OG experience.
Culturally, King Louis has been cited in roundups of top indica strains and featured for its superior sleep potential and calming depth. Leafly’s 2025 indica listings include King Louis among the top-rated entries, reflecting sustained consumer demand and high average scores. Industry coverage has also spotlighted its influence in modern breeding, where its OG backbone contributes density, potency, and pine to new crosses.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding
Most sources align on King Louis as an indica-dominant cultivar with a direct pedigree from OG Kush and LA Confidential. Zamnesia’s seed work captures this cross, delivering consistent phenotypes that lean heavily toward sedative, body-centric effects. The OG Kush side contributes fuel, lemon, and pine with balanced euphoria, while LA Confidential reinforces compact structure, dense buds, and a hashy, calming undertone.
OG Kush itself is a complex hybrid with debated origins, commonly summarized as a Chemdawg lineage combined with Lemon Thai and Pakistani Kush influences. That complex ancestry explains OG Kush’s layered aroma and robust resin production, characteristics that shine through in King Louis. LA Confidential, originally popularized by DNA Genetics, is widely regarded as a near-pure indica with Afghan heritage, bringing reliable flowering times and stout growth habits.
Taken together, the cross yields a mostly indica expression with THC dominance, low CBD, and a terpene structure that pivots between clean citrus and forest pine. Growers often note that King Louis phenotypes can vary in the intensity of lemon versus pine, but the baseline profile remains unmistakably OG. Zamnesia’s selection emphasizes uniformity and vigor, making it accessible to growers in a range of climates.
Appearance and Morphology
King Louis plants typically display broad, dark-green fan leaves and tight internodes, classic visual markers of indica dominance. In vegetative growth, the canopy tends to fill in quickly, and stems are sturdy enough to support significant bud weight. Shorter statures are common, with many indoor phenotypes topping out between 80 and 120 cm without aggressive training.
Flowers form into dense, golf-ball to spade-shaped nuggets that can feel almost rock-hard by late flower. Pistils tend to ripen from orange to a dark rust tone, while calyxes swell into tight clusters with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio. The thick resin blanket often gives buds a frosted, almost silvery finish under strong light, indicating abundant trichome density suitable for concentrates.
Under magnification, trichomes appear densely stalked with bulbous heads, a visual cue associated with high THC content. Mature colas show a uniform coverage of resin that extends down bud leaves, which contributes to the strain’s characteristic stickiness. When properly fed and lit, top colas can stack impressively, with limited internodal spacing producing conical, heavy spears.
Aroma
The aroma of King Louis is frequently described as pine-forward, earthy, and slightly woody, with clean citrus zest on the top end. Many noses pick up lemon cleaner notes on the first break of the jar, followed by a wave of forest floor and cedar as the buds breathe. A subtle diesel or petrol layer is common, inherited from OG Kush’s Chemdawg ancestry.
Once ground, the terpene bouquet intensifies in a way that suggests a limonene-led top note with a strong alpha-pinene lift. Warm, peppery aspects hint at beta-caryophyllene, while a faint sweetness rounds the edges of the pine. The final aromatic impression is crisp, invigorating, and unmistakably OG, yet slightly more polished and woody than fuel-heavy cousins like SFV OG.
Curing quality dramatically shapes nose volume and fidelity. A slow cure at 58–62% RH for 4–8 weeks preserves the citrus and pine while softening the sharper diesel tones. Poorly cured samples lose the top citrus quickly and can flatten into generic earth, underscoring the importance of post-harvest handling for this strain.
Flavor
On the palate, King Louis delivers a clean pine snap upfront, followed by lemon rind and a gentle, resinous wood character. The inhale leans zesty and bright, with an exhale that becomes earthier and slightly peppered. Hash-like undertones appear late in the draw, tying back to the LA Confidential side of the lineage.
When vaporized at lower temperatures (175–185°C), the citrus and pine dominate, and the flavor remains crisp across multiple pulls. As temperatures rise past 195°C, earthy and spicy notes intensify, and a faint diesel finish emerges. Concentrates intensify the pine-zest profile significantly, with live resin and rosin formats accentuating the top-end terpenes.
Mouthfeel is medium-bodied with a clean finish that lingers as lemon-pine rather than heavy fuel. Many users report that the aftertaste stays remarkably consistent across cured flower and hash, a sign of robust terpene expression. With proper cure and storage, the flavor maintains clarity for months, making it a reliable jar staple.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
King Louis is a THC-dominant cultivar with typical lab results ranging from 18% to 24% THC in well-grown flower. Leafly reports an average of around 21% THC and approximately 1% CBG, reflecting a profile that’s potent yet not monolithic. Cannaconnection’s seed product page cites phenotypes reaching 24% THC, underscoring the top-end ceiling possible under optimal cultivation.
In practical terms, 21% THC equates to roughly 210 mg THC per gram of flower. Doses of 5–10 mg THC are commonly reported as sufficient for noticeable relaxation among occasional users, while experienced consumers often titrate to 15–30 mg for heavier effects. Because CBG hovers near 1% in some tests, a subtle baseline clarity or focus can appear at lower doses before sedation takes center stage.
CBD is typically minimal, usually below 0.5%, meaning the entourage effect leans more on terpenes to modulate intensity. Users sensitive to THC should approach with caution and consider small initial doses or lower-temperature vaporization to moderate onset. For edible conversions, decarboxylation efficiency and individual metabolism can produce stronger-than-expected results, so measured dosing is advisable.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Reports consistently place limonene, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-pinene among King Louis’ primary terpenes. Leafly highlights King Louis XIII as limonene-dominant with pine-forward flavors, a profile that aligns with the flavor and effects described by consumers. Total terpene content in well-grown OG lines can range from 1.5% to 3.0% by weight, offering a robust aromatic footprint.
Limonene often drives the lemon-citrus top note and contributes to mood elevation and perceived stress relief. Myrcene, common in many indicas, is linked by consumers to muscle relaxation and sedation, especially in evening-use patterns. Beta-caryophyllene, a dietary cannabinoid that interacts with CB2 receptors, may add a peppery spice and contribute to body comfort.
Alpha-pinene supports the bright pine aspect and is associated anecdotally with alertness and airway openness, which may explain why early moments of the King Louis experience can feel clear before sedation rises. Secondary terpenes such as humulene and linalool may appear in some phenotypes, adding woody nuance and floral calm. The overall balance yields an aroma and effect synergy that’s both uplifting and definitively relaxing.
Experiential Effects and Consumer Feedback
The dominant reported effect of King Louis is deep, full-body relaxation that gradually transitions into drowsiness. Many consumers describe an initial mood lift with mild euphoria, followed by a heavy, soothing weight in the limbs and shoulders. At higher doses, couch-lock becomes likely, and sleep often follows within an hour or two.
Leafly’s consumer data pegs King Louis as a top indica for sleep, with a 4.6/5 average rating across more than a thousand reviews as of 2025. Users commonly tag effects like sleepy, relaxed, and calm, and anecdotal reports emphasize efficacy for winding down from stress-heavy days. Cannaconnection also highlights its reputation for easing stress, anxiety, and pain, reflecting convergence across user communities.
Side effects tend to mirror strong THC-dominant indicas: dry mouth, red eyes, and occasional dizziness at overconsumption. Novice users or those with low THC tolerance should start small, particularly with edibles or dabs. For many, the sweet spot sits at modest doses that capture the mood and body relief without immediate sedation, especially earlier in the evening.
Potential Medical Uses and Considerations
Although not a substitute for medical advice, user reports and platform summaries consistently point to King Louis as helpful for sleep, stress relief, and pain. Leafly includes the strain in lists for insomnia, and countless anecdotal notes emphasize improved sleep onset and duration. The combination of limonene and myrcene may help explain the dual action of mood lift followed by sedation.
For stress and anxiety, King Louis’ calm, centering onset has been cited as beneficial by users seeking to downshift after work. On the pain front, THC’s analgesic potential combined with beta-caryophyllene’s interaction with CB2 receptors can provide meaningful relief for some, particularly with musculoskeletal tension. The strain’s body heaviness may also assist with spasms or restless legs near bedtime.
Patients sensitive to THC-related anxiety should keep initial doses lower and consider vaporization at moderate temperatures to preserve terpenes while moderating intensity. Individuals needing daytime function may opt for microdoses to capture anxiolytic benefits without sedation. As always, those using cannabis therapeutically should consult a clinician familiar with cannabinoid medicine and their personal health history.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Zamnesia’s King Louis feminized seeds provide a stable route to this mostly indica lineage, making the strain approachable for both hobbyists and small commercial grows. Indoors, expect compact plants with strong apical dominance and short internodal spacing, traits that favor SOG or SCROG configurations. Outdoors, King Louis prefers a warm, dry climate with abundant sun, mimicking Mediterranean conditions.
Flowering time typically falls in the 8–9 week range (56–63 days) from flip, with some phenotypes finishing as early as day 54 under dialed-in conditions. In temperate outdoor grows, harvest often lands from late September to early October in the Northern Hemisphere, depending on latitude. Cooler nights in late flower can deepen green hues and intensify terpene retention, but excessive cold or moisture can increase mold risk.
Indoor yields commonly fall around 450–550 g/m² with optimized lighting and canopy management. Outdoor plants, when given 25–50 liters of root volume and full sun, can exceed 600–800 g per plant in ideal conditions. CO2 supplementation up to 1,200–1,400 ppm during mid-to-late flower can elevate yields by 10–20% in sealed rooms, provided light intensity and nutrition are adequate.
King Louis responds well to topping and low-stress training to open the canopy and improve airflow. A single topping at the fifth node followed by lateral tucking creates multiple, evenly lit tops without excessive stress. In SCROG setups, aim to fill 70–80% of the net before flip; the strain’s moderate stretch (approximately 1.5x) will fill the remainder.
Because flowers are dense, humidity management is critical to prevent botrytis and powdery mildew. Maintain veg RH around 60–65% and reduce to 45–55% in flower, dropping to 40–45% in the final two weeks. Target day temperatures of 24–26°C in veg and 22–25°C in flower, with night drops of 2–4°C to encourage color and resin while avoiding dew point risks.
For lighting, PPFD targets of 500–700 µmol/m²/s in late veg and 900–1,200 µmol/m²/s in peak flower are effective under modern LEDs. Keep daily light integral (DLI) balanced by gradually ramping intensity across weeks 3–6 of flower to prevent stress. Light distance should be adjusted to maintain uniform PPFD across the canopy and avoid hot spots over top colas.
Nutritionally, King Louis is a moderate-to-hungry feeder that appreciates adequate calcium and magnesium, particularly under high-intensity LED lighting. In coco or hydro, start with EC 0.4–0.6 in early veg, 1.2–1.6 in mid veg, 1.7–1.9 in early flower, and peak at 1.8–2.0 during weeks 5–7, then taper. Soil growers should target a pH of 6.2–6.8, while hydro/coco systems perform well at 5.7–6.0.
Silica supplementation strengthens stems to support dense colas, and low-dose amino acids can improve nutrient uptake during transition. Potassium and phosphorus demands rise sharply from week 3 of flower onward; a balanced bloom booster can help if base nutrients are light. Avoid excessive nitrogen after week 3–4 of flower to prevent leafy buds and terpene suppression.
Watering practices should prioritize full wet-dry cycles in soil and frequent, lighter irrigations in coco to maintain oxygenation. In soil, allow the top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings; in coco, aim for 15–25% runoff per day with multiple small feedings. Overwatering leads to edema and increases mold risk in this dense-budded cultivar.
Preventative IPM is crucial due to the cultivar’s tight flower structure. Introduce beneficial mites early in veg, apply Bacillus subtilis-based biofungicides in rotation, and maintain strong airflow with 0.3–0.5 m/s across canopy tops. Defoliate sparingly—remove large, shaded fan leaves that block airflow, but avoid excessive stripping that can stress the plant and reduce yields.
Harvest timing is best set by trichome inspection. Many growers target 5–10% amber trichomes for a balanced effect, or 10–20% amber for maximum body sedation. Because King Louis is prized for sleep, some cultivators intentionally push to the latter range to enhance perceived heaviness.
Post-harvest, a slow dry at approximately 18–20°C and 58–62% RH for 10–14 days preserves terpenes and prevents chlorophyll bite. After stems snap, cure in airtight containers burped daily for the first week, then weekly for 4–8 weeks. Properly cured King Louis showcases a powerful pine-citrus nose and retains flavor clarity for months, with measured moisture activity stabilizing below 0.65 to minimize microbial risk.
For extraction, King Louis’s heavy trichome load performs well in ice water hash and rosin, often delivering strong returns from sugar leaves. Hashmakers report that careful fresh-frozen selection captures the bright citrus and pine more vividly than dry material. In hydrocarbon extracts, the profile leans crisp pine with lemon zest, and total terpene content can crest above 6–8% in top-tier live resins.
Phenotype selection is worthwhile if hunting from seed. Look for plants that exhibit early resin onset (by week 3), strong pine-citrus aroma in stem rubs, and minimal internodal spacing. Breeders have used King Louis in projects such as Gelatti or Z-related hybrids and even Durban Poison combinations, leveraging its OG backbone to anchor structure and potency for next-generation lines.
Outdoors, pick sites with full sun, low late-season rainfall, and good air movement. Stake or trellis as flowers set to prevent wind damage and stem splitting. In wetter climates, greenhouse protection and aggressive dehumidification during September–October can be the difference between a stellar harvest and mold losses.
If you are new to the cultivar, start with Zamnesia’s feminized seeds for consistency and manageable plant counts. For commercial rooms, consider keeping a mother of a selected phenotype to ensure uniform canopy development and post-harvest profiles. Maintain meticulous environmental control and you can expect resinous, pine-soaked buds that deliver on the King Louis promise.
Conclusion and Buying Tips
King Louis stands as a modern classic for anyone seeking a pine-dominant OG experience with undeniable nighttime power. Its Zamnesia-bred seed line makes the cultivar accessible and consistent, while maintaining the dense buds, heavy resin, and soothing effects devotees expect. With average THC around 21% and reports up to 24%, the strain competes at the top of the indica market while offering a flavor profile that delights pine lovers.
If you prioritize sleep, stress relief, and a tried-and-true OG expression, King Louis is a reliable mainstay. Consumers consistently rate it highly, with Leafly citing a 4.6/5 average across more than a thousand reviews, and multiple editorial roundups naming it among the best strains for winding down. Flavor-wise, expect lemon-pine on the inhale and earthy-woody spice on the exhale, all riding a terpene stack led by limonene, myrcene, and alpha-pinene.
When shopping, look for properly cured flower with strong pine-citrus on the nose and a frosted, dense structure. For growers, focus on humidity control, targeted training, and a slow, careful dry to protect terpenes. In both the jar and the garden, King Louis earns its crown with unmistakable OG character and deeply restorative effects.
