Written by Ad OpsStrain Overview
Knock Out is a modern hybrid bred by Black Farm Genetix, designed to deliver deep, body-forward relaxation with a polished, contemporary flavor set. Its heritage is explicitly listed as indica/sativa, signaling a balanced genetic strategy that blends physical calm with a manageable cerebral lift. In practical terms, most consumers report it lives up to its bold name: a heavy, evening-leaning cultivar that can quiet noise and promote stillness without sacrificing taste.
The name ‘Knock Out’ sets expectations, and that branding resonates with current market language. In 2024 roundups, reviewers often celebrate heavy-hitting cultivars as knock-out selections, using the phrase to denote potency, saturation of flavor, and restfulness. That cultural framing primes consumers to expect a powerful, soothing effect profile, and Knock Out is positioned to meet that demand with deliberate breeding choices and dialed-in resin production.
While exact lab results vary by batch, this strain typically aligns with the high-potency tier that dominates legal shelves. Modern dispensary flower frequently tests between 18% and 26% THC, and Knock Out tends to land on the upper half of that spread in well-grown lots. Expect dense resin and a terpene ensemble geared toward spice, earth, sweet fruit, and faint incense, supporting both mouthfeel and a relaxing, end-of-day experience.
History and Breeding Background
Black Farm Genetix developed Knock Out to occupy the sweet spot between modern bag appeal and classic, heavy-bodied satisfaction. The breeder is known for curating hybrids that perform in today’s grow rooms and finish with high resin, making them ideal for flower and high-end extracts. Knock Out continues this trend, leaning into thick trichome coverage and expressive aromas that translate to a lingering finish.
The naming convention echoes the way reviewers describe hard-hitting varieties across the industry. In recent buyer’s guides, the knock-out descriptor is used for cultivars that ooze flavor and deliver blissfully soothing effects, reinforcing consumer expectations around nighttime utility. Knock Out’s moniker is both a promise and a positioning, suggesting a sedative-leaning experience crafted for recovery and deep relaxation.
Context from the wider market also informs this strain’s appeal. Classic varieties like Northern Lights have long been celebrated for a ‘knock-out punch’ in higher doses, and modern hybrids can replicate that signature heaviness with more contemporary flavor. Knock Out channels that lineage of evening efficacy while updating the aroma and resin density to meet the standards of 2020s connoisseurs.
Although Black Farm Genetix has not publicized a definitive parentage for Knock Out, the phenotype expression points toward a broadleaf-leaning hybrid with strong indica markers. The strategy allows for vigorous growth and dense bud formation while preserving enough sativa influence to keep the experience euphoric and clear at moderate doses. The result is a cultivar with wide appeal for both recreational and wellness-focused consumers.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Knock Out is recorded as an indica/sativa hybrid, with phenotype expression suggesting an indica-leaning structure and a hybridized effect profile. The exact parents remain undisclosed publicly, a common practice among breeders protecting their intellectual property. What is evident from grow reports and cured flower is a trait set consistent with resin-heavy, dense structures and terpene stacks that emphasize caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene, sometimes touched by faint floral or incense notes.
From a horticultural standpoint, the inheritance manifests in a compact, vigorous plant that takes well to topping and structured training. Internodal spacing typically tightens under high-intensity light, and fan leaves skew broad with a dark, slightly glossy green. Many hybrid lines that present as ‘knock-out’ performers carry dominant terpene synthase pathways favoring spice and earth, and Knock Out aligns with that chemotypic theme.
Hybrid vigor is part of the appeal. Indica-dominant traits contribute to faster flower set and thicker calyx stacking, while sativa influence can improve lateral branching and the quality of the headspace at conservative doses. In practice, that means Knock Out often completes on a standard 8–10 week indoor flowering window, with the lower end achievable in dialed rooms and the upper end offering maximal resin ripening and color expression.
Because parent lines are not disclosed, growers should phenotype-hunt if possible, selecting for the chemotype that matches their goals. Look for consistent terpene output above 1.5% by weight, stable vigor, and a calyx-to-leaf ratio that simplifies post-harvest trim. Those selection criteria statistically correlate with better bag appeal and throughput efficiency across cycles, improving the strain’s performance in small- and mid-scale gardens.
Appearance and Bud Structure
Knock Out typically forms dense, golf ball to small cola-style buds with tight calyx stacking and minimal interstitial leaf. Expect a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, often in the 2:1 to 3:1 range on mature flowers, which speeds trimming and concentrates resin on the outer surfaces. Trichome coverage is abundant, with bulbous heads that turn from glassy to cloudy and then amber as harvest approaches.
Coloration tends toward deep emerald green punctuated by vibrant orange to tangerine pistils, especially in phenotypes with heavy caryophyllene expression. In cooler finishing rooms, anthocyanins can blush the sugar leaves and calyx tips, producing purple flecks that pop against the orange hairs. That temperature-linked color shift often appears when night temps are held 10–12°F below daytime highs for the final two weeks.
Buds feel weighty for their size due to their density and resin content. Properly cured samples exhibit a satisfying ‘snap’ from stems when broken, and the exterior trichomes can look like a sugar crust under direct light. Under magnification, trichome heads present in high density with a healthy ratio of intact capitate-stalked glands, a positive sign for both aroma intensity and extract yield.
When broken open, the flowers reveal tightly packed calyx clusters and a crystalline layer of resin traversing into the interior. The fracture releases a concentrated aroma plume, often heavier on spice and earth than the outside whiff suggests. Well-grown specimens display visually uniform buds through the top third of the canopy, a marker of balanced PPFD and consistent nutrition.
Aroma Profile
The dominant aromatic impression of Knock Out sits at the intersection of warm spice, damp earth, and sweet fruit peels. Caryophyllene commonly drives the peppery-spice top note, while myrcene underpins the base with mossy, humic earth and a faint skunky musk. Limonene or farnesene, when present in meaningful amounts, add bright citrus zest or green-apple lift, fleshing out the bouquet.
Some phenotypes can express faint incense or resinous ‘church’ undertones that enthusiasts associate with older East Coast profiles, echoing how Piff-adjacent selections are described. Those resinous undertones align with terpenes like terpinolene and ocimene, or with minor oxygenated aromatics that give a frankincense-like finish. While not universal to every plant, the occasional incense drift pairs nicely with the strain’s sedative reputation.
On the grind, Knock Out gets louder and more layered. The earthy base expands, the spice sharpens, and any citrus or berry complements become more pronounced as volatile terpenes vaporize. Total terpene concentration in well-grown hybrid flower typically ranges from 1.0% to 3.5% by weight, and Knock Out often sits in the 1.5%–2.5% zone, enough to project strongly without turning perfumey.
Storage conditions significantly influence the nose over time. Keeping flower at 62% relative humidity and cool, dark conditions preserves volatile monoterpenes that otherwise dissipate within weeks. In blind sessions, samples stored above 65% RH frequently smell muddier and less defined, while well-cured Knock Out retains the clean spice-zest contrast that characterizes the strain.
Flavor Profile
Knock Out’s flavor follows its aroma: a grounding spice-wood entry that evolves into sweet citrus peel and gentle herbal tones. The inhale tends to be smooth when properly flushed, with a peppery tickle on the tongue indicative of caryophyllene. As the smoke or vapor leaves the palate, a round, slightly sweet finish lingers, sometimes with a faint incense echo that reinforces the name.
Different consumption methods highlight different facets of the flavor. Low-temperature vaporization between 175–190°C emphasizes limonene and farnesene’s bright notes and soft floral hints from linalool, if present. Combustion at higher temperatures tilts the profile toward earth, resin, and toasted spice, trading some fruit lift for deeper bass notes.
Terpene volatility strongly affects perceived sweetness and clarity. Myrcene begins volatilizing around 166°C, limonene near 176°C, and linalool around 198°C, which explains why careful temperature control can preserve nuance. Many consumers report the ‘sweet spot’ for taste and effect in the 185–195°C range when vaporizing, where the bouquet feels complete and the effect onset is smooth.
Interestingly, heavy, ‘knock-out’ varieties in market roundups are not always gassy or bitter; several 2024 favorites were praised as knock-out while still ‘oozing with flavor.’ Knock Out fits that mold by balancing depth with brightness, making it enjoyable neat or as a blend component in joints. If pairing with food or drink, it plays well with citrus, dark chocolate, and aged cheeses, which mirror its spice-zest palette.
Cannabinoid Profile
Knock Out generally occupies the high-THC hybrid bracket common to contemporary craft flower. In markets where lab data are available, analogous indica-leaning hybrids typically test in the 20%–26% THC window, with some phenotypes dipping to 18% or spiking above 27% in rare, optimized runs. CBD is usually trace, often under 0.5%, keeping the psychoactive experience THC-forward.
Minor cannabinoids help shape the experience even in small quantities. CBG often registers between 0.1% and 1.0%, and CBC can appear around 0.1–0.5%, both contributing to perceived mood enhancement and anti-inflammatory tone. Total cannabinoids sometimes exceed 25% when THC and minors are combined, correlating with the dense resin fields seen under magnification.
It is essential to note that cannabinoid content varies by phenotype, cultivation practices, and harvest timing. Plants taken earlier in the window can skew toward higher THCA with slightly brighter, racier effects, while later harvests showing 10%–20% amber trichomes often feel heavier and more sedative. For accuracy, always consult the batch’s certificate of analysis, as label claims can deviate by several percentage points depending on lab methodology.
Dose-response matters for both new and experienced consumers. Reviews across multiple heavy-hitter strains suggest that overconsumption can ‘knock out’ even veteran users, particularly with fast-onset inhalation methods. Starting with one to two small inhalations and waiting 10–15 minutes captures the profile without overshooting, aligning with harm-reduction best practices.
Terpene Profile
Knock Out’s terpene stack typically features beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene as core contributors, with linalool, farnesene, or ocimene providing accent notes. In well-grown flowers, beta-caryophyllene commonly falls between 0.2% and 0.8% by weight, imparting peppery-spice and engaging CB2 receptors to modulate inflammation. Myrcene may span 0.3%–1.0%, deepening earth and contributing to the classic couch-lock synergy when paired with THC.
Limonene often lands in the 0.2%–0.7% range, offering citrus lift, perceived mood brightening, and a clean finish that keeps the profile from feeling muddy. When linalool appears at 0.05%–0.3%, it adds lavender-like softness and a gentle anxiolytic tone documented in aromatherapy literature. Farnesene, at trace to 0.3%, brings green apple and tea-leaf nuances that pair well with the spice core.
The total terpene concentration for a robust hybrid is commonly 1.5%–2.5% by weight post-cure, with outliers as high as 3.5% under exceptional conditions. Environmental control, gentle drying, and a slow cure preserve monoterpenes, while hot or rushed drying disproportionately strips limonene and myrcene. Keeping dry-room conditions near 60°F and 60% relative humidity for roughly 10–14 days is a data-backed way to retain more aroma than the faster, warmer approaches many growers used a decade ago.
A minority of phenotypes may express a resinous incense trait reminiscent of legacy ‘church’ aromas noted in East Coast lore, similar to commentaries on Piff. That incense profile sometimes co-occurs with terpinolene and pinene spikes, though Knock Out is more often caryophyllene-forward than terpinolene-driven. Phenotype selection and post-harvest handling ultimately determine which terpene story the jar tells.
Experiential Effects
True to its name, Knock Out skews restful, body-heavy, and soothing, especially 30–60 minutes after inhalation. Users commonly report a wave of muscle looseness, slowed mental cadence, and a gentle mood lift that resists anxiety at conservative doses. The initial head change tends to be clear and pleasant before settling into a weighted calm that encourages stillness and sleep.
Onset and duration depend on format. Inhalation typically begins within 2–5 minutes, peaks by 30–45 minutes, and can persist for 2–3 hours, with residual softness lingering longer. Edible preparations with Knock Out flower or rosin shift the curve dramatically, peaking around 90–180 minutes and sustaining effects for 4–8 hours depending on dose and metabolism.
The ‘knock-out’ phrase has become shorthand in product journalism for heavy, soothing cultivars that are oozing with flavor and capable of quieting the day. Knock Out fits squarely in that cultural category while maintaining a flavorful, modern palate. It sits on the chill side of the spectrum, often prompting relaxation, arousal for some, and occasional giggles before the body stone takes the lead.
New users should start low and go slow, as strong hybrids can sedate more than expected. Like reviewers note for other heavy cultivars, overconsumption can knock out even experienced smokers, especially late at night or after a large meal. If functional clarity is required, reserve Knock Out for evening use or dose micro, as the heavier end of the experience is ‘not a functional high’ by most accounts.
Potential Medical Uses
Knock Out’s effect profile aligns with common patient goals around sleep initiation, stress relief, and musculoskeletal discomfort. THC-driven analgesia can reduce pain perception, while beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity may modulate inflammatory signaling. Myrcene’s sedative synergy with THC has been observed in preclinical models and is widely reported anecdotally in patient communities.
For insomnia, sedative-leaning hybrids can shorten sleep latency and extend total sleep time, particularly when consumed 60–90 minutes before bed. Patients frequently describe a smoother wind-down curve compared to stimulatory sativa-dominant profiles. In practice, a few inhalations or a modest sublingual dose is often sufficient to nudge the body into a sleep-ready state without next-day grogginess when dosing is conservative.
Anxiety and stress symptoms may ease due to the combination of THC’s mood lift and linalool’s calming influence, when present. However, dose titration is critical; higher THC exposure can transiently raise heart rate and, in sensitive individuals, precipitate anxious thoughts. Microdosing approaches, such as 1–2 mg THC equivalents or single inhalations, help many patients find the calm without overshooting.
Chronic pain and muscle spasticity are consistent targets for heavier hybrids. Observational cohorts have reported meaningful reductions in pain scores with nightly THC-dominant regimens, and the heavier body load of a strain like Knock Out can relax tense muscle groups. Patients with neuropathic components sometimes report tingling relief and improved sleep quality, both of which can amplify daytime function indirectly.
Medical users should prioritize batches with clear lab data, including total cannabinoids and top terpenes. Choosing caryophyllene-forward lots for inflammation, linalool-forward lots for anxiety, or myrcene-rich lots for sleep allows a more targeted approach. Always consult a clinician if using cannabis alongside medications, as THC can interact with CNS depressants and other prescriptions.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Knock Out grows like a vigorous, indica-leaning hybrid with enough stretch to benefit from training and canopy management. Indoors, expect a flowering window of roughly 8–10 weeks, with many cuts finishing tight and resinous around weeks 8–9 under optimized conditions. Outdoors, a late September to early October finish is a reasonable target in temperate zones, assuming a head start and cooperative weather.
Start strong with clean genetics and a stable environment for the seedling stage. Maintain 22–25°C (72–77°F), 65–75% RH, and gentle light at 200–400 PPFD, using a 18/6 schedule. Sticky traps and a weekly IPM rotation of biologicals like Beauveria bassiana or Bacillus subtilis can keep early pest and pathogen pressure low without stressing young plants.
In vegetative growth, increase light to 400–600 PPFD and keep VPD around 0.8–1.2 kPa with 60–70% RH. Target a pH of 6.2–6.8 in soilless/soil and 5.8–6.2 in hydro, with EC climbing from 1.2 to 1.8 as vigor ramps. Top once or twice to encourage lateral branching, then apply low-stress training and, if space allows, a light SCROG to flatten the canopy and improve bud site distribution.
Knock Out’s internodes respond well to structured training. A four- to eight-top manifold with strategic defoliation at week 3 of veg and week 3 of flower helps light penetration without over-thinning. Expect a modest 1.5x stretch after flip; install trellis before transition to avoid damaging delicate preflowers and to support later colas.
Flip to flower under 12/12 with a gradual increase in light intensity to 700–900 PPFD by week 2–3 of bloom. Hold day temperatures at 24–26°C (75–79°F) and nights around 18–20°C (64–68°F), pushing VPD to 1.1–1.4 kPa as RH drops to 50–60% early bloom and 45–50% by late bloom. If supplementing CO2, 1000–1200 ppm in weeks 2–6 of flower can increase biomass by 20–30% when paired with strong light and proper nutrition.
Nutritionally, Knock Out appreciates a balanced macro program with adequate calcium and magnesium. Aim for an NPK ratio around 1–2–2 at early bloom, shifting to 1–3–3 as flowers set and stack. Keep EC in the 1.8–2.2 range during peak demand, monitoring runoff to avoid salt accumulation; runoff EC significantly higher than input suggests the need for a corrective flush or feed reduction.
Watch for classic mid-bloom deficiencies. Calcium deficiency can show as interveinal chlorosis and crinkling on new growth, especially under high-intensity LED lighting; a cal-mag supplement or increased Ca in the base feed usually resolves it. Potassium deficiency during heavy resin push appears as leaf-edge burn and yellowing; adjust bloom boosters judiciously, prioritizing overall EC stability over aggressive spikes.
Canopy management is key to density and mold resistance. Lollipop the bottom 20–30% of the plant before week 3 of flower to focus energy upward, and selectively defoliate large fan leaves that shade interior bud sites. Maintain robust air exchange and 0.5–1.0 m/s of gentle horizontal airflow to flatten microclimates and reduce the risk of botrytis in tightly stacked colas.
Pest pressure can escalate quickly in resinous, dense cultivars. Implement a weekly IPM that alternates modes of action, such as horticultural oils in veg, biologicals like Bacillus amyloliquefaciens through early bloom, and predatory mites as a living shield. Avoid oil-based sprays past week 2 of flower to prevent residue and aroma interference.
Harvest timing drives the strain’s signature effect. Begin scouting with a 60x loupe around day 49 of bloom; look for mostly cloudy trichome heads with 5–15% amber for a balanced effect, or 15–25% amber for a deeper, more sedative finish. Many growers report the sweet spot for Knock Out near the earlier end of its window, where the aroma stays bright and the body effect remains present but not overbearing.
For drying, use the 60/60 guideline—about 60°F and 60% RH—for 10–14 days, with slow, steady airflow that never directly hits the flowers. Aim for a 10–12% moisture content at the end of dry; stems should snap, not bend. In regions with warmer climates, consider a cool, dehumidified space or drying tent; a 3–4 day dry at 70°F and 50% RH will cost you monoterpenes and flavor clarity.
Curing locks in Knock Out’s bouquet. Jar or bin at 62% RH, burping daily for the first week, then weekly for the next three to four weeks. By day 28, terpene expression typically stabilizes, with many tasters rating weeks 4–8 of cure as the peak flavor window before slow oxidation dulls the top notes.
Yield varies with environment, training, and phenotype selection. Indoors under strong LED (700–900 PPFD) with CO2, a well-managed canopy can deliver 450–600 g/m²; without CO2, 350–500 g/m² is a reasonable target. Outdoors in full sun and good soil, expect 500–1000 g per plant on a medium-tall phenotype with early topping and solid IPM.
Medium choice is flexible. In living soil, Knock Out benefits from top-dressed amendments and microbial teas that support terpene expression, though ramp time is slower. In coco or hydro, expect faster growth and tight control over EC, with careful attention to calcium and magnesium to prevent LED-related deficiencies.
Post-harvest handling should match the resin load. For solventless extraction, freeze fresh whole plants or select the frostiest tops for wash material; Knock Out’s bulbous gland heads can return competitive yields if harvested at peak ripeness. For hydrocarbon extraction, maintain a cold chain and separate top colas to minimize wax pickup and preserve brighter top notes.
Finally, select and keep mothers that hit your goals. Track each phenotype’s flowering time, stretch, yield, and terpene concentration using simple spreadsheets. Over two to three runs, choose the cut that tests above 20% THC with 1.5%+ total terpenes, consistent bud density, and the spice-citrus-incense signature that makes Knock Out unmistakable in the jar.
