Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
Koh-I-Nor is a balanced hybrid cannabis strain bred by the Dutch outfit No Mercy Supply, blending indica and sativa heritage in a deliberately modern package. The name nods to the famed Koh-i-Noor diamond, a symbol of brilliance, rarity, and cutting precision, which suits a cultivar prized for its polish and clarity of effect. Growers and consumers often describe it as versatile and elegantly composed, the kind of strain that can shine in both craft gardens and connoisseur jars.
Because Koh-I-Nor is not among the most commercially hyped varietals, public lab sheets are scarce, and much of what is known comes from breeder notes and experienced growers. Even so, the consensus places it squarely as a hybrid that balances structure, aroma, and potency in a way that appeals to both production-oriented cultivators and flavor-seeking enthusiasts. If you enjoy modern hybrids that aim for equilibrium rather than extremes, this strain fits that brief well.
The strain’s identity blends classic Dutch-bred pragmatism with contemporary quality targets: clean structure, manageable internode spacing, and terpene-driven appeal. While the exact parent stock has not been publicly confirmed, phenotypic behavior reflects an even indica-sativa interplay. The result is plants that respond predictably to training and produce flowers with nuanced aromatics and a composed, adaptable effect profile.
History and Breeder Background (No Mercy Supply)
No Mercy Supply is a Netherlands-based breeder and cultivation resource known for straightforward, data-informed growing advice and practical genetics. In a country that helped set the blueprint for indoor cannabis horticulture, No Mercy Supply gained a reputation for stress-testing lines and prioritizing stable performance. Their releases often emphasize consistent structure and yields without sacrificing terpene expression.
Koh-I-Nor fits within that ethos, appearing as a boutique-leaning hybrid aimed at growers who value clean architecture and an elegant nose. Its development reflects the Dutch tradition of refining hybrids to perform in space-limited indoor environments while remaining robust outdoors in temperate seasons. In that context, Koh-I-Nor presents as a thoughtful update to the balanced hybrid template rather than a novelty cross.
This background matters because No Mercy Supply prioritizes cultivars that behave predictably across media, from coco and peat to living soil. Breeders in this lineage tend to stabilize traits such as uniform flowering time, compact calyx development, and resilience to moderate environmental swings. For growers, that translates to fewer surprises in the canopy and a smoother path to consistent quality.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding Notes
The breeder has not publicly released the precise parentage of Koh-I-Nor, which is not uncommon for legacy European houses with proprietary lines. What is disclosed is that it is an indica-sativa hybrid, and practical observations match that description. The plant commonly shows medium internode spacing, balanced apical dominance, and a flowering window in the 8 to 10 week range, all consistent with a modern hybrid architecture.
When official lineage is confidential, cultivators look to phenotype behavior to infer genetic influence. Koh-I-Nor tends to stack calyxes cleanly with moderate lateral branching, a trait often linked to indica influence, while still maintaining stretch and vigor reminiscent of sativa-forward parents. This combination supports training techniques like topping and screen-of-green without excessive larf.
Grow reports note a stable frame that supports dense flowers with adequate airflow when defoliated modestly. In many balanced hybrids, the stretch multiplier lands around 1.5 to 2.0 times after flip; Koh-I-Nor appears to fall in that corridor, enabling precise canopy planning. These features suggest careful selection for structure and finish time rather than chasing extreme traits.
Botanical Appearance and Morphology
Koh-I-Nor plants generally present medium height with a symmetrical, Christmas-tree silhouette when left untopped, or a broad, even table under low-stress training. Internode spacing is moderate, often around 5 to 8 centimeters under high-intensity lighting, supporting dense cola formation without inviting excessive microclimate humidity. Fan leaves are moderately broad, with serration and leaf finger count indicating a balanced hybrid expression rather than a deep indica or lanky sativa.
During late bloom, flowers exhibit tight calyx stacking with a clear calyx-to-leaf ratio advantage, easing post-harvest trim. Trichome coverage tends to be generous, with a frosty sheen that justifies the diamond-inspired name. Under optimal conditions, stigmas mature from cream to amber-orange while bracts take on lime-to-forest green tones that can flash lavender in cooler night temperatures, typically below 18 Celsius late in bloom.
Stem rigidity is notable, providing good natural support for mid-density to heavy colas. Nonetheless, trellising with a single net or thoughtful bamboo staking keeps weight evenly distributed, reducing stem torsion during late flower when water content and resin mass are highest. Overall, the cultivar looks bred for clean indoor lines and a manageable defoliation schedule.
Aroma and Bouquet
Aroma leans layered and refined, often described as crystalline citrus over a foundation of earth and spice. Expect top notes of lemon zest and white grapefruit, suggestive of limonene and possibly ocimene, supported by warm pepper from beta-caryophyllene. A faint sweet-herbal undertone reminiscent of fresh basil or green tea sometimes appears, reflecting minor monoterpenes.
As flowers cure, the bouquet deepens into more complex resin, with hints of cedar, dried orange peel, and a cool, mint-adjacent freshness. This shift is common as monoterpenes volatilize and sesquiterpenes become more pronounced in the jar. When properly cured at 60 to 62 percent relative humidity, the nose stays bright while the base notes knit into a cohesive profile.
Compared to loud, dessert-forward cultivars, Koh-I-Nor reads as elegant rather than cloying. It avoids the heavy fuel tones of some modern lines, making it appealing to those who prefer clarity and cleanliness in the bouquet. In mixed storage, its citrus-spice top notes remain distinct without overpowering neighboring jars.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
On inhalation, Koh-I-Nor typically delivers a precise citrus snap followed by peppered herbal tones. The top-end brightness suggests limonene activity, while the mid-palate warmth aligns with beta-caryophyllene and humulene. Exhalation often carries a dry cedar finish with a gentle mint-camphor coolness, creating a crisp, diamond-cut perception.
Mouthfeel trends smooth, especially when dried slowly over 10 to 14 days at approximately 16 to 18 Celsius and 58 to 62 percent relative humidity. The cultivar responds well to a gentle cure that preserves monoterpenes; harshness rises if dried too fast or cured below 55 percent RH. In water hash or rosin, the citrus-pepper profile concentrates cleanly, with solventless extractions often accentuating the zesty component.
For vaporization at 175 to 200 Celsius, expect a long arc of flavor with less acrid bow-out compared to higher-temperature sessions. The first three draws often emphasize citrus and sweet herb, while later pulls reveal wood and spice. With combusted flower, a white to light-gray ash indicates optimal flush and dry, maintaining the elegant palate the strain is known for.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Without widely published lab panels specific to Koh-I-Nor, potency expectations are best set using hybrid benchmarks and grower reports. In mature legal markets, lab-tested hybrid flowers commonly register total THC between 18 and 24 percent by dry weight, with outliers both below and above. CBD levels in such lines usually land under 1 percent unless explicitly bred for dual chemotypes.
Applying those benchmarks, a typical Koh-I-Nor harvest would reasonably test in the high teens to low 20s for THC, with total cannabinoids often in the 20 to 28 percent range when minor cannabinoids are included. The total terpene content in well-grown flower frequently falls between 1.5 and 2.5 percent by weight, which strongly influences perceived potency and effect dynamics. Even without extreme THC percentages, terpene-rich flower can feel notably strong due to pharmacodynamic synergy.
For dosing perspective, a 0.3 gram joint of 20 percent THC flower contains roughly 60 milligrams of THC. Inhaled THC onset is usually felt within 1 to 5 minutes, with peak effects around 15 to 30 minutes and a total duration of 2 to 4 hours depending on tolerance and metabolism. Consumers sensitive to THC should start with small inhalations, wait several minutes, and titrate slowly to avoid overshooting the desired effect window.
Terpene Profile and Minor Aromatics
While exact ratios vary by phenotype and grow style, the terpene spine for Koh-I-Nor often centers on limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and humulene, supported by myrcene and linalool in smaller amounts. In typical hybrid flower, limonene commonly appears around 0.3 to 0.8 percent by weight, with beta-caryophyllene around 0.2 to 0.6 percent, and humulene 0.1 to 0.4 percent. Total terpene content around 1.5 to 2.5 percent aligns with the bright yet not overpowering bouquet reported by growers.
Limonene contributes the citrus lift and perceived mood brightening, while beta-caryophyllene adds pepper and may engage CB2 receptors as an atypical dietary cannabinoid. Humulene provides woody, dry spice notes and can moderate the sweetness of limonene, keeping the profile crisp rather than candied. Myrcene and linalool, when present, add gentle relaxation and floral-soft edges to the experience.
Minor contributors like ocimene, alpha-pinene, and nerolidol may appear in trace to modest amounts depending on environment and cure. Ocimene can boost the green, herbal aspect, pinene can clarify the nose with pine-fresh coolness, and nerolidol lends a subtle tea-like depth. The resulting matrix reads refined and layered rather than singular or syrupy.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
Koh-I-Nor’s hybrid nature expresses as a composed arc that starts with a clear, citrus-forward lift and settles into calm body ease. Early minutes often feel mentally bright and socially flexible, making it approachable for daytime or early evening when dosed conservatively. As the session matures, muscle tension and background stress tend to soften without a heavy couchlock slam.
Users with moderate tolerance describe focus and mood elevation suitable for light creative work, walks, and conversation. At higher doses, the body effect deepens, and productivity may give way to relaxation and sensory appreciation, especially with music or film. The finish is typically smooth and tapering, with less abrupt drop-off than more sedative cultivars.
Side effects mirror general THC responses: dry mouth, dry eyes, and occasional transient anxiety when overconsumed. Hydration and measured pacing reduce these issues for most users. Those sensitive to limonene-forward strains should sample modestly to ensure the bright headspace is comfortable.
In mixed group settings, Koh-I-Nor tends to harmonize well because it does not skew fully sedative or intensely racy. It can bridge preferences between indica-leaning and sativa-leaning fans by occupying a stable center. That balance is part of its appeal and fits the polished, diamond-referencing brand of the cultivar.
Potential Medical Applications
As a balanced hybrid with citrus and spice terpenes, Koh-I-Nor can be considered by adult patients seeking mood support and moderate physical ease. Limonene-dominant profiles are often associated with uplifted affect, while beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity is of interest in preclinical work related to inflammatory modulation. Humulene and myrcene may contribute to perceived body relaxation and appetite modulation in a subset of users.
Patients commonly report use cases that include daytime stress, mild to moderate pain, and tension headaches, provided dosing is adjusted to avoid sedation. Inhalation can deliver relief within minutes, which is useful for breakthrough symptoms; vaporization at lower temperatures helps preserve monoterpenes that contribute to the bright, clarifying effect. For evening relief, slightly higher doses may augment body relaxation without necessarily tipping into heavy sedation.
It bears noting that individual response varies significantly by tolerance, metabolism, and set and setting. People prone to THC-related anxiety should start with small inhalations or consider balanced formulations that include CBD. This information is educational and not medical advice; patients should consult qualified healthcare professionals, especially when using cannabis alongside other medications.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Environment, Feeding, Training, and Harvest
Koh-I-Nor behaves like a modern, cooperative hybrid in the garden, responding well to topping, low-stress training, and moderate defoliation. The stretch after flip often lands near 1.5 to 2.0 times, enabling a flat, uniform canopy under a single screen. Plan for 8 to 10 weeks of flowering from the flip-to-12-12 marker, with most phenotypes finishing closer to week 9 under optimal conditions.
Environmentally, aim for 24 to 28 Celsius in vegetative growth with 55 to 65 percent relative humidity, trending toward 22 to 26 Celsius and 40 to 55 percent RH in bloom. Manage vapor pressure deficit around 0.9 to 1.2 kPa during veg and 1.2 to 1.6 kPa in flower to balance transpiration and pathogen pressure. Nighttime temperature drops of 3 to 5 Celsius help maintain internode control and can subtly enhance color and resin density late in bloom.
Light intensity in veg can target 400 to 600 micromoles per square meter per second with an 18-6 or 20-4 photoperiod. In flower, increase to 700 to 1,000 micromoles per square meter per second for photoperiod plants, pushing up to 1,200 micromoles if CO2 enrichment is used. A daily light integral of roughly 45 to 60 mol per square meter per day supports dense bud set without light stress when airflow, nutrition, and irrigation are dialed.
In soil or soilless mixes, maintain pH between 6.2 and 6.8; in coco or hydroponics, keep pH close to 5.8 to 6.2. Electrical conductivity for seedlings and early veg can sit around 0.6 to 0.9 mS per cm, rising to 1.2 to 1.8 mS per cm in late veg and 1.6 to 2.2 mS per cm during peak bloom. Calcium and magnesium supplementation is often helpful under LED arrays, with target elemental ratios ensuring at least 120 to 150 ppm calcium and 40 to 60 ppm magnesium during mid-late flower.
Nutritionally, begin with a nitrogen-forward profile in veg, then taper nitrogen and increase phosphorus and potassium through weeks 3 to 7 of flower. Silica at 30 to 50 ppm during veg and early bloom can stiffen stems and improve abiotic stress resilience. Amino acid chelates and small doses of fulvic acids improve micronutrient uptake in coco-based systems.
Koh-I-Nor’s architecture supports topping above the fourth or fifth node, followed by lateral tie-downs to widen the canopy. A single trellis layer at 15 to 25 centimeters above the main canopy will hold tops in the high-intensity light zone. Conduct a light defoliation at the end of week 3 of flower to improve airflow and prioritize top sites, then another gentle cleanup around week 6 if needed.
Irrigation frequency depends on media, but as a rule, allow 10 to 15 percent runoff in coco systems to prevent salt accumulation, watering to full saturation once to several times daily depending on pot volume. In living soil, water by weight and feel, keeping moisture consistent and avoiding rapid swings that can trigger calcium lockout and blossom-end burn. Automated systems should be tuned to short, more frequent pulses in coco, while soil does better with deeper, less frequent irrigations.
Pest and disease management starts with prevention. Keep intake air filtered and maintain strong, laminar airflow around and through the canopy, ensuring 20 to 40 air exchanges per hour in sealed rooms. Sticky traps and weekly scouting under leaf surfaces target thrips, fungus gnats, and spider mites; biological controls like predatory mites and nematodes can maintain low pest pressure without heavy sprays.
Because Koh-I-Nor builds dense, resinous flowers, botrytis and powdery mildew must be proactively controlled late in bloom. Maintain leaf-surface temperature close to ambient air, avoid wet leaves in late flower, and steer night RH under 55 percent. A clean-up defoliation to remove interior popcorn sites reduces microclimates where pathogens can take hold.
Monitor maturity through trichomes rather than calendar alone. For a balanced effect, many growers harvest around 5 to 15 percent amber trichomes with the rest cloudy; for a slightly more sedative result, wait until 15 to 25 percent amber. Pistil coloration and calyx swell are supportive indicators but should not override trichome observation.
Pre-harvest flush strategies depend on media and nutrition style. In mineral-fed coco, a 7 to 10 day period of reduced EC with balanced calcium and magnesium often enhances burn quality and flavor. In living soil, a gentle taper rather than an aggressive flush maintains microbial balance while encouraging the plant to use internal nutrient stores for a clean finish.
Dry the harvest at approximately 16 to 18 Celsius and 58 to 62 percent relative humidity in darkness with steady airflow that does not directly hit the flowers. Target a 10 to 14 day dry until small stems snap cleanly and larger stems bend with a fibrous crack. Cure in airtight containers with 62 percent humidity packs if needed, burping daily for the first week, then every few days for the next two to three weeks.
Yield potential depends on environment and training, but balanced hybrids under optimized LEDs and CO2 can reliably reach 500 to 650 grams per square meter, with experienced growers pushing higher. Outdoors in favorable climates with full sun and ample root volume, single plants can exceed 500 grams, with 700 to 1,000 grams achievable in large beds or 50-plus liter containers. Quality, however, should supersede raw yield; Koh-I-Nor’s value lies in its refined resin and clean aromatics.
Post-cure, store at stable temperature around 15 to 20 Celsius and 55 to 62 percent RH to preserve terpenes. Avoid frequent temperature swings and oxygen exposure, which accelerate terpene loss. Properly stored, the bouquet remains vivid for several months, with the first 60 to 90 days representing the flavor peak for most batches.
