Origins and Historical Context of Kompolti
Kompolti is a storied industrial hemp cultivar that traces its name to Kompolt, a village in northern Hungary that became a hub for fiber-crop research in the 20th century. Developed through systematic selection from local sativa-type germplasm, Kompolti was refined for tall stature, strong fiber, and stable flowering under Central European day lengths. By the late 1960s and 1970s, it had earned a reputation as a reliable, high-biomass variety suited to continental climates with warm summers and long days.
Because records span multiple institutions and decades, some modern strain databases summarize its origin as bred by an unknown or legendary source. That shorthand reflects how broadly the variety circulated rather than a lack of historic foundation. In practical terms, Kompolti’s long field pedigree has made it a reference cultivar across Eastern and Central Europe, particularly for dual-use fiber and biomass.
The cultivar’s prominence coincided with Europe’s hemp revival in the late 1990s and 2000s. As EU hemp plantings rose from roughly 15,000–20,000 hectares in the early 2000s to more than 50,000 hectares by the early 2020s, Kompolti and its relatives figured prominently in trials and commercial fields. Its adaptability to different soil types and predictable height made it attractive to growers rebuilding supply chains for fiber, hurd, and extractable biomass.
Regulatory frameworks also shaped Kompolti’s role. For much of the 2010s, EU subsidy rules capped compliant hemp at less than 0.2 percent total THC; many Kompolti seed lots were selected to reliably test under this threshold. As of 2023, the EU support limit shifted to 0.3 percent THC, but producers still prefer seed lines that comfortably test in the 0.1–0.2 percent range to avoid compliance risk.
Although today’s consumer market often associates strain names with artisan cannabis, Kompolti’s identity is anchored in agronomy. It is best understood as an industrial hemp standard, not a boutique THC cultivar. Its influence persists through derived selections and related hybrids, including monoecious forms tailored for seed production and mechanized harvests.
Genetic Lineage and Taxonomy
Genetically, Kompolti represents a predominantly sativa heritage, consistent with tall, photoperiod-sensitive plants adapted to long summer days. Hemp breeding programs historically favored sativa-type phenotypes for fiber, emphasizing rapid vertical growth, narrow leaflets, and long internodes. The genetic base likely includes Central and Eastern European landrace material that responded well to selection for stem biomass and uniform flowering windows.
Kompolti has been released in both dioecious forms and related monoecious derivatives, the latter often labeled as hybrid or TC selections for seed uniformity. Dioecious Kompolti fields typically show a natural mix of male and female plants, while monoecious versions place both sexes on the same plant to reduce pollen contamination scheduling and simplify harvest planning. Commercially, growers choose the form based on whether they are prioritizing fiber, seed, or cannabinoid-rich inflorescences.
Botanically, Kompolti is Cannabis sativa L. with a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 20, like other cannabis cultivars. It is an obligate outcrosser, and field-grown populations can display moderate phenotypic variability if isolation distances are not maintained. For consistent cannabinoid compliance and agronomic traits, certified seed from properly maintained breeder lines remains essential.
Chemotype-wise, Kompolti fits the CBD-dominant hemp profile with negligible THC biosynthesis. In standardized tests, CBDa typically accounts for the majority of acidic cannabinoids before decarboxylation, while THCa remains low to trace. This chemistry aligns with the variety’s industrial classification and compliance track record.
Morphology and Appearance
In the field, Kompolti plants are strikingly tall, commonly reaching 2.0–4.0 meters by late season under optimal fertility and moisture. Stems are erect with long internodes, and stem diameters of 10–25 millimeters at mid-height are typical in fiber plantings. Leaves are narrow-lanceolate with 7–11 leaflets on vigorous plants, and canopy color trends toward medium to deep green.
Male plants display lighter, feathery panicles during anthesis, while females carry longer, more branched inflorescences with airy, open bract clusters. Compared with boutique drug-type cannabis, Kompolti’s female flowers are less compact, a trait that improves airflow and reduces mold risk in humid late seasons. Trichome coverage is moderate rather than heavy, consistent with hemp bred primarily for biomass or fiber.
In controlled environments, Kompolti shows pronounced stretch in early flowering, often elongating 150–250 percent over pre-flower height. Internodes remain relatively long, and without training or height management, plants can outgrow low ceilings. Mature stems develop a strong bast fiber ring, which is evident when splitting stalks during retting or post-harvest processing.
Root systems are vigorous, with a central taproot and dense lateral branching that benefits from deep, well-aerated soils. Under compaction, plants may show reduced height and thinner stems, making soil structure a key yield determinant. Overall architecture reflects decades of selection for fiber length and total above-ground biomass rather than compact flowering tops.
Aroma and Sensory Profile
Kompolti’s aroma is classic hemp: herbal, grassy, and lightly spicy with notes of pepper, pine, and dried hay. On close inspection, many lots include a subtle citrus zest and green tea nuance, especially in freshly dried material. The fragrance is usually medium intensity rather than overpowering, and it becomes more pronounced when flowers are gently broken up.
Terpene analyses of CBD-dominant hemp often place total terpene content between 0.5 and 2.0 percent of dry flower mass, and Kompolti typically falls within this range. Common dominant terpenes include beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, humulene, and alpha-pinene, which together establish the peppery, woody, and resinous profile. Depending on environment and post-harvest handling, terpinolene and limonene can add brighter top notes.
Cure quality has an outsized effect on the nose. A slow dry at 15–18 C with 55–60 percent relative humidity helps retain monoterpenes and prevent the flattening hay note that follows too-warm, rapid drying. Well-cured Kompolti retains a clean, slightly peppered woodland aroma with a mild sweet herbal finish.
Flavor and Palate
Flavor mirrors the aroma, emphasizing earthy, woody, and herbal tones with a gentle pepper kick on the exhale. Vaporization around 180–190 C tends to highlight pinene and limonene, adding a crisp pine-citrus edge. At higher temperatures near 200–205 C, the profile deepens into caryophyllene and humulene, enhancing spice and dried-hop elements.
Combustion leans drier and more tea-like, reflecting the cultivar’s open-flower morphology and lower resin density compared with boutique THC cultivars. When cured correctly, aftertaste is clean with faint bitterness consistent with green plant phenolics. Many users describe Kompolti as straightforward and functional rather than confectionary or dessert-like.
Because it is often grown at scale for extraction, some consumers primarily experience Kompolti via CBD-rich oils rather than smoked or vaporized flower. In extracts, the peppery caryophyllene signature persists, while brightness from monoterpenes can soften depending on the extraction and post-processing steps. Full-spectrum extracts that preserve 0.5–1.5 percent terpenes tend to best capture the cultivar’s character.
Cannabinoid Chemistry and Ratios
Kompolti is a CBD-dominant hemp cultivar with total THC levels bred to remain within legal thresholds. Field tests from compliant seed lots commonly report 2.0–6.0 percent CBD by dry weight at harvest, with total THC in the 0.1–0.25 percent range. In cooler or higher-latitude environments that delay maturation, CBD may land near 2–3 percent, while warmer sites with longer seasons can approach the upper end of the range.
Pre-decarboxylation, CBDA frequently accounts for 70–90 percent of total measured cannabinoids in the flower fraction. After decarb, total CBD reflects CBDA conversion at the standard factor of 0.877, and typical finished flower or extract testing shows 20:1 to 40:1 CBD to THC ratios. Minor cannabinoids are present in small amounts, with CBGA and CBG together often totaling 0.1–1.0 percent and CBC ranging 0.05–0.3 percent.
Growers should monitor the well-known THC creep phenomenon near the end of flowering. As plants continue ripening, total THC can edge upward even when CBD plateaus, nudging borderline lots over 0.3 percent. Sampling at 5–7 weeks after floral initiation and again at 7–9 weeks helps lock in a safe harvest window.
In biomass destined for extraction, stalk and leaf dilution lowers apparent cannabinoid concentration versus trimmed flower. Whole-plant dry biomass often tests at 0.5–2.5 percent CBD, depending on cultivar expression and harvest timing. For planning, a field yielding 1.2 tons per hectare of dry inflorescences at 4 percent CBD roughly equates to 48 kilograms of CBD per hectare prior to extraction efficiency losses.
Terpene Profile and Aromatic Compounds
Kompolti’s terpene spectrum typically centers on beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, alpha-pinene, and humulene, with supportive amounts of terpinolene and limonene. In well-grown flower, beta-caryophyllene can land around 0.2–0.6 percent by dry weight, myrcene around 0.15–0.50 percent, alpha-pinene 0.05–0.20 percent, and humulene 0.05–0.15 percent. Limonene and terpinolene often show at 0.03–0.12 percent each, while linalool, ocimene, and nerolidol appear in trace ranges.
Beta-caryophyllene is notable as a dietary terpene that directly activates CB2 receptors, providing a plausible mechanistic link to perceived anti-inflammatory effects. Myrcene is frequently associated with earthy, musky aromas and potential sedative synergy, although human data remain mixed. Alpha-pinene contributes the crisp pine character and has been studied for bronchodilatory and alertness-supporting properties.
Total terpene content is influenced strongly by environment and post-harvest care. Under hot, fast drying, total terpene retention can fall below 0.5 percent, muting complexity and emphasizing grassy tones. In contrast, slow-curing protocols can preserve 1.0–1.5 percent total terpenes, elevating pepper, pine, and gentle citrus.
Because Kompolti is often grown for extraction, terpene preservation strategies matter. Cold ethanol or hydrocarbon extraction with subsequent low-temperature solvent recovery tends to retain a higher fraction of monoterpenes compared with supercritical CO2 runs without a terpene trap. Many processors reconstitute native terpenes into distillate or formulate broad-spectrum oils targeting 0.5–1.0 percent terpene content to restore the cultivar’s sensory fingerprint.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
With its CBD-led chemistry and very low THC, Kompolti is non-intoxicating for most users at customary doses. Consumers commonly report a clear-headed calm with light muscle relaxation and minimal change in sensory perception. The overall feel is functional, making it suitable for daytime use when sedation would be a drawback.
Inhalation effects typically begin within 1–5 minutes, peak by 15–30 minutes, and taper over 1–3 hours. For orally ingested oils or edibles, onset is slower at 30–120 minutes with a longer 4–6 hour duration. Many users find 15–50 milligrams of CBD from Kompolti-derived products adequate for baseline composure, while others choose 50–100 milligrams for stronger relief; individual response varies widely.
Adverse effects are uncommon at typical CBD dominant doses and are generally mild when present. Dry mouth and transient gastrointestinal discomfort are the most frequent complaints, and drowsiness can appear at higher doses. Because THC levels are low, anxiety and racing thoughts associated with THC-rich strains are unlikely, but sensitive individuals should still start low and go slow.
Some users pair Kompolti with caffeine or light exercise to capitalize on its calm-but-alert profile. Others reserve it for evening decompression, particularly when the batch leans myrcene-forward and feels more relaxing. As always, route of administration, dosage, and personal physiology shape the experience.
Potential Therapeutic Applications
Kompolti’s CBD-forward profile aligns with a growing body of research into cannabidiol’s potential therapeutic roles. Rigorous evidence supports CBD’s use in certain seizure disorders, where approved dosing ranges 10–20 mg per kg body weight per day in clinical settings. While Kompolti is not a pharmaceutical product, CBD derived from compliant hemp, including Kompolti, can contribute to over-the-counter formulations used by consumers seeking similar pathways.
Human studies have also explored CBD for anxiety, with some trials noting reduced anxiety at single doses around 300–600 milligrams in acute stress paradigms. For pain and inflammation, preclinical and early clinical data suggest CBD’s modulatory role on inflammatory mediators, and beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 agonism may add complementary effects. Observational reports from users of CBD-dominant hemp cite benefits for stress, sleep onset, and recovery from exertion, though quality and dosing vary.
In respiratory contexts, alpha-pinene’s bronchodilatory potential and alertness association are intriguing, especially in vaporized formats. Myrcene and humulene have been studied for analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical models, forming a plausible entourage hypothesis. However, robust, strain-specific clinical trials remain limited, and variability between batches can influence outcomes.
Consumers should consult healthcare professionals when using CBD alongside prescription medications, as cannabidiol can inhibit certain cytochrome P450 enzymes and alter drug levels. Starting with low doses and titrating slowly is a practical way to assess individual response. Documenting dose, timing, and effects in a simple log helps identify personal optimal ranges.
Cultivation Guide: Climate, Day Length, and Site Selection
Kompolti performs best in temperate to warm temperate climates with frost-free periods of 140–170 days. As a long-day, photoperiod-sensitive hemp, it builds vegetative biomass rapidly when day length exceeds roughly 14 hours and transitions to flowering as days shorten after the summer solstice. In latitudes 45–55 degrees N, flowering generally initiates from late July to mid-August and runs 6–10 weeks depending on temperature and moisture.
Optimal daytime temperatures are 22–28 C during vegetative growth and 20–26 C during flowering. Night temperatures of 16–20 C support steady metabolism without excessive respiration. Heat above 32 C can slow growth unless ample soil moisture is maintained, while prolonged cold below 10 C at establishment reduces stand vigor and final height.
Choose deep, well-drained loam or silt loam soils with pH 6.0–7.5 and good cation exchange capacity. Avoid heavy clays prone to waterlogging; hemp is sensitive to saturated conditions and may show root disease or stunting. Good field selection alone can add 10–20 percent to biomass yield compared with marginal ground.
Hemp’s salt tolerance is modest; electrical conductivity above 2.5 dS per meter can impede early growth. Soil testing before planting allows calibration of fertility and highlights any lime or gypsum needs. A flat, obstruction-free field eases mechanized sowing and harvest, especially in high-density fiber or biomass plantings.
Cultivation Guide: Propagation, Planting Density, and Canopy Management
Kompolti is commonly direct-seeded for fiber and biomass at high densities that favor tall, slender stems. For pure fiber, seeding rates of 70–90 kilograms per hectare often produce 200–300 plants per square meter, driving vertical growth and fine fiber quality. For dual-purpose or flower biomass where larger inflorescences are desired, lower densities of 10–30 plants per square meter help widen branching and increase flower mass.
When grown specifically for CBD-rich flowers in jurisdictions that allow it, many producers use transplants at 3,000–8,000 plants per hectare, roughly 1–3 plants per square meter. This spacing supports larger, more accessible inflorescences and simplifies compliance scouting. Note that dioecious Kompolti will produce males; growers targeting unseeded flowers must rogue males early or consider monoecious lines appropriately managed.
Plant shallow at 2–3 centimeters depth in fine, warm seedbeds; emergence generally occurs within 4–8 days when soil temperatures are 12–18 C. A uniform stand by day 10 correlates strongly with final yield, making planter calibration and seed quality paramount. Where soil crusting is common, a light rolling or timely irrigation can aid emergence.
Kompolti stretches vigorously after canopy closure, with rapid height gains in weeks 3–7 post-emergence. For indoor or greenhouse adaptations, topping once at the sixth to eighth node can restrain apical dominance, but many industrial growers avoid topping due to labor costs. Trellising is rarely needed outdoors; indoors, a single layer of netting can stabilize tall stems during late stretch.
Cultivation Guide: Nutrition, Irrigation, and Environmental Controls
Nutrient needs scale with target use. For fiber-dominant production, 100–150 kilograms per hectare of nitrogen, 60–100 kilograms per hectare of P2O5, and 120–180 kilograms per hectare of K2O are common starting points depending on soil tests and organic matter. Excess nitrogen late in the season can delay flowering and increase lodging risk, so many growers front-load N before canopy closure.
For CBD flower biomass at lower density, nutrition resembles high-yielding broadleaf crops with a balanced NPK plan and emphasis on calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Tissue testing at 3–5 weeks after emergence helps fine-tune side-dressings and correct micronutrient issues like zinc or boron deficiencies. Kompolti responds well to sulfur at 15–30 kilograms per hectare to support terpene and protein synthesis.
Irrigation needs vary with climate and soil, but evapotranspiration rates during peak vegetative growth can reach 4–6 millimeters per day. Total water requirements of 400–600 millimeters per season are typical for strong biomass yields in warm regions. Drip or low-pressure systems help manage water efficiently in flower plantings, whereas many fiber fields rely on rainfall.
In controlled environments, maintain day temps of 24–28 C and nights of 18–22 C, with relative humidity of 55–65 percent in vegetative and 40–55 percent in late flower to limit Botrytis risk. Target 400–600 micromoles per square meter per second PPFD in veg and 700–1000 micromoles in flower, with a daily light integral of 35–45 mol per square meter for robust growth. Supplemental CO2 at 800–1200 ppm during the light period can improve biomass by 10–25 percent if other factors are optimized.
Cultivation Guide: Integrated Pest and Disease Management
Kompolti’s open floral structure provides some natural airflow, but integrated pest management is still essential. Common pests include aphids, hemp russet mites, spider mites, and caterpillars such as corn borers and budworms. Regular scouting on a 5–7 day interval during fast growth catches hotspots before they balloon.
Biological controls can be effective when released preventatively. Predatory mites such as Neoseiulus californicus and Phytoseiulus persimilis help suppress spider mites, while Orius insidiosus and green lacewings target aphids and thrips. Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki offers a selective tool against caterpillars during pre-flower and early flower windows.
Fungal threats include Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium species, and Sclerotinia, particularly in wet late seasons or on heavy soils. Cultural practices like proper spacing, nitrogen moderation, and timely harvest reduce disease pressure, as does maintaining RH below 55 percent in controlled environments late in flower. Biostimulants and biological fungicides such as Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma formulations can provide an added buffer, especially when applied before forecasted wet periods.
Weed management is largely front-loaded. A clean seedbed, rapid canopy closure, and mulches or cover crop residues suppress early weeds, cutting labor later. Because Kompolti can grow 5–10 centimeters per day during peak elongation, it quickly shades out late-emerging competitors once established.
Cultivation Guide: Flowering, Harvest Timing, Compliance, and Post-Harvest Handling
Flowering in Kompolti typically lasts 6–10 weeks depending on latitude, temperature, and plant density. For fiber, many growers cut at early flowering when fibers are strong and lignification is moderate, yielding long bast fibers with good tensile properties. For CBD biomass, harvest usually falls when CBD concentration plateaus but before THC approaches the compliance ceiling.
Compliance sampling follows jurisdictional rules but commonly occurs 2–3 weeks after flower initiation and again as harvest nears. Total THC is often calculated as THC plus 0.877 times THCa, so even modest increases in THCa near maturity can affect the result. Growers often target harvest when CBD is at or near maximum and total THC remains safely below 0.3 percent to create a compliance buffer.
For fiber, traditional field retting takes 2–3 weeks under favorable conditions, with straw turned once or twice to ensure even microbial action. Ideal retting yields straw that pulls cleanly and shows a golden tan color with a slight flax-like scent. Excessive retting weakens fiber, while under-retting complicates decortication and reduces fiber quality grades.
For flower, cut during cool morning hours and handle gently to minimize shatter and terpene loss. Dry at 15–18 C with 55–60 percent RH and steady airflow for 10–14 days until stems snap rather than bend and moisture content reaches 10–12 percent. Cure in sealed containers with periodic burping for 2–3 weeks; stable water activity around 0.55–0.62 preserves aroma and deters microbial growth.
Yields vary with system and goals. Fiber systems often deliver 8–15 tons per hectare of dry stalk, translating to roughly 2.5–4.5 tons per hectare of bast fiber after decortication. Flower-focused plantings can reach 0.5–2.0 tons per hectare of dry inflorescences, with CBD content commonly 2–5 percent in trimmed material from Kompolti lines optimized for compliance.
Appearance and Sensory Distinctions Versus Drug-Type Sativas
Although Kompolti shares a mostly sativa heritage with many drug-type strains, its selection history led to distinct visual and sensory differences. Its flowers are looser and less resin-dense, a practical adaptation for air movement and reduced botrytis risk in large field stands. The plant’s silhouette is spear-like with long internodes, optimized for fiber and bulk biomass rather than dense colas.
On the nose, Kompolti presents a restrained, herb-wood profile with pepper and pine rather than confectionary or tropical fruit notes common in modern dispensary sativas. Total terpene levels are typically lower than in small-batch, THC-rich cultivars bred specifically for intense aroma. Flavor trends toward tea-like dryness with a clean finish, reflecting its agronomic rather than boutique pedigree.
Visually, stems are thicker relative to inflorescence mass, and the bast fiber ring is prominent when stalks are split. Leaves are narrow and numerous during rapid vegetative growth, forming a dense photosynthetic engine for height gains. Even into late season, Kompolti retains an airy canopy that facilitates machine movement and drying in the field.
Breeder Attribution and the Unknown or Legendary Note
In popular strain databases, Kompolti is sometimes listed as bred by Unknown or Legendary, a nod to its long history and widespread adoption rather than a literal absence of origin. Historically, development is associated with the research tradition centered around Kompolt, Hungary, where fiber-crop selection and agronomy produced reliable hemp cultivars. As seed moved between institutes and across borders, public-facing attribution blurred, leading to the shorthand seen today.
This ambiguity does not detract from the cultivar’s documented performance in variety trials and commercial plantings across Europe. Its agronomic traits have been measured, compared, and refined for decades, placing it among the better-characterized hemp types. For growers and processors, practical provenance is less critical than certified seed integrity and consistent compliance under local regulations.
While boutique cannabis culture often prizes a single named breeder or house, industrial hemp lines like Kompolti are better thought of as living agricultural standards. They evolve incrementally through breeder seed maintenance, rogueing, and environmental adaptation. That ongoing stewardship explains both the continuity and subtle differences observed among Kompolti seed lots sourced from different providers.
Market Uses, Yield Benchmarks, and Processing Notes
Kompolti’s versatility supports several value streams: fiber, hurd, seed, and cannabinoid-rich biomass for extraction. In fiber-first systems, dry stalk yields of 8–15 tons per hectare are common, and bast fiber recovery of 25–35 percent yields 2.0–5.0 tons per hectare of usable fiber depending on retting and decortication efficiency. Fiber quality suits textiles, biocomposites, and specialty papers where long fiber length and strength are valued.
For seed or dual-purpose production using monoecious relatives, typical seed yields range 500–1,500 kilograms per hectare. Oil content in hempseed averages 30–35 percent, translating to 150–525 kilograms of oil per hectare at those yields, with protein-rich cake as a co-product. Seed harvest timing is critical to limit shattering and preserve germination if seed is destined for planting.
In CBD biomass arrangements, trimmed flower yields of 0.5–2.0 tons per hectare at 2–5 percent CBD translate to 10–100 kilograms of CBD per hectare before extraction losses. Extraction recovery varies by method, commonly 60–85 percent of available cannabinoids for ethanol and hydrocarbon systems and 50–75 percent for CO2 without terpene-focused capture. Winterization and careful solvent recovery protect flavor and minor components that help differentiate full-spectrum products.
From a processing standpoint, Kompolti’s lower resin density compared with boutique drug types means more plant mass is handled per unit of cannabinoid gained. Efficient bucking, milling to uniform particle size, and moisture control at 10–12 percent are crucial for consistent extraction. For fiber operations, modern decortication lines benefit from uniform stalk length and retting consistency, both of which are achievable with Kompolti in well-managed fields.
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