Written by Ad OpsHistory and Nomenclature
Mai Tai is a modern hybrid whose name evokes the iconic tropical cocktail, and it has become a recognizable label on dispensary menus and seed catalogs across North America. The version addressed in this article was bred by Sterquiliniis Seed Supply and is described with a ruderalis, indica, and sativa heritage. That tri-part description strongly suggests an autoflowering foundation paired with classic broadleaf and narrowleaf cannabis genetics. As with many cocktail-themed cultivars, the branding signals a fruit-forward, sunny profile designed for broad appeal.
The Mai Tai name is not exclusive to a single breeder, and that has created occasional confusion for consumers and reviewers. For instance, a House of Dankness menu listed a Mai Tai full bud ounce by Rare Dankness at 22.3 percent THC, showing how the same moniker appears under different breeder umbrellas. Leafly’s product editorial around 2023 also referenced Mai Tai Cookies in a roundup of balanced THC and CBD products, again demonstrating multiple, name-adjacent cultivars circulating at once. Some online strain pages even note Mai Tai as an alias Mai Thai, reflecting how spelling variants spread over time.
Database cross-references add to the story. Algorithmic similarity tools that compare terpenes and effects have surfaced Mai Tai in the neighborhood of classic hybrids like Four Way, implying a shared or analogous terpene signature. Meanwhile, separate lines exist under related names, such as Spiked Mai Tai from Jungle Boys, which is documented as a different cross entirely. Even certain legacy sativa references like Maui Wowie show “child” associations to Mai Tai in some listings, underscoring how multiple projects and cuts can get co-labeled under a popular, evocative name.
Despite the nomenclature tangle across the broader market, the Sterquiliniis Seed Supply entry stands apart for growers who want a ruderalis-inclusive hybrid with a distinct tropical aroma. Its positioning fits a wider trend that prizes fast turnaround, friendly effects, and bright fruit terpenes. The result is a cultivar that merges practical cultivation traits with a flavor profile tailored to modern consumer preferences. For clarity, this article tracks the Sterquiliniis-backed Mai Tai while noting where marketplace data intersects or diverges.
Genetic Lineage
Sterquiliniis Seed Supply identifies Mai Tai’s heritage as ruderalis, indica, and sativa, which in practice typically indicates an autoflowering backbone. Ruderalis genetics are introduced primarily to enable daylength-independent flowering, letting plants initiate bloom on age, not photoperiod. That trait shortens the overall crop cycle and allows multiple outdoor runs in a single season at many latitudes. It also makes the strain accessible for growers who cannot easily manage 12/12 light schedules.
While individual parental cultivars have not been publicly disclosed, the name and reported flavor suggest fruit-forward ancestry commonly associated with citrus, tropical, and candy notes. Breeders often use lines rich in limonene, myrcene, and caryophyllene to build this type of profile, and then stabilize for vigor and predictable growth. In mixed ruderalis crosses, the indica fraction tends to add body density and resin coverage, while the sativa fraction often sharpens the head effect and adds brighter top notes. The result is a hybrid designed to keep structure compact while preserving an energetic, mood-lifting character.
Importantly, other Mai Tai-labeled cultivars exist and are genetically distinct from this Sterquiliniis seed line. For example, a separate Jungle Boys project labeled Spiked Mai Tai relies on different parental stock, including a Jungle Cake component reported in crowd-sourced genealogy tools. Market menus show further variation with products labeled Mai Tai from Rare Dankness. These divergences illustrate why growers and patients should confirm breeder provenance when seeking a specific chemotype or growth pattern.
Consumers sometimes encounter database hints linking Mai Tai to Hawaiian or tropical sativa families such as Maui Wowie. While that is consistent with the flavor branding, those connections are not definitive for the Sterquiliniis release and may reflect overlapping naming or similar terpene signatures rather than direct parentage. In absence of a published pedigree, the most evidence-based way to understand the line is by its chemotype: a tropical-citrus aromatic leaning on limonene and myrcene, with caryophyllene and lighter floral terpenes in support. That chemotype aligns with the contemporary “tropical sherbet” style hybrids prized in many markets.
Appearance
Mai Tai grows with a compact to moderately bushy frame that favors indoor tents and balcony gardens. With a ruderalis influence, typical heights range from roughly 70 to 110 centimeters indoors in 3- to 5-gallon fabric pots. Internodal spacing is moderately tight, helping stack sites without forming overly leafy clusters. The plant’s architecture invites gentle low-stress training to open the canopy without heavy topping.
Fans are medium-sized with a classic hybrid morphology—broad at the base but tapering with a slight sativa stretch in the petioles near onset of bloom. As pistils emerge, the primary colas form dense, golf-ball-to-wrist-sized clusters depending on environment and light intensity. Under strong LED lighting with 800 to 1000 micromoles per square meter per second of PPFD in bloom, the buds pack on visibly heavy trichome coverage. Sugar leaves frost early and can appear nearly white at peak resin production.
Calyx-to-leaf ratio is favorable for hand trimming, with medium-bracted flowers that avoid the “foxtail” look unless pushed with excess heat. The pistils begin a vivid tangerine or peach tone and gradually oxidize to copper as maturity approaches. In cooler night temperatures around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius in late flower, some phenotypes express soft purples in sugar leaves and calyx tips. Those anthocyanin hues are light rather than inky, complementing the bright green canopy.
Dry flowers typically show a lime-to-forest green base with orange stigmas anchored in a sugar-glass sheen. Broken buds reveal a dense core rather than a fluffy sativa structure, reflecting the indica contribution. The finished trim emits a sweet, tropical top note even before the cure completes. In jars, Mai Tai often looks “sticky” before even being handled, a nod to its resin-forward phenotype.
Aroma
The nose on Mai Tai is immediate and bright, echoing citrus zest, tropical punch, and a hint of stone fruit. Limonene commonly leads, supplying a lemon-lime spray that lifts from the jar as soon as the lid is cracked. Myrcene contributes a ripe mango or guava undertone that deepens sweetness and rounds the citric edge. As the bud warms in the hand, faint vanilla and floral notes can appear, likely from a combination of linalool and esters formed during curing.
A peppery backbone balances the fruit, with beta-caryophyllene adding a warm, spice-cabinet finish. Some phenotypes lean toward sweet-tart cherry or passionfruit, suggesting an ocimene or nerolidol accent in the bouquet. If cured slowly at 55 to 60 percent relative humidity, the aroma stratifies into top, middle, and base layers rather than collapsing into one note. Fast drying at high temperature, by contrast, tends to flatten the citrus while amplifying the earth and pepper.
In side-by-side jar tests, Mai Tai holds its top notes well compared to many dessert hybrids. After eight weeks of cure, the citrus-tropical profile remains prominent, with less of the hay or cardboard note that can creep into poorly handled flowers. Aroma intensity is medium-high, often filling a small room within a few minutes of opening. A terpene content in the 1.5 to 2.5 percent range by weight is common for fruit-forward hybrids, and Mai Tai typically presents in that neighborhood when grown and cured carefully.
Flavor
The flavor tracks the aroma closely, delivering a first-hit splash of sweet citrus and pineapple-candy on the inhale. On a vaporizer set between roughly 175 and 185 degrees Celsius, the top notes sparkle and show a lime and mango interplay without harshness. As temperature increases toward 195 degrees Celsius, pepper and herbal tones emerge, adding depth from caryophyllene and humulene. Smokers often describe the aftertaste as tropical sorbet with a faint vanilla finish.
Combustion softens the fruit slightly but preserves the candy-like character when the flower is well-cured. A clean white ash and an intact aromatic plume are signs of proper finishing, especially if the flavor holds from first draw to the final third. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied—neither thin and ephemeral nor heavy and resinous. Coupled with smoothness, the flavor profile encourages sessionability without palate fatigue.
Edibles made with Mai Tai, particularly solventless rosin or full-spectrum infusions, frequently carry over a citrus-peel brightness. That can complement fruit gummies and baked goods where zest and tropical notes are desired. In tinctures, the flavor is more subdued, but limonene-derived citrus still peeks through. Across formats, the through-line is a sweet, tropical core anchored by gentle spice.
Cannabinoid Profile
Potency for Mai Tai varies by breeder, environment, and testing protocol, but available marketplace data provide useful anchors. A dispensary menu listing showed a Mai Tai flower by Rare Dankness at 22.3 percent THC, placing it squarely in the modern mid-to-high potency tier. For the Sterquiliniis Seed Supply version, grower reports and comparable hybrid autos suggest typical harvest potencies in the 16 to 24 percent THC range under optimized indoor conditions. Lower light intensity, suboptimal nutrition, or early harvest can push results toward the lower teens.
CBD content is generally low in THC-forward Mai Tai expressions, commonly below 1 percent and often nearer to 0.1 to 0.5 percent by weight. However, similarly named products like Mai Tai Cookies have been promoted in balanced THC and CBD discussions, illustrating that name proximity does not guarantee the same cannabinoid profile. Minor cannabinoids appear at trace to modest levels: CBG in the 0.3 to 1.5 percent band is typical for modern hybrids, and CBC may register around 0.1 to 0.3 percent. THCV, if present, is usually trace-level unless targeted by breeding.
Harvest timing influences measurable cannabinoids. Pulling plants when most trichomes are cloudy with minimal amber usually maximizes THC while minimizing CBN formation from oxidation. Allowing 10 to 20 percent amber can slightly reduce peak THC but may enrich subjective body effects, as more oxidized components accumulate. From a decarboxylation standpoint, activating THCA at 110 to 120 degrees Celsius for 30 to 40 minutes is standard for edible preparations to maintain a consistent potency outcome.
As with any cultivar, certified lab analyses with clear chain-of-custody are the only definitive way to know a batch’s true profile. In jurisdictions that require testing, look for COAs that list both cannabinoid and terpene content. Consistency across multiple labs within a 10 percent relative deviation is a good sign of robust methods. For home growers, sending flowers to third-party testing provides objective feedback that can guide future cultivation adjustments.
Terpene Profile
Mai Tai’s sensory signature is typically built on three primary terpenes—limonene, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene—with supporting contributors like ocimene, linalool, and humulene. In well-grown samples, limonene frequently ranges around 0.3 to 0.8 percent by weight, providing citrus brightness and uplift. Myrcene commonly appears in the 0.4 to 1.0 percent band, contributing tropical fruit and a relaxing undertone. Beta-caryophyllene often registers 0.2 to 0.6 percent, adding spice and a CB2-receptor-active component with anti-inflammatory potential.
Secondary terpenes add nuance. Ocimene at approximately 0.1 to 0.3 percent can amplify sweet, green, and tropical aspects reminiscent of passionfruit and guava. Linalool, often in the 0.05 to 0.2 percent range, layers a lavender-like floral that subtly smooths the bouquet. Humulene at roughly 0.05 to 0.15 percent supplies a woody counterweight that keeps the profile from becoming cloying.
Terpene expression is highly sensitive to environment and handling. Temperatures above 26 to 28 degrees Celsius late in bloom, or rapid drying below 40 percent relative humidity, can bleed off volatiles and reduce measured totals by double-digit percentages. Gentle drying for 10 to 14 days at 18 to 20 degrees Celsius and 55 to 60 percent relative humidity helps preserve the monoterpenes that deliver Mai Tai’s citrus and tropical highlights. Airtight storage with minimal headspace then maintains freshness over a 3- to 8-week curing window.
In effect terms, the dominant trio tends to produce a bright, social mood with a comfortable body feel. Limonene’s mood elevation pairs with myrcene’s muscle ease, while caryophyllene’s spice contributes balancing warmth and potential CB2-mediated relief. The ensemble produces a profile that is charismatic without being overwhelming. This aligns with how Mai Tai shows up in algorithmic “similar to” recommendations near classic, balanced hybrids like Four Way, which also blend fruit, spice, and earth into a versatile package.
Experiential Effects
Mai Tai is generally experienced as an upbeat hybrid with a quick, cheerful onset. Within minutes of inhalation, most users report mood elevation, a light uplift in focus, and a sense of sociability. The head effect is clean rather than foggy when dosed moderately, and the body sensation lands as relaxing without heavy couch lock. This balance makes it a daytime-to-early-evening option for many people.
Duration depends on route and tolerance. Inhaled effects typically build within 3 to 5 minutes, peak around 25 to 40 minutes, and taper over 2 to 3 hours. Edibles can take 30 to 90 minutes to onset, with plateaus that last 4 to 6 hours depending on dose and metabolism. Because limonene-forward profiles can feel deceptively light at first, new consumers should wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before redosing after the initial inhaled session.
At higher doses or for sensitive individuals, the bright headspace can occasionally tip into racy if combined with caffeine or strong stimulatory settings. Dry mouth and red eyes are the most common side effects, followed by transient anxiety in a minority of users at large doses. Hydration and a calm setting generally ameliorate these issues. The caryophyllene and myrcene components help buffer the intensity, keeping the overall experience more balanced than a pure citrus sativa.
Tolerance develops with frequent use, particularly for limonene-forward hybrids. Rotating strains with different terpene chemistries can keep effects fresher and more predictable week to week. For microdosing, half-inhalations or 1 to 2 milligram THC edible increments are sensible starting points. Most regular consumers find a sweet spot in the 5 to 15 milligram THC range per session when seeking clearheaded relaxation without over-sedation.
Potential Medical Uses
The cannabinoid and terpene ensemble in Mai Tai lends itself to several therapeutic targets reported by patients. Limonene-dominant profiles are frequently associated with improved mood and stress resilience, aligning with consumer reports of reduced situational anxiety at modest doses. Beta-caryophyllene’s action at CB2 receptors has been documented in preclinical research to modulate inflammatory pathways, suggesting possible benefit for mild inflammatory pain. Myrcene contributes to muscle ease and relaxation, which may aid tension-related discomfort.
In medical cannabis registries, chronic pain consistently tops the list of qualifying conditions, accounting for roughly 60 percent or more of patient enrollments in multiple U.S. states. A balanced hybrid like Mai Tai, commonly testing in the mid-to-high teens to low 20s for THC, can deliver meaningful analgesia without immediate sedation when dosed appropriately. For neuropathic components, pairing with topical formulations rich in caryophyllene and linalool may enhance local relief. While each patient’s response varies, the chemotype is broadly supportive of multimodal pain strategies.
Patients managing depressive symptoms or stress-related burnout may appreciate the combination of limonene lift and gentle myrcene base. Observational surveys of medical cannabis users frequently report perceived improvements in mood and sleep quality across several thousand respondents, though results are self-reported and not uniform. Mai Tai’s non-heavy sedation at moderate doses can make it suitable for daytime symptom management where functional clarity is necessary. For sleep-onset issues, a slightly later harvest with 10 to 20 percent amber trichomes can deepen body relaxation.
Nausea and appetite cues are common secondary targets. THC remains a primary driver of antiemetic benefit, and fruit-forward terpenes can improve palatability and adherence for those sensitive to earthy flavors. Patients seeking minimal intoxication should consider titrating with low-dose sublinguals or vaporizing at lower temperatures for a lighter effect profile. As ever, medical users should coordinate with clinicians, track outcomes in a log, and seek lab-tested products to ensure dosing accuracy and consistency.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Mai Tai’s ruderalis component makes it an excellent candidate for growers who want reliable, fast cycles with minimal light-schedule management. Indoors, plan for 70 to 85 days from sprout to harvest for most phenotypes, with a short vegetative window that transitions to flower around weeks 3 to 4. Outdoors, two to three sequential runs per warm season are possible in many regions due to the daylength-independent bloom. The compact profile fits 3- to 5-gallon fabric pots, which encourage air pruning and healthy root mass.
Germination and seedling care benefit from gentle starts. Maintain 24 to 26 degrees Celsius and 70 to 80 percent relative humidity for 3 to 7 days post-emergence under 200 to 300 PPFD. Use a light feed of 0.6 to 0.8 mS/cm EC with a calcium-magnesium supplement if starting in inert media. Keep pH at 5.8 to 6.2 for hydro and coco, and 6.2 to 6.8 for soil.
Because autos begin bloom on age rather than photoperiod, training must be timely and light-handed. Low-stress training from day 12 to 25 is ideal, gently bending the main stem to promote lateral sites without topping. If topping is attempted, do it once between nodes 3 and 4 no later than days 14 to 18 to avoid stunting. Defoliation should be conservative—remove only leaves shading key sites around weeks 3 and 6.
Lighting for autos is typically set at 18/6 or 20/4 to balance growth and energy costs. Aim for 500 to 700 PPFD in early veg, rising to 800 to 1000 PPFD in bloom while monitoring leaf temperature and VPD. Maintain a VPD of about 0.9 to 1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2 to 1.4 kPa in flower for optimal gas exchange. If supplementing CO2 to 900 to 1200 ppm, ensure adequate light and nutrition to leverage the boost.
Nutrient management should ramp steadily as the plant matures. In veg, an EC of 1.2 to 1.6 generally supports robust growth; in early to mid-flower, 1.6 to 2.0 is common depending on medium and cultivar appetite. Provide ample calcium and magnesium, particularly under high-intensity LEDs, to avoid interveinal chlorosis and blossom-end rot analogs in new growth. Keep runoff pH within target range and measure it weekly to catch drift early.
Watering practices have outsized impact on autos. Avoid overwatering in early weeks; allow light pots to dry to about 50 percent of their saturated weight before rewatering. As roots fill the pot, frequency can increase while keeping volumes moderate to maintain oxygenation. In coco, daily fertigation with 10 to 20 percent runoff stabilizes EC and reduces salt spikes.
Environmental control locks in yield and quality. Target 24 to 28 degrees Celsius daytime and 20 to 22 degrees nighttime temps, with 55 to 65 percent RH in veg and 45 to 50 percent in bloom. Strong, oscillating airflow reduces microclimates and deters botrytis in dense colas. Positive room pressure and intake filtration help minimize pest ingress.
Integrated pest management should begin before problems appear. Sticky cards, weekly leaf inspections, and preventative biologicals like Bacillus subtilis or Beauveria bassiana can keep common pests in check. If mites or thrips surface, address immediately with a rotation of compatible controls well before late flower. Maintain sanitation by removing plant waste promptly and sterilizing tools between uses.
Yields will vary with pot size, light intensity, and grower skill. Indoors, Mai Tai can reach 350 to 500 grams per square meter under efficient LEDs when trained and fed optimally. Single plants in 3- to 5-gallon pots often produce 60 to 120 grams in personal setups. Outdoors, expect 50 to 180 grams per plant depending on climate, season length, and container volume.
Mai Tai’s finishing window is best judged by trichomes rather than calendar alone. For a bright, energetic effect, harvest when most trichomes are cloudy with just 5 to 10 percent amber. For a deeper body feel, allow 10 to 20 percent amber to appear. Pistil color and calyx swelling should accompany trichome maturity to confirm readiness.
Flushing practices depend on medium and feeding style. In inert media like coco or hydro, a 7 to 10 day reduction in EC or a clean-water finish often improves burn and flavor. In living soil, maintain gentle, balanced inputs while allowing the plant to naturally deplete excess nitrogen in late bloom. Regardless of method, keep environmental stress low in the last two weeks to protect volatile terpenes.
Post-harvest handling is crucial to preserve Mai Tai’s tropical citrus nose. Hang whole plants or large branches for 10 to 14 days at 18 to 20 degrees Celsius and 55 to 60 percent RH with steady, indirect airflow. Once stems snap rather than bend, jar the flowers and burp daily for the first week, then weekly for 3 to 6 more weeks. Properly cured Mai Tai stores well for 2 to 3 months in airtight containers with 62 percent humidity packs, retaining vibrant aroma and smooth flavor.
Outdoor scheduling benefits from autoflower flexibility. In temperate zones, a May start can finish by midsummer, allowing a second run harvested in early fall. In hotter climates, consider spring and late summer starts to avoid peak heat during late bloom, which can volatilize terpenes. Support colas with soft ties if summer storms threaten to snap laden branches.
For hashmakers, Mai Tai’s resin-forward phenotype can produce respectable solventless yields when harvested at peak ripeness. Cold water extraction benefits from a 7- to 10-day dry at the lower end of the temperature range to keep heads intact. Expect sandy to greasy textures depending on exact maturity and environmental variables. A terp-rich rosin press at 80 to 95 degrees Celsius can preserve the citrus-tropical top notes that define the cultivar.
