Written by Ad OpsHistory and Origins of McFarlane
McFarlane is a mostly indica cannabis cultivar bred by Doc's Dank Seeds, a boutique breeder known among connoisseurs for preserving old-school potency while refining modern garden performance. The strain’s emergence is rooted in the breeder’s focus on resin-forward indica expressions that finish reliably indoors and outdoors. While Doc's Dank Seeds rarely floods the market with mass releases, their drops often gain a following in grower forums for consistency and phenotype stability.
Publicly available documentation specific to McFarlane remains sparse compared to household-name cultivars, and that scarcity has led to occasional confusion online. The surname “McFarlane” appears frequently in cannabis comment threads, complicating searches for the strain with posts from people who happen to share the name. For example, Leafly comment threads include users named Malcolm McFarlane and Dave McFarlane discussing indica effects and sublingual delivery methods, highlighting the broader cannabis discourse but not necessarily describing this cultivar.
Even with limited formal write-ups, McFarlane’s reputation travels by word-of-mouth among growers who appreciate robust indica structure and manageable flowering times. Reports cluster around its calming, body-forward effects and terpene profiles suggestive of myrcene and beta-caryophyllene dominance. As with many indica-leaning lines from boutique breeders, adoption tends to grow through clone circles and small-batch seed runs rather than large commercial nurseries.
The broader historical context also helps frame this cultivar. Indica-classified cultivars, particularly those with possible Kush or Afghani influences, expanded rapidly in North American markets in the 2010s, supported by indoor cultivation advances and consumer demand for evening-focused effects. McFarlane’s emergence fits this wave, prioritizing dense resin, compact structure, and a terpene profile aligned with relaxation and sleep support.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding Notes
Doc's Dank Seeds lists McFarlane as mostly indica, but has not widely publicized a detailed pedigree for the cross. Given the breeder’s portfolio and the plant’s growth behavior, growers often infer heritage consistent with Afghani, Kush, or other Central/South Asian indica lines. That inference is rooted in typical morphological markers: broad leaflets, short internodes, high calyx-to-leaf ratios, and a compact, columning canopy.
Without confirmed parentage, it is prudent to treat lineage claims as speculative unless supported by breeder notes or lab genotyping. In practice, phenotype traits matter most to cultivators: finishing time, terpene dominance, and resistance to common pathogens. Growers routinely triage new indica introductions by looking for a flower window of 56–63 days, a total terpene load near or above 2%, and stable branching suited to SCROG or light LST.
Population variability in boutique indica lines can be modest when lines are worked (inbred or backcrossed) and more pronounced in F1 releases. Informal reports suggest McFarlane leans uniform in height and internode spacing, which saves labor in canopy management. For pheno hunters, selection criteria often include early trichome production (visible frost by week 4 of flower), a strong myrcene signature on stem rub, and cola stacking that avoids oversized larf.
If you are pursuing genetic verification, modern SNP-based genotyping can triangulate relationships to known indica clusters. However, genotyping results frequently illustrate how many modern cultivars are mosaics of overlapping lineages rather than cleanly separated families. With McFarlane, the safer read is to grow it as a refined indica-type selection from Doc’s Dank Seeds, emphasizing pragmatic horticultural performance over pedigree storylines.
Botanical Appearance and Morphology
McFarlane plants typically present with broad, dark green leaves and stout petioles, signaling an indica-dominant morphology. Expect short to medium internode spacing, especially under adequate blue light in veg (20–25% blue fraction in LED spectra). Main stems are thick, with lateral branches capable of supporting weighty colas if given early training support.
During flower, the cultivar tends to build dense, medium-length colas with a calyx-forward structure and minimal foxtailing under controlled heat. Pistils start in pale cream to light peach and deepen to orange-rust hues as maturity approaches. Trichome coverage becomes obvious by week 5, culminating in a frosty, glassy sheen that stands out under angled light.
Bud density is notably high, which can elevate the risk of botrytis in high humidity or poor airflow. Growers often rate indica buds like McFarlane at 0.7–0.9 g/cm³ bulk density when properly dried to 10–12% moisture content. The cultivar’s finish tends toward tight nug formation, which trims well and produces attractive bag appeal for retail.
Coloration remains forest green in cooler rooms, but some phenos may exhibit faint anthocyanin expression in bracts at night temps below 64°F (18°C). Fan leaves usually remain broad through mid-flower, calling for disciplined defoliation to maintain canopy light penetration. Overall, the plant’s architecture is predictable and compact, making it a good candidate for 2x2 or 3x3 ft tents and dense SCROG layouts.
Aroma and Terpene-Driven Bouquet
Aromatically, McFarlane leans into classic indica territory with earthy, herbaceous base notes and a peppered spice topline. Myrcene often drives the headspace scent, supported by beta-caryophyllene and minor pinene or humulene contributions. Together, these terpenes yield a bouquet that can be described as forest floor, cracked pepper, and faint sweet resin.
On a fresh stem rub in late veg, expect a green, sweet-herbal scent dominated by myrcene, with a warm, woody kick that suggests caryophyllene. As resin matures in weeks 5–7 of flower, the profile deepens and rounds, sometimes revealing trace notes of clove, bay leaf, or subtle citrus rind. Terp intensity increases markedly in the last 10–14 days, often correlating with a rise in total terpene percentage.
When cured properly at 60–62% relative humidity, the nose opens with dank, earthy sweetness that reads as calming rather than sharp or citric. Some phenotypes show a lightly creamy or nutty undercurrent, especially after two or more weeks of jar rest. Growers aiming for maximal bouquet often extend the cure to 3–4 weeks to allow sesquiterpenes to stabilize.
Total terpene content in indica-dominant cultivars frequently ranges between 1.2% and 3.5% by dry weight, with top-shelf outliers pushing 4% under ideal cultivation and curing. McFarlane’s sensory profile suggests a placement in the mid-to-high end of that typical range when the plant is stress-balanced. Excessive heat or late-stage drought stress can mute volatile monoterpenes, so environmental discipline pays dividends in aroma.
Flavor Profile and Combustion Character
Inhaled flavor follows the aroma with a grounded, earthy base and a soft spice finish that sits on the palate. The first draw is often herbaceous and slightly sweet, giving way to a warm, peppery exhale associated with beta-caryophyllene. Well-cured samples show minimal chlorophyll bite, emphasizing resin-derived notes over green flavors.
Vaporization highlights lighter monoterpenes that can read as soft citrus-herbal around 170–185°C, while caryophyllene and humulene assert themselves at the higher end of the typical vaping range. Users often report a mouth-coating quality that persists for a minute or two after exhale, a signature of sesquiterpene richness. Combustion in joints tends to burn evenly if flowers are dried to 58–62% RH and ground to a consistent medium texture.
Compared with citrus-forward sativas, McFarlane is more muted and comforting, less likely to deliver sharp, nasal-piercing terpenes. This makes it a candidate for evening sessions or for consumers sensitive to bright terpenes. The aftertaste is generally relaxing and woody, with a soft sweetness that lingers.
Flavor integrity correlates strongly with cure duration and storage. In controlled jars at 60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH for 14–21 days, terpene preservation improves noticeably, and users report more clarity between inhale and exhale notes. Excess heat, UV exposure, or RH below 55% collapses flavor complexity, resulting in a flatter, generic earthy taste.
Cannabinoid Profile: Potency, Ratios, and Variability
As a mostly indica cultivar, McFarlane is typically pursued for THC-forward effects, with CBD likely under 1% in most phenotypes. Market-wide, indica-classified cultivars commonly test in the 16–24% total THC range, with 18–22% being a frequent sweet spot for balanced potency and smoothness. Total cannabinoids (including minor constituents) often fall between 18–26% by weight when grown under optimal conditions.
Minor cannabinoids like CBG commonly appear around 0.1–1.0%. CBC is often present in trace amounts (0.05–0.3%), though expression depends heavily on genotype and maturity. THCV is usually negligible in indica lines unless specifically bred for it.
It’s important to acknowledge that published laboratory data specific to McFarlane are limited. Variability across grows can be large: multi-lab comparisons in legal markets show inter-lab THC differences of ±2–3% absolute and intra-cultivar variance of 15–30% relative depending on environment and harvest timing. Consequently, any single COA represents a snapshot shaped by environment, not a fixed property of the genetics.
To maximize cannabinoid potential, cultivators should manage VPD, maintain stable root-zone pH, and avoid late-stage nutrient excess that can delay maturation. Harvest timing matters: the proportion of cloudy versus amber trichomes correlates with the decarboxylation potential and perceived psychoactivity. Most growers target ~5–15% amber heads for a more sedative reading, which aligns with McFarlane’s intended effect profile.
Primary Terpenes and Minor Aromatics
The leading terpene in McFarlane is expected to be beta-myrcene, which is associated with earthy, musky, and herbal notes. In indica-dominant cultivars, myrcene often constitutes 0.4–1.2% of dry weight when total terpene content sits around 2–3%. Studies have correlated higher myrcene levels with reports of sedation, although causation remains debated.
Beta-caryophyllene commonly rides second in such profiles, delivering peppery, woody accents and notable interaction with CB2 receptors. Typical caryophyllene levels span 0.2–0.8%, contributing to the warm spice that persists on the palate. Humulene may also feature at 0.05–0.4%, adding a dry, hoppy layer that broadens the bouquet.
Pinene, particularly alpha-pinene, can show up in trace-to-moderate amounts (0.05–0.3%), lending a breathable, piney topnote that keeps the nose from collapsing into flat earth. Linalool may be present sub-dominantly, especially in phenotypes emphasizing relaxation; in indica lines it often ranges from 0.05–0.2%. Minor esters and aldehydes can add a faint sweetness, sometimes perceived as creamy or nutty in the finish.
Overall terpene loads of 1.5–3.5% are a reasonable target for dialed-in runs, with 2.0–2.5% being common when environmental stress is minimized. Growers aiming to express the fullest bouquet should avoid high canopy temperatures above 82–84°F (28–29°C) in late flower. Cold night offsets (3–5°F or 2–3°C) during the final two weeks can also help preserve monoterpenes prior to harvest.
Experiential Effects: Onset, Plateau, and Duration
McFarlane’s experience skews calming, body-centered, and gently sedative, matching consumer expectations for a mostly indica cultivar. Inhalation onset typically occurs within 2–10 minutes, reaching a plateau around the 20–30 minute mark. The overall duration of effects from smoked or vaped flower usually spans 2–3 hours, with a soft tail into 4 hours for sensitive users.
Psychologically, users often describe a quieting of mental chatter, reduced stress reactivity, and a comfortable heaviness in the limbs. The presence of myrcene and caryophyllene can contribute to a warm, grounded mood rather than an energetic uplift. At higher doses, couchlock and increased appetite become more probable, aligning with common indica reports.
Indica–sativa labels are imperfect predictors, but terpene synergy offers a better guide. Myrcene-forward profiles are frequently associated with relaxation, and caryophyllene’s CB2 activity may complement the body relief consumers report. Pinene traces, if present, can preserve a hint of mental clarity, preventing the experience from feeling dull.
Dosing strategy meaningfully shapes the experience. Newer users often find 2.5–5 mg THC effective for mild relief, while experienced consumers may prefer 10–20 mg from inhalation across a session. The ceiling for comfortable use varies widely; pacing and hydration reduce the odds of side effects such as dry mouth and transient lightheadedness.
Potential Medical Applications and Evidence
Indica-dominant cultivars like McFarlane are frequently used by patients for chronic pain, sleep initiation, and anxiety-related tension. The 2017 National Academies of Sciences report concluded there is substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults. Later meta-analyses have reported average pain intensity reductions in the 20–30% range relative to baseline, though study heterogeneity remains high.
For sleep, moderate evidence indicates cannabinoids can reduce sleep latency and improve subjective sleep quality, particularly in individuals with pain or anxiety. Many patients anecdotally report that myrcene-forward strains help with sleep onset, and practitioners often recommend evening use to align with circadian patterns. A common approach is to start with 2.5–5 mg THC 60–90 minutes before target bedtime when using oral forms.
Anxiety outcomes are mixed and dose-dependent. Low-to-moderate THC doses can reduce situational anxiety for some individuals, while high doses may exacerbate it, especially in novel environments. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity has drawn interest for stress modulation, but human clinical data remain early-stage.
Non-inhaled delivery options can be clinically useful. Sublinguals typically onset within 15–45 minutes and avoid pulmonary irritation, making them practical for nighttime routines; Leafly discussion threads include a user named Dave McFarlane sharing positive experiences with sublingual strips, illustrating patient interest in discreet dosing. While that comment is not specific to this cultivar, it underscores how many patients tailor delivery routes to effect timing and duration.
Safety considerations include common adverse effects like dry mouth, red eyes, and short-term memory fuzziness at higher doses. Orthostatic lightheadedness can occur, particularly in dehydrated users or those on antihypertensives. Patients should consult healthcare professionals when combining cannabinoids with sedatives, SSRIs, or anticoagulants due to potential pharmacodynamic or metabolic interactions.
Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Cure
Environment and growth habit: McFarlane’s mostly indica heritage lends itself to compact canopies that thrive in controlled indoor environments. Aim for daytime temperatures of 72–78°F (22–26°C) in veg and 68–76°F (20–24°C) in flower, with a night drop of 3–5°F (2–3°C). Maintain relative humidity at 60–70% in early veg, 50–60% in late veg, and 45–55% in flower to track a VPD of approximately 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.6 kPa in flower.
Light and DLI: Indica plants respond well to a daily light integral of 30–40 mol/m²/day in late veg and early flower for robust growth. In practical terms, under efficient LEDs, that’s often 600–800 µmol/m²/s for 18 hours in veg or 700–900 µmol/m²/s for 12 hours in flower, adjusted for cultivar sensitivity. Avoid pushing PPFD above 1,000 µmol/m²/s without added CO₂; with 1,200–1,400 ppm CO₂, PPFD up to 1,200–1,400 µmol/m²/s can be beneficial if temperatures and nutrition are dialed.
Medium and nutrition: In soil, target pH 6.2–6.8; in coco or hydro, keep pH 5.6–6.2. Electrical conductivity typically starts around 1.2–1.6 mS/cm in mid veg and rises to 1.8–2.2 mS/cm in peak bloom, with a gentle taper during the final 10–14 days. Indica cultivars often appreciate additional calcium and magnesium, particularly under LEDs; supplement Ca/Mg at 100–150 ppm combined when necessary.
Training and canopy management: Given McFarlane’s compact internodes, topping once or twice creates a tidy multi-cola plant. Low-stress training and a SCROG net maximize horizontal coverage in small tents, boosting yield uniformity and reducing larf. Defoliate lightly at day 21 of flower and again at day 42 if needed to enhance airflow; avoid aggressive stripping that can stall resin development.
Irrigation and root health: Water to 10–20% runoff in coco/hydro to prevent salt accumulation; in soil, allow the top inch to dry between irrigations. Root-zone temperatures of 68–72°F (20–22°C) support vigorous nutrient uptake. Inoculating with beneficial microbes (Trichoderma and Bacillus species) can reduce root disease incidence and improve nutrient mineralization.
Flowering time and yield: Expect a flower window of 56–63 days for most phenotypes, with some growers preferring a 60-day harvest for a balanced head-body effect. Indoor yields in a dialed 3x3 ft space under 300–400 W of LED commonly range 350–500 g/m², with skilled growers surpassing 550 g/m² using SCROG and CO₂. Outdoors in full sun and well-amended soil, individual plants can produce 400–700 g, contingent on season length and pest pressure.
Pest and disease management: Dense indica buds are susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis in high humidity. Maintain strong horizontal airflow, keep leaf surfaces dry at night, and deploy integrated pest management with regular scouting. Biological controls such as Phytoseiulus persimilis for spider mites and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for foliar pathogen suppression form a good baseline.
Harvest indicators: Use a 60–100x loupe to assess trichome heads. For McFarlane’s relaxing profile, many growers target 5–15% amber with the remainder cloudy; this often corresponds to a calm, body-heavy effect. Harvesting earlier at mostly cloudy can preserve a bit more mental clarity if desired.
Drying and curing: Aim for the 60/60 rule—60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH for 10–14 days, with slow air movement and darkness. Once stems snap and buds reach around 10–12% moisture content, transfer to airtight glass jars at 58–62% RH and burp daily for the first week. Water activity between 0.55 and 0.65 supports terpene stability and minimizes microbial risk while the flavor rounds out.
Post-harvest handling: Trim cold if possible (50–55°F, 50–55% RH) to reduce terpene volatilization. Store finished flower in UV-protective containers in a cool, dark space; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that destabilize trichomes. For extracts, a careful, low-temp process preserves monoterpenes and yields a profile truer to the cultivar’s spice-and-earth signature.
Phenohunting and selection: When popping multiple seeds, tag plants exhibiting early resin onset (visible frost by day 28–35) and naturally tight internodes without excess stretch. Select phenotypes that hold terp intensity through a 3-week cure and resist powdery mildew during late flower. Keep mother stock of your top two selections for side-by-side A/B trials across seasons to confirm stability of yield and terpene expression.
Context, Naming Notes, and How to Find Reliable Information
Because “McFarlane” is a common surname, search results can conflate cultivar references with unrelated comments or product reviews. Leafly threads, for instance, include comments from users named Malcolm McFarlane and Dave McFarlane discussing indica effects and sublingual strips, respectively. These are valuable glimpses into consumer preferences but not data points about this strain’s lab metrics.
When seeking authoritative information, prioritize breeder releases from Doc’s Dank Seeds, trusted nursery menus, and licensed lab certificates of analysis (COAs). Cross-reference multiple sources to control for inter-lab variance; THC values can differ by ±2–3% absolute between laboratories. Forums can fill gaps in grow tips, but verify claims with your own side-by-side trials since local environment often explains as much as genetics.
If a dispensary menu lists McFarlane, ask for batch-specific COAs that include total cannabinoids and terpene breakdowns. Reliable COAs will list method type (e.g., HPLC for cannabinoids and GC-MS for terpenes), sample date, and LOQs/LODs. Treat one-off numbers as snapshots rather than universal truths, and track your own experience with a simple journal for dose, time, and effect.
