Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
Midas is a mostly sativa cannabis cultivar developed by Rare Dankness Seeds, a breeder known for potent, high-terpene hybrids. The name evokes gold, brightness, and an uplifting, prized effect profile—associations that line up well with its daytime-friendly character. Growers and consumers report an energetic head high backed by enough body ease to remain functional, placing Midas in the modern sativa-leaning sweet spot. While not as ubiquitous as some marquee sativas, it has steadily gained a reputation among connoisseurs for clean flavor, vigorous growth, and polished resin.
The "Midas" metaphor is common across cannabis marketing, and it occasionally creates confusion. For example, SeedSupreme describes the separate cultivar 24k Gold as giving you the "Midas touch," even though 24k Gold is an indica-dominant hybrid unrelated to Rare Dankness’s Midas. Similarly, a Leafly rolling paper review once called a well-rolled joint "a doob fit for Midas," showing how the term pops up as shorthand for premium quality rather than referencing a specific strain. It is important to distinguish the Rare Dankness sativa-leaning Midas from these broader golden metaphors and other gold-themed strain names.
In terms of use, Midas tends to slot into morning and midday sessions when focus, social fluency, and creative drive matter. The uplift is generally fast to arrive—most users feel an effect within 3–7 minutes when inhaled and within 30–60 minutes when ingested. Duration commonly spans 2–3 hours for inhalation and 4–6 hours for edibles, with a gentle landing that makes re-dosing predictable. Such kinetics make it a versatile companion for task-oriented activities and layered consumption regimens.
Because Rare Dankness strains often test high for both potency and terpene intensity, Midas is frequently recommended to intermediate and advanced consumers. Newer users can still enjoy it with smaller doses—0.05–0.1 g of flower in a vaporizer or 2.5–5 mg THC in edibles are reasonable starting points. Many experienced consumers settle into 0.15–0.25 g single-session bowls or 10–15 mg edible doses, then titrate as needed. As with any sativa-leaning cultivar, individual sensitivity to stimulation varies, so the best experience starts low and adjusts based on comfort.
History and Breeding Background
Midas was bred by Rare Dankness Seeds, the Colorado-based team founded by Scott Reach, known among breeders as a meticulous selector with a focus on resin quality and effect. The company began releasing seeds in the early 2010s and built a global following by stabilizing high-impact traits without sanding off the unique edges of each cross. Within that portfolio, Midas occupies the mostly-sativa lane, offering clarity and brightness that contrast with the heavier OG-forward hybrids the house is also famous for. This positioning helped Midas develop a connoisseur following among growers seeking a lively effect profile alongside dense frost.
Rare Dankness is known to protect certain proprietary recipes, and public documentation does not provide a confirmed, official parentage for Midas. In practice, that means most strain guides describe Midas by its phenotype rather than by a definitive lineage chart. The lack of a published cross does not diminish its consistency; rather, it aligns with the brand’s broader approach of releasing elite keeper phenotypes under distinct names. Over multiple cycles, growers have reported relatively stable expression that stays within a sativa-leaning chemotype with citrus, pine, and sweet resin notes.
The release window for Midas coincided with a market shift toward terpene-forward sativas that still carried modern potency, typically north of 18% THC. Consumer buying data from legal markets shows that flower testing at or above 20% THC commands higher average retail pricing by 10–25% compared with lower-potency lots, all else equal. Midas fits comfortably in this higher-potency, high-terpene tier, which helps explain why it’s sought out for both boutique craft grows and enthusiast home gardens. In craft markets, recognizable breeder names and consistent performance often translate to repeat purchases and brand loyalty.
One additional nuance in Midas’s history is the frequent conflation with “gold” strains such as Gold Leaf or 24k Gold, despite different genetics and effects. SeedSupreme’s listing calls 24k Gold an indica-dominant hybrid, while Midas is characterized as mostly sativa, underlining a meaningful experiential difference despite shared marketing language. Consumers who specifically desire a nimble, cerebral lift will generally prefer the Midas profile over heavier gold-themed cultivars. That clarity has helped Midas carve out its own identity across forums, menus, and grow logs.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Expectations
While Rare Dankness has not publicly disclosed the precise parentage of Midas, it is consistently described—and observed in gardens—as a mostly sativa chemotype. In practice, that means expect a taller, more vertically expressive plant with lankier internodes than a squat indica, especially pre-training. Sativa influence also tends to show up in a higher calyx-to-leaf ratio at ripeness, making trimming more manageable compared with leafier indica-leaning flowers. The overall structure benefits from early training to manage height and maximize light penetration.
Phenotypically, growers commonly report two dominant aroma–flavor clusters that align with known sativa terpene patterns. One pheno leans citrus-pine with bright limonene and alpha-pinene cues, while a second tilts sweet-floral with a spicy finish suggestive of caryophyllene interplay. Both phenotypes deliver a quick-onset head buzz with a functional body complement, though the citrus-pine profile is often perceived as slightly more stimulating. The sweet-spice pheno, by contrast, tends to feel a touch smoother and more rounded in the body.
From a chemotype perspective, Midas expresses as THC-dominant with low baseline CBD, similar to many modern sativa hybrids. Lab reports directly tied to Midas are less widely published than for marquee strains, but grower-submitted certificates and retail menu aggregates commonly show THC in the 18–24% range under standard conditions. With dialed-in environmental control and late flower optimization, top cuts can push higher, occasionally cracking the mid-20s. Total terpene content in comparable sativa-dominant elites often lands between 1.5–3.0% by weight, and Midas is frequently described within that bracket.
Morphologically, expect a 1.5–2.2× stretch during the first two weeks after flipping to 12/12 indoor flowering. Internodal spacing typically tightens under high light (800–1000 µmol/m²/s PPFD) with adequate blue spectrum in veg, helping calm the sativa stretch. Node stacking improves substantially under Screen of Green (ScrOG) or net supports that flatten the canopy and equalize PAR. Outdoors, Midas appreciates long, warm seasons and will benefit from topping and low-stress training to expand lateral growth.
Appearance and Bag Appeal
Midas produces medium to large conical colas with a tapering spear shape that looks at home in jars and on retail shelves. The calyxes swell prominently in late flower, creating chunky segmentation that showcases the trichome frost. Pistils tend to start a bright tangerine and mature into deeper amber tones that pop visually against lime-to-forest-green bracts. In cooler night temperatures toward harvest, some phenos display light olive and sage gradients, adding depth to the coloration.
Trichome coverage is generous and uniform, with a strong showing of capitate-stalked gland heads across sugar leaves and bracts. Under magnification, mature trichome heads appear cloudy to milky with scattered ambers, a classic indicator of peak ripeness. This crystalline finish creates a “gilded” look that befits the Midas name and contributes to sticky, resinous handling. Hand trimming is straightforward thanks to the calyx-forward structure and relatively sparse sugar leaf density at full maturity.
Cured flower demonstrates notable jar appeal because the buds retain their architecture without excessive crumble. A gentle squeeze releases the characteristic bright nose and confirms a well-hydrated cure when buds rebound slowly rather than compress into a lump. Skilled cures preserve a subtle sheen—neither too dry nor too moist—which helps keep terpenes intact for months when stored at 55–62% relative humidity. For these reasons, Midas often photographs well and stands out in mixed sample lineups.
Aroma Profile
The first impression from a jar of Midas is typically bright and clean, with citrus peel and pine sap leading the bouquet. Beneath that top note, a resinous sweetness reminiscent of honeycomb or light caramel emerges, hinting at the depth that shows more in the grind. On the back end, a light spice—peppery, clove-like, or subtly herbal—rounds the profile, keeping it from reading as purely fruity. The overall result is vivid yet balanced, with the piney lift signaling a focused experience.
Once ground, the aroma expands as oxygen liberates volatile monoterpenes, and secondary notes become more apparent. A floral nuance, somewhere between orange blossom and chamomile, can appear in the sweeter phenotype, giving the bouquet a polished, perfumed lift. In the citrus-forward cut, crushed rind and terpenic zest jump out, with occasional diesel-like sharpness that may indicate trace ocimene or terpinolene involvement. Carried in the room, Midas leaves a clean, crisp scent trail rather than a heavy musk.
Aroma intensity scales with cure quality; slow-dried and properly cured batches present both clarity and layering. Terpene retention generally correlates with controlled dry conditions—around 60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH for 10–14 days is a good benchmark. After curing at 58–62% RH for 3–6 weeks, Midas’s nose tends to “gel,” and the pine–citrus brightness integrates with the sweet-spice foundation. Rushed dries that collapse the outer moisture too quickly often lose this top-note sparkle.
Flavor Profile
On inhalation, Midas shows a lively citrus entry, often evoking lemon zest or sweet orange with a cooling pine edge. Vaporized at 350–380°F (177–193°C), the flavor reads especially clean and terpene-forward, highlighting limonene and pinene traits. Combustion at higher temperatures pushes more spice and resin depth, adding a classic peppery tickle on the exhale. The aftertaste lingers as a slightly sweet, resinous pine and a touch of herbal tea.
The sweeter phenotype can taste like candied citrus layered over a delicate floral honey, creating an elegant profile that appeals to flavor-focused consumers. Meanwhile, the brighter citrus-pine cut leans more toward a forest-fresh palette with a crisp finish, which many users associate with motivating daytime effects. Grinding just before consumption helps preserve these nuances, as exposure to air for more than 20–30 minutes can flatten top notes. Glassware with narrow bowls and clean pathways amplifies clarity, while paper can introduce char that muddies the profile.
In edibles made from Midas rosin or distillate infused with its terpenes, the flavor translates as citric brightness with a soft herbal-spice echo. Those notes play particularly well in citrus-forward gummies and lozenges, where the inherent lemon–orange profile feels natural rather than masked. Beverage infusions pair well with sparkling water acidities and light botanicals like basil or mint. As always, decarboxylation temperature and time strongly influence flavor carryover.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Midas presents as a THC-dominant cultivar with CBD commonly testing under 1.0%, often below 0.2% in mature flowers. Across grower-shared lab results and dispensary aggregates for sativa-leaning Rare Dankness cultivars, typical THC readings for well-grown Midas fall between 18–24% by dry weight. Dialed-in environments, optimal harvest timing, and careful post-harvest handling can push standout cuts into the 24–27% range. Such potency places Midas firmly in the upper tier of modern sativa-dominant offerings.
Minor cannabinoids in similar chemotypes often include CBG around 0.2–1.0% and trace THCV in the 0.1–0.7% band, though expression varies by phenotype and environmental stress. THCV presence, even at low levels, can subtly alter the stimulation profile for some users, contributing to a crisp, alert headspace. However, without a widely published, breeder-verified certificate of analysis (COA) for Midas, these minor-cannabinoid ranges should be treated as indicative rather than definitive. Growers pursuing maximized minor-cannabinoid expression often experiment with light intensity, root-zone oxygenation, and late-flower fertigation tweaks.
From a consumer perspective, potency interacts with method of administration in predictable ways. Vaporizing at moderate temperatures can feel lighter and more cerebral than combustion, even at similar THC levels, due to differential terpene preservation. Edible experiences with Midas-derived extracts exhibit the well-known 11-hydroxy-THC metabolic pathway, often reading stronger per milligram than inhaled routes; a 10 mg edible dose can feel comparable to multiple inhalation sessions. For all forms, individual tolerance, recent diet, and sleep status can shift perceived intensity by large margins.
It’s worth noting that market data from legal jurisdictions show strong consumer preference for flower testing above 20% THC. In several adult-use states, cultivars in the 20–25% THC band capture disproportionate shelf space and sell-through, sometimes commanding a 10–25% price premium. Midas fits squarely into that bandwidth with the added appeal of a bright sativa lift. This combination of potency and profile explains its persistent presence in connoisseur circles.
Terpene Profile in Depth
Terpenes drive much of Midas’s sensory identity and contribute meaningfully to its experiential effects. While specific lab-tested terpene breakdowns vary by phenotype and grow, the dominant players are frequently limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and myrcene in lower-to-moderate support. Total terpene content around 1.5–3.0% by weight is a reasonable expectation for high-quality batches, with standout grows occasionally surpassing 3%. The citrus-pine aroma indicates a limonene–pinene axis, while the sweet-spice undertone suggests caryophyllene and perhaps linalool in trace.
Limonene typically contributes sparkling citrus top notes and is often associated with mood elevation and perceived stress relief. Alpha-pinene brings a bright, pine forest character and can feel focusing; pharmacologically, it’s discussed for potential acetylcholinesterase inhibition, which may support short-term alertness. Beta-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene that binds to CB2 receptors, can add peppery spice and contribute to a grounded body feel without sedation. Small amounts of linalool or ocimene can round the bouquet, adding either floral polish or a green, slightly sweet lift.
Temperature management during consumption significantly impacts terpene expression. Vaporizer settings around 350–375°F (177–191°C) tend to showcase limonene and pinene, while stepping up to 390–410°F (199–210°C) pulls more caryophyllene and deeper resin notes. In the garden, environmental controls that reduce heat stress and preserve volatile monoterpenes—such as slightly cooler night temps and robust post-harvest protocols—help lock in the bright top end. Slow drying at 60/60 (60°F, 60% RH) can meaningfully boost perceived complexity compared to rapid, warm dries.
Post-harvest handling is particularly crucial because monoterpenes volatilize readily. Studies in cured cannabis show that terpene losses of 20–40% can occur within weeks if product is stored in high-temperature or high-oxygen conditions. Midas’s top-note clarity is especially sensitive to this dynamic, so UV-blocking glass, filled headspace minimization, and 58–62% RH storage are best practices. Vacuum sealing for long-term storage should be performed only after the cure has stabilized to avoid crushing delicate trichomes.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Midas expresses a fast, uplifting onset that many describe as clean, happy, and lightly euphoric. The first phase often brings a sense of mental clarity, making tasks like writing, planning, or conversation feel more fluid. Physical sensations tend to be present but non-dominant—expect easy shoulders and a gentle loosening rather than couchlock. In social settings, Midas usually supports a talkative, upbeat mood without the edginess some sharper sativas can induce.
As the effect matures over 45–90 minutes, a focused groove takes hold, which pairs well with music, design work, and outdoor activities. Users sensitive to stimulatory sativas should start low, as higher intake can tip into racy territory—especially if consumed on an empty stomach or combined with caffeine. The sweet-spice phenotype feels marginally more grounded, while the citrus-pine expression can feel a shade more zippy. Both remain functional at moderate doses for most experienced consumers.
Duration is dose-dependent, but inhaled effects typically span 2–3 hours with a soft taper in the final 30–45 minutes. This predictable descent makes Midas a good candidate for stacked microdosing—small, spaced inhalations to sustain a gentle plateau. Edible formats extend the window to 4–6 hours, with peak intensity around the 90–150 minute mark. Using a consistent dose, such as 2.5–5 mg increments, allows controlled exploration without overshooting comfort zones.
Task-wise, Midas shines in creative and light physical activities where alertness and flexibility matter. Many users reach for it before daytime errands, trail walks, or collaborative sessions that benefit from an upbeat perspective. Nighttime use can be delightful but may extend wakefulness if consumed late; pairing with a more sedating cultivar in the evening can balance the arc. Hydration and a light snack often keep the experience smooth across the full window.
Potential Medical Applications
While medical responses vary, Midas’s sativa-leaning profile aligns with several commonly reported therapeutic goals. Patients seeking mood elevation and relief from mild to moderate depressive symptoms often appreciate limonene-forward cultivars, and Midas fits that mold. The alert, clear headspace can be helpful for fatigue and motivation challenges, especially in the first half of the day. Users sometimes report assistance with task initiation and maintenance in attention-related concerns, though responses can be highly individual.
From a pain perspective, Midas offers gentle analgesia mediated by THC alongside potential CB2 engagement from beta-caryophyllene. It is not typically categorized as a heavy pain strain but may help with tension headaches, neck and shoulder tightness, and low-grade inflammatory discomfort. The absence of strong sedation allows daytime symptom management without productivity loss. For neuropathic pain, patients may prefer pairing Midas with a more caryophyllene- or myrcene-rich evening cultivar.
Anxiety responses are nuanced; some individuals find the bright, crisp effect reduces rumination, while others experience increased stimulation. Low, carefully titrated doses—such as 1–2 inhalations or 2.5 mg edibles—can help users evaluate fit without triggering unease. Maintaining steady blood sugar, avoiding high-caffeine pairings, and selecting the slightly sweeter, less zippy phenotype may improve tolerability. As always, new medical users should consult clinicians knowledgeable about cannabinoid therapeutics.
For appetite and GI concerns, Midas is neutral-to-lightly positive; THC often boosts appetite, but sativa-leaning profiles may be less munchie-prone than heavier indicas. Nausea relief is reported in some cases, particularly with inhalation routes that act rapidly. Migraines and tension headaches sometimes respond to the combination of vasodilatory and anxiolytic effects—again, dosage discipline is key. Because Midas generally contains very low CBD, patients desiring anti-inflammatory balance might layer in a CBD-rich tincture.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Environment and climate: Midas thrives in controlled indoor environments where temperature, humidity, and light can be precisely tuned. Aim for 75–82°F (24–28°C) during lights-on in veg and 72–78°F (22–26°C) in flower, with a 7–10°F (4–6°C) night drop. Relative humidity (RH) targets of 60–70% in early veg, 50–60% in late veg/early flower, and 40–50% in late flower balance vigor and mold prevention. A vapor pressure deficit (VPD) of 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in flower supports steady transpiration.
Lighting: Provide 300–500 µmol/m²/s PPFD in seedling/early veg, 600–800 µmol/m²/s in late veg, and 800–1000 µmol/m²/s in flower for photoperiod indoor grows. Sativa-leaning cultivars like Midas respond well to broader blue spectrum in veg to restrain internode stretch and promote strong structure. Under LED, many growers target 40–50 DLI (daily light integral) in flower for balanced growth and resin. Maintain 12–16 inches (30–40 cm) from canopy to high-output LED bars, adjusting by cultivar response.
Medium and containers: Midas performs well in living soil, coco, or hydro with adequate aeration and root-zone oxygen. In soil, use a well-amended mix with 25–35% aeration components (perlite/pumice/rice hulls) and maintain pH 6.2–6.8. In coco/hydro, maintain pH 5.7–6.2 and EC around 1.2–1.6 in veg, 1.6–2.0 in peak flower. Fabric pots (3–7 gallons indoor) encourage robust root pruning and steady oxygen exchange.
Nutrition: As a mostly sativa type, Midas generally appreciates moderate nitrogen in veg with a taper leading into flower. A balanced N-P-K around 3-1-2 in veg and 1-2-3 in flower is a workable baseline; fine-tune by leaf color and tip response. Calcium and magnesium support is crucial under LED; supplement with 100–150 ppm Ca and 50–75 ppm Mg, increasing slightly in stretch. Silica at 50–100 ppm strengthens stems and can improve stress tolerance.
Irrigation: Water to 10–20% runoff in coco/hydro for stable EC; in soil, water to full saturation with proper dryback, avoiding extended drought that can spike EC. Maintain root-zone temperatures around 68–72°F (20–22°C) for optimal nutrient uptake. Automated drip in coco can deliver 2–4 small pulses daily in peak flower to maintain ideal moisture content. In soil, monitor pot weight and leaf turgor to time irrigations precisely.
Training and canopy management: Top once or twice in veg to create 6–12 main branches and consider a Screen of Green (ScrOG) for an even canopy. Low-stress training (LST) during early stretch helps spread colas and increase light penetration. Expect a 1.5–2.2× stretch after flip; set trellis before transition to avoid breaking flexible stems later. Defoliate selectively at day 21 and day 42 of flower to remove fan leaves blocking bud sites, but avoid over-defoliation that can stall sativa-leaning plants.
Flowering time and harvest: Indoor flowering typically completes in 9–10 weeks, with some faster phenotypes finishing in 8.5–9 and fuller expressions leaning closer to 10. Check trichomes at week 8 onward; many growers harvest Midas at mostly cloudy with 5–10% amber for a sparkling, active effect. For a slightly heavier finish, wait for 10–15% amber. Pistil coloration alone is not a reliable indicator; use a loupe to read trichome heads.
Yield expectations: Well-run indoor grows can achieve 450–600 g/m², with optimized ScrOG and high-PPFD environments occasionally pushing 650–700 g/m². Outdoors in full sun and rich soil, expect 600–900 g per plant in temperate climates, with larger containers and long-season care reaching beyond 1 kg. Sativa structure rewards canopy planning; even light distribution often adds 10–20% yield compared to uneven canopies. Bud density is medium-firm, avoiding the airy tendency some sativas exhibit.
Pest and disease management: Midas’s open sativa architecture helps airflow, but vigilance against powdery mildew (PM) and botrytis is still essential in late flower. Maintain 40–50% RH and strong oscillating airflow between colas to disrupt spore settlement. Implement integrated pest management (IPM) with weekly scouting, yellow/blue sticky traps, and rotational use of biologicals like Bacillus subtilis, Beauveria bassiana, and beneficial mites. Preventative leaf surface maintenance in veg—with gentle, compliant washes—can reduce pest pressure significantly.
CO2 and environmental enrichment: Enriching CO2 to 900–1200 ppm during lights-on in flower can increase growth rates and yield, provided PPFD and nutrients are raised to match. Keep leaf-surface temperature in the optimal range relative to ambient to avoid stomatal closure. If enriching, ensure sealed rooms have proper monitoring and safety systems. Lower CO2 at night and during late flush for simplicity.
Flush and finish: In salt-based programs, a 7–10 day flush with low-EC water or a balanced finishing solution can improve ash quality and flavor. Living soil systems rely more on a taper and microbial processing than on a hard flush. Aim to reduce nitrogen in the final two weeks to preserve bright flavors and avoid chlorophyll-heavy cures. Watch for natural fade—uniform yellowing and anthocyanin hints—rather than abrupt lockout symptoms.
Drying and curing: Dry at 60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH for 10–14 days in darkness with gentle airflow not directly on flowers. After a clean buck and jar, cure at 58–62% RH, burping in the first 7–10 days to prevent moisture pockets, then sealing for 3–6 weeks. This slow cure preserves Midas’s citrus-pine top notes and allows sweet-spice depth to integrate. Proper storage in UV-blocking glass extends peak aroma for months.
Clones and phenohunting: If hunting from seed, pop 6–10 seeds to identify the citrus-pine and sweet-spice phenotypes, then retain vigorous, symmetrical structure and terpene intensity as keeper markers. Test each promising cut under identical conditions for at least two cycles to confirm stability. Track metrics like days to flower set, internode spacing, trichome density, and wet-to-dry weight ratios. Once a keeper is selected, mother the plant under 18/6 with moderate feed and bright-but-not-blasting light to maintain clone vigor.
Outdoor considerations: Midas prefers warm, dry summers and can run into October in higher latitudes, so plan accordingly. Use preventative IPM and aggressive canopy thinning before late September to reduce mold risk. Raised beds with rich organic matter and mulch help buffer heat and moisture swings. In humid regions, consider greenhouse grows with dehumidification to finish cleanly.
Post-processing and extraction: The cultivar’s even trichome coverage and bright terpene profile make it a good candidate for hydrocarbon and rosin extraction. Fresh-frozen runs at -40°F/-40°C preserve limonene and pinene for live resin products with sparkling nose. Pressing 160–180°F (71–82°C) for 60–120 seconds on 90–115 µm bags can yield flavorful rosin with clarity, often in the 15–25% return range from premium flower. Winterization and careful purge maintain purity without flattening volatile top notes.
Quality control and data logging: Track batch data including EC/PPM, pH, VPD, PPFD, CO2, and runoff to correlate with yield and potency outcomes. Many growers observe that dialing night temps 3–5°F cooler in weeks 7–9 preserves monoterpenes and elevates subjective quality. Use consistent trimming standards—remove crow’s feet leaves and maintain uniform nug size—to improve visual grade. Send representative samples for third-party lab testing to verify cannabinoid and terpene content and to rule out contaminants.
Legal and safety notes: Always comply with local cultivation laws and plant count limits. Use PPE when handling concentrated nutrients and pesticides, and follow label directions precisely. Keep drying and curing spaces odor-controlled and secure. Properly labeled storage protects patients and consumers and streamlines compliance.
