Written by Ad OpsHistory and Origin
Midnight is a sativa-leaning, CBD-forward cultivar developed by the Israeli medical cannabis pioneer Tikum Olam. It emerged within Israel’s regulated patient program during the 2010s, when demand grew for chemotypes that delivered symptom relief with light intoxication. The strain’s reputation crystallized around a balanced, functional effect profile that patients could use during the day without heavy impairment. Its name nods to calm and composure rather than couchlock, setting expectations for clarity and comfort over intensity.
In patient-facing literature and marketplace listings, Midnight is consistently described as CBD-dominant with relatively low THC. Public-facing summaries note averages near 10% CBD with roughly 7% THC, positioning it as a mild Type II chemotype. That 10:7 ratio equates to approximately 100 mg CBD and 70 mg THC per gram of flower, a profile that many patients find workable for daytime tasks. Within Israel, the cultivar has been popular for nausea, pain, and inflammation, reflecting its adoption across several therapeutic categories.
Because of the name, Midnight is frequently confused with similarly named but unrelated strains. Midnight Snack (also seen as Midnight Snacks or Midnight Snackz) is a different hybrid altogether—bred from Do-Si-Dos and Dark Helmet—with reported THC around 19% and a decidedly more intoxicating profile. Likewise, Midnight Moon and other “Midnight”-titled cultivars appear on menus but share neither breeder nor chemistry with Tikum Olam’s Midnight. When selecting flower or oil, verifying the breeder (Tikum Olam) and CBD:THC ratio helps avoid mix-ups.
Midnight’s trajectory has been shaped by Israel’s rigorous approach to medical cannabis standardization, which prioritized reliable chemotyping for consistent patient outcomes. The strain bridged a gap for patients needing a sativa-leaning experience that reduced discomfort without the mental fog common to high-THC varieties. That balance helped it gain traction in Israel and, by word-of-mouth and export partnerships, influence CBD-forward selections abroad. While availability varies, the cultivar’s identity as a clear-headed, CBD-rich option remains its hallmark.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding
The specific parentage of Midnight has not been publicly disclosed by Tikum Olam, a common practice for proprietary medical cultivars. What is published consistently is its mostly sativa heritage and its CBD-forward, low-to-moderate THC expression. That puts Midnight in the Type II chemotype category: intermediate, with significant levels of both CBD and THC, though the CBD fraction tends to be higher. In practical terms, this means the chemotype is designed for symptom relief with attenuated psychoactivity.
Breeding goals for Midnight appear to have focused on three pillars: functional daytime usability, consistent cannabinoid ratio, and favorable agricultural traits. The first pillar aims for minimal anxiety and clearer cognition, a role CBD often supports by modulating THC’s effects in some users. The second requires relatively tight variance from lot to lot so that a labeled ratio behaves predictably for patients. The third emphasizes sativa-like vigor while maintaining structural stability under intensive cultivation.
Sativa-leaning cultivars typically show longer internodal spacing, narrower leaflets, and an elevated ceiling for canopy stretch in early flower. Midnight aligns with that morphology, but unlike many contemporary high-THC sativa hybrids, it expresses a balanced cannabinoid spectrum. That balance likely reflects the adroit incorporation of high-CBD donor lines into a sativa-forward frame. Although the exact contributors remain proprietary, the breeder’s outcome—a stable, CBD-rich sativa phenotype—signals careful chemotype selection across multiple generations.
Comparatively, Midnight is often grouped alongside other CBD-focused sativa-leaners in recommendation engines and dispensary catalogs. For example, Leafly’s similarity tools sometimes place it near Pina Colada (aka CBD Lilly), another energizing, CBD-rich cultivar favored for light, clear daytime relief. These associations do not prove shared parentage, but they underscore a convergent design: brisk, uplifting aromatics matched to CBD-forward chemistry. In practice, that makes Midnight attractive to patients who want a bright terpene bouquet without the heavy lift of high THC.
Botanical Appearance
In the garden, Midnight tends to show a medium-to-tall stature with a distinct sativa silhouette. Expect elongated branches, moderate-to-long internodes, and a canopy that benefits from training to keep apical dominance in check. Leaflets are narrower than broad-leaf types, and the overall impression is an airy plant that prefers light penetration over dense stacking. That architecture is conducive to lower humidity risks when managed correctly.
Mature flowers form medium-sized, conical colas with a calyx-forward build and a respectable calyx-to-leaf ratio. Bracts can present olive to lime green tones with golden to pale apricot pistils, and resin coverage is ample though typically less sticky than resin bombs bred for ultra-high THC. Trichome heads tend toward milky with a slower drift to amber—harvest timing for CBD is often optimized at mostly cloudy heads with minimal ambering. Properly grown, Midnight’s bag appeal is clean, crisp, and classic, favoring clarity over deep purples or ultra-dense ogre buds.
The buds dry down to a trim-friendly structure, and a careful manicure preserves trichomes along the bract ridges. Because the cultivar is designed for medical reliability, post-harvest handling often emphasizes moisture consistency, aiming for 11–13% moisture content and a water activity around 0.55–0.62 aw. This range supports microbial safety while maintaining pliability and aromatic integrity. Cured correctly, the flowers retain a bright, herbal-citrus nose and a silvery sheen of intact gland heads.
Compared to many modern dessert hybrids, Midnight’s visual profile reads restrained and professional: more botanical than confectionary. The resin is abundant but not dripping, reflecting a chemotype that prioritizes cannabinoid balance over maximal THC density. Bud density sits in the medium range, allowing terpenes to breathe and reducing the risk of botrytis in compact colas. Growers who value consistent quality over shock-and-awe aesthetics often appreciate Midnight’s reliable finish.
Aroma
Midnight’s aroma leans bright and herbal, with layered notes of citrus zest, pine needles, and light florals. On first grind, many users report a lemon-lime lift over a bed of fresh-cut greenery. Secondary tones often include sweet herbs, a whisper of eucalyptus, and a faint peppery tickle. The overall bouquet feels clean and uplifting rather than heavy or musky.
These aromatic signatures are consistent with terpene ensembles anchored by alpha-pinene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene, often supported by myrcene or terpinolene in smaller amounts. Pinene contributes the conifer snap and a sense of mental clarity for many users. Limonene enhances the citrus pop and can lend a buoyant mood tone. Caryophyllene threads in a subtle spice that complements the other top notes without overwhelming them.
In jars that have been cured longer, the profile can round off into sweet hay, chamomile, and lemon balm, reflecting terpene oxidation and ester interplay. Quick-sniff headspace tends to be zesty, but a deeper inhale from the grind unveils more herbaceous complexity. Some batches also show faint tropical facets—think underripe pineapple rind or green mango—echoing similarities to CBD-forward sativa cousins. While exact proportions vary by phenotype and cultivation practices, the core identity remains bright, green, and articulate.
For sensitive noses, Midnight’s perfume is approachable—neither gassy nor skunky—and fits well in patients’ daytime routines. It is the antithesis of cloying candy terps; instead, it communicates freshness and focus. This makes it easy to live with in shared spaces where discretion matters. When vaporized at lower temperatures, those top notes are especially prominent and crisp.
Flavor
The flavor of Midnight tracks closely with its aroma, delivering citrus-herbal brightness with clean, piney undertones. Initial inhales often bring lemon peel and spearmint-like freshness, followed by a dry, peppery finish on the exhale. The mouthfeel is light to medium, with minimal throat harshness when cured correctly. Retrohale through the nose elevates the eucalyptus and floral facets.
Vaporization at 170–185°C preserves the lemon-lime and pine register, offering the clearest read on the cultivar’s terpene identity. As temperature increases toward 195–205°C, the spice grows and the herbaceous tones deepen, while sweetness recedes. Combustion adds a toastier edge, converting delicate top notes into tea-like tannins and soft woody inflections. Many medical users favor lower-temp vaporization precisely to savor the brighter elements and avoid throat irritation.
Edible or tincture preparations from Midnight tend to taste subtly citrus-herbal, especially if minimally refined. In coconut oil infusions, expect lemongrass, pine, and light black pepper to peek through, with bitterness dependent on chlorophyll content. Alcohol tinctures can amplify the pepper and planty tones unless winterized thoroughly. Regardless of format, the flavor profile aligns with a sativa-leaning, CBD-forward experience: clean, uplifting, and unobtrusive.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Midnight is best known for a CBD-forward, low-to-moderate THC profile that patients routinely describe as balanced. Public references often cite around 10% CBD and about 7% THC in flower, translating to roughly 100 mg CBD and 70 mg THC per gram. That places Midnight squarely in the Type II category, with meaningful amounts of both cannabinoids but a CBD:THC ratio near 1.4:1. For most users, this chemistry yields mild to moderate intoxication tempered by CBD’s modulatory influence.
In practical terms, a typical 0.25 g vaporized session contains about 25 mg CBD and 17.5 mg THC when using flower near the 10/7 benchmark. Because vaporization efficiency commonly ranges from 40–70% depending on device and technique, the absorbed dose often lands closer to 10–18 mg CBD and 7–12 mg THC. That performance envelope aligns with reports of clear-headed relief and functional mood lift rather than a heavy, sedative stone. For beginners, the tempered potency reduces the risk of overconsumption-related discomfort.
Midnight can also contain minor cannabinoids that add nuance. CBG frequently appears at trace-to-low levels (for example, around 0.1–0.5%), and CBC may register similarly low. While these amounts are small compared to CBD and THC, they can subtly shape the effect curve and perceived smoothness. Extracts made from Midnight preserve these minors more efficiently than high-heat preparation methods.
Edibles and tinctures created from Midnight manifest a slower onset and longer duration than inhalation. Oral bioavailability for cannabinoids is often cited in the 4–20% range, with onset ranging 30–120 minutes and total duration extending 4–8 hours depending on meal content and metabolism. Many medical users leverage the cultivar’s ratio to build daytime regimens that provide baseline comfort without intense psychoactivity. Regardless of route, lab verification remains essential, since small shifts in the CBD:THC ratio can change the user experience meaningfully.
Terpene Profile
While terpene results vary by batch and grower, Midnight consistently leans toward an uplifting, green-citrus spectrum. Alpha-pinene and limonene frequently appear among the lead contributors, with beta-caryophyllene and myrcene supporting in secondary roles. Depending on phenotype and environment, terpinolene may surface, adding a breezier fruit-floral accent. Total terpene content in quality, carefully cured flower often falls in the 1.0–2.5% range by weight, with balanced representation across the top five constituents.
Alpha-pinene is associated with pine forest aromatics and, anecdotally, a sense of mental clarity in some users. Limonene brings lemon and orange peel brightness and is frequently linked to elevated mood ratings in consumer reports. Beta-caryophyllene contributes peppery spice and is unique in its ability to engage CB2 receptors, potentially complementing CBD’s perceived anti-inflammatory properties. Myrcene, even at moderate levels, can lend a soft, herbal body to the aroma and slightly round the edges of the experience.
In Midnight, these terpenes collaborate to produce a clean, functional nose and taste. The pinene-limonene partnership yields snap and sparkle, while caryophyllene gives a gentle base note that keeps the profile from becoming too “thin.” If terpinolene is present, it adds a fresh, almost effervescent lift that suits the strain’s daytime reputation. Trace terpenes like ocimene, humulene, or linalool may appear, but usually in amounts that round rather than redefine the bouquet.
Patients choosing Midnight for its CBD-forward relief often note that the terpene profile feels non-overpowering even during frequent use. This steadiness can be helpful for those sensitive to heavy myrcene sedation or diesel-forward funk. By staying bright and botanical, Midnight’s terpenes align with the cultivar’s intended mission: clarity, calm, and composure. Growers can accentuate this profile by dialing environmental conditions to preserve top notes during late flower and post-harvest.
Experiential Effects
Midnight generally delivers a clear-headed, steady experience anchored by CBD’s moderating presence. The onset via inhalation is usually quick—often within 2–5 minutes—building to a gentle plateau rather than a steep climb. Users often describe a soft lift in mood, reduced edge around discomfort, and an ease of focus suitable for light tasks. The overall effect is composed and alert rather than racy or sedating.
CBD’s influence can temper THC-induced anxiety and short-term memory disruption in many, though responses vary by individual biology and dose. With roughly 7% THC in many lots, Midnight is potent enough to be felt but not overwhelming for most patients. The sativa-leaning heritage adds a subtle sense of mobility and mental airflow, which some patients prefer for daytime symptom management. Body sensations trend toward soothing without heavy weight.
Duration depends on route: inhalation effects commonly last 1.5–3 hours with Midnight’s potency, while edibles extend relief to 4–8 hours. As tolerance and familiarity increase, users often reserve Midnight for moments when they want to stay engaged—morning stretching, errands, creative planning, or socializing in low-stress settings. Some patients also report that an evening session helps them unwind without grogginess, bridging toward sleep more gently than sedative-heavy varieties. That balance is reflected in recommendations where Midnight appears among options for insomnia relief while still being popular for daytime use.
Adverse effects are usually mild and may include dry mouth, light dry eyes, or rare transient dizziness at higher intake. Because Midnight still contains meaningful THC, impairment is possible; caution is appropriate when driving or operating machinery. For newcomers, starting with small inhalations or measured tincture doses can help dial in the sweet spot. As always, individual response varies, and patient journaling can be a useful tool for tracking outcomes over time.
Potential Medical Uses
In Israel’s medical context, Midnight is commonly used for nausea, pain, and inflammation, reflecting patient reports and clinical interest in CBD-forward chemotypes. The approximate 10% CBD and 7% THC composition provides multi-receptor engagement, combining CBD’s wide-ranging pharmacology with THC’s analgesic and antiemetic contributions. Patients manage a spectrum of pain types—from musculoskeletal soreness to neuropathic discomfort—without sacrificing daytime function. For some, it strikes a useful middle ground between non-intoxicating CBD-only options and more sedating, high-THC strains.
Nausea and appetite support are recurring themes in user feedback, particularly among those undergoing treatments that challenge the gastrointestinal system. THC’s antiemetic properties are well-known, and the presence of CBD may broaden tolerability and reduce the likelihood of overstimulation. Many patients describe steadier stomach comfort and an easier time maintaining nutrition. For those sensitive to THC, the CBD-forward balance can feel more approachable.
Inflammation-related complaints—ranging from joint irritation to flares associated with chronic conditions—are another area where Midnight is frequently chosen. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity and CBD’s broad immunomodulatory research interest are often cited as reasons some patients gravitate toward this chemotype. While controlled clinical data for specific conditions remain limited, real-world evidence and patient registries regularly document improvements in pain interference and daily function with balanced CBD:THC regimens. Midnight’s sativa-leaning effects make it particularly suitable for those who want to remain active.
Stress and sleep are nuanced with Midnight. On one hand, the cultivar’s clear-headed qualities can reduce anxious rumination and help ease into evening routines without fog. On the other, its bright terpene profile and sativa heritage mean it is not universally sedating. Notably, consumer guides sometimes list Midnight among options for insomnia, suggesting that for a subset of patients, the reduction in discomfort and mental agitation promotes better sleep onset. As with all cannabis therapies, individual physiology and timing matter; some may prefer Midnight earlier in the evening and a heavier cultivar nearer to bedtime.
Importantly, Midnight is not a substitute for medical care, and cannabis responses vary considerably. Patients should consult clinicians knowledgeable about cannabinoid medicine, especially when coordinating with other medications. Starting low and titrating carefully allows assessment of both benefits and side effects. Documenting dose, route, timing, and outcomes can help optimize use and inform shared decision-making with providers.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Cultivating Midnight successfully begins with understanding its sativa-leaning vigor and the goal of preserving a CBD-forward chemotype. The plant stretches appreciably during the first 2–3 weeks of 12/12, often doubling in height if left untrained. Topping at the 5th node, followed by low-stress training and a light screen of green (SCROG), keeps canopy height manageable and improves light distribution. Aim for a final canopy that is even, with 6–12 productive tops per plant depending on container size.
Environmentally, Midnight prefers a temperate, well-ventilated room with steady VPD. Target 24–26°C day and 18–20°C night in veg, easing to 23–25°C day and 17–19°C night in flower. Relative humidity at 55–65% in veg and 45–55% in flower reduces mildew risk while supporting terpene retention; this maps to a VPD around 0.9–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.1–1.4 kPa in mid-late flower. Good air exchange and gentle, multi-directional airflow are essential to keep the airy sativa structure clean and dry.
Lighting should be abundant but not overdriven late in flower to protect monoterpenes. In veg, PPFD of 350–500 µmol/m²/s over 18/6 is sufficient for robust growth. In flower, 700–900 µmol/m²/s over 12/12 hits a productive sweet spot without pushing excessive heat or nutrient demand. A daily light integral (DLI) of 40–50 mol/m²/day in bloom supports dense, terpene-rich flowers while maintaining energy efficiency.
Root zone management matters for chemotype expression and consistency. In coco or hydro, maintain pH 5.7–6.1; in living soil or peat-based mixes, aim for 6.3–6.8. EC in veg can range 1.4–1.8 mS/cm, rising to 1.8–2.2 mS/cm during peak flower depending on cultivar response and media. Midnight does not require excessive nitrogen; keeping N moderate and supplying adequate calcium, magnesium, and sulfur supports resin and terpene synthesis.
Feeding strategies that emphasize a balanced N-P-K with micronutrients perform well. In early flower (weeks 1–3), keep nitrogen present to power stretch while introducing additional phosphorus and potassium. From mid flower (weeks 4–7), reduce nitrogen gradually and maintain potassium to support calyx swell and terpene production. Late flower (final 7–10 days), many growers taper EC to encourage a clean finish and smooth burn.
Irrigation should favor full saturation with 10–20% runoff in inert media to avoid salt accumulation. Allow moderate dry-back to keep roots oxygenated and discourage fungus gnats. In living soil systems, maintain even moisture and leverage mulch to stabilize the rhizosphere. Regardless of system, consistent irrigation rhythm reduces stress and helps preserve the CBD:THC ratio targeted by the genetics.
Training methods such as topping, low-stress training, and SCROG are well-suited to Midnight’s architecture. Avoid aggressive high-stress techniques deep into flower, as the cultivar’s goal is quality and balance rather than brute yield. Defoliate selectively to open interior sites and improve airflow, but retain enough solar panels for healthy metabolism. A 1–1.2 plant per square foot density in SCROG typically achieves good coverage without overcrowding.
Integrated pest management (IPM) is crucial for any sativa-leaning cultivar. Maintain cleanliness, quarantine new clones, and deploy beneficials proactively, such as predatory mites for spider mites and thrips. For powdery mildew, prioritize airflow, leaf spacing, and environmental control; knockdown options like potassium bicarbonate or biologicals can be used preventatively in veg. Always check local regulations and label instructions when applying any pest management products.
Flowering time for Midnight generally runs 9–10 weeks under 12/12, with some phenotypes taking a few days longer to finish. Because CBD and THC can peak at slightly different times, harvest timing merits attention. Many growers target a trichome field of mostly cloudy heads with only light ambering (for example, 5–15%) to capture a robust CBD fraction while keeping THC in check. Lab confirmation via small test pulls is ideal where possible to refine harvest windows for your specific phenotype.
Post-harvest, dry at 17–19°C and 50–58% RH for 10–14 days, monitoring stem snap and flower feel. Cure in airtight containers, burping as needed to stabilize at 58–62% RH. Proper curing enhances citrus-herbal top notes and preserves pinene and limonene, which are more volatile than heavier sesquiterpenes. Target a water activity around 0.55–0.62 aw for shelf stability without sacrificing aroma.
Yield potential is medium to medium-high when grown with training and strong environmental control. In dialed-in indoor SCROG setups, 450–600 g/m² is achievable, while outdoor or greenhouse plants in rich soil can surpass 500 g per plant with long-season care. Outdoor harvest typically falls in mid to late October in temperate latitudes, aligning well with Mediterranean climates akin to Israel’s coastal regions. Regardless of setting, prioritize quality and chemotype fidelity over pushing maximum biomass.
For extractors, Midnight’s balanced cannabinoid ratios shine in solventless and solvent-based preparations aimed at medical users. Gentle, cold processing helps retain monoterpenes and preserves the nuanced green-citrus profile. Final formulations can be tuned to deliver predictable mg-per-mL ratios that mirror the flower’s 10:7 CBD:THC balance. As always, certificate-of-analysis verification ensures the intended therapeutic profile reaches patients reliably.
