Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Origins
Moby Dick #2 is a second-generation refinement of Dinafem’s best-selling Moby Dick, created to push the line’s sativa expression, vigor, and top-end potency. Dinafem, a Spanish breeder known for careful selection and stabilization, released #2 to deliver faster vegetative growth and a more incisive Haze-forward profile without sacrificing the original’s heavy yields. The project focused on keeping the strain productive and resilient while emphasizing the bright, cerebral signature that helped the original Moby Dick gain worldwide recognition. In practical terms, that means #2 was designed for big canopies, big colas, and a big, clean high.
The original Moby Dick rose to stardom for its sky-high THC potential and energizing effects, with many consumer guides reporting top-end lab results in the mid-20% range. Contemporary summaries often place Moby Dick’s THC between 24–27% and CBD under 2%, which helped cement its reputation as a powerhouse sativa-dominant cultivar. The second iteration sought to match or exceed those figures while improving horticultural predictability and stress tolerance. The goal was a plant that could deliver commercial-scale consistency but still thrill connoisseurs.
Importantly, #2 also leaned into an unexpected consumer-friendly trait: a tendency to provoke minimal munchies. In strain roundups that highlight appetite-suppressing options, Moby Dick is frequently cited as a top pick, again reflecting its sativa tilt and possible minor-cannabinoid contributions. That reputation carried over to #2, which many users report as clean, clear, and less likely to trigger snack attacks than indica-heavy alternatives. The combination of potency and a lighter appetite profile helped the line stand out in both medical and adult-use circles.
Dinafem’s catalog noted that #2 maintained the original’s indoor reliability and outdoor robustness in temperate and Mediterranean climates. Gardeners recognized it as a cultivar that could take aggressive feeding and strong light without stalling, making it suitable for high-intensity, dialed-in rooms. Over time, #2 became a staple for growers who wanted a modern sativa experience that still filled jars and met schedules. The result is a cultivar that remains relevant years after its release, especially among those who value both brainy effect and commercial-grade output.
Genetic Lineage and Sativa Heritage
Moby Dick #2 descends from the same iconic pairing behind the original line: a selected Haze crossed to a resin-heavy White Widow. In most descriptions, that places #2 firmly in the sativa-dominant zone, frequently approximated at 70–80% sativa. The Haze side contributes elongated internodes, terpinolene-forward aromatics, and a bright, soaring effect profile. The White Widow component adds density, resin production, and structural reliability, translating into fatter colas and higher trichome coverage than you get with a pure Haze.
As with many Hazes, parts of the deep lineage contain poorly documented or “unknown” branches, a common reality that genealogy databases routinely note. This reflects decades of selection and recombination across regions and seed collections, especially during the 1980s–1990s global spread of Haze lines. While the top-level cross is clear, some ancestor paths remain nebulous, underscoring why phenotype selection is crucial for reproducing #2’s signature traits. Dinafem’s work essentially bottled a specific synergy rather than a neatly traced family tree.
Compared to the first Moby Dick, #2 was selected to be a touch more sativa in feel and expression, with notably vigorous vegetative growth and slightly taller stretch. Growers commonly report a 2x–3x stretch upon the switch to 12/12, which, with the right training, translates into broad canopies and uniform tops. The resulting phenotype typically sports a high calyx-to-leaf ratio for a Haze-leaning plant, reflecting the stabilizing influence of the Widow side. In the jar, this genetics blend gives #2 its hallmark: big, bright sativa energy packaged in frosty, commercially attractive flowers.
This heritage also explains the strain’s appetite-moderating reputation. Haze-heavy plants often test with trace amounts of THCV alongside terpinolene-dominant terpene profiles, both of which have been associated—anecdotally and in preliminary research—with reduced munchies. While not every phenotype will express THCV above trace levels, the pattern shows up often enough to influence user consensus. Moby Dick #2 leans into that consensus by preserving a chemotype that feels uplifting, clear, and less snack-inducing than many modern dessert cultivars.
Appearance and Bag Appeal
Moby Dick #2 presents as a classic sativa-dominant hybrid with an updated commercial sheen. Plants are medium-tall to tall, with strong apical dominance unless topped early. Internodes are moderately spaced, leading to long, well-lit colas that can stack impressively by week 7–9 of bloom. The calyx-to-leaf ratio is better than average for sativa-leaners, which makes trimming faster and results cleaner.
Dried flowers typically range from lime to forest green, with amber-orange pistils that twist tightly around swollen calyces. In cool finishes, anthocyanin streaks can appear along sugar leaves, though this is phenotype- and temperature-dependent. Trichome coverage is heavy and glassy, often giving buds a silvery cast that reads as high-grade at arm’s length. Under magnification, heads are mostly cloudy by maturity, with a standard progression to amber as harvest windows advance.
Nug structure is sativa-influenced but not airy, landing in the “medium-density spear” category in well-grown samples. Average bud size can be large due to the cultivar’s knack for elongated colas that dry down into elegant spears. Packed into jars, #2’s flowers display uniformity if a SCROG or even canopy was used, rewarding disciplined training with consistent shape and size. Visual appeal is amplified by the crystalline frost, a testament to the Widow heritage.
In retail or sharing scenarios, Moby Dick #2 stands out because it looks both refined and aggressive—slender spears with a thick coat of resin. The presentation aligns with the strain’s reputation: serious potency wrapped in a classic sativa silhouette. Even without cracking the jar, seasoned consumers often recognize the Haze-Widow blend by sight. It’s a contemporary take on old-school architecture, engineered for modern shelves.
Aroma Profile (Nose)
The nose of Moby Dick #2 opens with bright citrus-zest tones and a piercing Haze incense, hinting at terpinolene dominance. On first grind, many samples also exhale pine resin and fresh-cut wood, followed by an herbal, slightly floral lift. Secondary notes can include sweet lemon peel, eucalyptus, and a white-pepper tickle, the latter pointing to beta-caryophyllene. The overall impression is clean, airy, and invigorating rather than heavy or cloying.
As the jar breathes, the profile rounds out with hints of cedar, green mango skin, and light fuel. These nuances vary with cure length and storage conditions, often becoming more pronounced after a 3–6 week cure at 60–62% RH. Properly dried flowers retain a “high-definition” aroma that jumps from the grinder, a trait that correlates with elevated total terpene content. Total terpene levels in well-grown #2 regularly land in the 1.2–2.5% w/w range, with standout gardens exceeding 3%.
Side-by-side with the original Moby Dick, #2 can lean brighter and more citrus-incense forward, with slightly less earthy base on some phenotypes. This makes it an especially pleasant morning or midday nose, reminiscent of classic church incense cut with lemon and pine. The scent also telegraphs the effects: crisp and energetic rather than narcotic. For many users, the smell alone suggests a “get-things-done” session.
Because #2 throws big colas, its aromatic output in the grow room can be significant, especially after week 5 of flower. Carbon filtration and negative pressure are recommended for stealth operations. Outdoors, breezy sites mitigate concentration, but still expect a noticeable terp cloud at maturity. A robust nose is both a selling point and a security consideration.
Flavor Profile (Palate)
On inhalation, Moby Dick #2 delivers brisk citrus and conifer tones that mirror the aroma, quickly followed by classic Haze incense. The mid-palate often shows lemon-lime zest over a mild herbal sweetness, then a peppery snap as beta-caryophyllene engages. Exhale is clean and lingering, with pine needles, cedar shavings, and a faint floral-linalool whisper. The finish is dry and refreshing rather than sugary.
With a slow cure, the flavor deepens into lemon-cedar tea with a light resinous mouthfeel. Vaporization at 180–190°C typically emphasizes terpinolene’s bright top notes, while slightly higher temps (195–205°C) bring out caryophyllene’s spice and humulene’s woody undertones. Combustion preserves the profile if the flower is properly dried to 10–12% moisture content and handled gently. Harshness tends to come from overdrying or rushing the cure, not from the cultivar’s chemistry.
Moby Dick #2 pairs well with coffee, citrus fruits, and tart teas because the palate strikes a balance between tangy and herbal. Many enthusiasts note that the taste feels “active,” reinforcing the strain’s reputation for daytime utility. The absence of heavy dessert terpenes keeps the profile crisp and uncluttered. For flavor chasers who like classic Haze with a modern polish, #2 is a reliable choice.
In live resin or rosin formats, the terpene set can concentrate into an even punchier lemon-incense blast. Extractors often report high returns due to the resin-rich morphology, with trichome coverage translating into respectable yields. The terpene balance also helps extracts remain flavorful over time when stored cold and airtight. As with flower, clarity and brightness define the experience.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Moby Dick #2 is renowned for potent THC expression. Reported lab results frequently place total THC in the 20–27% range when grown under optimal conditions, with many consumer guides citing upper-end figures of 24–27%. CBD is typically low, often under 1%, and commonly reported under 2%, which keeps the chemovar squarely in the high-THC, low-CBD category. This ratio correlates with a strong, fast-onset cerebral effect.
Minor cannabinoids can add nuance. THCV, occasionally detected in sativa-leaning Hazes, may appear in trace-to-low levels in #2—commonly 0.1–0.5% and sometimes higher in select phenotypes. CBG often ranges around 0.2–1.0% total, contributing to a clearer baseline and potentially supporting anti-inflammatory effects. CBC is typically detected in trace amounts.
Total cannabinoids in well-grown, carefully finished flowers can exceed 25–30% by weight when you sum THC, minor cannabinoids, and any remaining acidic forms pre-decarboxylation. During curing and with heat, THCA decarboxylates to THC, becoming psychoactive and determining the headline potency figure. Grow environment factors—such as PPFD, VPD, nutrient availability, and stress—can swing total THC by several percentage points. In practice, optimization of light intensity and canopy management is often the decisive factor between low-20s and mid-20s results.
Because CBD is minimal, the psychoactivity is not buffered, which contributes to reports of a clean but assertive head high. Newer consumers should start low, especially with concentrates where total THC can exceed 70%. Even experienced users note that #2 can feel brisk at the onset, peaking within 10–20 minutes of inhalation. The plateau often lasts 60–120 minutes in flower form, tapering smoothly if dosing is moderate.
Terpene Profile and Chemotype Nuances
Analytically, Moby Dick #2 tends to be terpinolene-forward, which is common among Haze-descended sativas. In many lab results for Haze-line hybrids, terpinolene can represent 20–40% of the terpene fraction, translating to roughly 0.3–0.9% by dry weight when total terpenes sit around 1.5–2.5%. Supporting terpenes usually include beta-caryophyllene (peppery, 0.1–0.4%), limonene (citrus, 0.1–0.4%), alpha- and beta-pinene (pine, 0.05–0.3%), and myrcene (herbal, 0.1–0.3%). Humulene and linalool commonly register in the 0.03–0.15% range each.
This terpene balance tracks the sensory experience: lemon-pine top notes (limonene/pinene) over an incense backbone (terpinolene), with a spicy, peppered tail (caryophyllene). Terpinolene-rich chemotypes are often associated with alert, uplifting effects, and #2 adheres closely to that pattern. Beta-caryophyllene, a CB2 agonist, may add anti-inflammatory potential while smoothing edges on the experience. Meanwhile, pinene has been studied for bronchodilation and potential pro-attention properties, providing a plausible mechanistic link to the strain’s “focus-friendly” reputation.
Total terpene content is a strong driver of flavor impact and perceived potency. In side-by-side tests, flowers with 2.0%+ total terpenes often rate as more “potent-feeling” than lower-terp counterparts with the same THC. This is consistent with the entourage model, where terpene-cannabinoid synergy amplifies subjective effect. For #2, pursuing cultivation practices that preserve terpene content—cooler late-flower nights and a slow, controlled dry—pays dividends in both taste and effect.
Terpene expression is not static across phenotypes. Some #2 plants lean slightly earthier or woodier, boosting humulene, while others flash a sweeter citrus emphasis from higher limonene. A proper phenotype hunt typically reveals at least two dominant aroma lanes: bright lemon-incense and pine-incense with pepper. Selecting a keeper based on the target palate can refine both personal and commercial outcomes.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
The #2 experience is typically fast, clear, and uplifting. Users commonly describe a pronounced cerebral lift within 10–15 minutes of the first inhale, followed by sharpened focus and elevated mood. The sativa-leaning energy has a “clean burn” character, making it suited for creative work, socializing, or outdoor activities. With higher doses, the effect can transition into intense euphoria and rapid thought patterns.
One widely noted characteristic is a relatively low tendency to trigger the munchies compared to sweeter indica-leaning dessert strains. Consumer guides that rank appetite-suppressing cultivars routinely place Moby Dick near the top, citing THC in the mid-20s and CBD under 2% as a typical profile. Some users attribute the effect to a combination of terpinolene-forward terpenes and trace THCV. Regardless of mechanism, many report that #2 keeps them on-task rather than kitchen-bound.
Duration for flower is usually 90–150 minutes, with a gentle comedown if intake is moderate. The body load is lighter than average, though a subtle post-peak relaxation is common around the 90-minute mark. Experienced consumers often find that #2 pairs well with exercise or brainstorming sessions because anxiety tends to be lower than ultra-racy Hazes. That said, those sensitive to high-THC sativas should still moderate their dose.
Adverse effects reflect its potency. Dry mouth and dry eyes are common, and rapid dosing can produce transient anxiety, a quickened pulse, or lightheadedness. Staying hydrated, spacing inhalations by a few minutes, and avoiding empty-stomach consumption can mitigate these issues. Beginners and low-tolerance users should start with one or two small puffs and reassess after 10–15 minutes.
Potential Medical Uses (Non-Clinical Observations)
Although formal clinical data on Moby Dick #2 specifically are limited, its chemotype suggests several potential use cases. The uplifting, focus-supporting profile makes it a candidate for daytime fatigue and low mood, where activation without sedation is desired. The peppery beta-caryophyllene content and measurable CBG may offer adjunct anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits, especially for mild musculoskeletal discomfort. As with many sativa-leaners, mood elevation is one of the most commonly reported outcomes.
Appetite regulation is another area of interest. User reports and curated strain lists frequently cite Moby Dick as a top choice for minimal munchies, and #2 continues that trend. While THC alone often increases appetite, the presence of terpinolene and potential trace THCV in sativa-heavy chemovars may counterbalance that effect for some individuals. This makes #2 notable for those seeking daytime relief without unwanted snacking.
Cognitive clarity and motivation can assist users dealing with task initiation challenges. Some report better focus and decreased mental fog, an effect profile that may be useful for attention-related concerns. However, people with anxiety disorders should approach cautiously, as potent sativas can exacerbate symptoms at higher doses. Titration and mindful set-and-setting are advisable.
For pain, #2 is better suited to mild-to-moderate cases where mood enhancement and distraction are beneficial. For severe, nighttime pain or spasms, heavier indica chemotypes may still be preferable. As always, medical cannabis use should be coordinated with a qualified clinician to align cannabinoid ratios and dosing with individual needs. Because CBD is low in #2, those seeking anxiolytic buffering may consider pairing it with a CBD-rich cultivar or tincture.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Moby Dick #2 is a vigorous, sativa-dominant photoperiod cultivar that rewards strong light, ample nutrition, and disciplined canopy management. Indoors, expect a 9–10 week flowering window (63–70 days) with a 2x–3x stretch after the flip. Typical indoor yields range from 550–700 g/m² under optimized conditions, with advanced rooms pushing higher via CO2 enrichment and high-density SCROG. Outdoors in favorable climates, 800–1500 g per plant is achievable in large containers or in-ground beds.
Environment targets are straightforward. Maintain 22–28°C day temperatures and 18–22°C nights, with RH at 60–65% in early veg, 50–55% in late veg, 45–50% in early flower, and 40–45% in late flower. VPD in the 0.9–1.3 kPa range promotes steady transpiration and growth without undue stress. In the final two weeks, easing night temps toward 18–19°C can help preserve volatile terpenes and tighten color.
Light intensity should be robust for best cannabinoid and terpene expression. Aim for 700–900 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD in mid-flower, rising to 900–1100 PPFD if CO2 is supplemented to 1000–1200 ppm. Without added CO2, hold PPFD closer to 800–900 to avoid photooxidative stress. Keep DLI consistent and avoid wild swings that can destabilize hormonal cues.
Nutrition-wise, #2 tolerates and often demands above-average feeding. In coco/hydro, target EC 1.6–1.8 mS/cm in late veg and 1.8–2.2 mS/cm during peak bloom, tapering down in the final 10–14 days. In soil, use amended media with slow-release components and supplement with liquid bloom boosters as flower stacks. Keep pH at 5.8–6.2 in hydro/coco and 6.2–6.6 in soil to maximize micronutrient availability.
Calcium and magnesium support are essential, especially under high-intensity LEDs. Provide 100–150 ppm Ca and 40–60 ppm Mg baseline in hydro/coco to prevent interveinal chlorosis and weak cell walls. Silica at 50–100 ppm during veg can bolster stem strength for heavy colas. Potassium demand spikes from week 4–7 of flower; ensure K availability remains strong without starving phosphorus.
Training dramatically improves outcomes. Top once or twice in veg (around the 5th node) and implement low-stress training to spread branches laterally. SCROG nets are highly recommended to create a uniform canopy and maximize light interception, especially given the cultivar’s 2x–3x stretch. In tighter rotations, a SOG with short veg can work, but note that #2’s branchy nature often shines better in SCROG.
Some catalogs advertise up to 700 g/m² after only 6 weeks of flowering in high-density SOG with mid-range potency figures around 15% THC—for specific fast cultivars. Moby Dick #2 is not typically that fast; expect 9–10 weeks to reach its full terp and THC potential, which can test in the mid-20s. If you do attempt a SOG, stick to minimal veg and an even sea of uniform clones to avoid canopy chaos. For most growers, a topped, netted SCROG provides more predictable weight and quality.
Irrigation strategy should keep media evenly moist but well aerated. In coco, fertigate to 10–20% runoff once or twice daily in late veg, increasing frequency during peak bloom as transpiration rises. In soil, water only when the top 2–3 cm are dry and pots feel noticeably lighter, avoiding the soggy-dry roller coaster that stresses roots. Consistency minimizes nutrient swings and preserves terpene expression.
A week-by-week flower outline helps planning. Weeks 1–2: expect rapid stretch; dial in trellising and maintain higher nitrogen support. Weeks 3–4: stack initiation; pivot toward bloom nutrition with strong K and moderate P. Weeks 5–7: bulking; watch EC and maintain optimal VPD, supporting calcium and magnesium. Weeks 8–10: ripening; ease nitrogen, keep airflow crisp, and consider a gentle taper in EC while monitoring trichomes for target maturity.
Defoliation should be moderate and purposeful. Remove large, shadowing fan leaves before week 3 to open sites, and again lightly at week 5 if necessary. Excessive stripping can impair photosynthesis and reduce resin output, especially in terpinolene-dominant cultivars. Aim for airflow and even light over naked stems.
Pest and pathogen management is essential because #2 grows large, dense colas late. Maintain strong horizontal and vertical airflow with oscillating fans and a clean, negative-pressure room. Powdery mildew risk rises at RH above 55% late in flower, and botrytis becomes a threat in bulky tops if airflow is poor. Weekly IPM with biologicals in veg, plus meticulous hygiene, reduces pressure.
Harvest timing revolves around desired effect. For a brighter, racier experience, harvest when most trichomes are fully cloudy with 5–10% amber. For a slightly more relaxing finish, wait for 10–20% amber. Most growers find the sweet spot around day 63–68, though phenotype and environment can push earlier or later.
Dry and cure are make-or-break for #2’s citrus-incense clarity. Target a slow dry of 10–14 days at 18–20°C and 58–62% RH with minimal light exposure and steady air exchange. After stem-snap, jar at 62% RH, burp daily for the first week, and then weekly for 3–6 weeks. Expect flavor and smoothness to peak after a 4–8 week cure as terpenes stabilize and chlorophyll byproducts dissipate.
Outdoors, #2 prefers temperate to Mediterranean climates with consistent sun and low late-season humidity. Planting in late spring and harvesting in early to mid-October is typical in the Northern Hemisphere, depending on latitude. Staking or netting is advised to support long spears against wind. Mulch and drip irrigation help maintain steady moisture without encouraging mold.
From a selection perspective, phenohunts should prioritize vigor, internode spacing, and terp clarity. Ideal keepers show symmetrical branching, fast rooting, and a nose that is unmistakably lemon-pine-incense on a light grind. If you plan commercial runs, test 6–12 seeds to identify a stable, high-yielding mother with the desired terp lane. Once locked, clones will deliver the uniformity needed for consistent canopy fills and repeatable lab results.
Finally, feeding tolerance is a competitive advantage of #2, but don’t confuse tolerance with necessity. Overshooting EC beyond plant demand can suppress terpene production and invite salt stress. Track runoff EC, leaf tips, and faint margin curl as early signals to back off. Balanced inputs plus bright, stable light are what push Moby Dick #2 into the elite tier of both yield and quality.
