Written by Ad OpsOverview
Money Maker is a mostly indica cannabis cultivar developed by Strain Hunters Seed Bank, a team known for preserving and remixing classic genetics. As its name implies, this variety was bred with vigorous production and reliability in mind, offering dense, resin-heavy flowers and a compact structure that fits high-density canopies. In consumer markets, it is sometimes listed under the nicknames Money Bush or Money Kush, underscoring its reputation as a consistent yielder.
Growers favor Money Maker because it is adaptable across environments and media. Current listings note it performs well indoors, outdoors, and in greenhouses, and it responds positively to soil, coco, hydroponics, and even aeroponics. Its indica-leaning architecture, fast bloom, and stout branches make it a practical choice for first-time cultivators and a profit-focused workhorse for professionals.
On the sensory side, Money Maker leans toward earthy, spicy, and nutty notes with occasional berry or dried-fruit accents. The effect profile is typically calming and body-forward, with many users describing pronounced relaxation and appetite stimulation. Potency ranges are frequently reported in the mid-to-high-THC bracket, while CBD is usually trace, resulting in a classic, heavy indica experience.
Origin and Breeding History
Strain Hunters Seed Bank, associated with the explorers behind the Strain Hunters documentary project, released Money Maker in the early 2010s to answer market demand for fast, dependable, high-yield indica flowers. The breeding objective was clear: merge old-school kush and skunk vigor into a compact frame that finishes quickly and stacks weight under standard 12/12 cycles. The resulting cultivar aligned with commercial needs at the time—short plants, heavy buds, and broad environmental tolerance.
The name Money Maker is a nod to the cultivar’s production potential in square-footage-limited facilities. In community and breeder notes, it rapidly gained a reputation as a strain that “pays the bills” due to its ratio of flower output to time and inputs. This reputation has persisted in hobby forums and professional rooms where yield-per-watt and grams-per-square-meter remain core metrics.
Over the years, Money Maker has become a reference point for indica-dominant productivity. It is often included in comparative lists alongside similar heavy-yielding indicas and indica-hybrids. The cultivar’s stability and reliable growth pattern helped it spread internationally, with feminized seeds facilitating consistent performance for small-scale growers.
Genetic Lineage
Money Maker’s lineage draws from foundational indica and skunk stock, reflecting the breeder’s preference for robust, time-tested parents. Breeder descriptions consistently characterize it as a mostly indica built from kush genetics paired with a skunk influence for vigor and branching. In practical terms, this can be understood as a mash-up of landrace-leaning kush ancestry and a classic Skunk selection, delivering both density and hybrid resilience.
This type of lineage commonly expresses short internodes, thick lateral branches, and broad leaflets—traits that drive its compact canopy and heavy bud stacking. The skunk-side contribution boosts root vigor and acclimation to different media, while the kush-side drives the dense calyx formation and resin output. The end result is a phenotype set that grows uniformly and performs predictably across multiple cultivation styles.
In the market, Money Maker is sometimes grouped with old-school indica families that share myrcene- and caryophyllene-forward profiles. You may see it listed near strains like Kandahar, Blueberry Afgoo, or Shishka-Blues on discovery platforms that cluster cultivars by terpene similarity rather than direct genetics. This is a useful clue for sensory expectations without implying direct parentage.
Appearance and Morphology
Money Maker typically grows short to medium in height with a stout, bushy frame. Internodes are tight, often 2–5 cm in high-intensity lighting, and side branches are thick enough to carry heavy colas with minimal support. Broad, dark-green leaf blades and a relatively high leaf mass are common, especially in nitrogen-rich media.
Buds are dense and golf-ball to soda-can sized depending on training and veg time. Calyxes are plump and stack into spear-shaped colas with a medium calyx-to-leaf ratio that trims quickly by machine or hand. Mature flowers show a heavy blanket of trichomes, with pistils shifting from cream to orange and then to amber-brown near harvest.
Plants often form a symmetrical structure after topping, creating an even canopy ideal for SCROG or net-based support. In CO2-enriched rooms, expect noticeably thicker stems and slightly increased internode spacing, reflecting the plant’s willingness to push biomass. Outdoors, plants remain manageable in height but can still fill a 1–1.5 m diameter with adequate pruning and sun exposure.
Aroma
Aromatically, Money Maker leans earthy and spicy with nutty undertones, often evoking toasted seed, pepper, and a hint of cocoa. Many growers also report a dried-fruit or berry nuance, especially during late flower when terpenes concentrate. The overall bouquet is stout and low-pitched rather than citrusy or sharply floral.
On the stem rub, expect a pepper-forward kush note with a slightly funky skunk backbone. Breaking cured buds intensifies the earthy-and-nutty core with a warm, savory character. In jars, the fragrance is persistent without being overly pungent, which can be advantageous in low-profile home grows.
Environmental and curing factors modulate the nose. Slow drying at 60–62% RH over 10–14 days tends to preserve the spice-and-nut undertones. Rapid drying or overdrying can flatten these nuances, emphasizing a more generic earthy profile.
Flavor
The flavor follows the nose: earthy, peppery, and toasted-nut with a gentle Kush resin on the exhale. Subtle berry or date-like sweetness occasionally appears, particularly in phenotypes with a little extra limonene or linalool. Combustion tends to be smooth when properly flushed, delivering a warm, mouth-coating finish.
In vaporizers set between 180–195°C, the first draws reveal the nutty-spice spectrum with hints of cocoa hull and dried fruit. Higher temperatures bring out more resin and hash-like depth while sacrificing some sweetness. Users who prefer clean, single-note flavor often report best results at 185–188°C.
Pairings that complement Money Maker’s palate include roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and savory snacks. The strain’s mouthfeel stands up well to bold flavors without being overshadowed. For edibles, butter-based infusions accentuate the toasted-nut character nicely.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
As a mostly indica cultivar, Money Maker is commonly reported in the mid-to-high THC bracket with minimal CBD. In consumer markets and grow reports, tested flower often lands around 16–22% THC by dry weight, with occasional top-end lab results reported higher under optimized conditions. CBD typically measures below 0.5%, and many samples fall under 0.2%, keeping the chemotype firmly THC-dominant.
Minor cannabinoids can contribute to the experience. CBG commonly ranges from 0.2–1.0% in indica-dominant commercial flowers, and Money Maker fits this pattern in grower-shared COAs. CBC and THCV are usually present in trace amounts, often below 0.2% each, but they may subtly modulate effect onset and mood.
Potency is influenced heavily by cultivation conditions. Under a flower PPFD of 800–1,000 µmol·m−2·s−1, CO2 at 900–1,200 ppm, and well-managed VPD, THC outcomes reliably skew toward the upper end of the reported range. Stress from high heat, low calcium availability, or late-stage humidity spikes can depress resin production, reducing cannabinoid totals by several percentage points in side-by-side comparisons.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
While exact terpene totals vary by phenotype and grow method, Money Maker typically expresses a myrcene- and caryophyllene-forward profile. Across indica-dominant hybrids of similar ancestry, total terpene content of 1.2–2.0% by dry weight is common, with outliers that exceed 2.5% under careful drying and curing. Expect a core of beta-caryophyllene and myrcene, with supporting roles from humulene and limonene.
The earthy-spicy nose maps well to these molecules: beta-caryophyllene supplies peppery warmth, myrcene contributes musky earth and sedative synergy, and humulene adds herbal dryness. Limonene may surface as a faint citrus lift that can read as berry sweetness in certain phenos. Trace linalool occasionally appears and can account for a soft floral edge in the cure.
This terpene architecture helps explain Money Maker’s body-forward effects. Myrcene is often cited in the 0.4–0.8% range in indica-leaning flowers, and caryophyllene in the 0.3–0.7% range, numbers that align with grower COAs for similar kush/skunk hybrids. When combined with THC dominance, the overall chemistry supports a relaxing, appetite-stimulating experience consistent with user reports.
Experiential Effects
Users generally describe Money Maker as a calming, heavy-bodied strain with a quick onset. Within 5–10 minutes of inhalation, muscles loosen and a warm, grounding sensation spreads across the torso and limbs. Mentally, the effect tends to be quieting rather than racy, making it a common evening choice.
Appetite stimulation is a frequent note, aligning with the strain’s indica heritage and caryophyllene/myrcene profile. Many report that stress and irritability soften as the session progresses. At higher doses, couch-lock is possible, particularly for those with lower THC tolerance or after a long day.
Adverse effects mirror most THC-dominant indicas: dry mouth and dry eyes are the most common, with occasional dizziness if overconsumed quickly. A glass of water and pacing intake mitigate these issues. Sensitive users should start with small doses, especially in concentrates where potency may exceed 70–80% THC.
Potential Medical Uses
Nothing here should be considered medical advice, but users frequently reach for Money Maker to navigate stress, insomnia, and appetite loss. The body-centric calm and relatively sedative arc can make it a candidate for evening wind-down, sleep onset, or post-activity muscle tension. Its quick onset when inhaled supports situational use where immediate relief is desired.
For discomfort, anecdotal reports mention relief from generalized aches, cramping, and stiffness. The caryophyllene content—known to interact with CB2 receptors—may contribute to perceived easing of inflammation-related symptoms in some users. Myrcene’s reputation for synergizing “couchy” relaxation with THC dovetails with these impressions.
For mood, users often report reductions in irritability and a softened stress response, which can indirectly support sleep quality and appetite. Individuals sensitive to THC-induced anxiety often find indica-skewed chemotypes more forgiving, but this varies. As always, those with medical conditions should consult a clinician and consider products with verified lab testing and consistent cannabinoid/terpene profiles.
Cultivation Guide: Environments, Media, and Setup
Strain Hunters notes that Money Maker is well-suited to indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse cultivation. It thrives in soil and coco and responds vigorously in hydroponic and even aeroponic systems, making it a highly adaptable production cultivar. This versatility allows growers to match the strain to local climates and infrastructure.
Indoors, target 22–26°C during the photoperiod and 18–22°C at night, with RH around 60–70% in veg and 45–55% in early flower. In late flower, reduce RH to 40–45% to limit botrytis risk in dense colas. Maintain a flower PPFD of 800–1,000 µmol·m−2·s−1, and consider 900–1,200 ppm CO2 to drive yield if environmental control is tight.
In soil, use a well-aerated mix (e.g., 30–35% perlite or pumice) and keep pH at 6.2–6.8. In coco and hydro, pH between 5.7–6.2 supports nutrient availability. EC levels of 1.5–1.8 mS/cm in mid-veg and 1.8–2.2 mS/cm in mid-bloom fit Money Maker’s “hungry” feeding style.
Cultivation Guide: Vegetative Phase
Money Maker’s compact, bushy architecture benefits from early training. Top once at the 5th–6th node to promote symmetrical branching, then apply low-stress training to spread the canopy. A single topping plus LST is often sufficient to fill a 60×60 cm footprint in 3–4 weeks of veg.
Veg under 18/6 or 20/4 light schedules depending on power budgets. In high-PPFD LED rooms, you may see extremely tight internodes; raise fixtures or dim slightly to keep spacing in the 3–5 cm range for better airflow. Keep RH near 65% and VPD around 0.8–1.1 kPa to drive vegetative growth without excessive transpiration stress.
Nutritionally, aim for an NPK bias of approximately 3-1-2 during veg with robust calcium and magnesium support. In coco, supplement 100–150 ppm Ca and 50–70 ppm Mg; in soil, a pre-amended mix with 2–4% by volume gypsum and dolomite helps. Monitor leaf color—deep green is normal for this strain, but dark, clawed leaves signal excess nitrogen.
Cultivation Guide: Flowering Phase and Training
Transition to 12/12 with a final canopy shaping and net placement. Money Maker stretches moderately—often 30–60%—which is manageable and predictable for SCROG, SOG, or trellised grows. Expect pistil formation within 7–10 days and notable bud set by the end of week 2.
Defoliate selectively to open the interior without overstripping; remove large fan leaves that shade primary bud sites in week 2 and again in week 4 if necessary. Because colas become dense by weeks 6–8, early airflow preparation is essential. Install oscillating fans at multiple canopy levels and maintain 0.9–1.2 kPa VPD in mid-bloom for ideal gas exchange.
Training methods that excel include SCROG for even bud development and light distribution and SOG from rooted clones for rapid turnovers. When running many smaller plants, keep veg short (7–14 days) to maintain uniform, single-cola structures. Stake heavy side branches or apply a second net by week 4–5 to prevent lodging as flowers pack on weight.
Cultivation Guide: Nutrition, Irrigation, and IPM
Increase phosphorus and potassium in early flower to approximately 1-2-2, transitioning to 1-3-3 by mid-bloom depending on your base regimen. Calcium demand remains high through week 6, so maintain Ca:Mg in the 2:1 to 3:1 range to prevent blossom-end rot-like symptoms in bracts and to deter tip burn. Keep nitrogen moderate after week 3–4 of flower to avoid leafy buds.
In coco and hydro, pulse irrigation is effective: deliver 10–15% runoff per event, 2–6 times daily depending on pot size, media porosity, and VPD. In soil, allow 20–30% of the pot’s water capacity to cycle before re-watering to encourage oxygenation and root health. Aim for solution temperatures between 18–21°C to protect roots from pathogens.
Pest and disease management should be proactive. Dense indica canopies are susceptible to botrytis and powdery mildew at RH >55% in late bloom; sulfur should be avoided in flower, so rely on environmental control, good airflow, and preventative biologicals early in veg. Common pests include spider mites and thrips—introduce predatory mites (e.g., Neoseiulus californicus, Amblyseius swirskii) and use sticky cards for monitoring.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Money Maker typically reaches harvest ripeness in about 8–9 weeks of 12/12, depending on phenotype and environment. For a more sedative effect, many growers target 10–20% amber trichomes with the majority cloudy; for a slightly brighter effect, harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with just a few ambers. Pistil color is a secondary cue—look for 85–95% darkened pistils alongside trichome maturity.
Flush time is a matter of practice, but many cultivators schedule 7–14 days of reduced EC with stable pH to encourage a clean burn and smooth ash. After chop, aim to dry at 15–18°C and 55–60% RH with gentle airflow for 10–14 days. A slow, even dry preserves volatile terpenes and prevents chlorophyll lock.
Cure in airtight containers at 60–62% RH, burping daily for the first week and then weekly for 4–8 weeks. Terpene expression continues to evolve during this period, often amplifying the nutty-spice sweetness. Well-cured Money Maker maintains aroma for months when stored in cool, dark conditions.
Yield, Flowering Time, and Grower Benchmarks
Money Maker is renowned for its high productivity relative to plant size and time-in-flower. In competent indoor setups, 500–700 g/m² is a realistic benchmark with standard lighting and minimal CO2, while dialed-in, CO2-enriched rooms can push 700–900 g/m². Skilled SOG or SCROG practitioners occasionally report exceeding these figures, especially in hydro or aeroponics with aggressive root zone oxygenation.
Single-plant yields vary with container size and veg time. In 11–20 L pots under modern LEDs, 80–160 g per plant is common in multi-plant canopies; larger vegged plants can surpass 250 g. Outdoors and in greenhouses, healthy plants often yield 700–1,500 g per plant in temperate climates, with multi-kilo outcomes possible in long-season regions.
Flowering time is typically 8–9 weeks indoors, with some phenotypes finishing as early as day 52 under high-intensity lighting. Outdoors, harvest generally falls from late September to early October in the Northern Hemisphere depending on latitude. The combination of short bloom and robust output is the core reason the strain lives up to its name.
Comparative Sensory Notes and Market Position
On discovery platforms, Money Maker is sometimes clustered with indica-leaning strains such as Kandahar, Blueberry Afgoo, and Shishka-Blues due to shared terpene signatures and effects. This doesn’t imply direct relatedness but helps consumers anticipate an earthy, spicy, and soothing profile. The consistency of its sensory identity is a selling point for buyers seeking a reliable evening cultivar.
In retail markets, mid-to-high THC with approachable flavor places Money Maker comfortably in the “daily driver” segment for indica fans. It competes well against similarly timed kush hybrids by offering strong yields and forgiving cultivation. For budget-conscious producers, its grams-per-day-of-flower metric compares favorably to many contemporary exotics that require longer cycles or more fragile environmental windows.
For extractors, dense resin heads and uniform buds lead to solid returns in mechanical and solvent-based processes. While not always the loudest jar on the shelf versus terpene-saturated dessert strains, Money Maker’s hashy, nutty-spice profile translates neatly into full-melt and rosin for connoisseurs who appreciate classic kush expressions.
Quality Control, Testing, and Compliance
Because Money Maker is often grown at scale, consistent quality control is key. Track environmental data (temperature, RH, VPD, CO2, PPFD) and correlate with potency and terpene test results to refine SOPs. Producers that log batch-level data often see 5–10% improvements in yield or potency over successive runs by adjusting irrigation frequency, late-flower humidity, and light intensity.
Compliance testing should include cannabinoids, terpenes, residual solvents (for extracts), heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants per local regulations. Target water activity (aw) below 0.65 in finished flower to minimize microbial risk while preserving pliability. Packaging with nitrogen flushing and humidity control packs helps maintain Money Maker’s nuanced spice-and-nut aroma over a typical 90–180 day shelf life.
Batch retention samples and sensory panels can catch drift in flavor or texture that COAs do not fully capture. Because this strain’s dense buds can trap moisture, always confirm internal bud moisture with a probe before sealing bulk bags. Consistency in dry/cure and post-harvest handling is as crucial as cultivation for preserving the cultivar’s signature profile.
