Written by Ad OpsOverview
Moon Duck is a mostly sativa cultivar created by the boutique breeder Fygtree, positioned for enthusiasts who value bright, uplifting terpene profiles and clean, energetic effects. Grower reports characterize Moon Duck as a sativa-leaning hybrid, typically falling in the 65 to 80 percent sativa range based on morphology, stretch behavior, and subjective effect. In consumer-facing lab data shared by craft growers, total cannabinoids frequently land between 20 and 27 percent by dry weight, with THC as the dominant constituent and minor but meaningful contributions from CBG and CBC.
Aromatically, Moon Duck tends to present a citrus-pine front with sweet herbal tones, a pattern that often correlates with terpinolene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene dominance. Total terpene content is commonly reported between 1.5 and 3.0 percent, which is considered above average for retail flower in many legal markets. The combination yields a profile that is lively on inhalation yet smooth on exhale, with a finish that can read as sugary zest or light tropical candy.
Cultivators describe Moon Duck as moderately vigorous with long internodes and a 1.5 to 2.0 times stretch after photoperiod flip, typical of sativa-biased cultivars. Indoors, 9 to 11 weeks of flowering is the most frequently cited window, while outdoors Moon Duck finishes in mid to late October in temperate latitudes. With disciplined training and environmental control, indoor yields of 450 to 550 grams per square meter and outdoor yields of 600 to 900 grams per plant are realistic targets.
History and Breeding
Fygtree is recognized among small-batch breeders for releasing cultivars that emphasize distinctive terpene signatures and garden vigor rather than purely chasing maximum laboratory THC numbers. Moon Duck emerged from this philosophy as a sativa-leaning selection refined for resin density, complex aromatics, and daytime usability. Community chatter around the cultivar began to accelerate alongside a broader market interest in terpinolene-forward sativas, a trend that expanded notably in the late 2010s and early 2020s as connoisseurs sought energetic alternatives to myrcene-heavy gas profiles.
While Fygtree has not publicly disclosed the full parental list, the breeder has hinted at multi-generation selection and stress-testing to stabilize desirable traits. Reports from early testers indicate that Fygtree prioritized vigor under moderate nutrient regimes, tolerance to light intensity, and a high calyx-to-leaf ratio to simplify trimming. The result is a phenotype set that retains a sativa silhouette without the overly wispy, low-density issues that can reduce commercial viability.
Given its mostly sativa heritage, Moon Duck illustrates the ongoing boutique breeder strategy of hybridizing classic sativa expressions with modern resin and yield expectations. This approach often involves backcrossing or polyhybrid blending over three or more filial generations to fix chemotype while improving structural reliability. The outcome is an offering that nods to legacy sativa experiences but stays practical for contemporary indoor cultivators and craft producers.
Genetic Lineage and Ancestry
Fygtree has kept the exact lineage of Moon Duck proprietary, which is not uncommon among boutique breeders in competitive markets. However, the chemotype and organoleptic fingerprint offer clues that suggest a sativa-forward ancestry, potentially influenced by terpinolene-heavy lines such as Jack-leaning or Durban-influenced stock. The bright citrus zest, pine-herbal streak, and nuanced sweet fruit hints are consistent with lineages known for daytime clarity and moderate euphoria rather than couchlock.
Phenotypic markers also align with a sativa bias. Growers consistently report extended internodes, narrow leaflets, and upward-reaching apical dominance, particularly in untrained plants. Under canopy management, Moon Duck demonstrates good lateral response to topping and screen training, indicating hybrid vigor rather than a pure landrace sativa delicacy.
From a chemotaxonomic perspective, tested samples presented in community lab portals frequently show terpinolene and limonene in the top three terpene positions, with beta-caryophyllene or ocimene often filling the third slot. This arrangement is statistically characteristic of sativa-leaning cultivars that aim for a clear, sparkling effect rather than sedative heaviness. While parent names remain undisclosed, the repeating terpene ratios help place Moon Duck within the modern, bright sativa family tree.
Appearance and Structure
Moon Duck typically displays elongated colas with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, forming tapering spears rather than compact golf-ball clusters. Bracts swell prominently in late flower, often stacking into tidy, segmented columns when light penetration is managed well. The result is visually striking top buds that can approach 10 to 20 centimeters in length on well-trained plants.
Coloration trends toward bright lime green in the upper canopy with darker forest undertones lower on the plant. Pistils run from vivid tangerine to sunset orange, maturing into a burnt-copper tone as trichomes reach peak cloudiness. Under cooler night temperatures in the last two weeks, some phenotypes express faint lavender blushes along the sugar leaves, a cosmetic touch without major impact on flavor.
Trichome density is above average for a sativa-leaning cultivar, with a dense frosting of capitate-stalked heads that hold up to handling and trimming. Under magnification, heads show a healthy ratio of bulbous to capitate-stalked glands during mid-flower, transitioning to mostly capitate-stalked by week eight and beyond. Properly ripened flowers display a typical 10 to 20 percent amber ratio among otherwise cloudy heads when aiming for a balanced energetic effect.
Aroma
Moon Duck announces itself with a lively citrus spritz layered over pine needles and sweet herbal candy. On the break, many users note an immediate lemon-lime impression supported by a tangy rind bitterness that keeps the nose from reading overly sugary. The mid-notes trend toward fresh-cut conifer and lemongrass, followed by a clean, slightly floral tail.
As the grind aerates the flower, secondary notes broaden into green apple skin, soft tropical fruit, and a faint eucalyptus coolness. The eucalyptus lift often registers in lab-verified terpinolene-forward cultivars, and it is a tell for sativa-leaning bouquets. This refreshing, mint-adjacent nuance helps separate Moon Duck from strictly citrus-focused profiles.
Aroma intensity is medium-high to high, rating roughly 7 to 9 on a 10-point scale depending on cure and storage. Properly cured flowers maintain their top notes for weeks when kept between 55 and 62 percent relative humidity. In volatile analysis, total terpene content frequently lands in the 1.5 to 3.0 percent range by dry weight, correlating with the strong, persistent nose reported by consumers.
Flavor
The flavor rides closely to the aroma, with a bright citrus entry that leans toward lime zest and sweet lemon candy. Pine and lemongrass emerge on the mid-palate, grounded by a gentle herbal bitterness that keeps the profile crisp and refreshing. The finish is clean and slightly sugary, sometimes reading as green apple sherbet or light tropical sorbet.
Vaporization at lower temperatures, roughly 170 to 185 degrees Celsius, emphasizes terpinolene and limonene, enhancing the citrus and floral top notes. At higher temperatures, around 195 to 205 degrees Celsius, beta-caryophyllene and myrcene become more apparent, adding peppery warmth and a rounder body. Combustion preserves the citrus and pine but may eclipse some delicate floral tones with roastiness.
Palate persistence is solid, with the citrus-herbal signature lingering for 30 to 90 seconds after exhale in most tasters. Hydration and a clean palate heighten the candy-like quality that advanced users frequently call out in blind tastings. Consumers who value clarity over gassy heaviness will likely find Moon Duck’s flavor profile satisfying and repeatable.
Cannabinoid Profile
Most independently reported test results place total cannabinoids for Moon Duck in the 20 to 27 percent range by dry weight, with THC-dominant chemotype expression. Delta-9 THC commonly falls between 18 and 24 percent, while THCa can push higher before decarboxylation depending on lab methodology. CBD in this cultivar is typically minor, landing under 1 percent in most samples.
Beyond THC, meaningful minors often include CBG between 0.3 and 1.2 percent and CBC between 0.1 and 0.5 percent. Some phenotypes present detectable THCV in trace quantities, commonly less than 0.3 percent, though this is variable and not guaranteed. The presence of CBG and CBC contributes to entourage effects that may modulate mood, perceived clarity, and inflammation response.
For concentrates produced from Moon Duck, total cannabinoid content can exceed 70 percent by mass in hydrocarbon extracts and reach 85 to 95 percent in distillate while sacrificing much of the native terpene fingerprint. Live resin and rosin runs that preserve the terpene profile often test with 3 to 8 percent terpenes, preserving the citrus-lime uplift that defines the flower. As always, cannabinoid and terpene values are heavily influenced by cultivation, harvest timing, and post-harvest handling.
Terpene Profile
Moon Duck commonly displays a terpinolene-forward profile supported by limonene and beta-caryophyllene, a pattern that aligns with its uplifting, clear-headed reputation. In community-shared certificates of analysis, terpinolene appears in the 0.5 to 1.2 percent range, limonene in the 0.4 to 0.8 percent range, and beta-caryophyllene in the 0.2 to 0.6 percent range. Myrcene, ocimene, and linalool frequently populate the secondary tier between 0.1 and 0.4 percent each.
Total terpene content most often falls between 1.5 and 3.0 percent of dry mass, which is above the median of roughly 1.0 to 1.5 percent seen in many commercial flowers. This higher terpene load correlates with the vivid aroma and flavor retention after grinding and during storage. It also contributes to the subjective perception of potency beyond THC alone, often reported as brighter onset and maintained functional clarity.
From a pharmacological standpoint, terpinolene has been studied for its sedative and antioxidant properties in preclinical models, while limonene shows anxiolytic and mood-elevating potential in animal and small human observational studies. Beta-caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist, is linked to anti-inflammatory activity without CB1 psychoactivity. While these findings are not definitive clinical claims, they help explain why many users describe Moon Duck as simultaneously energizing, clean, and body-soothing.
Experiential Effects
Consumers generally describe Moon Duck as an upbeat, clarifying cultivar that favors daytime use and creative flow. Onset is quick by inhalation, typically within 3 to 5 minutes, with a rapid rise to the first plateau. Peak effects are most prominent within 30 to 60 minutes and taper over 2 to 3 hours in experienced users.
Subjective effects cluster around elevated mood, mental brightness, and light-to-moderate euphoria without heavy sedation. Many users report improved task engagement and social ease, particularly when dosing in the 5 to 15 milligram THC range for low-to-moderate tolerance. At higher doses, above 20 to 30 milligrams of THC, some individuals may experience racing thoughts typical of stimulating sativa profiles.
Side effects align with standard THC-dominant flower. Dry mouth and dry eyes are common, affecting roughly 25 to 40 percent of users in informal surveys. Anxiety or transient heart rate elevation can occur in susceptible individuals, particularly with rapid redosing; careful titration helps mitigate this risk.
Compared with heavier indica-leaning cultivars, Moon Duck tends to preserve motor function and cognition, making it popular among consumers who pair cannabis with creative work, light exercise, or social events. Music appreciation, visual focus, and idea fluency are frequently noted, and the cleaner finish reduces the midday slump some users report with sedative chemotypes. Overall, Moon Duck is best characterized as a clear sativa experience with guardrails provided by a balanced terpene ensemble.
Potential Medical Uses
The mostly sativa profile of Moon Duck makes it a candidate for daytime symptom management where energy and focus are desired. Users seeking mood elevation often report reduced perceived stress and improved outlook, especially at low to moderate THC doses. Limonene-rich profiles have been associated with anxiolytic effects in preclinical research, which may complement the mood-brightening qualities seen anecdotally with Moon Duck.
For pain, THC-dominant flower has demonstrated small-to-moderate analgesic effects across clinical and observational studies, particularly in neuropathic contexts. Meta-analyses suggest cannabinoids can reduce pain intensity with a number needed to treat in the low double digits while maintaining an acceptable safety profile, though individual response varies. The presence of beta-caryophyllene, which engages CB2 receptors, may contribute additional anti-inflammatory support without adding heady psychoactivity.
Patients with fatigue or low motivation related to mood disorders sometimes prefer sativa-leaning chemotypes during daytime hours. The terpinolene-driven clarity and limonene brightness may support task initiation and adherence when heavy sedation is counterproductive. That said, individuals prone to anxiety or panic may need to keep THC doses conservative and consider balanced THC-to-CBD combinations.
For nausea and appetite modulation, THC remains one of the more reliable cannabinoids, and Moon Duck’s rapid onset by inhalation can be useful before meals. As with all medical applications, consultation with a clinician familiar with cannabinoid therapy is recommended, and careful titration is key. Start low, go slow, and track response, particularly when incorporating Moon Duck into a broader symptom management plan.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Genetics and phenotype: Moon Duck, bred by Fygtree, expresses a mostly sativa heritage with pronounced apical dominance and elongated internodes. Expect a 1.5 to 2.0 times stretch after the transition to 12 hours of light, and plan training accordingly. The cultivar responds well to topping, mainlining, and screen-of-green setups that even the canopy and maximize light interception.
Environment: Target 24 to 28 degrees Celsius during lights on and 18 to 22 degrees Celsius during lights off in flower. Maintain relative humidity at 60 to 70 percent in veg, 45 to 55 percent in early to mid flower, and 40 to 45 percent in late flower to curb botrytis risk. Optimal vapor pressure deficit ranges from 0.8 to 1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2 to 1.5 kPa in flower.
Lighting: For indoor grows, aim for a photosynthetic photon flux density of 600 to 900 micromoles per square meter per second in mid flower and up to 1000 to 1200 for high-CO2 rooms. Maintain a daily light integral of roughly 35 to 45 mol per square meter per day in flower for strong bud set without overstressing terpenes. Keep the canopy distance appropriate for your fixture and monitor for light bleaching on upper colas.
Medium and nutrition: Moon Duck thrives in well-aerated media such as coco-perlite, peat-based blends, or living soil with ample drainage. In coco or hydro, keep pH between 5.8 and 6.2; in soil, 6.2 to 6.7. Run electrical conductivity around 1.2 to 1.6 mS per centimeter in late veg and 1.6 to 2.0 mS per centimeter through peak flower, backing down slightly during the final 10 to 14 days.
Feeding strategy: Provide generous nitrogen through veg to support the sativa frame, then transition to a balanced bloom formula emphasizing phosphorus and potassium as pistils stack. Calcium and magnesium supplementation can be beneficial in coco systems, particularly under high-intensity LEDs. Observe leaf edges and new growth tips for early signs of deficiency or excess, and adjust EC rather than chasing problems with additives.
Training and canopy management: Top once or twice in veg and place a trellis before flip to control vertical surge. A light defoliation at week two and again at week four of flower improves airflow and bud site exposure without stripping essential solar panels. In screen-of-green, target 6 to 10 active tops per square foot to balance density with airflow.
Flowering time and harvest: Indoors, Moon Duck typically finishes in 63 to 77 days depending on phenotype and desired effect. For a clear, energetic expression, harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 percent amber; for a slightly more grounded effect, allow 10 to 20 percent amber. Outdoors in temperate zones, plan for a mid to late October harvest, and employ rain covers or greenhouse protection in wet climates.
Yield expectations: With optimized conditions, indoor yields of 450 to 550 grams per square meter are attainable, and experienced growers can exceed 600 grams per square meter in dialed rooms. Outdoor plants in 200 to 400 liter containers can produce 600 to 900 grams per plant, with larger yields possible in-ground given long vegetative periods. Buds are moderately dense for a sativa-leaning plant, improving trim efficiency and bag appeal.
Pest and disease management: The open sativa structure offers decent airflow, but large top colas can be susceptible to bud rot if humidity spikes late in flower. Maintain strong circulation with oscillating fans and avoid temperature swings that push moisture into dew point. Scout weekly for mites, thrips, and powdery mildew; integrated pest management with beneficial predators and preventive sulfur or biologicals in veg helps keep pressure low.
Irrigation: In coco or hydro, consider pulse irrigation to maintain steady root-zone moisture with 10 to 20 percent runoff per day. In soil, allow the top 2 to 3 centimeters to dry between waterings and avoid waterlogging delicate feeder roots. Measure pot weight and track transpiration to refine frequency as canopy mass increases.
CO2 and advanced techniques: If enriching with CO2, target 900 to 1200 parts per million during peak flower while maintaining ample light and nutrients to capitalize on the boost. Keep temperatures at the higher end of the recommended range to match increased photosynthetic demand. Foliar treatments should be avoided once pistils set to protect trichomes and prevent microclimate issues.
Post-harvest handling: Dry at approximately 16 to 18 degrees Celsius and 55 to 60 percent relative humidity for 10 to 14 days until small stems snap cleanly. Cure in airtight containers burped daily during the first week, then weekly for three to four weeks, maintaining 58 to 62 percent humidity. Properly cured Moon Duck retains 80 percent or more of its initial terpene intensity after 30 days, as measured by sensory panels and stable relative humidity storage.
Clones and mother care: Moon Duck mothers maintain vigor under an 18-hour photoperiod with moderate nitrogen and consistent micronutrient supply. Take cuts with two to three nodes, strip the lower leaves, and root in 10 to 14 days in a 24 to 26 degrees Celsius dome with 75 to 85 percent humidity. Rotate mothers every 6 to 9 months to prevent lignification and preserve rapid rooting.
Quality and compliance: Track batch-level metrics including total cannabinoids, total terpenes, moisture content, and water activity to ensure shelf stability. Aim for water activity between 0.55 and 0.62 to balance terpene preservation with mold prevention. Consistency across batches builds consumer trust, especially for a cultivar like Moon Duck that consumers seek for predictable daytime effects.
