Written by Ad OpsHistory and Origins
My Sharona is a sativa-leaning cultivar bred by SubCool’s The Dank, the influential seed collective founded by breeder and educator Subcool (Dave Bowman). The strain’s name nods to the late-1970s hit single, a playful signal that its personality leans bright, catchy, and high-energy. Within The Dank catalog, My Sharona is often discussed alongside other sativa-forward creations that prioritize aroma density, resin production, and a clean cerebral lift.
Subcool’s work became widely known for championing patient-centric breeding and transparent cultivation education throughout the 2000s and 2010s. The Dank formerly operated as TGA Seeds, and many of its lines—Jack the Ripper, Chernobyl, Space Queen, and Vortex—shaped what consumers expect from modern sativa-dominant flower. My Sharona emerged from this ethos: a strain that blends boutique terpenes with day-friendly effects while keeping yields and vigor in mind for growers.
While full public documentation on My Sharona’s exact parentage is limited, community discussion consistently places it in The Dank’s sativa-forward lineage. That usually implies selection pressure for zipper-fast onset, a zesty terpene profile, and a manageable flowering time for a sativa-leaning plant. In that context, My Sharona occupies a space similar to The Dank’s terpinolene-heavy classics—fragrant, motivational, and notably resinous.
Over time, the strain has circulated primarily through knowledgeable home growers and craft operations rather than ubiquitous mass-market releases. This has contributed to its semi-underground reputation, where the best expressions tend to come from phenotype hunts and dialed-in environments. As a result, My Sharona is less of a commodity name and more of a connoisseur conversation piece, particularly among fans of Subcool’s catalog.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding Rationale
The breeder of record is SubCool’s The Dank, and the strain’s heritage is predominantly sativa according to grower notes and community cataloging. Although precise parents have not been publicly standardized, My Sharona is widely believed to draw from the same gene pools that powered The Dank’s famous sativa lines. Those pools frequently include Jack-leaning parents and Space Queen or Apollo-style influences that prioritize terpinolene-forward aroma and energetic effects.
The rationale behind such crosses typically involves stacking a clear-headed, motivational high on top of a terpene blend that cuts through the room. In The Dank’s playbook, that has historically meant breeding for terpinolene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene while avoiding long, unmanageable flowering times. Selections would be made for upright branching, good calyx-to-leaf ratios, and trichome density suitable for both hand-trim and extraction.
Taken together, these choices often produce a sativa-dominant chemotype that clocks in around a 65–80% sativa expression. In practice, growers report phenotypes ranging from electric, lemon-pine gas to tropical floral notes with spicy undertones. The overarching goal is to avoid the scattered, racy edge of some older hazes, and instead deliver a fast, clean, and functional ride with modern bag appeal.
Because My Sharona has circulated more in enthusiast circles than in global seed catalogs with thorough public COAs, it’s wise to verify any seed lot or clone’s provenance. Given The Dank’s history and Subcool’s emphasis on education, many growers document their phenotype traits, making it possible to triangulate lineage cues via aroma, structure, and flowering time. If you encounter a My Sharona with clear terpinolene dominance and 9–10 weeks to finish, you are very likely in the correct genetic neighborhood.
Morphology and Appearance
My Sharona typically grows with the posture of a sativa-leaner: rapid apical growth, slightly longer internodes, and a preference for steady, bright light. In optimized indoor conditions, internodal spacing often falls in the 4–8 cm range after training, with lateral branches that readily accept topping, LST, and SCROG. The canopy tends to uniformity under moderate defoliation, helping light penetrate to second-tier colas.
Flower development usually presents long, tapering colas with a medium density that resins up early in bloom. Calyx-to-leaf ratio is favorable, which simplifies trimming and highlights crystalline bracts over sugar leaf. Pistils start cream to peach and often mature into deeper orange with scattered rose hues near harvest.
Coloration runs lime to forest green, with occasional lilac or lavender flashes if night temperatures dip by 3–5°C during late bloom. Trichome coverage is abundant and notably stalked, producing a frosted, glassy finish that photographs well. Under 60–100x magnification, trichome heads are uniform and plentiful, with a typical cloudy-dominant maturity profile at optimal harvest.
Buds may exhibit subtle foxtailing under very high PPFD or late-flower heat stress, a common trait in narrow-leaf expressions. Controlled environment parameters generally keep cola architecture tight enough for premium bag appeal. When grown expertly, dried flower often lands in that sweet spot between classic sativa spear-shapes and modern, denser boutique buds.
Aroma and Bouquet
Expect an aromatic profile that is high-voltage and room-filling even in small amounts. Growers commonly describe My Sharona’s bouquet as citrus-forward with layers of pine, fresh-cut herbs, and a spicy-candy snap. On the softer side, some phenotypes show floral and tropical top notes, suggesting ocimene and linalool supporting roles beneath the headline terpenes.
In cured flower, the nose typically opens with lemon-lime or orange zest that quickly slides into green, coniferous pine. As the jar breathes, an herbal-sweet complexity emerges—think basil, lemongrass, or faint anise—followed by a peppery finish tied to beta-caryophyllene. The overall impression is sparkling and clean rather than heavy or musky, aligning with daytime utility.
A vigorous dry-and-cure maximizes the bouquet. Maintaining 60/60 conditions (60°F/60% RH or about 15.5°C/60% RH) for 10–14 days preserves monoterpenes that otherwise volatilize quickly. Under these conditions, total terpene content often measures in the 1.5–3.0% by weight range in comparable sativa-dominant cultivars, with terpinolene frequently leading and limonene, beta-myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene supporting.
Flavor Profile and Combustion
The flavor follows the nose with bright citrus oils, pine needles, and an herb-candy sweetness on the inhale. On exhale, pepper and a mild clove or hop-like bitterness can appear, a hallmark of beta-caryophyllene and humulene. Vaporization enhances the lime-zest and sweet herbal facets, while combustion accentuates the pine-pepper finish.
Vape temperatures between 175–190°C tend to highlight the top notes and minimize throat bite. For users who prefer dense vapor, stepping to 195–205°C brings out more body and spice but will accelerate terpene loss. When smoked in a joint, a properly cured sample burns to light-gray ash with an aromatic, lingering sweetness.
Curing for at least 3–4 weeks deepens the citrus into a candy rind character while smoothing the green, chlorophyll edges. Over-drying below 55% jar RH flattens the profile and shifts the finish toward harsh, grassy tones. Growers who jar and stabilize to a water activity of 0.55–0.65 aw consistently report the most layered flavor in this chemotype.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
As a sativa-leaning offering from The Dank, My Sharona generally presents a THC-dominant chemotype with minimal CBD. In analogous cultivars from the same breeding family, THC commonly ranges from 18–24% by dry weight under standard indoor conditions, with exceptional phenotypes and optimized environments occasionally testing higher. CBD usually remains below 0.5%, placing the strain squarely in the high-THC, low-CBD category.
Minor cannabinoids often trace at modest but noticeable levels. CBG may appear in the 0.2–1.0% range, and THCV, a compound more frequently observed in sativa-leaning lines, can present in trace to low levels (for example, 0.1–0.4%). While these minors rarely change the headline psychoactivity, they can subtly affect the feel—particularly appetite, focus, and the crispness of the onset.
In practical dosing terms, one gram of 20% THC flower contains about 200 mg THC before decarboxylation losses. Typical inhaled session amounts of 50–150 mg flower deliver approximately 10–30 mg THC, though efficiency varies with device and technique. For newer consumers, starting around 2–5 mg inhaled THC per session and titrating slowly upward is prudent to avoid over-intensity.
Market-wide data show US legal-market cultivated flower commonly centering around 18–21% THC in recent years, making My Sharona competitive in potency. Where it differentiates is the balance of potency and a clean, functional sativa effect, which many consumers prefer for daytime tasks. Pairing this potency with the strain’s bright terpene stack supports a high that feels strong without being sluggish.
Terpene Profile and Minor Compounds
Reports from growers and extractors place terpinolene as a likely driver in My Sharona’s sensory signature. In similar sativa-dominant cultivars from The Dank’s catalog, terpinolene frequently leads in the 0.5–1.5% by weight range when total terpenes fall between 1.5–3.0%. Supporting players typically include limonene (0.2–0.8%), beta-myrcene (0.2–0.8%), beta-caryophyllene (0.2–0.6%), ocimene (0.1–0.5%), humulene (0.1–0.3%), and a touch of linalool (0.05–0.2%).
Terpinolene contributes the sparkling citrus-herbal pine that the nose anchors to, while limonene reinforces the citrus and adds an uplifting, mood-brightening edge. Beta-caryophyllene binds to CB2 receptors and has been investigated for anti-inflammatory potential, lending a pepper-spice finish. Myrcene, often discussed for its sedative associations, likely sits in a moderate band here, preventing the profile from tipping overly racy while still feeling bright.
Minor volatiles such as nerolidol, farnesene, and trace aldehydes may appear, modulating floral and fruit nuances. While typically present in the 0.01–0.1% bands, these micro-components can noticeably steer the top notes after a careful cure. In extraction runs, My Sharona-like profiles tend to yield vibrant solventless and hydrocarbon concentrates with terpene totals commonly measuring 4–8% depending on method and input quality.
The boiling points of these terpenes vary, which is why session temperature matters. Limonene and terpinolene volatilize at relatively lower temperatures, so gentler heating preserves their brightness. Beta-caryophyllene and humulene persist into higher temperatures, contributing spice and body as heat rises.
Experiential Effects and Onset
My Sharona’s effects skew energizing, clear, and mood-lifting, a signature consistent with sativa-dominant lines from The Dank. Onset via inhalation is typically rapid—often within 1–3 minutes—with a noticeable dopamine-tinged lift that settles into steady mental focus. Peak effects commonly arrive around the 20–40 minute mark, then taper gradually over 2–3 hours.
Users frequently report increased motivation, conversational ease, and an ability to remain task-oriented, especially at lower to moderate doses. Creative work, physical chores, and outdoor activity pair well with the strain’s tempo. Many also note a subtle body lightness rather than heavy sedation, keeping it firmly in the daytime-friendly lane.
At higher doses, some individuals experience a sharper, more stimulating edge that can feel racy. This is consistent with high-THC, terpinolene-forward cultivars and is more likely if caffeine or other stimulants are present. Those sensitive to anxiety may prefer to cap sessions at small to moderate inhaled amounts and pair with hydration and a calm environment.
Consumer tagging data on sativa-labeled products in legal markets commonly shows majority associations with uplifting, energetic, or focusing effects. While percentages vary by platform and sample size, it is typical to see 60–80% of user-tagged responses in these categories for sativa-dominant profiles. My Sharona aligns closely with that pattern while offering above-average flavor intensity.
Potential Medical Applications
The combination of fast-onset cerebral elevation and functional clarity makes My Sharona a candidate for daytime symptom management. Anecdotal reports suggest potential utility for stress, low mood, and fatigue, with the limonene–terpinolene–caryophyllene stack aligning with these outcomes. For some, the cultivar’s clean energy can support task initiation and focus, which may be useful in attention-challenged contexts.
Evidence reviews, including the 2017 National Academies report, support that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults, with THC-dominant products contributing meaningfully to analgesia. My Sharona’s beta-caryophyllene content may add a peripheral anti-inflammatory component through CB2 receptor activity. However, those with anxiety tendencies should approach cautiously, as stimulating sativas can exacerbate jitters at higher doses.
Migraineurs sometimes prefer sativa-dominant strains for premonitory-phase use, leveraging early onset to blunt headache escalation. Inhalation provides relief more quickly than oral routes, which can be valuable when symptoms build over minutes rather than hours. Keeping a low-to-moderate dose on hand—roughly 2–10 mg inhaled THC per session—can minimize overshoot while providing symptom coverage.
Nausea control is another potential use case. THC has demonstrated antiemetic properties, and terpinolene-dominant aromas can be easier to tolerate than heavy, musky profiles. Patients should consult clinicians, especially when using cannabis alongside prescription antiemetics or for conditions where appetite and weight are clinical concerns.
As always, medical application should be personalized. Start low, go slow, and adjust based on response, side effects, and the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Individuals with cardiovascular risk, panic disorder, or a strong sensitivity to stimulants may be better served by gentler chemotypes or lower-potency formats.
Cultivation Guide: Indoors, Outdoors, and Controlled Environments
My Sharona behaves like a cooperative sativa indoors, responding well to topping, LST, manifolding, and screen-of-green (SCROG) layouts. Aim for 18 hours of light in veg with PPFD around 500–700 µmol/m²/s, stepping to 900–1,200 µmol/m²/s in flower if CO2 is enriched. Without CO2, keep flowering PPFD closer to 800–1,000 µmol/m²/s to avoid stress and foxtailing.
Target environmental ranges are classic: day temperatures 24–28°C and nights 18–22°C, with RH at 60–70% for seedlings, 50–60% in veg, and 40–50% in bloom. Late-flower can benefit from 45% RH to reduce botrytis risk on stacked colas. Vapor pressure deficit in the 0.8–1.2 kPa band through mid-bloom maintains stomata function without over-driving transpiration.
Hydroponic and coco runs respond to EC 1.4–1.8 mS/cm in veg and 1.8–2.2 mS/cm in bloom, with pH 5.8–6.2. In living soil, maintain balanced mineral inputs and active biology; frequent light top-dressings with amino-N and calcium in early flower support vigorous stretch. My Sharona’s stretch typically runs 1.5–2.0x over the first 2–3 weeks of 12/12, so plan vertical headroom and early training.
Flowering time commonly lands around 63–70 days indoors, depending on phenotype and desired trichome maturity. For a bright, racy profile, harvest at mostly cloudy with 0–5% amber heads; for a rounder effect, allow 5–15% amber. Growers often report indoor yields of 450–600 g/m² under efficient LEDs, with dialed environments and extended veg pushing higher.
Outdoors, the cultivar appreciates full sun and free-draining soil amended with ample aeration and balanced microbiology. A steady IPM program is important: weekly alternating applications of biologicals like Bacillus subtilis and Beauveria bassiana, plus sulfur or potassium bicarbonate in veg for powdery mildew prevention, are prudent. In Mediterranean climates, harvest windows typically fall late September to mid-October, with 700–1,000+ g per well-grown plant possible under ideal conditions.
CO2 enrichment to 900–1,200 ppm during lights-on can increase biomass accumulation and bud density by 10–20% when paired with adequate PPFD and nutrition. Provide strong, laminar airflow across the canopy and undercarriage, as the cultivar’s lateral growth can create dense microclimates. Moderate defoliation around week 3 and week 6 of flower opens bud sites while preserving enough leaf for photosynthesis.
Phenotype Hunting, Stabilization, and Clones
Because My Sharona circulates primarily among enthusiasts, phenotype selection has an outsized impact on outcome. Look for plants that exhibit early resin onset by week 3 of flower, a bright citrus-pine nose when rubbed in late veg, and upright branches that accept training without snapping. These markers often correlate with the desired sativa-leaning effect and high terpene output.
If running from seed, pop at least 6–10 seeds to gain a clear picture of trait distribution. Keep meticulous notes on stretch, internodal spacing, bud set uniformity, and late-flower stability. Retain cuts of the top 2–3 candidates until post-cure evaluation confirms the keeper.
Clonal propagation is straightforward. Healthy cuts with two nodes, taken from turgid mothers, typically root in 8–14 days in cubes or aeroponic cloners at 22–24°C with 70–85% RH. Once rooted, step up pot sizes gradually to reduce transplant shock and avoid overwatering in large, cold media volumes.
For breeders interested in stabilization, prioritize aromatic intensity, flowering time at or under 70 days, and resistance to powdery mildew. Backcrossing to the most aromatic, structurally sound parent can lock the profile while monitoring for any drift toward over-stimulation. Keep parallel lines to hedge against inbreeding depression and preserve heterosis.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Harvest timing drives the final effect profile. For daytime clarity, most growers cut when trichomes are mostly cloudy with minimal amber; for a slightly rounder finish, 5–15% amber is common. Expect a wet-to-dry weight reduction of roughly 70–80%, typical for resinous, medium-density sativa buds.
Dry at 60°F/60% RH (about 15.5°C/60% RH) with gentle air exchange and low, indirect airflow for 10–14 days. Stems should snap rather than bend before trim and jar. This slow dry preserves monoterpenes like terpinolene and limonene, which are more volatile and easily lost in hot, dry rooms.
Cure in airtight glass at 58–62% RH (0.55–0.65 water activity), burping daily for the first week and then weekly for 3–4 more weeks. Flavor complexity continues to deepen for 6–8 weeks as chlorophyll degrades and aromatic precursors equilibrate. Properly cured My Sharona expresses a vivid citrus-herbal arc with a peppery-lime finish and exceptional persistence on the palate.
Yield, Bag Appeal, and Market Position
In skilled hands, indoor yields of 450–600 g/m² are a realistic expectation, with some growers achieving higher under high-efficiency LEDs and CO2. Outdoor plants in favorable climates can surpass 700 g per plant, and well-managed giants with extended veg may eclipse 1 kg. The strain’s good calyx-to-leaf ratio shortens trim times, expanding throughput without sacrificing quality.
Bag appeal is strong due to the frosted, glassy trichomes and lively green hues accented by orange pistils. On the nose, jars open with an assertive citrus-pine blast that reads premium even to casual buyers. These traits support strong sell-through in markets where sativa-dominant flower is underrepresented versus indica-labeled staples.
From a branding standpoint, My Sharona’s recognizable name and high-energy persona deliver a clear identity. Retail data often shows sativa shelves turning quickly during daytime foot traffic, and well-presented jars can command competitive pricing. The strain’s sensory clarity also translates well to rosin and live resin, where terpene totals between 4–8% in concentrates are common for comparable inputs, supporting premium SKUs.
For extractors, flower-to-rosin yields in the 15–22% range are typical for resin-heavy sativa-dominant material, though actual output depends on cultivar cut, harvest window, and press parameters. Hydrocarbon extraction accentuates the citrus-herbal top notes while maintaining the peppered spine, yielding lively, golden sauces and diamonds. Across product formats, My Sharona’s profile consistently reads as bright, clean, and modern.
Responsible Use, Tolerance, and Safety
Because My Sharona skews potent and energizing, dose discipline pays dividends. Newer consumers can start around 2–5 mg inhaled THC and evaluate over 10–15 minutes before redosing. More experienced users often settle into 5–15 mg sessions for daytime function without overshooting into racy territory.
As with most THC-dominant products, tolerance can build with daily use, often noticeable within 1–2 weeks of frequent sessions. Cycling off for 48–72 hours can noticeably reset response for many users. Hydration, nutrition, and avoiding stimulant stacking (such as high caffeine) reduce the chance of jitters.
Individuals with anxiety disorders or a history of panic attacks should proceed carefully with stimulating sativas. Consider pairing with calming rituals, lower temperatures on vaporizers, or blending with a small amount of CBD-rich flower. Never drive or operate heavy machinery under the influence, and store products securely away from children and pets.
Practical Buying Tips and Authenticity
Because My Sharona is better known in enthusiast channels than in mass retail, provenance matters. When shopping for seeds or clones, prioritize reputable vendors who transparently reference SubCool’s The Dank and provide batch information or nursery tags. Ask for cultivation notes and any available COAs to align expectations around flowering time and terpene profile.
In flower form, trust your senses. Look for bright, citrus-forward aroma that leaps from the jar, glassy trichome coverage, and clean, white ash indicating proper cure. Avoid samples that smell grassy or hay-like, which often signals rushed drying or an underdeveloped cure.
If a dispensary or cultivator claims The Dank lineage, inquire about mother stock and phenotype notes. Enthusiast growers frequently document their keeper cuts with photos and week-by-week logs, which can be a goldmine for verifying authenticity. While slight aroma variations are normal across phenotypes, the core citrus-pine-herbal signature should remain consistent across true My Sharona expressions.
