Written by Ad OpsOrigin and Breeding History
Reacher is a mostly-indica cannabis cultivar bred by Katsu Seeds, the boutique breeding house helmed by the respected breeder Katsu Bluebird. Katsu Seeds is widely associated with heirloom and Bubba-forward projects, and the brand’s catalog is known for resin-heavy, narcotic-leaning expressions. Within that lineage philosophy, Reacher was selected to bring a high-satisfaction evening profile without sacrificing modern bag appeal. The result is a cultivar positioned squarely for connoisseurs who prize dense flowers, strong aromatics, and dependable potency.
Precise release-year and full parentage details for Reacher have not been formally published by Katsu Seeds as of 2025, which is not unusual for small-batch breeders who protect proprietary selections. What the market does know, based on Katsu’s historic body of work, is that indica-dominant architecture and a classic hash-forward terpene balance are intentional targets. Growers and consumers therefore approach Reacher expecting a plant that finishes in the shorter to moderate photoperiod window and emphasizes physical relaxation. In practice, reports consistently frame it as an evening driver rather than a daytime productivity strain.
The name Reacher also shows up in the wider breeding community, which can confuse casual researchers. For example, 7 East Genetics credits Reacher and the label Reacher Genetics in project notes for strains such as Dragon’s Heart and Alien Dragon, with public strain pages that say special thanks to Reacher and reference a Lost in Space cross under Reacher Genetics. Those shout-outs do not describe Katsu Seeds’ Reacher specifically, but they demonstrate that the Reacher handle has currency among independent breeders, reinforcing its association with resin-forward, outdoor-capable selections. In short, Katsu’s Reacher stands on its own but shares a name found in collaborative breeding networks.
Commercially, Reacher occupies a niche that resonates with consumers who prefer classic indica comfort updated with contemporary density and frost. That positioning aligns with broader market data showing steady demand for indica-dominant cultivars in late-evening use scenarios, particularly for sleep and pain relief. In many legal markets, indica-labeled SKUs command repeat-purchase rates driven by predictability of effect. Reacher aims directly at that reliability while maintaining nuanced terpene complexity.
Genetic Lineage and Inferred Traits
While Katsu Seeds has not published a definitive family tree for Reacher, context from the breeder’s catalog supports an inference of broadleaf indica heritage with likely Afghan or Bubba-adjacent influence. Katsu is closely linked to Pre-98 Bubba Kush preservation and crosses, and Reacher displays a number of overlapping traits with that family, including broad leaflets, stout nodes, and hash-leaning aromatics. Those morphological markers often co-occur with shorter flower times and thick calyx stacking. Combined, these elements define Reacher as a selection optimized for potency, resin, and physical relaxation.
In practice, most indica-dominant cultivars from similar lineages finish indoors in about 56 to 63 days of 12/12 light, though select phenotypes can run to 70 days when aiming for maximum resin maturity. Based on comparable genetics, cultivators can expect a compact plant with robust lateral branching, responsive to topping and low-stress training. Internode spacing typically tightens under high-PPFD LED lighting, producing uniform tops suitable for a flat canopy. Calyx-to-leaf ratio tends toward favorable, easing trim after harvest.
Comparative chemistry across Katsu-style indica lines often shows strong minor-cannabinoid presence relative to modern dessert sativa lines. CBG content in these lines typically ranges 0.2% to 0.8% by dry weight in mature flowers, with CBC appearing in trace to moderate amounts. That minor-cannabinoid background, combined with a terpene stack emphasizing myrcene and caryophyllene, predicts a heavy-body effect with notable muscle relaxation. Reacher’s qualitative reports map onto that expected profile.
It is worth underscoring that without a published pedigree, phenotypic range exists across seed runs and cuts labeled Reacher. Breeder-select clones will show the tightest consistency, while open seed packs may reveal both hashy-earth phenos and more citrus-pepper accents. For buyers and growers, verifying cut provenance is the best way to narrow variability. Nonetheless, the throughline of indica structure and evening function remains consistent in end-user accounts.
Visual Appearance and Plant Morphology
Reacher plants present a classic indica silhouette: medium stature with broad, dark-green fan leaves and thick petioles. Under optimized indoor conditions, height typically ranges from 70 to 110 cm at harvest for a single-topped plant in a 5-gallon container. Lateral branching is vigorous, and the canopy readily fills a 2x2 ft footprint with two to three toppings and basic low-stress training. Bud architecture skews toward chunky, golf-ball to spear-shaped colas with dense calyx stacking.
Trichome development is a standout. Under a jeweler’s loupe, capitate-stalked heads appear densely packed, with milky to amber maturation in late flower. Resin coverage often extends to proximal sugar leaves, which cure into high-grade trim suitable for solventless hash. Visually, cured flowers often exhibit lime to forest-green hues, with occasional deep purple sugar leaves when grown under cooler night temperatures.
The calyx-to-leaf ratio is typically favorable for hand-trimmers, shortening labor time at scale. In well-run rooms, mature colas are compact enough to demand strong airflow, indicating a need for canopy thinning to avoid microclimates. Pistils begin cream to pale orange and deepen to coppery hues as harvest approaches. When properly dried and cured, cured buds sport a sparkling frost and a greasy, tacky feel typical of indica hash plants.
Outdoors, Reacher tends to form robust central leaders with strong apical dominance unless trained early. Branch flexibility allows easy manipulation for scrogging or fan-style trellising. The cultivar’s structural density benefits from early season topping to prevent late-season colas from overpacking, which can invite botrytis in humid regions. Proper staking is recommended as late flower can add substantial mass per branch.
Aroma and Bouquet
The aromatic profile of Reacher leans earthy-hashy with supporting notes that can include roasted coffee, dark cocoa, and black pepper. Many growers also report subtle sweet accents—think dried fig or molasses—that bloom as flowers cure past the first two weeks. A secondary citrus peel or pine-zest edge shows in select phenotypes, likely reflecting limonene or pinene contributions within the terpene stack. The overall effect is layered and mature, more classic hash-parlor than candy-sweet.
Freshly ground flowers project a louder top note than intact nugs, highlighting volatile monoterpenes that dissipate quickly in open air. Expect a jump from subdued jar nose to a room-filling emission immediately after grind, especially in the first 10 to 20 seconds. After that flash, the aroma settles into an earthy, spicy core that persists. In sealed storage, that core base note intensifies as moisture equalizes across the cure.
Terpene intensity in well-grown, slow-cured indica-dominant flowers commonly falls in the 1.5% to 3.5% total terpene range by weight. Within that window, Reacher’s bouquet reads robust but balanced, avoiding the singular sharpness seen in some lemon-forward sativas. Cure technique has an outsized impact on how the coffee-cocoa axis presents, with cooler, longer cures enhancing chocolate-like tones. Over-drying reduces sweetness and pushes the nose toward woody and hay notes, a clear sign of terpene volatility loss.
The bouquet integrates smoothly with solventless extractions, where the hash rosin nose often amplifies caryophyllene’s spicy warmth. Pressing at lower temperatures can preserve the faint sweet and floral lines that otherwise hide behind the hash and spice. For extract enthusiasts, that preservation can be the difference between a monotone earthy product and a multi-note indulgence. Reacher’s resin tends to reward handlers who prioritize gentle processing.
Flavor, Palate, and Combustion Behavior
On inhalation, Reacher typically delivers a chewy, resinous mouthfeel with an immediate earthy-spice tone. The hash-forward character is apparent even at low temperatures, with coffee and cocoa impressions setting in on the mid-palate. Exhalation reveals black pepper, toasted wood, and a faint dried fruit sweetness. The aftertaste lingers, often described as a gently bitter chocolate akin to 70% cacao.
Combustion behavior is clean when flowers are properly dried to 58% to 62% relative humidity in the jar. Ash burns light gray to near-white, and the smoke is dense but not harsh, provided nitrogen levels were not pushed late in flower. Overfeeding during weeks 6 to 8 can leave a sharp, acrid edge that muddies the chocolate note, so a tapered nutrient profile improves flavor clarity. Slow, cool cures extend the window where sweetness is perceptible.
Vaporizer users will find differing faces of the flavor at distinct temperatures. At 175 to 185 C, the citrus and floral edges become more noticeable as monoterpenes volatilize; at 195 to 205 C, the heavier earthy-spice base takes over as sesquiterpenes dominate. Above 205 C, the palate consolidates into a heavier roast character and can verge on bitter if material is overdried. Incremental step-temp sessions showcase Reacher’s layered profile effectively.
For edibles and infusions, Reacher’s terpenes skew savory, pairing well with cocoa butter, coffee syrups, and nutty bases. Decarboxylation at 110 to 115 C for 35 to 45 minutes typically preserves more of the aroma compared with hotter, shorter decarbs. In confectionery, the final product benefits from additional vanilla or cardamom to round pepper notes. Fans of classic hash candies will find Reacher an intuitive fit.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Expectations
As of this writing, publicly posted lab certificates of analysis specific to Katsu Seeds’ Reacher remain limited, so potency is best expressed as a reasonable range informed by comparable indica-dominant genetics. Expect total THC in the 18% to 24% range by dry weight for dialed-in indoor grows, with outdoor and light-deprivation runs often clustering 2 to 3 percentage points lower. CBD is typically low, commonly below 1%, while total minor cannabinoids such as CBG and CBC together often land between 0.3% and 1.2%. Total cannabinoids frequently exceed 20% in optimized indoor environments.
Variability is normal across phenotypes and cultivation styles. Differences in harvest timing alone can swing decarboxylated THC by ±2 percentage points, given the shift from THCA to THC and partial oxidation over time. Environmental parameters such as average PPFD, night temperature, and nutrient balance contribute to measurable outcomes; for instance, studies have shown that increasing light intensity within 600 to 1,000 µmol m−2 s−1 can significantly raise cannabinoid and terpene accumulation up to a cultivar-specific ceiling. Growers should therefore calibrate expectations to their lighting and environmental controls.
From a consumer perspective, the 18% to 24% THC window is consistent with modern indica-dominant craft flowers in legal markets. Inhaled routes tend to produce perceptible effects within 5 to 10 minutes, peak at 30 to 45 minutes, and taper across 2 to 3 hours. Oral routes show onset in 45 to 120 minutes, peak effects at 2.5 to 4 hours, and total duration that can exceed 6 hours. First-time users should start low in dose regardless of labeled percentage.
For precision dosing, 2.5 to 5 mg THC is a prudent entry range for edible formats, while single inhalations of a 15% to 20% THC joint typically deliver 2 to 4 mg THC absorption in the first several puffs depending on inhalation depth. Experienced consumers may titrate to 10 to 20 mg THC orally or several inhalation cycles for a full-session experience. Because Reacher’s effect skew is strongly physical, users often find less total THC is needed to achieve relaxation compared with more cerebral sativas. That economy can be useful for medical applications centered on sleep and pain.
Terpene Profile and Entourage Dynamics
Although exact terpene lab panels for Reacher are not yet broadly public, its sensory profile suggests a dominance of myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, with notable contributions from limonene and humulene. In indica-dominant flowers with a similar aroma, myrcene often measures 0.4% to 1.0% by weight, caryophyllene 0.2% to 0.6%, limonene 0.2% to 0.5%, and humulene 0.1% to 0.3%. Linalool, pinene, and ocimene may appear in trace to moderate amounts depending on phenotype. Total terpene content commonly totals 1.5% to 3.5%, with top-shelf examples exceeding 4%.
Mechanistically, beta-caryophyllene is a CB2 receptor agonist with reported binding in the low micromolar to sub-micromolar range, and it has been studied for anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. Myrcene is widely discussed in the cannabis community for its sedative association, with consumer lore linking higher myrcene content to couch-lock sensations. While human data remain limited, animal models and observational reports align with a heavier body effect when myrcene is prominent. Limonene often brightens mood and contributes to perceived clarity in the early phase of the session.
Humulene adds a woody, herbaceous dimension and is frequently seen alongside caryophyllene in spicy-indica bouquets. Linalool, when present above 0.05%, contributes floral sweetness and is associated with anxiolytic properties in aromatherapy and small-scale studies. Pinene’s occasional presence can add a crispness that slightly counterbalances the heavy earth base. The net effect is an entourage that builds steady relaxation without emptying the headspace too abruptly.
Extraction-wise, Reacher’s projected terpene stack favors solventless rosin that retains a spicy-chocolate nose at low press temperatures. Caryophyllene’s relative thermal stability compared with some monoterpenes means the spicy core survives processes that would otherwise flatten fruit-forward strains. For hydrocarbon extraction, gentle post-processing helps preserve the sweet secondary notes that make Reacher distinct from one-dimensional hash varietals. Whether in flower or extracts, the terpene balance is the key to its soothing, sophisticated character.
Experiential Effects and Use Patterns
Reacher skews toward full-body relaxation with a grounded, soothed mental state rather than racing euphoria. Users frequently describe a warm heaviness in the limbs, loosening of shoulder and neck tension, and a calm mood that settles within 10 to 20 minutes of inhalation. The onset is smooth, and the body effects deepen into a restful plateau without a drastic crash. Many find it ideal as a post-work or pre-sleep companion.
In aggregated consumer reporting for indica-dominant cultivars, relaxation and sleepy tags often appear in more than 60% and 40% of reviews respectively, and Reacher maps closely to that pattern. Appetite stimulation is commonly noted, so evening users often plan snacks in advance to avoid impulsive eating. Music and low-stimulation activities pair well, whereas high-focus tasks may not benefit from the strain’s sedative leaning. Social settings are still enjoyable but become quieter and more introspective as the session extends.
Duration depends on route and dose, but a typical inhaled session remains active for about 2 to 3 hours, with peak effects strongest at the 30- to 60-minute mark. Oral use pushes the window to 4 to 6 hours with a more gradual rise and fall. Microdosing strategies, such as one to two small puffs spaced 10 minutes apart, can yield relaxation without drowsiness for some users. By contrast, rapid, heavy inhalation tends to push the experience into couch-lock territory swiftly.
Side effects are in line with other potent indicas: dry mouth, dry eyes, and, in sensitive individuals, transient dizziness if dosage is aggressive. While anxious rumination is less common than with high-limonene sativas, paranoia can still occur at very high doses or in unfamiliar environments. As with any potent flower, setting, hydration, and pacing have outsized effects on comfort. Users should avoid mixing with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants until they understand their personal response.
Potential Medical Applications and Risks
Given its indica-dominant relaxation profile, Reacher is a plausible fit for conditions characterized by pain, muscle tension, and sleep disruption. Observational studies and reviews from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine indicate substantial evidence for cannabis effectiveness in chronic pain in adults and moderate evidence for improving short-term sleep outcomes. A heavy myrcene and caryophyllene presence aligns with analgesic and anti-inflammatory goals, offering a rationale for evening dosing in neuropathic pain, arthritis, or post-exercise recovery. Patients often report reduced sleep latency and less nighttime waking when dosing 60 to 90 minutes before bed.
Anxiety relief can be reported at lower doses, particularly when linalool and limonene are present in supportive amounts, but higher THC doses may exacerbate anxiety in some individuals. For anxiety-prone patients, titrating to the minimum effective dose and favoring inhalation for controllable onset is prudent. Appetite stimulation can aid patients managing reduced intake, whether due to medication side effects or stress-induced anorexia. Nausea modulation is also commonly reported with THC-dominant strains, though individual responsiveness varies.
Starting doses for medical use should be conservative: 1 to 2.5 mg THC equivalent for oral routes, increasing by 1 to 2.5 mg increments every other day until desired effect is reached. For inhalation, one short puff, wait 10 minutes, then reassess is a sensible titration path. Patients without prior cannabis experience should avoid stacking doses within the same hour. Combining with CBD at a 1:1 to 1:4 ratio can soften psychoactivity and improve tolerability.
Risks include acute intoxication, orthostatic lightheadedness, and impairment of motor skills and reaction time. Memory disruptions and next-day grogginess can occur at high bedtime doses, particularly above 10 to 20 mg oral THC. Cannabis may interact with medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes; patients should consult a clinician if they take drugs with narrow therapeutic indices. Individuals with a personal or family history of psychotic disorders should approach THC-rich products with caution.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Cure
Reacher performs predictably in controlled environments and can excel outdoors with attentive canopy management. As a mostly-indica, it prefers moderate day temperatures of 24 to 28 C and nights of 20 to 22 C. In veg, target VPD around 0.8 to 1.2 kPa with 55% to 65% relative humidity; in flower, 1.2 to 1.5 kPa with 45% to 50% RH is a strong baseline. Final two weeks can drop to 38% to 45% RH to discourage botrytis as colas densify.
Lighting intensity drives yield and resin density. In veg, 300 to 500 µmol m−2 s−1 PPFD supports compact nodes; in flower, 700 to 1,000 µmol m−2 s−1 produces tight stacking without overwhelming the cultivar’s metabolism. Keep CO2 at ambient to 900 ppm unless you can match with nutrient and irrigation capacity, in which case 1,100 to 1,200 ppm can add weight. Maintain even canopy heights to avoid hotspots and ensure uniform maturity.
Medium choices are flexible: high-quality coco with perlite at 70:30, buffered and pre-charged, provides rapid growth and easy steering. In coco, feed at 1.6 to 2.2 mS cm−1 EC in mid flower with pH 5.8 to 6.3; in living soil, rely on balanced amendments and top dressings, watering to field capacity and allowing reasonable dry-backs. Reacher’s thick flowers reward calcium and magnesium sufficiency; watch for interveinal chlorosis that signals a need for Cal-Mg supplementation under high-intensity LEDs. Avoid late-flower nitrogen that can muddy flavor and slow maturation.
Training is straightforward and beneficial. Topping once at the fifth node encourages a flat canopy; a second topping or manifolding can expand footprint in a 2x2 to 3x3 ft space. Low-stress training to spread branches increases light penetration, while a light defoliation at days 21 and 42 of flower reduces humidity pockets without starving the plant. Heavy defoliation is unnecessary; prioritize airflow and bud-site exposure.
Watering strategy should maintain rhythmic, oxygen-rich cycles. In coco, aim for 10% to 20% runoff and irrigate one to three times per day as roots fill the pot, adjusting frequency to maintain consistent media moisture. In soil, water when the top 2 to 3 cm are dry and the pot feels light, avoiding waterlogging that can invite root pathogens. Reacher tolerates regular feeding but rewards consistency over peaks and troughs.
Flowering time indoors typically falls between 56 and 63 days from the flip, though resin chasers may prefer 63 to 67 days for maximal terpene depth. Watch trichomes: harvest when heads are mostly cloudy with 10% to 20% amber for a heavier effect, or earlier for a brighter profile. Keep in mind that late harvest increases the sedative edge, which many Reacher fans seek. Record phenotypic differences and harvest timing to refine subsequent runs.
Yields are competitive for an indica-dominant. Well-run indoor rooms can expect 450 to 550 g m−2 under modern full-spectrum LEDs, with dialed setups and CO2 pushing to 600-plus g m−2. Outdoor plants, topped early and trained, can yield 500 g to over 1.2 kg per plant depending on soil health, container size, and season length. Bud density is high, so plan airflow and dehumidification accordingly.
Integrated pest management is essential, as with any dense-flowering cultivar. Preventive sulfur or biologicals in veg can reduce powdery mildew pressure, while Bacillus-based sprays and predatory mites address common pests such as thrips and spider mites. In flower, avoid harsh foliar inputs; instead, use canopy thinning and strong air exchange to mitigate botrytis risk. Sanitation, quarantine, and scouting logs will prevent most outbreaks.
Drying and curing make or break the final product. Dry whole plants or large branches for 10 to 14 days at 15 to 18 C and 58% to 62% RH with gentle airflow. Once stems snap but do not shatter, trim and jar at 60% RH and 18 to 20 C, burping as needed to stabilize. Target water activity of 0.55 to 0.65 for optimal shelf stability and terpene retention over a 4- to 8-week cure.
Outdoor notes vary by region. Indica-dominant plants like Reacher prefer a warm, dry late season; at latitudes 40 to 45 N, plan for early to mid-October harvests, weather permitting. Trellis early to manage wind and weight, and prune interior growth to keep air moving through colas. If heavy autumn rains are common, consider light-deprivation or greenhouse protection to pull harvest into September.
On training style, community context is worth noting. In public breeder notes unrelated to Katsu’s Reacher, such as 7 East Genetics’ Dragon’s Heart page, you will find statements like she performs well when topped and thrives outdoors, along with a mention of tolerance to humidity and rain. Another 7 East Genetics page for Alien Dragon references Lost in Space from Reacher Genetics in a cross, illustrating that the Reacher name circulates in breeding circles that favor robust, outdoor-suited plants. While these references are not direct data on Katsu’s Reacher, many growers have observed that indica-leaning structures respond well to topping and airflow-focused training, and that principle applies here.
Post-harvest processing for extracts is promising. Reacher’s resin often washes well in ice-water extraction thanks to dense capitate-stalked heads; cold room conditions of 2 to 4 C and gentle agitation protect gland heads. For rosin, 70 to 90 micron bags at 80 to 90 C preserve the chocolate-spice notes, while higher temps increase yield at the expense of brightness. Store extracts at low temperatures and minimal oxygen to maintain the peppered cocoa profile over time.
