Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Teardrop is a mostly sativa cannabis cultivar created by Anthos Seeds, a breeder recognized for modern, terpene-forward hybrids. While the exact release date has not been formally publicized, Teardrop emerged in the 2020s era of breeding when sativa-leaning profiles regained popularity among growers and consumers. The name Teardrop is widely understood to reference the cultivar’s distinctive bud architecture—compact, resinous bracts stacking into rounded, tapered flowers reminiscent of a teardrop. This naming convention aligns with industry usage, where “teardrop-shaped buds” are frequently cited to describe dense, sugar-coated flowers in other cultivars.
Anthos Seeds positions Teardrop as a vigorous, high-terpene selection with the upright stance and internodal spacing typical of sativa heritage. In an era where user preference data show daytime, creative strains gaining traction, mostly sativa profiles have seen consistent demand across legal markets. Retail analytics from U.S. adult-use markets in 2022–2024 indicate that sativa-labeled products regularly command 25–35% of shelf space, reflecting consumer desire for energizing experiences alongside hybrid staples. Against this backdrop, Teardrop’s emphasis on head-clearing aroma and buoyant effects fits a well-documented market niche.
The teardrop motif also resonates with broader cultivar descriptions in trade publications and seed catalogs. For instance, SeedSupreme’s coverage of top outdoor performers references large, teardrop-shaped buds in certain lines like Gelato autoflower, highlighting the morphology’s appeal for bag appeal and aroma release. Similarly, Leafly’s strain alerts have described Grape Jelly as producing teardrop-shaped buds with green and purple foliage that become increasingly resinous during maturation. Such comparisons underscore that teardrop-shaped inflorescences are a recognized and sought-after trait across diverse genetics.
While Anthos Seeds has been selective with technical disclosures, community grow reports point to a sativa-forward flowering window and robust resilience when cultivated in temperate to warm climates. Breeder-leaning sativa projects from the 2010s onward often targeted improved mold resistance and calyx-to-leaf ratios to simplify trimming and post-harvest quality. Teardrop appears to participate in that design philosophy, pairing elongated sativa structure with a tighter, more modern bud set. The result is a cultivar intended to satisfy both connoisseur aromatics and practical, predictable garden performance.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
As of publication, Anthos Seeds has not publicly disclosed the precise parentage of Teardrop, a common practice among breeders protecting proprietary lines. Based on phenotype and reported behavior, Teardrop fits the profile of a contemporary sativa-leaning hybrid rather than a pure landrace. In practice, such cultivars frequently draw on Haze, Durban, Thai, or citrus-forward Tangie/Terpinolene families crossed with dessert or cookie-adjacent lines for resin, color, and sweetness. Without breeder confirmation, any specific parental claims would be speculative, but the observed architecture and aromatic tendencies are consistent with this lineage style.
Inheritance outcomes seen in mostly sativa hybrids include elongated internodes during early flowering, a 1.5–2.5x stretch after the flip, and moderately dense buds that resist overcompaction. The bracts tend to stack in a conical or teardrop silhouette, something growers often correlate with a favorable calyx-to-leaf ratio for efficient trimming. Teardrop’s narrow-leaf morphology and canopy energy are hallmarks of sativa expression, contributing to a faster transpiration rate and stronger response to higher light intensity. This structural profile also supports more effective airflow through the canopy, which can mitigate microclimate humidity.
Terpene inheritance in sativa-leaning hybrids commonly skews toward monoterpenes like terpinolene, limonene, and ocimene, complemented by sesquiterpenes such as beta-caryophyllene and humulene. In legal-market lab datasets, total terpene content in high-quality flower often falls between 1.5% and 3.0% by weight (15–30 mg/g), with monoterpenes dominating the headspace aroma. Teardrop appears to reflect this pattern, producing a fresh, citrus-forward bouquet with herbal and floral overlays. These chemistry traits influence both perceived potency and the “clean” lift associated with many sativa-dominant cultivars.
The bud shape hinted at by the name is not lineage-exclusive but rather an expression shaped by calyx proliferation, bract size, and environmental steering. Feed, light intensity, and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) can all push the plant to express more pronounced, teardrop-like colas. This means the cultivar’s signature appearance is partly genetic and partly cultural, rewarding growers who optimize canopy management. Taken together, the inheritance picture suggests a designed balance of vigor, aroma density, and finished-bud elegance.
Appearance and Bud Structure
True to its name, Teardrop develops rounded, conical buds that taper gently to a soft point, forming tidy teardrop silhouettes from top colas to secondary branches. The flowers are notably resinous, with trichomes coating the calyxes and protruding onto the sugar leaves in late flower. Growers frequently report a 2:1 to 4:1 calyx-to-leaf ratio, translating into efficient post-harvest trimming. Pistils begin a bright tangerine and shift to amber as maturity approaches, enhancing contrast against lime-to-forest-green bracts.
Under optimal environmental conditions, Teardrop can present faint lavender or violet hues when nighttime temperatures are reduced by 5–8°C in the final weeks. This expression is an anthocyanin response and is not guaranteed, but it can be coaxed in phenotypes predisposed to cool-weather coloration. The overall bud density is medium-firm, avoiding the rock-hard compaction that sometimes traps moisture in humid environments. This balance benefits airflow and helps maintain terpene integrity during drying and curing.
Trichome density is a focal point of Teardrop’s aesthetic, with glandular heads becoming prominent around weeks 5–7 of flower. In microscopy, growers may observe a shift from clear to cloudy and then to amber resin heads as harvest approaches, reflecting cannabinoid oxidation dynamics. High trichome coverage correlates with stickiness and a frosted appearance that boosts bag appeal. The visual sparkle is accentuated when handled gently, preserving the delicate heads that carry the cultivar’s aromatic payload.
The industry’s broader association between “teardrop-shaped” flowers and high-quality resin also contextualizes Teardrop’s look. Publications and catalogs have used this descriptor when discussing other cultivars like Gelato autoflower (SeedSupreme) and Grape Jelly (Leafly), where the shape is associated with rich scent and ripening resin. Teardrop embodies that aesthetic with consistency across its canopy, not just on the main cola. The result is a uniform, photogenic harvest that aligns with premium retail expectations.
Aroma and Bouquet
Teardrop’s aroma opens with a bright, citrus-forward top note often described as sweet orange, tangy tangerine, or lemon-lime zest. Underneath, light floral tones mingle with green, herbal facets reminiscent of lemongrass and fresh-cut pine. As the flowers mature, a subtle spice—likely from caryophyllene-family sesquiterpenes—adds warmth to the bouquet. The overall effect is clean, effervescent, and uplifting in the jar.
When ground, the cultivar releases a more complex headspace dominated by monoterpenes, intensifying the citrus and introducing tropical hints that some users liken to mango peel or guava leaf. The spice layer becomes more pronounced, and a faint sweetness akin to candied rind can emerge. Experienced noses may detect a lilac or lilting floral aspect, suggestive of terpinolene and linalool interplay. This combination aligns with the mostly sativa reputation for airy, high-tone bouquets.
Laboratory analyses in comparable sativa-dominant cultivars report total terpene levels in the 1.5–3.0% range by weight, translating to 15–30 mg/g of volatile compounds. Within that spread, individual terpenes commonly appear at 0.2–0.8% for the lead compounds, with secondary contributors at 0.05–0.3%. Storage conditions significantly influence retention: room-temperature storage can drive monoterpene loss, with studies observing 20–35% reductions in certain volatiles over a month. Cooler, dark storage in airtight containers helps preserve the delicate top notes that define Teardrop’s character.
The cultivar’s fresh bouquet is particularly expressive post-cure, when chlorophyll has broken down and sugars have stabilized. A slow dry at 17–19°C (62–66°F) and 55–62% relative humidity preserves monoterpenes and prevents grassy undertones. After 3–6 weeks of burped curing, aroma cohesion typically improves, and the citrus-floral balance becomes more integrated. At this stage, Teardrop’s scent profile is at its most refined and representative.
Flavor and Consumption Experience
On inhalation, Teardrop presents a lively citrus rush that settles into sweet-herbal tones as vapor or smoke rolls across the palate. The exhale often brings a cleaner, floral finish, with a soft spice trailing on the tongue and palate. In well-cured samples, a faint zest or bittersweet rind quality can complement the sweetness, lending structure and depth. The flavor lingers lightly without cloying, characteristic of sativa-dominant flowers.
Vaporization temperature has a marked effect on Teardrop’s flavor expression. At 175–185°C (347–365°F), top-note terpenes like limonene, terpinolene, and ocimene shine, delivering a bright, sparkling profile. At 190–205°C (374–401°F), more resinous and spicy notes from caryophyllene and humulene emerge, deepening the experience. Combustion can obscure some nuance, but a clean burn with light gray ash indicates proper curing and nutrient management.
Palate fatigue is minimal with Teardrop compared to heavier, fuel-dominant cultivars, making it suitable for extended tasting sessions. Users who prefer a crisp, daytime-friendly flavor profile will recognize its appeal. Pairings often include citrus-forward beverages, unsweetened green tea, or sparkling water, which accentuate the zest and floral lift. For edibles, decarboxylated Teardrop infusions can retain a surprisingly fresh citrus-herbal note if the infusion is handled gently.
Infusion outcomes depend on technique: gentle decarboxylation at 105–115°C (221–239°F) for 30–45 minutes reduces terpene loss while converting THCA to THC. Carrier oils with higher terpene solubility, such as MCT or light olive oil, can capture a portion of the volatile fraction. In confectionery, pairing with lemon zest or cardamom can echo Teardrop’s natural flavor arcs. These culinary considerations can deliver a more faithful translation of the cultivar’s sensory profile.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Teardrop is a mostly sativa cultivar, and in legal-market testing sativa-dominant flowers frequently fall within a THC range of 16–24% by dry weight. Without publicly released third-party certificates of analysis specific to Teardrop, the most responsible expectation is a potency band consistent with its category. Many modern retail flowers cluster around 18–22% THC, with minor cannabinoids like CBG often in the 0.3–1.5% range. CBD is generally low in such profiles, typically below 1% unless intentionally bred for balanced chemotypes.
Cannabinoid expression is sensitive to genotype-by-environment interactions, with environmental steering accounting for meaningful variability. Controlled trials and commercial experience suggest coefficients of variation for THC in the 10–20% range across different runs of the same cultivar. Light intensity, nutrient availability, root-zone conditions, and harvest timing all contribute. For example, harvesting at predominantly cloudy trichomes typically maximizes THC-A, whereas allowing 10–20% amber trichomes shifts the profile slightly toward CBN formation post-harvest.
After decarboxylation, THCA converts to psychoactive THC with an efficiency influenced by time, temperature, and matrix. Typical lab protocols assume a near-complete conversion for reporting purposes, although real-world decarboxylation can range from 80–95% efficient. Consumers using edibles should account for first-pass metabolism, which transforms a portion of THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, often perceived as more potent per milligram. This pharmacokinetic difference can extend duration to 4–8 hours, compared to 1.5–3 hours for inhalation.
Minor cannabinoids can modulate the experience, even at low percentages. CBG in the 0.5–1.0% band is common in modern selections and may contribute to perceived clarity. Trace THCV is occasionally observed in sativa-leaning cultivars with African ancestry, sometimes at 0.2–0.5%, though presence in Teardrop has not been verified. Overall, Teardrop should be considered a THC-forward cultivar with a terpene-rich entourage effect.
Terpene Profile and Volatile Chemistry
Teardrop’s terpene profile is expected to be monoterpene-driven, led by limonene and terpinolene with supporting roles for ocimene and pinene. On the sesquiterpene side, beta-caryophyllene and humulene provide peppery, woody anchors that structure the bright top notes. In comparable sativa-dominant flowers, limonene and terpinolene often appear in the 0.2–0.8% range individually, with ocimene and linalool typically spanning 0.05–0.4%. Total terpene content of 1.5–3.0% is a reasonable expectation for premium batches.
These compounds are volatile and sensitive to heat and oxygen exposure. Limonene and ocimene are particularly prone to evaporation during hot, dry curing, while sesquiterpenes are comparatively more robust. Best practice drying at 17–19°C (62–66°F) and 55–62% RH, with minimal light exposure, helps preserve the citrus-floral character. Airtight storage with headspace minimized can reduce oxidative loss over time.
Terpinolene-dominant expressions are relatively rare in the market compared to myrcene- or caryophyllene-led chemotypes. Analyses of large sample sets have repeatedly found terpinolene among the least common dominant terpenes, often representing a small single-digit percentage of tested lots. If a Teardrop phenotype leans terpinolene-forward, it will present with a distinctive, airy floral-citrus signature that stands out in mixed inventories. Conversely, limonene-dominant expressions read more overtly citrus and candy-like.
The sensory synergy among these terpenes influences the cultivar’s functional feel. Limonene is frequently associated with mood elevation and perceived clarity, while caryophyllene, a known CB2 agonist, may contribute to perceived body ease. Pinene can add a lucid, piney edge that some users interpret as focus-enhancing. Teardrop’s appeal lies in balancing these elements into a coherent, refreshing experience.
Experiential Effects and Use Scenarios
Users describe Teardrop as bright, clear, and momentum-building, aligning with a mostly sativa profile. The onset via inhalation is typically felt within 1–5 minutes, with an early wave of headspace expansion followed by a calm, buoyant lift. Subjectively, many report increased motivation, verbal fluency, and sensory crispness, without the heavy drag associated with sedative indica expressions. Duration commonly runs 90–180 minutes for smoked or vaporized consumption.
Consumer survey data across sativa-labeled products often show mood-elevation and creativity as top-cited effects, with 50–70% of respondents selecting related descriptors. Reports of anxiety or overstimulation vary by dose and sensitivity, typically affecting 10–20% of users at higher THC intake. Dry mouth and dry eyes remain the most common side effects, often cited by 30–60% and 15–25% of respondents, respectively. Slow, measured dosing mitigates most adverse experiences.
Use scenarios for Teardrop include daytime productivity, brainstorming, and social activities that benefit from animated engagement. Many find it suitable for outdoor recreation, music, or light exercise where an uplifting headspace complements movement. For creative work, the cultivar’s crisp sensory profile can feel “uncluttered,” offering momentum without heavy sedation. Evening use is also feasible for some, though those sensitive to stimulation may prefer earlier timing.
Tolerance and set-and-setting play substantial roles in individual outcomes. New or sensitive users should start with small inhalations or 2.5–5 mg THC orally, reassessing after 60–120 minutes for edibles. Experienced consumers may titrate upward to 10–15 mg orally or 2–4 inhalations depending on desired intensity. As always, avoid mixing with alcohol to reduce compounding impairment and dehydration.
Potential Medical Uses and Considerations
Nothing in this section constitutes medical advice; patients should consult licensed healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment. That said, the cannabinoid-terpene architecture of Teardrop suggests several potential applications reported anecdotally and in preclinical literature. Limonene-rich profiles are often associated with mood support, and beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity is studied for anti-inflammatory potential. Pinene and terpinolene may contribute to perceived alertness and reduced mental fatigue in some users.
For pain modulation, THC at moderate doses (e.g., 5–10 mg oral, or 1–3 small inhalations) may offer short-term relief for mild to moderate discomfort. Caryophyllene and humulene, both studied for anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in animal models, could complement THC’s analgesic effects. For stress and low mood, citrus-forward chemotypes commonly receive positive user feedback, though individuals prone to anxiety should proceed with caution. Microdosing (1–2 mg THC) can be a strategy to explore functional benefits with reduced risk of overstimulation.
For fatigue or cognitive fog, Teardrop’s sativa-leaning profile may be helpful for some during daytime hours. However, high-THC sativas can exacerbate anxiety in susceptible individuals, particularly above 10–15 mg oral THC or with rapid, repeated inhalation. Patients with cardiovascular concerns should avoid high-intensity dosing due to transient heart-rate increases commonly observed with THC. As with all cannabis, potential drug interactions exist, particularly with CNS depressants and medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes.
Delivery method significantly influences onset and duration. Inhalation provides rapid relief but shorter duration, while oral administration has slower onset and longer action due to first-pass metabolism. Topical use with an infused carrier oil may be considered for localized discomfort without psychoactivity, though clinical evidence is still limited. Documenting dose, timing, and response in a journal can help individuals and clinicians determine suitability.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Teardrop performs predictably in controlled environments and can excel outdoors in temperate to warm regions, reflecting its mostly sativa heritage. Start with vigorous seedlings by maintaining 22–25°C (72–77°F), 65–75% RH, and a gentle PPFD of 200–300 µmol/m²/s for 7–14 days. Transplant into final containers or beds once roots colonize the starter medium, aiming for well-aerated soils (30–40% perlite or pumice) or coco mixes with strong cation exchange capacity. Maintain pH at 6.2–6.8 in soil and 5.8–6.2 in hydro/coco, and avoid overwatering by allowing 10–20% runoff in soilless systems.
Vegetative growth thrives at 24–28°C (75–82°F) and 60–70% RH with VPD of 0.8–1.1 kPa. Increase PPFD to 500–700 µmol/m²/s and provide a balanced nutrient profile with NPK around 3-1-2, plus Ca/Mg and micronutrients. Electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.2–1.6 mS/cm is a suitable starting point for soilless culture, moving toward 1.6–2.0 mS/cm for robust plants. Train with topping at the 4th–6th node, low-stress training (LST), and SCROG to manage verticality and maximize lateral sites.
Flip to flower when the canopy is 60–70% of the target footprint, anticipating a 1.5–2.5x stretch common to sativa-leaning plants. Flower at 23–26°C (73–79°F) day and 20–23°C (68–73°F) night with RH 45–55% and VPD 1.2–1.4 kPa. Raise PPFD to 700–1,000 µmol/m²/s for photoperiods of 12/12; with supplemental CO₂ (800–1,200 ppm), PPFD up to 1,200 µmol/m²/s is feasible if irrigation and nutrition are balanced. Shift nutrients toward a 1-2-3 NPK emphasis early flower, then 1-3-4 mid-to-late flower, holding EC around 1.8–2.2 mS/cm depending on cultivar appetite.
Teardrop’s flowering time is consistent with mostly sativa genetics, typically finishing in about 9–11 weeks indoors. Outdoors at mid-latitudes, expect harvest from early to late October depending on phenotype and climate. The cultivar’s bud structure—firm but not over-dense—supports better airflow, which helps control botrytis pressure in humid regions. Pruning interior shoots and defoliating selectively around week 3 of flower further reduces microclimate humidity and improves light penetration.
Integrated pest management (IPM) should be preventative and layered. Use yellow/blue sticky cards and weekly scouting, and introduce beneficials like Amblyseius swirskii or A. californicus for mite suppression in the canopy. Rotate contact and systemic biocontrols (where compliant) such as Beauveria-based products or horticultural oils in veg, maintaining proper pre-harvest intervals. Keep leaf surfaces clean, and sanitize tools and work areas to interrupt pest life cycles.
Nutrient steering can fine-tune flower density and resin production. A mild phosphorus and potassium bump at early flower (weeks 2–4) aids inflorescence initiation, while steady calcium and magnesium help avoid blossom-end issues in fast-growing sativa tissue. Excess nitrogen in late flower should be avoided, as it can mute terpenes and slow maturation. A 7–10 day low-EC finish (e.g., 0.6–0.8 mS/cm in soilless) with balanced calcium supports a clean burn and brighter aroma.
Irrigation strategy matters for consistency. In coco or rockwool, multiple small irrigations during lights-on can maintain a favorable root-zone EC and oxygenation, targeting 10–20% daily runoff. In soil, allow the upper layer to dry slightly between waterings, using pot weight and moisture sensors to prevent waterlogging. Stable moisture promotes uniform resin and terpene development, especially in weeks 5–8 when monoterpene synthesis is high.
Training methods such as SCROG and main-lining keep Teardrop’s vertical stretch in check while increasing the number of mid-tier colas. Expect a 1.5–2.0x stretch after flip; plan trellising early to support the teardrop-shaped colas. In small tents, a 6–8 top manifold with even canopy height helps achieve tight nodal spacing under LED fixtures. Outdoors, topping once or twice followed by LST produces a wind-resilient, wide bush that distributes light evenly.
Yields are highly environment-dependent, but indoor growers can target 450–600 g/m² under efficient LEDs when dialing in light, CO₂, and irrigation. Skilled outdoor growers in full sun with 100–200+ gallon beds can reach 500–1,000+ g per plant in supportive climates. Wet-to-dry loss typically runs 75–80%, so a 2 kg wet plant may produce 400–500 g dry with an effective trim. These figures assume healthy plants, proper IPM, and optimized environmental controls.
Harvest timing should be guided by trichome maturity: peak head content is usually at mostly cloudy with 5–15% amber for an energetic effect. If a slightly rounder, more grounded outcome is preferred, allow up to 20% amber. Dry at 17–19°C (62–66°F) and 55–62% RH with gentle airflow and no direct breeze on flowers for 10–14 days until small stems snap. Cure in airtight containers at 58–62% RH, burping daily for the first 7–10 days, then weekly over 3–6 weeks to stabilize aroma.
Teardrop’s name neatly ties into outdoor and catalog trends that celebrate teardrop-shaped buds for their resin-rich presentation. SeedSupreme’s coverage of top outdoor cultivars and Leafly’s new-strain alerts both reference teardrop-shaped flowers in other genetics, contextualizing the aesthetic Teardrop aims to deliver. While those sources discuss different cultivars, the shared descriptor affirms the market value of this bud architecture. With attentive cultivation, Teardrop reliably produces the photogenic, aromatic teardrops its name promises.
