Dark Matter is a balanced hybrid cannabis strain bred from Cherry Thunderfuck and Rusty Haze, known for a sweet cherry and herbal flavor and a creative, buzzy high. It was bred by Kingdom Organic Seeds and was named Leafly’s favorite strain in the Ohio market in its 2026 420 roundup. Leafly lists about 23% THC with 2% CBG.
Dark Matter Strain at a Glance
| Type | Balanced hybrid |
|---|---|
| Lineage | Cherry Thunderfuck × Rusty Haze |
| Breeder / origin | Kingdom Organic Seeds |
| THC | 22–25% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Not listed |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, Ocimene, Pinene |
| Aroma and flavor | rich wood, floral spice, sweet berry, sage, tobacco, sweet cherry, herbal, spicy floral exhale, lemony mango |
| Reported effects | creative, giggly, energetic, tingly, relaxed |
| Best for | creative sessions, afternoon use, experienced consumers |
| Flowering time | 60–66 days |
Where Dark Matter Comes From
Dark Matter comes from Kingdom Organic Seeds, which crossed Cherry Thunderfuck (a Matanuska Valley Thunderfuck selection) with a Rusty Haze male. Leafly, AllBud and SeedFinder all list that cross, and Leafly and SeedFinder both credit Kingdom Organic. SeedFinder describes Rusty Haze as Skunk #1 and Bubblegum crossed with Metal Haze, which brings old-school haze into the mix, and notes that the strain was never sold as feminized seed.
The strain found a new audience in the Midwest. Leafly’s 2026 roundup of the best strains for 420 called Dark Matter its favorite in the Ohio market and described it as a creative powerhouse. Be aware that the name is shared: Weedmaps notes that several unrelated cultivars use it, and some menus carry a separate Dark Matter OG line, so check the lineage on the label.
Dark Matter Effects: What It Feels Like
Leafly reviewers most often tag Dark Matter as creative, giggly and energetic, and Leafly describes the overall effect as mostly energizing. AllBud describes a buzzing rush at the start that leaves you tingly, a little unfocused but happy, before it settles into a calm, easy state of mind and body. Grow Diaries reports a similar arc: a euphoric buzz leading to body relaxation without heavy sedation.
One AllBud reviewer said the high lasted about 90 minutes to two hours and helped with creative focus. At 22–25% THC, it is strong enough that newer consumers should start with a single hit. It fits an afternoon project or a music session better than bedtime.
Dark Matter Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
AllBud describes rich woods and floral spice on the nose with a sweet berry overtone that turns spicy when the buds are broken up, and a sweet cherry taste with a lightly spicy, herbal exhale. Leafly lists chemical, sage and tobacco as top flavors, and one reviewer tasted pine. The breeder, quoted on SeedFinder, says lemony mango flavors come forward after a two-week cure.
Leafly lists myrcene as the dominant terpene, followed by ocimene and pinene. Myrcene brings the earthy, herbal base, ocimene a sweet, slightly minty lift, and pinene the piney note some smokers pick up.
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Ocimene: sweet, herbal and woody, also found in mint and basil
- Pinene: fresh pine, also found in pine needles and rosemary
Terpene levels vary from grower to grower and batch to batch, so check the lab label on the package. Learn more in our guide to cannabis terpenes.
Side Effects and How to Use Dark Matter
Leafly reviewers list dry mouth, dry eyes and dizziness, and some mention headaches and cottonmouth. AllBud’s description notes that it can leave you a little unfocused at the peak. Start low until you know how a batch hits.
With Dark Matter, as with any strain, a smaller dose usually avoids anxiety or grogginess. Our cannabis safety guide covers what to do if you take too much.
Do People Use Dark Matter for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers most often mention reaching for Dark Matter during low mood (41%), anxiety (35%) and stress (29%). AllBud adds chronic pain and insomnia, and one AllBud reviewer said it calmed stress without a paranoid rush. These are consumer reports, not clinical evidence.
These are user reports, not clinical findings. For what research actually supports, see our cannabis health and research section, and talk to your doctor before using cannabis for a health condition.
Growing Dark Matter
- Difficulty: Easy
- Flowering: 60–66 days
- Yield: Heavy (breeder cites about a quarter pound per plant under 400 watts)
- Environment: Indoor or outdoor; outdoor harvest in late October
According to the breeder’s notes on SeedFinder, Dark Matter is easy to grow, hardy and vigorous, with heavy, resinous buds and manageable height and stretch indoors. Flowering runs 60–66 days depending on phenotype, and outdoor plants finish in late October in the Northern Hemisphere. The breeder recommends waiting until plants are about 55 days old before flipping to flower for maximum resin. A late-October finish runs into the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest and other wet climates, so outdoor growers there should watch dense colas closely for mold.
Home-grow rules depend on the state: adults can grow at home in states such as California (six plants per residence), Michigan (12 per residence) and Oregon (four per household), while Washington and Illinois allow home growing only for registered medical patients. Check your state in our cannabis laws by state guide before you plant anything.
Strains Like Dark Matter
- Alaskan Thunder Fuck: the Matanuska line behind Cherry Thunderfuck
- Cherry Pie: similar sweet cherry flavor
- Super Silver Haze: another creative, haze-influenced hybrid
- Cherry Lime Haze: cherry and haze in one strain
- Jack Herer: a classic creative, energizing hybrid
Browse more hybrid strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Hybrid Strains to Explore
Dead Bread · Death Star · Dojo Kush · Dank Commander · Daily Driver · D95 · All hybrid strains
Where to Buy Dark Matter
Dispensary menus change every week, and Dark Matter may be sold under its own name, as a cross or as a pre-roll or vape. The fastest way to find it is to check store menus online before you go. In Chicago, browse Chicago dispensaries and check the menus at stores like BLOC Dispensary Kedzie and Prairie Cannabis – South Loop. In Salem, browse Salem dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Truth Dispensary Lancaster South and Stinkin Budz. You can also browse licensed dispensaries in every state we cover. Adults 21 and older can buy with a valid photo ID; see cannabis laws by state for purchase limits.
Dark Matter FAQ
Is Dark Matter indica or sativa?
It is a balanced hybrid, listed as 50/50 by AllBud, though Leafly reviewers describe it as mostly energizing.
What is Dark Matter a cross of?
Cherry Thunderfuck crossed with Rusty Haze.
Who bred Dark Matter?
Kingdom Organic Seeds.
How strong is Dark Matter?
Leafly lists about 23% THC and 2% CBG, and AllBud gives 22–25% THC.
Is Dark Matter the same as Dark Matter OG?
No. Weedmaps notes several unrelated cultivars use the Dark Matter name, and Dark Matter OG is a separate line.
Is Dark Matter easy to grow?
The breeder describes it as easy, hardy and vigorous, with flowering in 60–66 days.
For adults 21+ in legal states. Strain information reflects breeder descriptions, lab data and user reports; effects vary by person and batch. Not medical advice.
