Lavender is an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain bred by Soma Seeds from Super Skunk, Big Skunk Korean and Afghani Hawaiian, known for its floral, spicy aroma and dark purple leaves. Soma sells it as Soma #10, and it won first place in the indica category at the 2005 High Times Cannabis Cup. Users describe a mellow, sleepy body high, with most listings between 18% and 27% THC.
Lavender Strain at a Glance
| Type | Indica-dominant hybrid (60–80% indica depending on source) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Lavender Kush, Soma #10 |
| Lineage | Super Skunk × Big Skunk Korean × Afghani Hawaiian |
| Breeder / origin | Soma Seeds |
| THC | 18–27% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Beta-caryophyllene, Myrcene, Pinene |
| Aroma and flavor | floral, lavender, spicy, earthy, sweet |
| Reported effects | relaxed, sleepy, tingly, euphoric |
| Best for | evening use, winding down, sleep |
| Flowering time | 8–9 weeks |
Where Lavender Comes From
Lavender is a Soma Seeds strain, created by the Amsterdam breeder known as Soma, who also catalogs it as Soma #10. SeedFinder, Leafly and AllBud describe it as a three-way blend of Super Skunk, Big Skunk Korean and Afghani Hawaiian. Leafly’s family tree simplifies that to Afghani and Super Skunk. Many dispensaries sell it as Lavender Kush.
It has a strong competition record. SeedFinder lists first place in the indica category at the 2005 High Times Cannabis Cup, a first at the 2007 Spannabis Champions Cup, a first at the 2010 IC420 Growers Cup and a first at a 2014 Highlife Cup. The name comes from its floral scent and the deep purple that spreads through its leaf tips.
AllBud notes that it is most popular on the West Coast. Leafly lists Cotton Candy Kush and Cosmic Candy among its offspring.
Lavender Effects: What It Feels Like
Leafly reviewers most often describe Lavender as sleepy, relaxed and tingly, and Soma calls it mellow and best for evenings. AllBud describes a light head high first, followed by a stronger body feel, plus euphoria and the munchies. It is not a get-things-done strain for most people.
Expect a soft mood lift that settles into heavy limbs and, at larger doses, sleep. Potency varies a lot between producers, and concentrates sold under the name can be much stronger than flower. Start small, especially late at night.
Lavender Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
Leafly lists lavender, flowery and violet flavors, and AllBud adds herbal, spicy, sweet and woody notes. Soma compares the spicy smell and taste to Afghani hash. Expect a floral, perfumed inhale with a peppery, hashy exhale. Some reviewers also catch skunk, rose or sweet citrus.
Leafly reports caryophyllene as the dominant terpene, followed by myrcene and pinene. Caryophyllene drives the spicy, peppery side, and myrcene adds the earthy, herbal base.
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- 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 Lavender
Leafly reviewers list dry eyes, dry mouth and dizziness as the most common complaints. AllBud mentions red eyes and, rarely, paranoia or headaches. Strong doses mostly lead to sleepiness, so avoid it before anything that needs focus.
With Lavender, 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 Lavender for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers most often report reaching for Lavender during stress (39%), pain (37%) and insomnia (34%). AllBud users also mention headaches, nausea and muscle tension. These are personal 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 Lavender
- Difficulty: Easy
- Flowering: 8–9 weeks
- Yield: Moderate; high indoors per growers
- Height: Medium; can get tall after a long veg
- Environment: Indoor or outdoor
Soma lists a flowering time of 8–9 weeks and suggests a short vegetative period to keep height in check, since plants can stretch after a long veg. AllBud says it is easy to grow and has a short vegetative cycle, which makes it friendly for home growers. Leafly reviewers describe both tall, lanky and short, bushy phenotypes. Expect dense, purple-tinged buds; in wet, cool autumns like the Pacific Northwest’s, finish indoors or under cover and keep airflow strong to avoid 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 Lavender
- Super Skunk: one of its three parents
- Afghani: the hash-like backbone in its genetics
- Purple Kush: another purple, relaxing evening strain
- Granddaddy Purple: a similar sleepy purple indica
- Pink Kush: a floral, calming kush for nights
Browse more indica strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Indica Strains to Explore
Lemon OG · Lifesaver · Lime Sorbet · Lava Cake · Larry OG · LA Kush Cake · All indica strains
Where to Buy Lavender
Dispensary menus change every week, and Lavender 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 Cookies – Chicago and Karma Club – Chicago. In Eugene, browse Eugene dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Dreams Dispensary 7th Ave and Electric Lettuce Eugene. 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.
Lavender FAQ
Is Lavender indica or sativa?
It is an indica-dominant hybrid. SeedFinder lists 80% indica and AllBud about 60%.
Who bred Lavender?
Soma Seeds of Amsterdam, which also calls it Soma #10.
What is Lavender a cross of?
Super Skunk, Big Skunk Korean and Afghani Hawaiian.
Is Lavender the same as Lavender Kush?
Yes, most sellers use Lavender Kush as another name for Soma’s Lavender.
Is Lavender good for sleep?
Many users reach for it at night; Leafly reviewers often call it sleepy and relaxed.
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.
