Dark Rainbow is an indica-leaning hybrid cannabis strain bred from GMO Cookies and Rainbow Belts F1, known for a peppery, funky nose with a bright grapefruit and tropical edge. It comes from Archive Seed Bank, the breeder behind Rainbow Belts, and was made with water hash makers in mind. Leafly puts it at more than 25% THC and describes a relaxed, euphoric and giggly high.
Dark Rainbow Strain at a Glance
| Type | Indica-leaning hybrid (Leafly lists it as a hybrid; Weedmaps calls it indica-dominant) |
|---|---|
| Lineage | GMO Cookies × Rainbow Belts F1 |
| Breeder / origin | Archive Seed Bank |
| THC | Around 25% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Beta-caryophyllene, Terpinolene, Myrcene |
| Aroma and flavor | funky gas, pepper, citrus, tropical fruit, grapefruit, butter, tropical sweetness |
| Reported effects | relaxed, euphoric, giggly |
| Best for | evening use, sitting back with friends, hash and rosin fans |
Where Dark Rainbow Comes From
Dark Rainbow is credited to Archive Seed Bank on both Leafly and Weedmaps, and both list the same cross: GMO, also sold as GMO Cookies, paired with Rainbow Belts F1. Rainbow Belts is one of Archive’s own releases and descends from Zkittlez, so Dark Rainbow sits at the meeting point of a garlic and fuel heavy hitter and a candy-fruit line.
Weedmaps notes that the strain was selected with water hash makers in mind, which fits its reputation for heavy trichome coverage on colorful buds. Because it was released as seed, phenotypes vary. Some lean toward GMO’s savory, gassy terpenes, while others show more of the fruity Rainbow Belts side.
Archive later followed it with Dark Rainbow 2.0, which is sold as a separate seed line. One retail strain guide credits a GMO and Rainbow Chip cross from another breeder under the same name, but the two major strain databases agree on the Archive version, so that is the one described here.
Dark Rainbow Effects: What It Feels Like
Leafly reviewers most often describe Dark Rainbow as relaxed, euphoric and giggly. Weedmaps calls the high a mellow but powerful euphoria that is best enjoyed sitting or lying down, and several reviewers describe it as leaning indica even though Leafly files it as a hybrid. Expect a happy, chatty lift at the start that settles into a heavier, calm body feel.
At around 25% THC this is not a light strain. It suits evenings, a movie or a relaxed session with friends better than errands or focused work. Concentrates made from it can test far higher than flower, so newer consumers should start with a small amount and wait before taking more.
Dark Rainbow Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
The flavor reflects both parents. Leafly lists pepper, grapefruit and butter, and its description mentions chemical notes alongside tropical sweetness. Weedmaps reviewers describe a light funk with lemon pepper and citrus fruit, and the parent notes there credit GMO with soil, gas and skunk tones and Rainbow Belts with tropical fruit. The inhale tends to be savory and gassy, while the exhale brings the fruit forward.
Leafly reports caryophyllene as the top terpene, followed by terpinolene and myrcene. Caryophyllene supplies the peppery bite, terpinolene adds a fresh, fruity lift that is less common in GMO crosses, and myrcene gives an herbal, earthy base.
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
- Terpinolene: fruity, piney and herbal, common in classic sativas
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
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 Rainbow
Leafly reviewers most often mention dry mouth, dry eyes and dizziness. Dizziness and an overly heavy body feel are more likely at high doses or with concentrates. Keep water nearby and pace your session.
With Dark Rainbow, 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 Rainbow for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers most often report reaching for Dark Rainbow during anxiety (34%), pain (20%) and stress (20%). These are personal reports from consumers, not clinical evidence, and potency is high enough that a small dose is the sensible place to start.
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.
Strains Like Dark Rainbow
- Rainbow Belts: its fruity Archive Seed Bank parent
- GMO Cookies: its garlic and fuel parent
- Zkittlez: the candy-fruit line behind Rainbow Belts
- Moonbow: another parent of Rainbow Belts with a sweet, gassy profile
- Garlic Breath: a similar savory GMO-family hybrid
Browse more indica strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Indica Strains to Explore
Darth Vader OG · Death Bubba · Diamond OG · Dark Plasma · Dante’s Inferno · Dank Commander · All indica strains
Where to Buy Dark Rainbow
Dispensary menus change every week, and Dark Rainbow 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 Green Rose – Chicago and BLOC Dispensary Kedzie. In Seattle, browse Seattle dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Origins Cannabis West Seattle and Dockside Cannabis Ballard. 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 Rainbow FAQ
Is Dark Rainbow indica or sativa?
It is a hybrid that leans indica. Leafly lists it as a hybrid, while Weedmaps and many reviewers describe it as indica-dominant.
What is Dark Rainbow a cross of?
GMO Cookies (GMO) crossed with Rainbow Belts F1, according to Leafly and Weedmaps.
Who bred Dark Rainbow?
Archive Seed Bank, the same breeder that released Rainbow Belts.
How strong is Dark Rainbow?
Strong. Leafly lists it at more than 25% THC, so it is not a good first pick for beginners.
What does Dark Rainbow taste like?
Peppery and funky up front with grapefruit, citrus and tropical sweetness, plus a buttery, gassy note from the GMO side.
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.
