Nightshade is an indica-leaning cannabis strain that Barney’s Farm lists as a cross of Kashmir Kush and a Nepalese landrace, known for sleepy, sedating effects. A second, unrelated Nightshade from Connected Cannabis Co. also exists. THC is usually listed at 20% or higher, with some batches testing well above.
Nightshade Strain at a Glance
| Type | Indica-dominant hybrid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Night Shade |
| Lineage | Kashmir Kush × Nepalese landrace |
| Breeder / origin | Barney’s Farm (one of two strains with this name) |
| THC | 20–30% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Limonene, Beta-caryophyllene, Linalool |
| Aroma and flavor | dank, earthy, spicy, diesel, mint, cherry, berry |
| Reported effects | sleepy, aroused, euphoric, relaxed |
| Best for | nighttime use, winding down |
Where Nightshade Comes From
Nightshade is a name shared by at least two strains. Leafly lists one from Barney’s Farm, a European seed company, described as a cross of Kashmir Kush and a Nepalese landrace. It also notes a separate US strain from Connected Cannabis Co., described as a heavy indica with undisclosed lineage. AllBud describes the genetics as India and Nepali landrace crosses and credits Connected Cannabis in a user review.
Leafly lists HeartThrob as a child strain. The sources disagree on who bred the version on your dispensary shelf, so ask the producer if it matters to you.
Nightshade Effects: What It Feels Like
Leafly’s top reported effects are sleepy, aroused and euphoric, and it calls the effects mostly calming. AllBud describes a heady, heavy-hitting and sedative high that often turns sleepy, with a tingly body high.
User-reported test results run around 27% to 32% THC, which is higher than the 21% on Leafly’s header and in line with AllBud’s 20% to 30% range. Treat it as a strong evening strain.
Nightshade Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
Leafly’s top flavors are ammonia, diesel and mint, with mentions of tree fruit and plum. AllBud describes sweet, fruity cherry with a peppery edge, plus berry and diesel, and a dank, earthy, spicy aroma.
Terpene information conflicts on Leafly: its terpene section lists limonene, caryophyllene and linalool, while its text names myrcene as dominant. We list the first set and flag the discrepancy.
- Limonene: bright citrus, also found in lemon and orange peel
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
- Linalool: floral and lavender-like
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 Nightshade
Reported side effects are dry mouth, dizziness and paranoia. Because it is sedating and strong, avoid it before driving or tasks that need focus.
How strong Nightshade feels depends on the batch, your tolerance and how you consume it. Start low, go slow, and read our guide to dosing cannabis.
Do People Use Nightshade for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers mention anxiety, stress and depression most, and the description also cites insomnia and pain. AllBud lists anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, PTSD and chronic pain. These are self-reported and not medical advice.
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 Nightshade
- Afghani: landrace indica influence with a sedative profile
- Nepalese: a parent landrace type
- Hindu Kush: a classic sedating kush
- Purple Kush: a heavy, relaxing kush
- Granddaddy Purple: another sleepy indica with a fruity profile
Browse more indica strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
Where to Buy Nightshade in Washington and Oregon
Dispensary menus change every week, and Nightshade 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 Spokane, browse Spokane dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Cinder Downtown Spokane and Lidz Cannabis North Spokane. In Portland, browse Portland dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Broadway Cannabis Market Montavilla and Major League Bud. You can also browse every licensed store in Washington and Oregon. Adults 21 and older can buy with a valid photo ID; see cannabis laws by state for purchase limits.
Nightshade FAQ
Is Nightshade indica or sativa?
Nightshade is an indica. AllBud lists it at about 80% indica and 20% sativa.
What is Nightshade a cross of?
The Barney’s Farm version is listed as Kashmir Kush crossed with a Nepalese landrace. A separate Nightshade from Connected Cannabis Co. has undisclosed genetics.
How strong is Nightshade?
Listings put THC around 20% to 30%, and user-reported lab tests have been higher.
What does Nightshade taste like?
Diesel, mint and ammonia on Leafly, or sweet cherry and berry with spice on AllBud.
Is Nightshade good for sleep?
Sleepy is its top reported effect, and insomnia is a common reason users mention it.
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.
