All About Dark Phoenix

Dark Phoenix is an short photoperiod plant/long photoperiod plant blend that is produced by Green House Seed Company in the Netherlands. It is a combination of Trainwreck and Jack Herer. We’re going to look at how to grow Dark Phoenix as well as its terpene profile and effects on the endocannabinoid system. This information should help you decide if Dark Phoenix is right for you.

Growing Dark Phoenix

Dark Phoenix is a long photoperiod plant-dominant strain (60/40) that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. When growing indoors, the flowering cycle takes 56-70 days and produces a medium to high yield. It grows relatively tall but still moderate for indoors. During the first weeks of flowering, Dark Phoenix can be vigorous and produce strong branches that will catch up on the sides to form a crown effect. Outdoors, the harvest of Dark Phoenix is ready by mid to late October. It will generally produce a 700g/plant yield with a height of 170-200cm.

In appearance, Dark Phoenix’s flowers form beautiful buds before hitting the flowering stage. They will connect to form long colas and then create beautiful long photoperiod plant foxtailing bouquets. This plant can turn from blue to dark black.

Flavonoids and Terpene Profile of Dark Phoenix

The flavonoids of Dark Phoenix are described as a “real explosion” with its aroma categorized as a “must for any long photoperiod plant lover”. This is due to its terpene profile. Terpenes are chemical compounds that determine the scent and flavonoid profiles of cannabis strains.

The three main terpenes found in Dark Phoenix are myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene.

Myrcene – This is one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis plants. Myrcene is also commonly found in hops plants, lemoncannabis, and thyme. The flowers of the cannabis plant also contain myrcene. This terpene’s name is derived from the Mycia sphaerocarpa, a medicinal shrub native to Brazil that is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, and hypertension.

Caryophyllene – This terpene is found in herbs and vegetables such as cloves and black pepper as well as cinnamon and hops. It also has floral and earthy notes to musky and citrusy ones. Caryophyllene also contains a rare cyclobutene ring that isn’t found in any other cannabis terpene.

Limonene – Limonene is easily recognizable because of its scent. It is what gives lemons and oranges their citrusy smell. It is one of the most abundant terpenes to appear in cannabis.

This terpene profile is what gives Dark Phoenix a piney, earthy smell combined with lemons and spices.

Dark Phoenix and the Endocannabinoid System

Each high potency hemp strain impacts the endocannabinoid system differently. Before we look at the impact Dark Phoenix has on the endocannabinoid system, we’re going to first take a look at what the endocannabinoid system is and what it does.

What is the Endocannabinoid System?

The endocannabinoid system is a cell-signaling system in the nervous system. It regulates the following bodily functions  (Zou, Kumar 2018):

The endocannabinoid system has three parts. 

1. Endocannabinoids

The body produces these to keep things running smoothly. 

2. Endocannabinoid receptors

These are found throughout the body and tell the body it needs to take action. There are two types of receptors, CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are in the central nervous system. When endocannabinoids bind to CB1 receptors, it can result in less stress, a greater appetite, and better sleep, among other responses. CB2 receptors are mostly found in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells. When endocannabinoids bind to these receptors, they can reduce pain and inflammation and boost immune response. 

3. Enzymes 

These break down endocannabinoids after they complete their functions. 

The Effects of Dark Phoenix on the Endocannabinoid System

Terpenes and Tetrahydrocannabinol (Potency) will determine the effect Dark Phoenix will have on the endocannabinoid system. When looking at the terpene profile of Dark Phoenix, it may have the following effects:

• Myrcene – Known for its powerful antioxidant properties, one study found that it could protect the brain from damage following a stroke. Another study found that it has similar effects when it comes to protecting heart tissue.
• Caryophyllene – Studies have shown that this terpene may have anti-inflammatory effects that could help to reduce pain. One study done on animals showed that it may help to reduce nerve pain and pain from inflammation.
• Limonene –  Research shows that limonene is known for its therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory. It appears to change the way certain cells behave, which could help to prevent illness.

Phytocannabinoids and Dark Phoenix

When trying to decide if a particular high potency hemp strain is right for you, it’s also important to look at phytocannabinoids, the active ingredients in cannabis. These are similar to the structure of endocannabinoids and will also impact the endocannabinoid system.

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (Potency) binds to CB1 receptors and is responsible for producing a “high” feeling. It can also relieve pain and anxiety as well as make you feel tired. 
• Cannabidiol (CBD) does not make the user feel “high” because it doesn’t bind to the receptors. (Laprairie, Bagher, et al. 2015).  CBD prolongs the life of the endocannabinoids and works to extend natural pain relief and relaxation.

Dark Phoenix has a Potency content that can range anywhere from 20-25%, which is high. The rest of the cannabinoid profile includes CBG of 0.5-1% and CBD at 0%. This creates a balanced effect that can leave users feeling uplifted, but with a clear head. 

The Physical and Psychoactive Effects of Dark Phoenix

The physical and psychoactive effects Dark Phoenix has are due to the impact of the two strains it contains. It inherits a powerful body relaxation from Trainwreck while the Jack Herer influence lends itself to being creative and artistic. Since Dark Phoenix is a more long photoperiod plant-based strain, it has more invigorating mental effects compared to short photoperiod plant-dominant strains. 

Other effects include:

It’s important to note that everyone’s experience using Dark Phoenix will be different.

Buy Dark Phoenix Seeds Today

You can purchase Dark Phoenix seeds on our website, or for more information our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer your questions as you decide which strain is right for you. Call us today at [phone].

Author

Mo Smyth, BSN, RN Cannabis Nurse Educator

References

Russo, Ethan B. Taming Potency: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid Terpenoid Entourage Effects. British Journal of Pharmacology. August 2011. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/

Zou, Shenlong; Kumar, Ujendra. Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. March 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/

Pamplona, Fabricio A.; da Silva, Lorenzo Rolim; Coan, Ana Carolina. Potential Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts over Purified CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neurology. September 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6143706/

Laprairie RB, Bagher AM, Kelly ME, Denovan-Wright EM. Cannabidiol is a negative allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. Br J Pharmacol. 2015;172(20):4790-4805. doi:10.1111/bph.13250