Key Takeaways
  • Moonbow is a hybrid Hybrid strain originating from California, dating back to 2020.
  • Lab tests place its THC content at approximately 22-28%.
  • Its lineage runs through Zkittlez x Do-Si-Dos, making it a key reference point for breeders.
  • 2 documented strains descend from Moonbow, including modern market favourites.
  • Dominant terpenes: Linalool, Pinene, Limonene — driving its signature aroma and effects.

About Moonbow

Moonbow was created by Archive Seed Bank (Portland, Oregon), crossing Zkittlez with Do-Si-Dos. The resulting seeds were pheno hunted to select the Moonbow #1 and #112 cuts that became legendary. The buds are dense and format with extreme bag appeal — deep purples, greens, and oranges under a thick trichome coat. The aroma is a stunning blend: Zkittlez's tropical candy and fruit medley combines with Do-Si-Dos's gas and dough for a profile that's both sweet and pungent. Effects are well-balanced: an uplifting, creative head buzz with physical relaxation. Moonbow became the foundation of Archive's entire Moonbow series and is widely considered one of the most influential exotic strains of the 2020s.

Flavor Profile

Old School
DiesellyEarthySweetCitrusTropical
Modern
GassyEarthy / DankZ / CandyZesty / ZExotic / Z

The Story & Lineage Origin

Archive Seed Bank's founder Fletcher spent years developing the Moonbow line, sourcing a specific Zkittlez cut and crossing it with Do-Si-Dos. The pheno hunt was extensive, with #1 and #112 emerging as the two most famous expressions.

Moonbow spawned an entire series of crosses from Archive (Moonbow x various) and became one of the most sought-after clone-only strains in the Pacific Northwest and California. Archive's Moonbow drops consistently sell out within minutes.

The strain is widely credited with pushing the Zkittlez lineage in new, gassier directions.

Notable breeders & preservers: Archive Seed Bank (Fletcher)

Seeds & Availability

Moonbow was bred by Archive Seed Bank (Fletcher). Official seed packs from the breeder and authorized retailers sell out fast and are frequently counterfeited — verify pack authenticity (breeder logo, batch codes) before buying, and expect phenotype variation between packs.

Genetic Background

Zkittlez (Grape Ape x Grapefruit) x Do-Si-Dos (Girl Scout Cookies x Face Off OG)

Phenotypes & Cultivars

Moonbow is available in the following phenotypes and cultivars:

Moonbow #1 Moonbow #112 Moonbow 1

Terpene Profile

Moonbow is dominated by Linalool, Pinene, Limonene. These compounds shape the strain's aroma, flavor, and reported effects.

Browse the full terpene reference →

Parent Genetics

Moonbow descends from:

Genetic Families

Moonbow is part of the following genetic families:

Known Offspring

Strains that descend from Moonbow:

Moonbow series crosses various Archive Seed Bank releases

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the THC percentage of Moonbow?

Moonbow typically tests at 22-28% THC content in lab results, though actual potency varies by phenotype, growing conditions, and harvest. The balanced hybrid effects make it versatile for different tolerance levels.

Is Moonbow a sativa or indica?

Moonbow is a hybrid cannabis strain (Hybrid). Bred from Zkittlez x Do-Si-Dos, its effects lean on a balanced hybrid experience. Users report: Euphoric, uplifted, creative, relaxed, happy, focused.

Moonbow strain review — what to expect

Moonbow is known for Euphoric, uplifted, creative, relaxed, happy, focused. Zkittlez x Do-Si-Dos from Archive Seed Bank. An exotic legend that launched Archive's Moonbow series — rainbow candy terps with a gas punch and the starting point of dozens of elite crosses. The aroma profile features tropical candy, berries, gas, dough, earth, citrus, cream. Dominant terpenes: Linalool, Pinene, Limonene.

What are the phenotypes of Moonbow?

Moonbow expresses several phenotypes and cuts, including Moonbow #1, Moonbow #112, Moonbow 1. The dominant phenotypes often show subtle differences in structure, flowering time, color expression, and terpene balance while sharing the same core genetics.

What is Moonbow crossed from?

Moonbow was bred from Zkittlez x Do-Si-Dos. Detailed ancestry: Zkittlez (Grape Ape x Grapefruit) x Do-Si-Dos (Girl Scout Cookies x Face Off OG). This cross produces the strain's characteristic effects, terpene profile, and growth pattern.

What terpenes are in Moonbow?

Moonbow is dominated by Linalool, Pinene, Limonene. These aromatic compounds shape the strain's signature flavor, aroma, and contribute to its reported effects through the entourage effect.

How much does Moonbow yield and how long does it flower?

Moonbow has a flowering time of 9-10 weeks and produces moderate yields. Plants reach medium height, making it a versatile size for most indoor setups.

What is Moonbow and where does it come from?

Moonbow is a hybrid cannabis strain that originates from California, USA. It belongs to the 2020s era of cannabis genetics. Zkittlez x Do-Si-Dos from Archive Seed Bank. An exotic legend that launched Archive's Moonbow series — rainbow candy terps with a gas punch and the starting point of dozens of elite crosses.

What is the genetic background of Moonbow?

Moonbow has the following ancestry: Zkittlez (Grape Ape x Grapefruit) x Do-Si-Dos (Girl Scout Cookies x Face Off OG).

Is Moonbow indica or sativa?

Moonbow is a hybrid cannabis strain. Learn how in indica vs sativa classification differs in our strain guide.

What does Moonbow smell and taste like?

Moonbow has a Tropical candy, berries, gas, dough, earth, citrus, cream aroma, with flavors described as Candy sweetness, tropical fruit, gas, dough, berries, earthy finish. Its dominant terpenes are Linalool, Pinene, Limonene.

What are the effects of Moonbow?

Users report Euphoric, uplifted, creative, relaxed, happy, focused.

Deepen your understanding of Moonbow's genetics and history with our editorial research:

Medical Applications

Moonbow is commonly associated with: