98K (also designated commercially as 98 Karat) is an indica-dominant cannabis cultivar bred and selected by the California-based breeding outfit Maven Genetics. Developed as part of Maven’s proprietary breeding program and 98 Reserve collection, the cultivar is a cross between Black Diamond X and 98 Reserve. Noted for its expressive terpene profile and dense resin production, 98K is characterized by an aroma of candied citrus, eucalyptus, and earthy funk, paired with lavender-tinged, trichome-dense flowers.
Strain Profile & Genetics
- Breeder: Maven Genetics
- Genetics: Black Diamond X × 98 Reserve
- Strain Type: Indica-dominant hybrid
- Seed Type: Not reliably established (cultivated commercially as a proprietary production clone)
- THC Potency: Typically tests between 24.55% and 30.81% across commercial batches
- CBD Potency: Typically tests between 0.13% and 0.58%
- Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-pinene, linalool, and beta-myrcene
- Plant Structure: Dense, tightly clustered indica flower architecture
- Aroma Profile: Candied citrus, tart lemon zest, eucalyptus, champagne effervescence, and earthy funk
- Flavor Profile: Sweet citrus glaze, woody pine, subtle spice, and lingering earthy Kush
- Mental Effects: Uplifting cerebral clarity, initial rush, and enhanced calm
- Body Effects: Full-body physical ease and muscular relaxation without immediate immobilization
- Resin & Extraction: Heavy glandular trichome coverage; utilized in single-source hydrocarbon, solventless, and kief-infused preparations
Appearance
The inflorescences of 98K exhibit a dense, chunky indica calyx stacking. Mature buds are visually characterized by deep lavender and purple undertones interspersed with flashes of vibrant lime-green foliage. Burnt orange-to-amber pistils weave through the bracts, which are enveloped by a thick, glistening coating of mature glandular trichomes that create a frosted outer finish.
Aroma & Flavor
Upon breaking open the cured flowers, 98K releases a bright opening bouquet driven by candied citrus peel and sharp lemon zest, underscored by an airy, cooling tone reminiscent of eucalyptus. As the ground material aerates, secondary volatile compounds produce an effervescent champagne-like top note backed by a base of damp soil and classic Kush funk.
On inhalation, the smoke is full-bodied, presenting sweet citrus notes over a grounded, woody, and lightly spiced pine foundation. The finish transitions toward roasted earth, herbal undertones, and a lingering peppery resin.
Terpene Profile
Primary analytical test profiles for 98K reveal a chemovar dominated by limonene, supported by an array of bicyclic monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Batch-specific testing reflects the following representative terpene distributions:
- Limonene: Up to approximately 0.50%
- Beta-Caryophyllene: Approximately 0.10%
- Beta-Pinene: Approximately 0.087%
- Linalool: Approximately 0.078%
- Beta-Myrcene: Approximately 0.074%
- Camphene: Detected in minor quantities (~0.02%)
Potency & Cannabinoids
98K is classified as a high-potency chemotype I cannabis cultivar. State-mandated laboratory testing across commercial production lots in California has recorded total THC concentrations ranging from 24.55% up to 30.81%, with THCA measured around 30.34% alongside minor delta-9-THC fractions (~0.55%). Total CBD content across lab-tested batches typically falls between 0.13% and 0.58%, accompanied by trace concentrations of CBDA (~0.07%).
Effects
Note: Subjective cannabinoid responses vary significantly across individual biology, tolerance, and consumption volume.
Mental Effects
Consumers frequently report an onset marked by mental clarity and an uplifting cerebral sensation that temporarily enhances focus and social engagement. Rather than producing rapid racing thoughts, the initial cerebral phase is described as clear, lucid, and calming.
Body Effects
Following the cerebral onset, 98K transitions into a pronounced, warming body relaxation. Reported physical effects include tension reduction across the neck and shoulders and general physical decompression. The physical calm is noted to be grounded without causing instantaneous sedation, though higher doses trend heavily relaxing.
Cultivation Characteristics
Commercial production of 98K is handled indoors under controlled environmental conditions by its parent breeder, utilizing precision lighting and agronomic monitoring. Specific flowering windows, nutrient regimens, and harvest dates have not been publicly published by Maven Genetics, as the cultivar is managed in-house via proprietary clonal selection rather than retail seed distribution. Some regional dispensary descriptions cite small-batch sun-grown variations in California, but validated growth metrics (such as days to flower or g/m² yields) remain undocumented.
Resin & Extraction Characteristics
The thick trichome coverage characteristic of 98K makes it well-suited for multiple post-harvest processing applications. Maven Genetics uses this cultivar in its solventless and hydrocarbon extract lines, formulating high-terpene cartridges ("Gold Blend") and infused pre-rolls ("Goldies") paired with unadulterated, strain-specific kief and cannabis-derived terpenes.
Scientific & Botanical Overview
Botanically, 98K represents a polyhybrid cross centered on classic Afghani and Pakistani landrace-derived Kush genetics combined with modern dessert-forward phenotypes. The interaction between high concentrations of the monoterpene limonene and the sesquiterpene beta-caryophyllene creates a distinctive chemical signature that balances sharp citrus notes against heavier sesquiterpenic depth. The secondary presence of pinene, linalool, and myrcene provides aromatic breadth that correlates with its multi-stage sensory profile.
Lineage & Related Strains
The genealogical foundation of 98K rests on two Maven stablemates:
- Black Diamond X: Maven’s heavy-hitting cross of XXX OG and Black Diamond OG, contributing deep earthy Kush structure, heavy trichome density, and sedating genetic roots.
- 98 Reserve: A cross of Pre-98 Bubba Kush and Runtz, which introduces sweet confectionery notes, subtle creaminess, and dense floral calyxes.
Disambiguation Note: Third-party retail aggregators occasionally conflate 98K directly with its parent "Pre-98 Bubba Kush × Runtz" or list an erroneous lineage of "98 White Widow × Kush". Breeder records and R&D project releases confirm the definitive genetic pairing is Black Diamond X × 98 Reserve (specifically phenotype #31 from Maven’s pheno-hunt).
Sources & Data Notes
Data regarding 98K is sourced directly from breeder documentation, state-mandated certificate-of-analysis labels from licensed California retailers, and product disclosures by Maven Genetics. Potency and terpene numbers represent confirmed laboratory ranges from packaged batches tested in legal markets. Traits lacking published data from primary agronomic or scientific registries are explicitly marked as not reliably established.
98K Summary
98K is a modern Kush cultivar developed by Maven Genetics by crossing Black Diamond X with 98 Reserve. Notable for dense, lavender-accented inflorescences and an aroma of sweet citrus, eucalyptus, and earthy gas, it delivers a balance of cerebral lucidity and heavy physical comfort.
