Recon – Strain Information

Recon, also known as “ReCon,” is a potent indica-dominant hybrid strain developed by DNA Genetics. It is the result of crossing LA Confidential, a powerful indica known for its deeply relaxing effects, with Cannadential, a hybrid that blends the characteristics of Cannalope Haze and LA Confidential. The result is a strain with a robust genetic lineage, high resin production, and a complex terpene profile that provides a unique experience for both medical and recreational users.

Genetic Composition & Profile

• Parent Strains: LA Confidential x Cannadential
• Strain Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid (~80% Indica / 20% Sativa)
• THC Content: Typically ranges from 18% to 27%
• CBD Content: Usually less than 1%
• CBG Content: Approximately 1%
• Terpene Profile: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene, Humulene
• Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks
• Yield: Moderate to High (Indoor: 14-18 oz/m² | Outdoor: 18-24 oz/plant)

Appearance, Aroma, and Flavor

Appearance

Recon cannabis plants produce dense, medium-to-large-sized buds that are tightly packed with a thick coating of resinous trichomes. The nugs are often forest green with dark purple undertones, bright orange pistils, and a shimmering layer of sticky resin that hints at its potency.

Aroma

Recon boasts a pungent aroma with earthy, skunky, and spicy notes, reminiscent of LA Confidential. Users also report hints of sweet berries and citrus, along with a deep, musky undertone that intensifies as the buds are broken apart.

Flavor

When smoked or vaped, Recon provides a smooth yet robust flavor profile with spicy, earthy, and pine-like flavors upon inhalation. On exhale, users can detect subtle notes of sweet citrus, berries, and herbal undertones, making it a highly enjoyable strain for those who appreciate complex flavors.

Scientific Breakdown: Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Cannabinoid Profile

• THC (18-27%): Responsible for its strong psychoactive effects.
• CBD (<1%): Provides limited but notable medicinal benefits.
• CBG (~1%): Enhances the entourage effect, offering neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.

Terpenes and Their Effects

1. Myrcene (Herbal, Earthy) – Promotes sedation and deep relaxation.
2. Caryophyllene (Spicy, Peppery) – Has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, interacts with CB2 receptors.
3. Limonene (Citrus, Sweet) – Enhances mood and provides anti-anxiety effects.
4. Humulene (Woody, Earthy) – Appetite suppressant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.

Medical Uses and Benefits

Recon is widely utilized for therapeutic purposes due to its strong indica effects and balanced hybrid properties. Its high THC content makes it effective for various conditions.

Physical Benefits

• Chronic Pain Relief: The strain’s powerful analgesic properties make it an excellent choice for patients suffering from conditions such as arthritis, migraines, fibromyalgia, and muscle spasms.
• Insomnia Treatment: Due to its heavy sedative effects, Recon is commonly recommended for individuals with sleep disorders like insomnia and restless leg syndrome.
• Nausea and Appetite Stimulation: The strain can help those undergoing chemotherapy or dealing with gastrointestinal disorders.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Beneficial for individuals with autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Mental and Neurological Benefits

• Stress and Anxiety Relief: The high limonene content contributes to its ability to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Depression Management: Users report a boost in mood and mental relaxation, making it helpful for those suffering from depression.
• PTSD and OCD Treatment: The deeply calming properties may aid in alleviating symptoms of PTSD and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Seizure Control: While high-THC strains are not typically recommended for epilepsy, some users have reported mild seizure reduction due to the entourage effect of THC, CBD, and CBG.

Recreational Uses

Effects on the User

• Relaxation: Provides an intense body high, ideal for winding down after a long day.
• Euphoria: Delivers an uplifting cerebral effect before transitioning into a deep relaxation phase.
• Creativity Boost: Some users experience a surge of creativity before the sedative effects take over.
• Couch-Lock: Due to its strong indica properties, it’s best suited for evening or nighttime use.
• Giggly and Social Effects: While initially stimulating, it eventually leads to a calm, peaceful state.

Best Activities for Using Recon

• Watching movies or TV shows
• Listening to music or enjoying artistic pursuits
• Low-energy social gatherings
• Meditation and relaxation practices
• Pre-sleep routine for those struggling with insomnia

Cultivation Guide

Genetic Optimization & Propagation Techniques

Ensuring genetic stability is critical when cultivating Recon for commercial or medicinal purposes.

Cloning vs. Seed Cultivation

• Cloning: Best method for preserving consistent potency, cannabinoid profile, and terpene composition.
  • Take cuttings from healthy, mature mother plants
  • Use rooting hormones (auxins like IAA, IBA, or NAA) for faster root development
  • Maintain high humidity (~80%) and low-intensity light (18/6 light cycle) during rooting phase
  • Root development typically occurs within 7-14 days
• Seed Cultivation: Used for genetic variety and phenotype hunting.
  • Germinate using paper towel method or direct soil planting
  • Keep temperature at 72-78°F (22-26°C) and humidity at 60-70%
  • Choose seeds with optimal cannabinoid & terpene profiles

Tissue Culture Propagation (Micropropagation)

• An advanced method for disease-free, large-scale cultivation
• Uses sterile lab conditions to produce genetically identical plants
• Involves agar-based media with nutrients, plant hormones (cytokinins, auxins), and carbon sources (sucrose)
• Ideal for mass production in commercial cannabis facilities

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2. Environmental Control & Grow Room Setup

Recon thrives best in controlled environments where temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels are optimized.

Temperature & Humidity Management

• Vegetative Phase:
  • Temperature: 70-78°F (21-26°C)
  • Humidity: 50-65%
  • Light cycle: 18 hours light / 6 hours dark
• Flowering Phase:
  • Temperature: 68-75°F (20-24°C) (slightly lower to promote terpene retention)
  • Humidity: 40-50% (prevents mold growth)
  • Light cycle: 12 hours light / 12 hours dark
• CO₂ Enrichment:
  • Using CO₂ levels of 1200-1500 PPM can increase photosynthesis rates by 30-40%, leading to larger yields

Lighting Optimization

• LED grow lights (full spectrum): Enhances terpene development while reducing heat stress
• HPS (High-Pressure Sodium) lights: Still widely used in commercial grows for high yield
• UV-B Exposure: In late flowering (~last 2 weeks), UV-B light (280-315nm) can increase THC production

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3. Nutrient & Soil/Fertilization Science

Soil vs. Hydroponic Growing

• Soil (Organic) Cultivation:
  • Ideal for terpene preservation and natural plant health
  • Use living soil with mycorrhizal fungi, beneficial bacteria, and compost teas
  • Organic amendments: Worm castings, bat guano, kelp meal, alfalfa meal
• Hydroponic Systems (Nutrient Film Technique, Deep Water Culture)
  • Increases yield and faster nutrient uptake
  • Requires pH balancing (5.8-6.2)
  • Uses synthetic nutrients like Cal-Mag, N-P-K fertilizers, and amino acid supplements

Macronutrients & Micronutrients

• Nitrogen (N): Essential for vegetative growth (Use 3:1:2 NPK ratio)
• Phosphorus (P): Boosts root and flower development (Switch to 1:3:2 NPK in flowering)
• Potassium (K): Regulates water uptake and stress resistance
• Calcium & Magnesium: Crucial for cell wall integrity and photosynthesis

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4. Pruning, Training & Yield Maximization

High-Stress Training (HST) vs. Low-Stress Training (LST)

• Low-Stress Training (LST):
  • Securing branches to improve exposure to light
  • Increases bud sites and maximizes cannabinoid content
• High-Stress Training (HST):
  • Topping: Cutting main stem to promote multiple colas
  • Supercropping: Slightly bending stems to increase THC production due to stress response

Defoliation & Canopy Control

• Removing excess leaves enhances airflow and light penetration
• Prevents mold and powdery mildew in dense Recon plants

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5. Pest & Disease Management (IPM Strategies)

Recon’s dense bud structure makes it susceptible to powdery mildew, botrytis (bud rot), and spider mites.

Biological & Organic Pest Control

• Neem oil & Pyrethrins: Effective against mites & thrips
• Bacillus thuringiensis (BT): Kills caterpillars without harming plants
• Predatory insects: Ladybugs & Phytoseiulus persimilis for natural pest control
• Sulfur vaporizers: Helps prevent fungal infections

Fungicide & Disease Prevention

• Use silica supplements to strengthen plant cell walls
• Maintain proper air circulation (Oscillating fans, carbon filters)
• Keep humidity below 50% during flowering

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6. Harvesting & Post-Harvest Techniques

Best Time to Harvest

• Trichome Color Guide (using a jeweler’s loupe 60x-100x magnification)
  • Clear Trichomes = Too early
  • Milky Trichomes = Peak THC levels (Ideal for maximum potency)
  • Amber Trichomes = More sedative, ideal for pain relief & sleep

Drying & Curing for Terpene Preservation

• Drying:
  • Hang buds in a dark, cool room (60-70°F, 50% RH) for 7-14 days
  • Avoid high temperatures to preserve terpenes like Myrcene & Limonene
• Curing Process:
  • Store in glass jars at 62% RH
  • Open jars daily for the first 2 weeks (burping method)
  • Full cure takes 4-6 weeks, improving flavor and smoothness

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7. Enhancing THC & Terpene Production

To optimize Recon’s potency, growers can use these techniques:

1. Cold Shock Before Harvest
   • Lowering temperatures to 50-55°F for last 48 hours boosts anthocyanin production (enhances purple hues and terpenes).
2. Darkness Period (48 Hours Pre-Harvest)
   • Keeping plants in total darkness for 2 days before harvest increases resin production.
3. Molasses & Sugars
   • Adding blackstrap molasses (1 tsp/gallon) boosts terpene and trichome development by feeding soil microbes.

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1. Methods of Ingestion

A. Inhalation (Smoking & Vaping)

Mechanism of Absorption

• THC of Recon enters the lungs, diffuses across the alveoli, and rapidly enters the bloodstream.
• It reaches the brain within seconds to minutes via the pulmonary circulation, bypassing first-pass metabolism.

Bioavailability

• Smoking: Approximately 25-30 percent THC bioavailability
• Vaporization: Approximately 40-50 percent THC bioavailability, which is more efficient than combustion

Onset & Duration

• Onset: One to five minutes
• Peak Effects: Fifteen to thirty minutes
• Duration: Two to four hours

Advantages & Disadvantages

• Fast onset and easy dose titration
• Vaping preserves terpenes better than smoking
• When smoked, it might aggravate the respiratory system.
• Shorter duration than edibles

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B. Oral Ingestion (Edibles, Capsules, Tinctures)

Mechanism of Absorption

• THC of Recon is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, metabolized in the liver, and converted into 11-Hydroxy-THC, which is four to five times more psychoactive than Δ9-THC.
• This leads to stronger and longer-lasting effects than inhalation.

Bioavailability

• Oral ingestion: Four to twenty percent THC bioavailability, due to first-pass metabolism
• Sublingual (Tinctures/Oils): Thirty-five to forty percent THC bioavailability, absorbed via mucous membranes and bypassing first-pass metabolism

Onset & Duration

• Edibles Onset: Thirty to ninety minutes
• Edibles Peak Effects: Two to three hours
• Edibles Duration: Six to eight hours, sometimes up to twelve hours in high doses
• Tinctures Onset (Sublingual): Fifteen to forty-five minutes
• Tinctures Duration: Four to six hours

Advantages & Disadvantages

• Long-lasting effects
• Ideal for chronic pain and insomnia
• Delayed onset makes it easy to overconsume
• Lower bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism

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C. Transdermal Patches & Topical Application

Mechanism of Absorption

• Cannabinoids penetrate the skin barrier via lipophilic diffusion.
• Transdermal patches allow for slow, controlled release into the bloodstream over several hours.

Bioavailability

• Transdermal patches: Approximately forty percent bioavailability
• Topical creams: Minimal systemic absorption, primarily localized effects

Onset & Duration

• Transdermal Patches Onset: Thirty to sixty minutes
• Transdermal Duration: Eight to twelve hours
• Topical Creams Onset: Ten to twenty minutes
• Topical Duration: Two to four hours

Advantages & Disadvantages

• Discreet and long-lasting
• No psychoactive effects when used topically
• Slow onset for transdermal patches
• Topicals do not provide systemic effects

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D. Suppositories (Rectal/Vaginal Administration)

Mechanism of Absorption

• THC and CBD are absorbed via the rectal or vaginal mucosa, bypassing first-pass metabolism.
• This leads to a higher bioavailability and rapid systemic absorption.

Bioavailability

• Rectal Suppositories: Approximately Recon has fifty to seventy percent THC bioavailability
• Vaginal Suppositories: Primarily localized absorption with limited systemic effects

Onset & Duration

• Onset: Ten to thirty minutes
• Duration: Four to eight hours

Advantages & Disadvantages

• Fast-acting and highly bioavailable
• Bypasses first-pass metabolism
• Less commonly used due to the administration method
• Limited research on vaginal administration

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2. Onset and Duration Comparison by Ingestion Method

Method	Onset Time	Peak Effects	Total Duration	Bioavailability
Smoking	One to five minutes	Fifteen to thirty minutes	Two to four hours	25-30 percent
Vaping	One to five minutes	Fifteen to thirty minutes	Two to four hours	40-50 percent
Edibles	Thirty to ninety minutes	Two to three hours	Six to twelve hours	4-20 percent
Sublingual (Tinctures)	Fifteen to forty-five minutes	One to two hours	Four to six hours	35-40 percent
Transdermal Patch	Thirty to sixty minutes	Two to four hours	Eight to twelve hours	40 percent
Topical Creams	Ten to twenty minutes	Local effects	Two to four hours	Minimal
Rectal Suppositories	Ten to thirty minutes	One to two hours	Four to eight hours	50-70 percent

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3. Factors Affecting Onset and Duration

Several biological and environmental factors influence how long Recon’s effects last and how quickly they take effect.

A. Individual Factors

• Metabolism: Faster metabolism of Recon leads to a shorter duration.
• Body Fat Percentage: THC is stored in fat cells, leading to longer-lasting effects in individuals with higher fat content.
• Tolerance Levels: Frequent users develop THC tolerance, shortening effects.

B. Dosage and Cannabinoid Profile

• Higher THC concentrations of Recon lead to stronger, longer-lasting effects.
• Terpenes like Myrcene enhance THC’s sedative effects, increasing duration.

C. Interaction with Food

• Recon’s edibles take longer to kick in when consumed on a full stomach due to delayed gastric emptying.
• High-fat meals enhance Recon’s THC absorption, increasing bioavailability.

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Potential Side Effects

Despite its benefits, users should be aware of some potential adverse effects:

• Dry Mouth & Dry Eyes: Common with high-THC strains; staying hydrated helps.
• Dizziness: Can occur at higher doses, especially in inexperienced users.
• Paranoia & Anxiety: Less common but may occur in sensitive individuals.
• Couch-Lock & Sedation: Overconsumption can lead to excessive drowsiness.

Scientific Insights & Future Research

Recent studies on cannabis suggest that high-THC indica-dominant strains like Recon have significant therapeutic potential. Some key areas of future research include:

1. Neuroprotective Properties – Understanding its role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
2. Pain Management Alternatives – Potential use as a safer alternative to opioid-based painkillers.
3. Mental Health Applications – Further exploration into how its terpene profile influences mood disorders and PTSD.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects – Investigating its impact on chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

Conclusion

Recon is a highly potent indica-dominant hybrid with an impressive genetic lineage, delivering powerful relaxation effects. Its diverse cannabinoid and terpene profile makes it a go-to strain for both medical and recreational users, offering relief from pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress. While it’s an ideal strain for nighttime use, its potential for couch-lock means that new users should approach with caution. Whether used for therapeutic purposes or simply to unwind, Recon stands out as a reliable, effective, and flavorful cannabis strain.

For a complete directory of cultivars, visit our Cannabis Strain Reviews.