Starkiller Strain

Starkiller Strain: The Dark Side of the Skywalker Family

The Starkiller strain — also sold as Star Killer and Star Killer OG — is an indica-dominant OG from Colorado's Rare Dankness Seeds, bred from a Skywalker OG clone and the breeder's own Rare Dankness #2 male. It smells like lemon and pine over pungent earth, it took Best Hybrid Flower at the 2016 Colorado Cannabis Cup, and it hits like its name suggests: a stony head, heavy eyelids, then a body high that pins you to the couch. One AllBud reviewer calls it "the velvet hammer." If you want a heavy evening smoke, start with our THCA flower collection.

It's also a strain with a messy paper trail. Leafly's own page contradicts itself on the father, potency numbers run from 21% to the high 20s, and at least two other cultivars use the Starkiller name. Below: what the breeder-linked sources actually say, how the high unfolds, how strong it really is, where it sits in the "Star Wars" family of OGs, how to grow it, and how to judge a bag.

Starkiller Strain Genetics & Lineage

• Type: Indica-dominant hybrid. AllBud lists it at 70% indica / 30% sativa, and Leafly also says 70% indica. Westword quotes a home grower: "Rare Dankness says it's a 70/30 indica" — though he felt his plants grew closer to 90/10.
• Breeder: Rare Dankness Seeds, the Colorado seed company behind Ghost Train Haze and Jenny Kush. Weedmaps credits founder Scott "Moonshine" Reach and dates the cross to 2012.
• Parents: a Skywalker OG clone × Rare Dankness #2 pollen, per Weedmaps, AllBud and Westword.
• THC: 21% on Leafly, "above 23%" per the breeder on Weedmaps, about 26% on AllBud.
• Minor cannabinoids: Leafly lists about 1% CBG; CBD is negligible.
• Aliases: Star Killer, Star Killer OG, StarKiller OG.

The mother: Skywalker OG

Skywalker OG is the famous sedating OG that brought OG Kush genetics together with Skywalker — itself a Blueberry × Mazar cross. That explains the odd line in Leafly's description, which says Starkiller crosses "Mazar x Blueberry OG with Rare Dankness": those are Skywalker OG's own ancestors, not separate parents. The Skywalker side brings the heavy body and probably the occasional purple and berry notes reviewers mention.

The father: Rare Dankness #2

Rare Dankness #2 is the breeder's in-house OG male. Weedmaps describes it as Rugburn OG backcrossed to a Ghost OG mother, and Rugburn OG is itself Ghost OG × Rare Dankness #1 — so the father is OG on OG on OG. That's where the lemon, pine and fuel come from. Rare Dankness #2 also fathered Jenny Kush, which makes the two strains half-siblings.

Rare Dankness #1 or #2? The lineage conflict

Leafly's description, Weedmaps, AllBud, Westword and dispensary listings all say Rare Dankness #2. Leafly's family-tree graphic, though, shows Skywalker OG and Rare Dankness #1. Because #2 descends from #1 through Rugburn OG, the two aren't far apart — but four sources against one graphic is strong enough that we go with #2. We couldn't find a current Rare Dankness page settling it.

The Star Wars family — and the other Starkillers

Westword places Starkiller in the "Star Wars" family of OGs alongside Skywalker and Death Star, and calls it a third-generation OG cut that's less OG-forward than its relatives. A few strains share the name, so read labels carefully:

• Vader's Starkiller — a later Rare Dankness cross of Starkiller OG × Pamelina, listed on GrowDiaries at about 24% THC and 60–66 days of bloom.
• Verano/MÜV "Starkiller" — those strain guides list their Starkiller as Starkiller × Crème de la Chem, a different in-house cultivar with a sweet, earthy profile.
• Starkiller Haze and OG Strawberry Starkiller — separate crosses listed on SeedFinder and AllBud.

Leafly also lists Purple Punch OG and Pheno 51 as Starkiller offspring.

Starkiller Terpene Profile

Leafly lists caryophyllene as Starkiller's dominant terpene, followed by limonene and myrcene; NuggMD repeats the same three. A Massachusetts product listing for a Star Killer cut also names linalool. No source we found publishes measured percentages, so treat the order as a guide, not a lab result. Caryophyllene is the one with real research interest: a 2008 PNAS study identified beta-caryophyllene as a "dietary cannabinoid" that binds the CB2 receptor.

• Caryophyllene: The pepper and spice under the lemon — the "pepper" and "sage" notes AllBud reviewers pick up — and the classic OG Kush bite.
• Limonene: The lemon. Every source lists lemon in the flavor, and it likely rides in on the Ghost OG side of Rare Dankness #2.
• Myrcene: Earthy and herbal, and the terpene most often linked with that heavy, couch-lock body feel.
• Linalool: Floral and calming. It shows up on one listing only, so call it plausible, not proven.

Pine is the other big note, but none of the sources list pinene as a top terpene — in OGs the "pine" often comes from the whole blend rather than one molecule.

Appearance

AllBud describes large, lumpy, spade-shaped nugs in bright forest green, threaded with fiery orange hairs and buried under a thick coat of white trichomes so sticky they gum up your fingers. Leafly and Weedmaps both describe dense, purple buds instead — likely the Skywalker side showing through on some phenotypes or in cool late-flower nights. Either way, expect tight, heavy, OG-style buds and plenty of frost; Double Bear Extracts and IT Cannabis both sell Star Killer as wax and budder, which tells you the resin is there.

Aroma and Flavor

Open a jar and the first hit is pungent lemon and pine over damp earth. AllBud's aroma tags read earthy, lemon, pine, pungent, skunky and spicy; its flavor tags are lemon and pine, and reviewers add tea, sage and pepper. Leafly lists earthy, pungent and lemon with a sweet edge. On Weedmaps, half of reported flavors are lemon, with sweet and diesel splitting the rest. Westword describes buds that smell of lemon, diesel and soil with a creamy, citrusy flavor on the exhale.

A few Leafly reviewers report a fruity, almost grape-like smoke — another hint of the Skywalker/Blueberry ancestry. Think lemon-pine OG first, with a berry or sweet streak on some cuts.

Recreational Effects

Starkiller is a nighttime strain, full stop. On Leafly, where it holds a 4.6 from 362 ratings, the top effects are sleepy, relaxed and tingly. On Weedmaps, relaxed (57%) and sleepy (36%) dominate, with euphoric at 7%. AllBud's 4.8-rated page tags it "body high" and "sleepy." What people describe:

• A stony head first: AllBud describes red, droopy eyes and a hazy, slowed-down mind early on.
• A heavy, tingly body: the high spreads down through the limbs — Leafly's "tingly" — and the muscles let go.
• Couch-lock and sleep: the end point for most people. AllBud calls it sedating; reviewers call it a "velvet hammer."
• Happy and calm: reviewers report a relaxed, contented mood rather than racing thoughts.
• The munchies: NuggMD lists "hungry" among its effects.

How the high unfolds: onset, peak and duration

• First 5–10 minutes: pressure behind the eyes and a stony, slowed-down head.
• 20–60 minutes: the peak — the body gets heavy and tingly, and focus fades.
• 1–5 hours: a long, sedated tail. Westword reports strong sedation and impaired focus lasting three to five hours, which is why most people save it for the last smoke of the night.

Don't plan on getting anything done. If you want to stay functional, take one small hit — or pick a different strain.

→ Experience it yourself — shop Diesel Hemp's THCA Flower

How Strong Is Starkiller?

Starkiller is strong — though the published numbers vary more than the strain's reputation suggests:

• Leafly: 21% THC, "higher than average," plus about 1% CBG.
• Weedmaps (citing the breeder): average THC above 23%.
• AllBud: about 26% THC.
• NuggMD: 21%, "up to 26%."
• Westword: potency often reaches about 27%.

Leafly reviewers report bags labeled 24–30%, and at least one California delivery menu lists a 30% Starkiller — but those are single labels, not published lab data. Realistically, a good cut lands in the low-to-mid 20s, and Starkiller's reputation rests on how heavy it feels more than the headline number. Myrcene-forward OGs often feel stronger than their percentage.

THCA flower is labeled differently from dispensary flower: the lab reports THCA, which converts to THC when heated, plus a small amount of delta-9 THC. When you compare a batch of Starkiller against the 21–27% range above, compare total THC on the COA, not the headline number — our guide on how to read a THCA flower COA walks through the math.

The 2016 Colorado Cannabis Cup Win

Leafly, NuggMD and GrowDiaries all credit Starkiller with Best Hybrid Flower at the 2016 Colorado Cannabis Cup. That timing fits: Rare Dankness made the cross around 2012, and by the mid-2010s Star Killer was on dispensary shelves across Denver. We couldn't pull the original 2016 results list to confirm the entrant or placing, so treat it as widely reported rather than independently verified.

A decade on, it's still a Colorado staple — IT Cannabis sells Star Killer flower, pre-roll cones and budder through Best Buds in Denver — and it's spread east, with Terrapin flower at Curaleaf in Pennsylvania and Rythm's Star Killer in Massachusetts.

Why It's Called Starkiller

The name is a Star Wars joke that fits the family tree. Its mother is Skywalker OG, so the child became a "Starkiller" — a nod to Starkiller Base in The Force Awakens and to the original-script name for Luke Skywalker. Rare Dankness kept the theme going with Vader's Starkiller and Dark Saber. We didn't find the breeder explaining the name directly, but the Skywalker-to-Starkiller line is hard to miss.

Starkiller vs Similar Strains

• vs Skywalker OG: the mother. Both are heavy and sleepy; Skywalker OG leans more spicy-herbal with a sweet berry undertone, while Starkiller adds the lemon and fuel of Rare Dankness #2.
• vs Ghost OG: the grandmother on the father's side. Ghost OG is the citrus-pine OG classic with a cleaner, more balanced high; Starkiller is the heavier, sleepier take.
• vs Death Star: the other dark-side favorite. Death Star runs sour diesel and skunk with a similarly heavy body; Starkiller is more lemon-pine.
• vs Jenny Kush: the half-sibling through Rare Dankness #2. Jenny Kush's Amnesia Haze mother makes it far more upbeat; Starkiller is the bedtime one.
• vs Lemon OG: if the lemon is what you're after, Lemon OG is the brighter, more citrus-forward OG; Starkiller is earthier and more sedating.
• vs Mule Fuel: our featured in-stock pick, and honestly not a twin. Both are heavy, indica-leaning evening smokes with an earthy fuel streak, but Mule Fuel is a GMO-line cross that runs garlic and diesel rather than lemon and pine. For a citrus angle on our shelf, Lemon Cherry Gelato is brighter and sweeter.

Who Starkiller Is (and Isn't) For

Good fit: experienced smokers who want a heavy nightcap, OG and lemon-pine fans, anyone looking to switch off after a long day, and people who want body relief more than a head buzz.

Poor fit: beginners, daytime smokers, and anyone who needs to focus — Westword's three-to-five-hour sedation window is real. For a heavy, gassy evening flower on our shelf, Mule Fuel is the pick, from $59.

How to Use Starkiller THCA Flower — and How Much

THCA has to be heated to do anything. Raw, it isn't intoxicating; heat converts it to THC (decarboxylation), which is why the method matters as much as the strain.

• Smoking (joint, pipe, bong): the fastest onset. Take one or two small hits, then wait 10–15 minutes before deciding on more.
• Dry-herb vaporizer: a gentler way to taste the lemon and pine. Around 350–380°F keeps the citrus bright and the high a little lighter; 390–420°F brings out the pepper, earth and the full sedating body.
• Pre-rolls: the no-prep option — see our THCA pre-rolls.
• Homemade edibles: decarb the flower first. Edibles take 30–120 minutes to kick in and last far longer, so start low and wait the full two hours.

How much? New or occasional users: one small puff, then wait 15–30 minutes — this one creeps. Regular users usually find two or three hits gives the full couch-lock arc. With concentrates, start with a rice-grain-sized dab. You can always add more; you can't take it back.

Medicinal Benefits

These are uses consumers report on Leafly and AllBud, not established clinical outcomes. Individual response varies with dose, tolerance and chemotype.

• Anxiety and stress: each cited by about 40% of Leafly reviewers; AllBud also lists both.
• Pain: about 36% of Leafly reviewers. AllBud lists chronic pain, and its reviewers mention arthritis and fibromyalgia.
• Insomnia: the natural fit for a strain this sleepy — listed by Leafly, AllBud and NuggMD.
• Nightmares and PTSD: named in AllBud's description; Leafly also lists PTSD.
• Low appetite: mentioned by AllBud reviewers, and consistent with NuggMD's "hungry" tag.

For a plain-language primer on how terpenes are thought to shape these effects, see Project CBD on terpenes. Nothing here is medical advice, and nothing on this page is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you take prescription medication or have a health condition, talk to your doctor before using any cannabis product.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Dry mouth and dry eyes — the top negatives on Leafly. Red, droopy eyes are practically part of the experience.
• Dizziness — Leafly's third most-reported negative, especially at higher doses or when standing up fast.
• Heavy sedation — one AllBud reviewer found it overwhelming; plan to stay put.
• Tolerance — a few reviewers say it hits less hard with daily use.

Don't drive or operate anything for several hours after using it, and talk to your doctor first if you take prescription medication — especially sleep or anti-anxiety medication — are pregnant or nursing, or have a heart condition.

Is Starkiller Top Shelf? How to Judge a Good Bag

• Ask for the breeder. A Rare Dankness Star Killer is the documented one. "Starkiller" from Verano, MÜV or a Vader's Starkiller cut is a different plant.
• A current third-party COA naming the lab, with THCA, delta-9 and total THC. Treat 30%+ claims without paperwork as marketing. Ours are on the lab results page.
• Lemon and pine. A real Starkiller is pungent lemon-pine OG over earth. Flat, hay-smelling or terp-less flower is old or mislabeled.
• Dense, frosty buds — tight OG nugs, sticky to the touch, green or purple. Airy, larfy buds are a red flag.
• A proper cure — it should break apart sticky, not crumble to dust.

Growing Starkiller

Starkiller grows like the OG it is: productive, but fussy about heat.

• Flowering: about 65 days per Leafly, 60–70 days per Weedmaps; NuggMD says 9–10 weeks.
• Yield: medium to high per Leafly and Weedmaps; NuggMD says medium.
• Environment: indoors or outdoors. Leafly advises avoiding high temperatures and high pH; Weedmaps says it doesn't tolerate high heat well. NuggMD suggests 75–80°F with low-to-moderate humidity.
• Height: NuggMD lists about 4 feet, and rates it for experienced growers. Top early and use low-stress training to keep the dense colas from stacking up moisture.
• Watch the humidity late: those tight, heavy OG buds are prone to mold if airflow is poor.
• Seeds: Rare Dankness Seeds sells Star Killer; Westword quotes a commercial grower who was "very impressed with the health" of Rare Dankness seeds.

Is Starkiller THCA Flower Legal?

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is federally legal when it contains no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis — see the USDA hemp program. THCA flower is sold under that rule. State laws differ and are changing, so check your state before you order. And whatever the label says, THCA flower will show up on a drug test — heated, it is THC.

Shop Premium Flower at Diesel Hemp

• Mule Fuel THCA Flower — our featured pick — heavy, gassy and indica-leaning for the evening, from $59.
• THCA Flower — the full lineup, grown in Colorado by Diesel Hemp and partner farms.
• THCA Pre-Rolls — the same flower, pre-rolled.
• THCA Small Buds — same genetics, smaller nugs, better price per gram.
• What THCA flower actually is — the encyclopedia explainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Starkiller indica or sativa?

Starkiller is an indica-dominant hybrid — about 70% indica / 30% sativa per Leafly, AllBud and the breeder. One home grower quoted by Westword felt his plants were closer to 90/10. It's a nighttime strain.

What is Starkiller a cross of?

Rare Dankness Seeds crossed a Skywalker OG clone with its Rare Dankness #2 male, per Weedmaps, AllBud and Westword. Leafly's family tree shows Rare Dankness #1 instead, and its description mentions Mazar × Blueberry — which are Skywalker OG's own ancestors.

Who bred Starkiller?

Rare Dankness Seeds of Colorado. Weedmaps credits founder Scott "Moonshine" Reach and dates the cross to 2012.

Is Star Killer the same as Starkiller OG?

Yes — Star Killer, Starkiller and Star Killer OG are the same Rare Dankness strain. Vader's Starkiller (Starkiller OG × Pamelina) and the Verano/MÜV Starkiller (Starkiller × Crème de la Chem) are different crosses.

How strong is Starkiller?

Leafly lists 21% THC, the breeder says above 23% on Weedmaps, AllBud about 26%, and Westword up to about 27%. Labels of 28–30% show up in reviews and menus but aren't published lab data.

What does Starkiller taste like?

Pungent lemon and pine over earth, with a sweet edge and a peppery, diesel finish. Westword calls the flavor creamy and citrusy; some Leafly reviewers get grape-like fruit.

What are the effects of Starkiller?

Leafly reviewers report sleepy, relaxed and tingly. AllBud describes a stony head with droopy eyes, then a heavy body high that ends in couch-lock.

Did Starkiller win a Cannabis Cup?

Leafly, NuggMD and GrowDiaries credit it with Best Hybrid Flower at the 2016 Colorado Cannabis Cup. We couldn't find the original results list to confirm the details.

Is Starkiller good for sleep?

It's one of its main uses. Sleepy is Leafly's top-reported effect, and AllBud and NuggMD list insomnia among its uses.

Is Starkiller good for anxiety?

About 40% of Leafly reviewers cite anxiety and 40% cite stress. Dizziness is a reported negative, so keep the dose small.

How long does Starkiller take to flower?

About 65 days per Leafly, or 60–70 days per Weedmaps. It yields medium to high and doesn't like high heat.

Where can I buy Starkiller THCA flower online?

Starkiller isn't in the Diesel Hemp shop right now. Our closest everyday pick is Mule Fuel THCA Flower — heavy, gassy and indica-leaning, from $59, third-party lab tested. It runs garlic and diesel rather than lemon-pine, so for a brighter citrus option try Lemon Cherry Gelato. Add a pre-roll to ship free over $75.

Related Strains

• Skywalker OG — the mother of Starkiller.
• Ghost OG — the OG behind Rare Dankness #2, Starkiller's father.
• Jenny Kush — a Rare Dankness #2 half-sibling with an Amnesia Haze mother.
• OG Kush — the root of the whole Skywalker and Ghost family.
• Death Star — the other heavy 'Star Wars' strain.
• Ghost Train Haze — another Rare Dankness classic.
• Blueberry — the fruit in Skywalker OG's background.
• Lemon OG — a brighter lemon-forward OG.
• Mule Fuel — our heavy, gassy in-stock pick.
• Browse the Full Diesel Hemp Encyclopedia