Mendo Breath

Also known as: Mendo Breath F2

Breeder: Gage Green Group (Jeff) in collaboration with NorCal Genetics

Lineage & Genetics

Cross: OGKB (OG Kush Breath) x Mendo Montage

OGKB (OG Kush Breath, maternal side): rare indica-dominant phenotype of Girl Scout Cookies (OG Kush x F1 Durban). The heaviest most indica-leaning GSC expression with dense structure, short internodes, heavy trichome coverage, deep sedation, and sweet doughy/vanilla flavor. Also the mother of Do-Si-Dos. Full lineage: OG Kush x F1 Durban -> GSC phenotype selection. Mendo Montage (paternal side): Gage Green Group original, Mendo Purps x Crystal Locomotive (Trainwreck x 98 Aloha White Widow). Created from genetics donated by breeding partner Jojo Rizo. Contributes fruity-candy complexity, purple color expression potential, resin quality from the Aloha White Widow, and earthy Mendocino depth. Jojo's Mendo Purps won back-to-back Cannabis Cups in 2007 and 2009.

Terpene Profile

Aroma: Sweet vanilla and caramel on the top notes — the defining characteristic immediately noticeable when breaking open a bud. Underneath, earthy, slightly gassy undertones with hints of diesel and dank fuel. Some cuts carry fruit (plum, grape) and cookie dough. Scent intensifies dramatically from week 5 of flowering with a noticeable jump after day 35. Carbon filtration strongly recommended.

Flavor: Creamy vanilla and caramel on the inhale transitioning to earthy, herbal spice with peppery gas on the exhale. Aftertaste lingers as sweet gas with a dry peppery finish. Some phenotypes show chocolate, lavender-peach, or subtle grape notes. Certain cuts carry stronger suggestions of orange, citrus zest, and wet pine needles.

Effects & Experience

Onset: Effects arrive quickly with an initial euphoric, tingly head high developing within minutes.

Rapidly transitions into a full-body buzz pulling the user into heavy couch-lock sedation. Mental state shifts to hazy, unfocused euphoria that gradually gives way to deep sleepiness. Multiple sources specifically warn against daytime use. Best suited for intermediate to experienced consumers.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Growing Characteristics

Grow Tips: The #1 risk with Mendo Breath is mold/bud rot due to extremely dense flower structure. Ensure strong air circulation throughout the canopy, especially in the lower canopy during weeks 6-10. Oscillating fans plus exhaust are non-negotiable. Environment: daytime 70-80F (72-86F acceptable), humidity ~50% RH during veg and early flower, drop below 50% during mid-to-late flowering with experienced growers pushing to 30-40% RH in final weeks. Odor control mandatory from mid-flower onward — high-terp phenotypes can exceed typical thresholds. Lighting: 18/6 veg, 12/12 flower. Prefers ample high-intensity light — HID (MH veg, HPS flower) or quality full-spectrum LED. Under bright LEDs the resin takes on a glassy sheen. Training: responds very well to topping — removing main stem top promotes bushier development and more even canopy. LST is highly recommended for flat even canopy; compact lateral branching makes it a natural candidate. SCROG excellent for indoor grows with medium height and sturdy branches. Lollipop lower branches to direct energy to main colas and improve lower canopy airflow. Branch support needed in late flower — dense heavy buds can sag or snap branches. Stretch is usually moderate and manageable. Nutrients: above-average nitrogen in veg for vigorous compact growth as a moderately heavy feeder. Shift to high phosphorus and potassium in flower — specifically cited as key to unlocking the signature sweet flavor. Complex living soil rich in essential nutrients works well. Consistent watering schedule with soil allowed to dry somewhat between waterings. Triggering purple phenotypes: lower nighttime temps to 58-68F during final 2-3 weeks with 10-15F day-night differential, ramping gradually 1-2F per night from week 6. Hold consistently for 10-14 nights. Purple is primarily genetic — not all phenotypes will express regardless of temperature protocol. Maximizing trichome production: cooler nighttime temps (65-68F) in late flower encourage resin as mild stress response. Low humidity (30-40%) in final weeks preserves trichome coating. Intense lighting drives output especially with supplemental UV-B. Gentle airflow (not blasting directly on buds) helps trichome stalks develop. Post-harvest: terpenes evaporate readily above 70F — dry in cool (60-70F) dark room with 45-55% RH for 7-14 days. Cure in airtight glass jars burping daily for 2+ weeks. Hash and extraction: the trichome heads are large, sandy, and detach easily — ideal for ice water hash and rosin. Strain is legendary in the solventless community. For maximum flavor retention use low-temperature sublimation or cold-cure rosin methods. Phenotype selection: variability is expected and intentional. Dessert-forward phenos lean toward vanilla, cookie dough, caramel (OGKB-dominant). Dark/gas phenos push darker fruit, earth, diesel (Mendo Montage-dominant). Flavor range from earthy-pine to lavender-peach to chocolate. Common pitfalls: mold from insufficient airflow (the #1 failure mode), overwatering, harvesting too early (many phenos benefit from 9-10+ weeks — check trichomes with loupe), moderate yield expectations (quality and resin production are the trade-off), ignoring branch support in late flower.

History & Origin

Around 2007 Jeff of Gage Green met Jojo Rizo via Craigslist cannabis forums. Jojo donated 14+ varieties including Mendo Purple, Killer Queen, and Crystal Locomotive. Around 2008-2010 Jeff created Mendo Montage (Mendo Purps x Crystal Locomotive) and founded Gage Green Group. In 2012 Jeff and the team began the Mendo Breath project in collaboration with NorCal Genetics. NorCal provided his OGKB female and Gage Green contributed the four-star Mendo Montage F1 male. Only about 50 F1 seeds were produced, split between the two groups. F2 seeds were released to the public in 2013. Around 2015-2017 ThugPug Genetics discovered the legendary Studly Spewright male in the F2 generation, using it to create the entire Breath line. In 2025 Mendo Breath Auto (Atlas Seeds) tested at 30.33% THC at the American Autoflower Cup.

Notable Crosses

Strains bred using Mendo Breath as a parent: