Written by Ad OpsIntroduction and Overview
Afterburner is a modern hybrid cannabis cultivar bred by Prima, designed to fuse indica relaxation with sativa clarity. The name hints at a high-octane, fuel-forward character, and early adopter feedback often places it in the aromatic lane occupied by gas-leaning heavy-hitters. With an indica/sativa heritage, it aims for balance rather than extremity, pairing steady body ease with a clean, motivating headspace for everyday usability.
Although public certificates of analysis for Afterburner are sparse, it fits comfortably among contemporary, terpene-forward hybrids. In most regulated markets from 2020 onward, typical retail flower potency centers around 18–24 percent THC, with top-shelf batches sometimes testing above 26 percent. Afterburner is expected to perform similarly when grown and cured to a high standard, especially under optimized indoor environments.
As a Prima release, Afterburner comes from a breeder known for targeted selection and phenotype stabilization. The cultivar’s positioning suggests predictable structure, medium-to-strong vigor, and resin density suited to both flower and extract production. Growers should expect an 8–10 week flowering window, with yields that compete with the better-performing hybrid class under an experienced hand.
Consumers often prioritize aroma and mouthfeel when assessing value, and Afterburner’s sensory footprint leans into that demand. Gassy top notes, bright citrus lift, and a peppery finish are commonly associated with terpene ensembles rich in caryophyllene and limonene. Those combinations frequently reach total terpene loads of 1.5–3.0 percent by weight in optimized batches, which is consistent with many premium hybrid offerings today.
History of Afterburner
Afterburner emerged during the late 2010s to early 2020s wave of terpene-centric breeding, when consumers began ranking aroma and flavor alongside potency. Prima introduced the cultivar to deliver a balanced hybrid that still hits the sensory intensity associated with fuel-forward lines. The market’s appetite for loud, clean, and complex aromatics created space for hybrids capable of both flavor saturation and structured effects.
Across U.S. adult-use markets, laboratory data between 2020 and 2023 show steady increases in average THC labeling, with many shelves dominated by 20–30 percent total cannabinoids. In that environment, breeders like Prima focused on cultivars that combine potency with consistent morphology, improving production reliability. Afterburner fits this trajectory, prioritizing bag appeal, terpene retention, and manageable growth.
The name itself serves a branding purpose by telegraphing a signature profile. Fuel notes, often associated colloquially with jet fuel or diesel-like aromas, resonate strongly with experienced consumers. This style has been commercially successful, in part because it appeals to both connoisseurs and newcomers seeking an unmistakable scent and substantial mouthfeel.
While Prima has not widely publicized a launch date or formal lineage, the market’s reception to balanced gas-forward hybrids suggests a clear niche. Dispensary buyer trends from 2021–2023 frequently elevate cultivars that can exceed 2 percent total terpene content and maintain THC above 20 percent. By aligning with those benchmarks, Afterburner positions itself as a dependable portfolio anchor for growers and retailers.
As the regulated industry matures, cultivars that remain stable across different environments tend to persist. Reports from growers indicate that Afterburner maintains its nose and structure under LED-dominant, high-intensity systems, a key requirement for modern facilities. That production-friendly behavior helps explain its gradual adoption in competitive catalogs.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding Context
Prima lists Afterburner as a hybrid with indica and sativa heritage, but specific parent lines have not been formally disclosed. This practice is common in commercial breeding, where proprietary crosses protect a breeder’s competitive advantage. The absence of a published pedigree does not preclude strong performance; rather, it shifts evaluation toward plant architecture, lab results, and repeatable sensory profiles.
Based on its reported fuel-forward character and growth habit, Afterburner likely draws influence from the OG Kush, Chem, and Diesel families. These lineages are known for dense resin, peppery-citrus aromatics, and a gas or solvent-like nose tied to terpene and volatile-sulfur chemistry. While this inference is reasonable, it remains speculative without a breeder confirmation.
In modern hybrid development, breeders typically select for mid-stretch plants with sturdy lateral branching to support dense colas. Afterburner exhibits traits consistent with those priorities, such as medium internode spacing, 1.5–2.0x stretch after the flip, and a favorable calyx-to-leaf ratio for trimming. Those features are common in successful commercial hybrids built for canopy uniformity and process efficiency.
When breeders stabilize a hybrid, they often run multiple filial generations to lock desirable traits. True-breeding stability is measured by phenotype uniformity across dozens of plants; production cultivars target 80–90 percent similarity in height, time-to-harvest, and terpene dominance. Although formal stability data for Afterburner are not published, its market role implies reasonably tight variance for a modern release.
Understanding the likely ancestry helps growers anticipate care. For instance, fuel-leaning hybrids often prefer a slightly drier substrate between irrigations to minimize susceptibility to root disease. They also respond well to defoliation and trellising, a pattern commonly seen in Chem/OG derivatives.
Appearance and Morphology
Afterburner presents as a medium-height hybrid with firm, conical colas and a high resin density. Mature flowers typically show a lime-to-forest green base with copper to deep orange pistils. Under cooler night temperatures late in flower, anthocyanin expression can add violet hues along the sugar leaves.
The calyx-to-leaf ratio is favorable for hand-trim or machine-assist trimming, commonly around 2.5:1 or better in well-grown examples. Bud density tends toward the compact side, with dry flower bulk densities often in the 0.45–0.65 g per cubic centimeter range. Trichome coverage is prominent, with visible capitate-stalked heads that contribute to a frosted appearance.
Internode spacing is moderate, allowing for good light penetration when defoliation is scheduled at set intervals. Expect 1.5–2.0x vertical stretch within the first three weeks of 12/12, settling into a defined canopy by days 21–28 of flower. Lateral branches are strong enough to carry weight but benefit from a single- or double-layer trellis.
Root vigor is solid in both coco and living soil systems, with transplant shock minimized when VPD and media moisture are controlled. Plants respond predictably to topping at the 4th–6th node, producing a symmetrical canopy suitable for SCROG. With adequate airflow, the cultivar holds tight structure without excessive larf.
Finished buds display heavy trichome heads that detach cleanly under dry-sift or ice-water processing, which is a positive indicator for hash makers. Resin heads appear in the 70–120 micron range with abundant stalks, typical of modern hybrids selected for extraction yield. This morphology supports dual-purpose production for both flower and concentrates.
Aroma and Bouquet
The prevailing aromatic impression for Afterburner is gas-forward with a bright, clean uplift. Pre-grind, the jar emits notes reminiscent of diesel, spent citrus peel, and faint pine. After grinding, more peppery and herbal volatiles emerge, suggesting a caryophyllene-driven backbone supported by limonene and pinene.
Growers often report that aroma intensifies significantly during the last two weeks of flower and the first month of cure. This aligns with data showing terpene concentration peaks near harvest maturity and redistributes during drying. When properly dried at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 percent relative humidity, a two-week slow dry preserves monoterpenes that might otherwise volatilize.
Fuel-style noses in cannabis are increasingly linked to interactions between terpenes and trace volatile sulfur compounds. While specific sulfur species vary by cultivar, their presence, even at parts-per-billion, can dramatically amplify perceived pungency. Afterburner’s branding and reported profile are consistent with such chemistry, giving it sharp top notes that cut through storage and bag handling.
Aromatically, the cultivar performs well in sealed glass at 58–62 percent internal humidity for extended periods. Over a 4–8 week cure, many batches show gains in depth, moving from simple gas to layered fuel, citrus zest, and a touch of sweet earth. That progression mirrors consumer feedback for terpene-rich hybrids that mature well post-harvest.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
On inhalation, Afterburner typically opens with a clean diesel character followed by zesty citrus. Mid-palate, a pepper-spice thread adds warmth, often attributed to beta-caryophyllene. The finish tends to be dry and resinous, with faint herbal or pine echoes and minimal residual sweetness.
Combustion performance is a practical quality test, and well-grown Afterburner should burn to a light gray ash. A smooth draw with little throat bite implies proper flush, dry, and cure rather than strain-specific behavior. When vaporized at 180–195 degrees Celsius, the flavor skew is brighter and more citrus-forward, reflecting better retention of monoterpenes.
Repeat puffs maintain palate clarity when moisture content is stable in the 10–12 percent range. Overly dry flower will flatten the citrus and exaggerate pepper, while overly moist flower can mute gas notes. Balancing jar humidity around 60 percent preserves both high notes and structure.
In concentrates, Afterburner’s profile translates to punchy, fuel-heavy live resins or rosin with a stony, lingering mouthfeel. Total terpene content above 2 percent in the starting material tends to yield a loud, persistent flavor, especially in solventless formats. This makes the cultivar attractive to producers aiming for expressive dabs without sacrificing potency.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
In the absence of universally published lab results for Afterburner, expected potency falls in line with modern hybrid norms. Many balanced hybrids in regulated markets test at 18–26 percent THCA by weight, with total cannabinoids often ranging 20–30 percent. CBD is typically minimal, often below 0.5 percent in such selections, with CBG inching higher in late harvests.
Minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBC register in the 0.2–1.0 percent band in a sizable share of contemporary hybrid batches. Even small amounts can contribute to entourage effects, modulating the subjective experience of THC. For example, a 0.5 percent CBG presence may not drive headline effects but can subtly influence clarity and perceived smoothness.
Post-decarboxylation, THCA converts to THC with roughly 87.7 percent mass efficiency due to the loss of the carboxyl group. That means a flower labeled 24 percent THCA yields approximately 21 percent THC after full decarb, assuming minimal degradation. In practice, smoked or vaporized cannabis rarely achieves 100 percent conversion because of thermal inefficiencies and variable inhalation patterns.
Total terpene concentration often correlates with perceived strength, even when THC percentages are similar. Batches with 2.0–3.0 percent total terpenes commonly feel more potent than equally THC-rich but low-terp batches. This synergy highlights why Afterburner’s sensory intensity can feel substantial even at mid-20s THC levels.
Producers tracking harvest windows may see a modest cannabinoid increase of 1–2 percentage points when pushing an extra 7–10 days, but this can trade off against terpene volatility. Optimal potency and flavor usually coalesce in a window where cloudy trichomes dominate with 10–20 percent amber. That approach keeps oxidized cannabinoids in check while preserving the cultivar’s top notes.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
While every garden expresses differently, Afterburner aligns with a terpene stack centered on beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene. Typical distributions in fuel-forward hybrids might show caryophyllene at 0.4–0.8 percent, limonene at 0.3–0.7 percent, and myrcene at 0.2–0.6 percent by weight. Supporting terpenes frequently include humulene, linalool, and alpha- or beta-pinene in the 0.05–0.2 percent range each.
Total terpene content depends heavily on environment and post-harvest handling. Indoor, LED-driven rooms with stable VPD often realize 1.5–3.0 percent total terpenes, while average commercial flower in many markets still lands around 1.0–2.0 percent. Elite, small-batch runs can exceed 3.5 percent, though these are outliers requiring disciplined processes from canopy to cure.
Beta-caryophyllene is unique among major cannabis terpenes for its activity at CB2 receptors, which may contribute to anti-inflammatory effects. Limonene has been associated with mood elevation and a bright, perceived energy lift. Myrcene can add body weight or sedation, depending on dose and individual biochemistry, potentially explaining Afterburner’s balanced yet grounded feel.
Pinene, even at modest levels, can sharpen perceived focus and counteract short-term memory fuzziness sometimes associated with THC. Linalool provides a thread of floral calm, often more noticeable on the exhale or during vaporization. Humulene contributes subtle woody bitterness that supports the peppery finish.
Volatile sulfur compounds, measured in parts-per-billion, are now recognized as major contributors to skunky or gassy cannabis aromas. While not formally quantified for Afterburner, its branding and reported bouquet suggest at least trace levels interacting with the terpene base. These compounds explain why fuel-forward cultivars can smell louder than their measured terpene totals would predict.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
As a balanced hybrid, Afterburner generally delivers a swift onset within minutes of inhalation, peaking around the 30–60 minute mark. Users commonly describe a dual effect: a clear, upbeat headspace paired with a tension-melting body ease. The blend makes it suitable for late afternoon and evening use, though microdoses can function during the daytime.
At modest inhaled doses, expect uplift and social ease with preserved conversation and task switching. Higher doses shift toward heavier body relaxation and couchlock, especially in individuals sensitive to myrcene or caryophyllene-rich chemotypes. Session length typically runs 2–4 hours for inhalation, longer for oral formats.
Side effects reflect general THC exposure patterns. Dry mouth and dry eyes are frequently reported, with rates commonly above 30 percent in consumer surveys. Anxiety or racing thoughts appear most often at higher doses or in sensitive individuals, estimated in 10–20 percent of users depending on context.
Dosing strategy can mitigate unwanted outcomes. For combustion or vaping, one or two small inhales followed by a 10-minute wait lets effects settle before redosing. For edibles or tinctures, starting around 2.5–5 mg THC and titrating slowly is standard harm-reduction guidance.
Consumers note that music, food, or light creative tasks pair well with Afterburner’s profile. Physically, many report relief from back and neck tightness after extended desk work. Mentally, the cultivar can smooth stress edges without fully sedating motivation, consistent with its indica/sativa positioning.
Potential Medical Applications
Nothing in this section constitutes medical advice, but the chemistry of Afterburner suggests several potential use cases. THC has well-documented analgesic and antiemetic properties that may help with certain pain and nausea scenarios. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity supports anti-inflammatory hypotheses in preclinical research.
Patients seeking mood support often prioritize limonene-forward cultivars, and Afterburner’s citrus lift can complement this goal. Reports from hybrid users frequently include reductions in stress and improvements in perceived outlook at low to moderate doses. For some, that translates to better compliance with physical therapy or mild activity.
Sleep is a nuanced outcome: low doses in the early evening may relax without causing sleep pressure, while higher doses later can encourage sedation. Myrcene’s presence, even at moderate levels, contributes to body heaviness that some patients find useful at bedtime. Time-to-sleep improvements are often reported when THC is combined with calming terpenes and a consistent routine.
Spasticity and muscle tension complaints may respond to the body-relaxing attributes of hybrids like Afterburner. Patients with migraine histories sometimes trial fuel-forward profiles for relief, although response is highly individual. Nausea, especially chemotherapy-related, has long been an area where THC can make a tangible difference.
For patients worried about anxiety, start low and evaluate the response over multiple sessions. Limonene and pinene can provide cognitive brightness, but excessive THC can override those benefits in susceptible individuals. Monitoring dose, set, and setting improves predictability and reduces the likelihood of adverse effects.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Genetics and seed source: Afterburner is a Prima-bred indica/sativa hybrid. Availability can vary by market, with some regions offering clones via licensed nurseries and others supplying seeds. When sourcing, request recent lab data and production notes to gauge expected flowering time, stretch, and terpene dominance.
Growth habit and timing: Expect medium stature plants with 1.5–2.0x stretch after initiating 12/12. Flowering commonly completes in 56–70 days depending on phenotype and environment. A veg period of 21–35 days from rooted clone typically fills a 4–6 square foot footprint per plant under a SCROG.
Environment: Ideal canopy temperatures range 24–26 Celsius lights-on and 20–22 Celsius lights-off. Relative humidity targets sit at 60–70 percent in veg, 50–55 percent in early flower, and 45–50 percent in late flower. Corresponding VPD ranges hover around 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.4 kPa in mid-to-late flower to balance transpiration and pathogen pressure.
Lighting: Under modern LED fixtures, aim for 600–700 micromoles per square meter per second PPFD in mid-veg, 800–900 in early flower, and 900–1100 in peak flower. Daily light integral in flower can land around 35–45 mol per square meter per day for strong development. If supplementing CO2 to 800–1200 ppm, plants can utilize the higher PPFD with noticeable gains in bud mass.
Media and nutrition: Afterburner performs well in coco-perlite, hydro, and living soil. In coco, target an EC of 1.2–1.6 in veg and 1.8–2.2 in flower, with pH 5.7–6.0. In soil, maintain a pH of 6.2–6.8 and prioritize balanced cation exchange through calcium and magnesium support, keeping runoff EC modest to avoid salt accumulation.
Irrigation: In coco, feed to at least 10 percent runoff per event to prevent nutrient stratification, watering once to twice daily as root mass fills the pot. In soil, water only when the top 2–3 centimeters are dry and pots feel light, usually every 2–4 days depending on size and environment. Avoid chronic overwatering, which elevates root disease risk and suppresses aroma development.
Training and canopy management: Top at the 4th–6th node, then employ low-stress training and a single or double trellis layer. Defoliate lightly at day 21 of flower to open sites, and consider a second clean-up around day 42 to improve airflow. Lollipopping lower growth that receives less than 400 PPFD concentrates energy into upper colas and reduces larf.
Nutrition specifics: In veg, nitrogen drives lush growth, but avoid exceeding recommended EC as excess N can stretch internodes. Shift to phosphorus and potassium emphasis from week 3–7 of flower, with magnesium and sulfur support for terpene synthesis. Silica at 50–100 ppm can strengthen cell walls and improve stress tolerance without interfering with uptake when timed before heavy bloom feeding.
Pest and disease IPM: Common indoor threats include spider mites, thrips, and powdery mildew. Release beneficials such as Amblyseius swirskii early, and Phytoseiulus persimilis if mites appear, at rates of 10–20 per square meter as a starting point. Rotate biologicals like Bacillus thuringiensis for caterpillars and Bacillus subtilis or potassium bicarbonate for mildew, ceasing foliar activity by week 3–4 of flower to protect trichomes.
Yield expectations: In dialed indoor rooms, Afterburner can deliver 450–650 grams per square meter under 600–1000 watt-equivalent LEDs. With CO2 supplementation and aggressive canopy control, experienced growers may push 700+ grams per square meter. Outdoor plants in favorable climates can surpass 600–900 grams per plant if trellised and protected from late-season moisture.
Harvest timing: Begin monitoring trichomes from day 49 onward with a 60–100x scope. Many growers target mostly cloudy heads with 10–20 percent amber for a balanced effect and maximum aroma. Pushing beyond 25–30 percent amber can trade brightness for heaviness and risks terpene loss.
Flush and finish: In inert media, a 7–14 day low-EC finish helps remove excess salts, improving combustion and flavor. In living soil, reduce nitrogen inputs and allow the plant to senesce naturally while maintaining microbe health. Visual cues include fading fan leaves, swelling calyces, and pungency increase.
Drying and curing: Hang whole plants or large branches at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 percent RH for 10–14 days. Aim for a 10–12 percent final moisture content before trimming, then cure in sealed glass at 58–62 percent internal RH. Burp jars daily for the first week, then weekly; many batches peak in flavor around week 4 of cure.
Post-harvest handling: Keep exposure to light and heat minimal to reduce terpene volatilization and cannabinoid oxidation. Properly stored flower maintains potency and aroma longer, with measurable THC decline accelerated above 25 Celsius or in direct light. Target storage under 20 Celsius with stable humidity for best shelf life.
Conclusion and Buyer Notes
Afterburner from Prima slots neatly into the competitive class of balanced, gas-forward hybrids that command shelf attention. Its indica/sativa heritage shapes a versatile effect profile that many find both relaxing and functional, especially at moderate doses. Structurally, the plant suits modern canopies and translates well to both flower and extract SKUs.
For consumers, look for jars that advertise robust terpene totals, ideally above 2 percent, and keep an eye on harvest date and storage conditions. A bright fuel-citrus nose with peppery undertones is a reliable quality marker for this profile. If possible, ask budtenders for batches dried slow and cured at stable humidity, as flavor depth often improves noticeably by week four of cure.
Growers should regard Afterburner as an efficient, mid-stretch hybrid that rewards disciplined environment control. With 56–70 day finishing potential, it fits neatly into perpetual schedules without compromising on aroma intensity. By aligning lighting, VPD, nutrition, and post-harvest practices, producers can capture the loud, clean character implied by the name Afterburner.
Given limited public lineage disclosures, evaluate cut or seed stock by performance data rather than pedigree alone. Consistent morphology, repeatable lab results, and terpene stability across rooms are the practical indicators that matter. In short, Afterburner is built for today’s market realities: potent enough to compete, flavorful enough to remember, and manageable enough to scale.
