Written by Ad OpsAK-47 Overview
AK-47 is a sativa-leaning classic prized for its brisk cerebral lift, high resin production, and dependable yields. In this profile, we focus on the Fatbush Seeds line of AK-47, which maintains a mostly sativa heritage while remaining manageable for indoor and outdoor growers. Across dispensary lab menus and breeder sheets, AK-47 typically tests as a high-THC, low-CBD cultivar, delivering an energetic yet balanced effect that has kept it relevant for decades.
Growers and consumers consistently describe AK-47’s nose as sweet, floral, and skunky with peppery spice, and many report that the flavor deepens significantly after a slow cure. Seed retailer data lists typical THC in the 15–20% range with CBD commonly under 1%, aligning with consumer experiences of a strong, uplifting effect. The strain’s reliability—strong resin, 8–9 week indoor flowering, and 400–600 g/m² yields—helps explain its enduring popularity among hobbyists and commercial cultivators alike.
Beyond the core photoperiod line, the market now offers fast and auto-flowering versions to shorten harvest windows or simplify light scheduling. Anecdotal grower reviews commonly emphasize very successful first runs, a very good yield, and an uppy feel after curing—feedback echoed repeatedly in retail listings. AK-47’s reputation is not merely nostalgia; its chemistry and agronomic traits give it staying power in a crowded marketplace.
History and Naming
AK-47 emerged in the 1990s cannabis renaissance as breeders recombined classic landrace genetics to create potent, flavor-forward hybrids. The Fatbush Seeds rendition highlights a mostly sativa backbone that frames its bright, mentally stimulating effect. Although multiple seedbanks have released their own takes on AK-47 over the years, each line preserves core hallmarks: fast indoor finish, abundant trichomes, and a floral-skunk bouquet.
The name AK-47 evokes power and precision more than aggression, reflecting the cultivar’s punchy potency and reliable performance under varied conditions. Consumer-facing sources frequently note that despite the bold name, the high is typically clear and sociable when dosed responsibly. That clean sativa expression, supported by a predictable bloom window, helped the strain win cups and spread globally during the early wave of modern hybridization.
As legalization expanded and analytical testing became routine, AK-47’s lab results confirmed what fans already suspected: consistently high THC with low CBD, buoyed by a terpene stack dominated by myrcene and caryophyllene. Today, the name encompasses a family of related lines and improvements—photoperiod, fast, and auto variants—that cater to distinct cultivation goals. The Fatbush Seeds version maintains the original spirit while tuning vigor and uniformity for contemporary growers.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding
AK-47 is broadly understood as a sativa-leaning composite of classic regional influences: Colombian and Mexican sativas balanced by Afghani and Thai inputs. In most expressions, the result is a 60–70% sativa dominance that transmits tall internodal spacing, fast floral onset for a sativa, and a bright, euphoric high. The Fatbush Seeds line keeps that framework, stabilizing for consistent apical dominance and dense, resinous tops.
From a breeder’s lens, AK-47’s charm lies in its blend of vigor and finish time. Sativa lines can require 10–14 weeks of flowering, but AK-47 typically wraps indoors in 56–63 days without sacrificing heady clarity. That trait signals judicious selection for precocity and calyx swell—likely inherited in part from the Afghani component while preserving the uplifting drive of the Latin American and Southeast Asian ancestors.
Modern catalogs include feminized, fast, and auto-flowering derivatives to solve specific constraints. Fast versions commonly finish 1–2 weeks earlier than standard photoperiod AK-47, often landing around 6–7 weeks of bloom under optimized conditions. Auto-flowering “AK” lines marry the strain’s terpene signature to ruderalis genetics, allowing harvest in 75–90 days from sprout, albeit with slightly subdued potency compared to their photoperiod counterparts.
Morphology and Visual Appearance
AK-47 plants trend medium-tall with assertive lateral branching if not actively trained. The internodes are moderate in length, and leaves often show a narrow to medium leaflet typical of sativa-leaning hybrids. Late flower brings a clear calyx swell with stacked, sugar-coated bracts that make larf-minimization strategies like early pruning particularly effective.
Mature buds range from lime to forest green, frequently accented by bright copper to tangerine pistils. Resin heads are abundant and bulbous, giving colas a sparkling frost under direct light and making AK-47 a good candidate for dry sift and ice water hash. Trimmed flowers usually present a spade to spear shape, with a calyx-forward structure that cures into a pleasantly firm, non-woody density.
Growers often note a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, which accelerates trimming and improves bag appeal. Under ideal conditions—adequate calcium-magnesium, strong airflow, and consistent VPD—buds finish with minimal fox-tailing, though high-heat environments may push some phenotypes toward late-week fox-tails. The cultivar’s morphology responds predictably to topping and SCROG, channeling apical energy into an even canopy of chunky tops.
Aroma and Nose
AK-47’s nose opens with sweet floral notes that mature into skunky sandalwood and peppery spice. On fresh grind, many users notice a lifted citrus-herbal facet—think lemon peel, sweet basil, and wildflowers—over a clean earthy base. The top-end sweetness is balanced by a faint incense quality that becomes more obvious after a slow cure.
Dominant aromatic drivers are typically myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-pinene, with limonene often playing a supporting role. Myrcene contributes the sweet, musky depth; caryophyllene brings pepper and warm spice; pinene adds an airy conifer lift. When humidity is properly managed during drying, these aromas cohere into a complex bouquet that holds well in glass for months.
Anecdotal grower reviews repeatedly emphasize great aroma that gets better with age, especially after a 4–8 week jar cure. That progression fits a common pattern in terpene maturation as chlorophyll dissipates and monoterpenes equilibrate. Stored at 60–62% RH, AK-47 retains its floral-skunk character with minimal terpene loss over the first quarter, reinforcing its reputation for post-harvest stability.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
On the palate, AK-47 is sweet and floral upfront with a skunky-citrus middle and peppered cedar on the finish. Beta-caryophyllene’s peppery bite is noticeable on exhale, especially through a clean glass piece at moderate temperatures. Vaporizing around 180–190°C accentuates the citrus-herbal side, while higher-temperature combustions lean woody-spicy.
The mouthfeel is medium-bodied with a smooth, resinous coating that lingers briefly without harshness when properly cured. Over-dried flower can turn astringent and mute the floral top notes, so maintaining 58–62% RH is crucial for a balanced taste. As multiple grower anecdotes note, the flavor gets better with age, often peaking after week four of curing when grassy volatiles have dissipated.
Pairing-wise, AK-47 complements bright foods like citrus salads, goat cheese, and herb-forward dishes, as well as lighter roasts of coffee or jasmine green tea. The skunky-spice element matches well with hops-forward pilsners and IPAs, reflecting shared terpenes like myrcene and humulene. Sweet desserts—lemon bars, honey cake—can amplify the strain’s floral sweetness without overpowering its nuance.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
The Fatbush Seeds AK-47 line sits firmly in the high-THC, low-CBD category typical of modern sativa-leaning hybrids. Retail listings for feminized AK-47 commonly cite THC at 15–20% with CBD between 0–1%, a range consistent with third-party lab menus for comparable AK cuts. In competitive markets, elite phenotypes may exceed 20% THC, but the 17–19% window is a practical benchmark for most home grows.
Minor cannabinoids appear in trace to modest quantities that can shape the character of the high. CBG is often detected around 0.3–0.9%, CBC around 0.1–0.5%, and THCV occasionally shows up in sativa-leaning expressions at 0.1–0.3%. While these minors are low compared to THC, their presence may nudge AK-47 toward a clear, motivated feel rather than a heavy, sedative effect.
For consumers, potency translates to brisk onset and a relatively steep dose-response curve. Inhalation typically produces noticeable effects within 5–10 minutes, peaking around 30–45 minutes, and tapering over 2–3 hours. Novices should start small—1–2 inhalations—because moving from 10 mg to 20 mg THC equivalent can significantly amplify psychoactivity and the risk of anxiety in sensitive users.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
AK-47’s terpene profile is generally led by myrcene and beta-caryophyllene with meaningful contributions from alpha-pinene and limonene. Across North American lab data for AK-descended cuts, total terpene content commonly lands in the 1.5–2.5% by weight range when grown and cured optimally. Exemplary runs can hit or slightly exceed 3%, particularly when plants are fed adequately in mid-bloom and dried at 18–20°C with 60% RH.
Typical breakdowns observed in AK-type lab reports include myrcene at 0.5–1.2%, beta-caryophyllene at 0.2–0.6%, alpha-pinene at 0.1–0.3%, and limonene at 0.1–0.4%. Secondary contributors may include ocimene (0.05–0.2%) lending a sweet-green lift, and linalool (0.05–0.15%) enhancing floral tones. Humulene (0.05–0.2%) sometimes accompanies caryophyllene, adding a subtle woody dryness on the finish.
From a pharmacological standpoint, beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid that can bind to CB2 receptors, potentially affecting perceived body ease without sedation. Myrcene has been associated with a relaxing undertone and enhanced permeability, while pinene is studied for countering short-term memory impairment. Though these synergies are best framed as hypotheses rather than clinical conclusions, they align well with AK-47’s clear yet calming mental profile.
Experiential Effects and Onset
Most users describe AK-47 as an uplifting, sociable strain with a bright, creative edge. The initial onset often brings a noticeable head buzz and improved focus, followed by a smooth emotional lift that suits daytime tasks. Many report a soft body lightness without couch-lock, reflecting the cultivar’s sativa dominance and terpene balance.
Dose, tolerance, and setting shape the experience significantly. At low to moderate doses, AK-47 encourages conversation, brainstorming, and light physical activity such as walking or stretching. At higher doses, the cognitive speed can outpace comfort for some users, increasing the risk of transient anxiety or racing thoughts.
Common side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes, which consumers report frequently with THC-dominant cultivars. A minority—often estimated in the 5–15% range among sensitive users—experience short-lived anxiousness when exceeding their comfort dose. Hydration, pacing, and mindful setting reduce these risks, while vaporization at moderate temperatures can also temper intensity compared to hot combustion.
Potential Medical Applications
Patients and adult-use consumers commonly select AK-47 for mood elevation, daytime energy, and stable functionality. Self-reported relief is frequently noted for low-moderate depression, stress, and fatigue, aligning with the strain’s brisk onset and clean mental tone. AK-47 also sees anecdotal use for tension-type headaches and neck-shoulder tightness, where its caryophyllene-forward spice may contribute to perceived body ease.
For pain, AK-47 is best framed as a light to moderate analgesic option due to its THC potency and CB2-active caryophyllene, though heavy, neuropathic, or inflammatory pain may require different chemotypes or higher CBD co-administration. Appetite stimulation is present but not overpowering, useful for individuals seeking a mid-day lift without strong munchies. Some patients with attention-related challenges report improved task initiation and flow at low doses, a pattern consistent with sativa-leaning profiles.
Anxiety-sensitive users should start at very low doses, because fast-onset THC can sometimes exacerbate symptoms before easing them. Where available, CBD-balanced AK variants—mentioned by consumers exploring a CBD version of the strain—may offer a gentler ramp with fewer jitters. As always, medical use should be individualized, ideally with guidance from a clinician familiar with cannabinoid therapy.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
AK-47’s cultivation appeal is its efficiency: a mostly sativa expression with an 8–9 week indoor flowering time and a forgiving growth curve. Indoor yields commonly range from 400–600 g/m² under 600–1000 µmol/m²/s PPFD, with experienced growers occasionally exceeding 650 g/m² using SCROG. Outdoors, well-established plants can deliver 450–700 g per plant in temperate climates, finishing late September to early October at mid-latitudes.
Germination is straightforward with stable feminized seed, and AK-47 responds well to early topping at the 4th–5th node to encourage lateral development. In veg, maintain day temps of 24–27°C and nights 19–21°C with 60–70% RH, targeting a VPD near 0.8–1.0 kPa. Transitioning into bloom, taper RH to 50–55% by week 3 and 45–50% by week 7, keeping day temps at 24–26°C to minimize foxtailing.
Medium choice is flexible—soilless peat-perlite blends, coco, or hydro all perform well. In soil, aim for pH 6.2–6.8; in coco/hydro, maintain 5.8–6.2 and an EC of 1.2–1.6 mS/cm in veg, rising to 1.8–2.2 mS/cm in peak bloom. Calcium and magnesium supplementation is recommended, especially in coco or under high-intensity LED where Ca/Mg demand increases.
Training techniques amplify AK-47’s yield potential. A two-top mainline or manifold combined with lateral low-stress training can create 8–16 uniform tops per plant. SCROG nets help distribute light, and selective defoliation around weeks 3 and 6 of bloom improves airflow and bud light exposure without overstressing plants.
Lighting density should be matched to plant development to avoid stress. Vegging plants thrive around 400–600 µmol/m²/s PPFD; in bloom, ramp gradually to 900–1200 µmol/m²/s if CO₂ is ambient, or up to 1400–1500 µmol/m²/s with 800–1200 ppm supplemental CO₂ and adequate nutrition. Keep canopy temperatures steady and leaves dancing gently in uniform airflow to discourage microclimates and powdery mildew.
Watering discipline is crucial for terpene retention and root health. In soil, water to about 10–15% runoff and let the top 2–3 cm dry before rewatering; in coco, frequent fertigation at lower solution strength promotes explosive root growth. Avoid chronically soggy media to prevent Pythium and ensure sufficient dissolved oxygen around the root zone.
Environmental Parameters and Training Tactics
Optimal vegetative climate: 24–27°C day, 19–21°C night, 60–70% RH, VPD 0.8–1.0 kPa. Early flowering: 24–26°C day, 18–20°C night, 55–60% RH, VPD 1.1–1.3 kPa. Late flowering: 22–25°C day, 18–20°C night, 45–50% RH, VPD 1.3–1.6 kPa.
Canopy management begins with topping and bends to flatten the apical dominance that AK-47 naturally expresses. A single topping at the 5th node followed by lateral LST produces a compact table of colas ideal for 80–120 cm tents. In larger rooms, a SCROG at 20–30 cm above the pots supports even bud development and reduces larf formation.
Defoliation in moderation keeps transpiration stable and reduces disease risk. Remove large, shadow-casting fans below the SCROG plane around week 3, then again lightly at week 6 to open the interior. Maintain consistent airflow with oscillating fans in counter-rotating patterns, targeting a gentle, uniform leaf flutter rather than direct blasts.
Nutrient Strategy and Deficiency Troubleshooting
In veg, AK-47 appreciates a nitrogen-forward feed balanced with ample calcium and magnesium. A typical target is N-P-K ratios near 3-1-2 in early veg, shifting to 2-1-2 by late veg as plants thicken up. In mid-bloom, push phosphorus and potassium to a 1-2-3 style ratio while keeping nitrogen moderate to avoid leafy buds.
Watch for classic signs of imbalance: interveinal chlorosis and brittle leaves suggest magnesium deficiency; necrotic leaf margins may indicate potassium shortfall; uniform chlorosis on newer growth points toward iron deficiency at too-high pH. Address issues by checking runoff EC and pH—keeping soil runoff between pH 6.3–6.7 and EC within 1.8–2.2 mS/cm in bloom is a good sanity check. In coco/hydro, ensure frequent, mild feeds and avoid large EC swings that can burn tips and mute terpene development.
Supplemental silica helps strengthen stems in sativa-leaning canopies, supporting heavier colas in later weeks. Amino chelates and low-dose fulvics can increase micronutrient uptake efficiency, particularly under LED spectra. Flush strategies should be gentle; many growers prefer tapering EC over 10–14 days rather than abrupt zero-EC flushes to maintain turgor and flavor integrity.
Pest, Pathogen, and IPM Considerations
AK-47’s dense, resinous flowers demand strong airflow to avoid botrytis in late bloom. Maintain clean intake filters, negative pressure, and thorough sanitation of tools and surfaces. Keep leaf surfaces dry during lights-on; if foliar feeding is necessary, restrict it to early veg and allow full drying before dark.
Common pests include spider mites, thrips, and fungus gnats. Preventative biologicals—Bacillus subtilis/amylo, Beauveria bassiana, and predatory mites like Amblyseius cucumeris or Neoseiulus californicus—provide steady control without harsh residues. Sticky cards, yellow for gnats and blue for thrips, help quantify pressure and guide interventions.
Quarantine new clones and avoid entering the grow after visiting other gardens. Rotate compatible modes of action if curative sprays are required, staying far from harvest with any treatments that carry residuals. For outdoor grows, note that AK-47 performs poorly in prolonged cold; teams at Royal Queen Seeds cautioned against attempting outdoor cycles in 7–10°C winter conditions, a reminder that consistent warmth is essential for high-quality results.
Harvest Timing, Drying, and Curing
AK-47 typically reaches peak ripeness around day 56–63 of 12/12 indoors, though some phenotypes may profit from an extra week for full terpene maturity. Monitor trichomes: harvest at ~5–10% amber for a balanced effect, or closer to all-milky with minimal amber for a brighter, racier profile. Pistil color can mislead; rely on trichome heads and calyx swell for best timing.
Dry in the dark at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH with gentle airflow for 7–12 days until stems bend and nearly snap. A slower, slightly cooler dry helps preserve monoterpenes like pinene and limonene that volatilize easily. After initial dry, trim and jar at 60–62% RH, burping daily for the first week, then weekly for 4–8 weeks.
Curing improves AK-47’s flavor markedly, as echoed by growers who note the flavor gets better with age. Terpene equilibrium typically stabilizes by week four, with many jars peaking around weeks six to eight. Properly cured AK-47 retains a sweet floral-spice complexity and resists grassy off-notes that can plague rushed harvests.
Notable Phenotypes, Crosses, and Market Variants
Within AK-47, phenotypic spread ranges from floral-sweet, pinene-forward expressions to skunkier, caryophyllene-heavy cuts. The floral-pinene types feel slightly racier and are preferred by daytime consumers seeking creative clarity. The skunk-spice phenos lean warmer and are often favored for evening socializing without sedation.
Crosses featuring AK-47 genetics are abundant, reflecting its reliable structure and terpene appeal. Hybrids with Amnesia or Haze lines emphasize citrus-herbal lift, while AK x Afghani reintroduces density and shortens flowering. Seed retailers also list fast versions that trim bloom by 1–2 weeks, and auto-flowering lines that finish seed-to-harvest in ~75–90 days for growers prioritizing simplicity.
The market has also seen CBD-forward AK-47 adaptations designed to temper THC’s intensity. Consumers have discussed experimenting with a CBD version to capture the aroma and clarity with more composure, often landing in CBD:THC ratios from 1:1 up to 20:1. These variants can broaden AK-47’s utility for anxiety-prone users or patients needing daytime function with minimal intoxication.
Consumer Guidance and Responsible Use
Because AK-47 is potently uplifting, dose control is key to an enjoyable experience. Start with 1–2 inhalations and wait at least 10–15 minutes before redosing; the peak arrives quickly, and stacking hits can overshoot comfort. If using a dry herb vaporizer, 180–190°C accentuates the bright floral-citrus top notes and may feel smoother for newcomers.
Hydration and a light snack reduce common side effects like dry mouth and lightheadedness. If anxiety appears, change setting, sit comfortably, and breathe slowly; symptoms usually resolve within 20–40 minutes as peak intensity passes. For new consumers or those sensitive to THC, consider CBD-balanced AK variants that maintain the classic aroma with a gentler psychoactive profile.
Storage matters for preserving AK-47’s nuanced bouquet. Keep flower in airtight glass at 60–62% RH, 15–20°C, away from light; this can reduce terpene loss and oxidation, preserving potency and flavor over time. Fresh grinds just before use keep the floral-spice character vivid and enjoyable.
Evidence and Data Notes
Available retail and community sources consistently frame AK-47 as a high-THC, low-CBD, mostly sativa cultivar. A SeedSupreme listing for AK-47 feminized cites THC at 15–20% and CBD at 0–1%, consistent with many lab reports for AK-type cuts. Leafly’s strain information and consumer reviews echo the signature uplifting effect profile and note the existence of CBD-oriented versions pursued by some growers and patients.
Grower anecdotes quoted across seed retailers repeatedly highlight very successful first runs, very good yield, and an uppy feel, adding qualitative texture to the quantitative metrics. Royal Queen Seeds’ team cautioned against trying to run AK lines outdoors in winter at 7–10°C, reinforcing the temperature sensitivity of this sativa-leaning hybrid. These data points align with the greenhouse-tested logic that AK-47 favors moderate warmth, steady airflow, and a disciplined dry-and-cure to express its full aromatic potential.
When interpreting potency and terpene ranges, remember they reflect both genetic potential and cultivation variables such as light intensity, nutrition, and post-harvest process. Reported ranges—THC ~15–20% typical, total terpenes ~1.5–2.5%—are realistic targets for home growers using contemporary LEDs and careful environmental control. As with any cultivar, phenotype selection and dialing in the room will determine where within these ranges your harvest lands.
