Origins and Breeding History
Amnesia Auto is the autoflowering expression of the classic Amnesia line, developed to deliver the same citrus-and-incense haze personality in a faster, day-neutral package. Speed Seeds is credited with this particular cultivar, reflecting the Spanish seed scene’s early leadership in compact, quick-finishing autos aimed at balcony and micro-growers. By the early-to-mid 2010s, demand for high-THC autoflowers surged, and breeders selectively crossed Amnesia-type mothers with robust ruderalis donors to retain the hallmark high while reducing cycle length.
The broader Amnesia family traces to Haze-dominant ancestry, a lineage prized for its uplifting, cerebral effects and tart-lemon bouquet. Translating that into an autoflower required backcrossing to lock in aroma and potency after the initial ruderalis introgression. Over multiple filial generations, breeders selected for resin density, terpene carryover, and uniformity in height, while keeping total seed-to-harvest times near 10–11 weeks.
Amnesia Auto’s influence is evident beyond its own brand label. Industry sources show autoflowering Amnesia derivatives appearing in many catalogs, with entries such as “Amnesia Auto CBD” and “Amnesia Bilbo Autoflowering” highlighting the family’s spread across European menus. The fact that modern projects have used strawberry-amnesia-type autos as terpene-rich autoflower donors underscores how this genetic toolkit helps other breeders introduce day-neutral traits without losing complex aroma.
The Speed Seeds release slot fits squarely into that ecosystem: a cultivar designed for speed, discretion, and resilience, yet still faithful to the citrus-haze signature. Its success comes from balancing three targets—time, taste, and THC—so growers don’t have to choose between potency and practicality. As autos matured technically, Amnesia Auto became a reference for those wanting “Haze in a hurry,” often finishing weeks sooner than photoperiod Amnesia while holding a comparable flavor arc.
Genetic Lineage and Taxonomy
Amnesia Auto’s declared heritage is ruderalis/indica/sativa, with the ruderalis contribution providing day-neutral flowering that triggers by age rather than photoperiod. The sativa side is derived from Amnesia/Haze family genetics, while a compact indica fraction stabilizes stature, internodal spacing, and branching habit. This hybrid architecture helps Amnesia Auto stay manageable indoors without losing the elevated, mental clarity that characterizes the Haze lineage.
In practice, breeders typically stack an elite Amnesia cut onto a stabilized ruderalis backbone, then backcross into the Amnesia parent to recover the terpene profile. Each backcross generation increases the proportion of desired Amnesia traits while maintaining the autoflowering locus. Well-executed programs achieve high uniformity by F4–F6, where you see tight windows for height, timing, and chemotype.
The taxonomy aligns with how most autos are classified: a balanced hybrid at the macro level, yet chemotypically closer to sativa outcomes. The indica component’s role is proportionally smaller but functionally important, especially for structure and early vigor. The result is a phenotype that looks hybrid but behaves like a compact sativa when it comes to mood, aroma, and resin.
It is useful to think of Amnesia Auto as a “Haze-forward auto-hybrid” rather than a true sativa, because ruderalis input modifies growth rhythm and metabolic pacing. That modification explains why autos can complete cycles in 70–80 days from sprout and still express a layered terpene profile. This design lets growers experience an Amnesia-style high in spaces or latitudes where a long-flowering photoperiod would struggle.
Morphology and Visual Traits
Amnesia Auto typically reaches 60–100 cm indoors and 70–120 cm outdoors, with a single strong apical cola and symmetrical satellite branches. Internodal spacing is moderate, allowing light to penetrate without extensive defoliation. Leaves skew narrow-to-medium, showing the sativa tilt in leaflet shape but not the extreme length of classic Haze cuts.
As flowering advances, calyx development stacks into tapered, foxtail-leaning spires that remain dense for an auto, particularly in lower-humidity rooms. Trichome coverage is generous and sticky, with visible capitate-stalked glands glittering on sugar leaves. Mature buds express lime-to-olive green hues with coppery to burnt-orange pistils as they oxidize near harvest.
Resin density and flower mass track with environmental precision. Under balanced nutrition and 900–1100 µmol/m²/s of LED PPFD in late flower, growers commonly report indoor yields around 350–500 g/m². Outdoor container plants often return 50–150 g per plant depending on pot size, season length, and pest pressure.
Stem strength is adequate, but a light trellis or bamboo stakes improve posture during late swell. The cultivar responds well to gentle low-stress training (LST) to even the canopy and boost light-use efficiency. Minimal pruning and a “hands-off after week 4” philosophy reduce stress and preserve cycle speed.
Aroma: Volatile Profile and Nose
The first impression is classic Amnesia—bright citrus zest with sweet lemon-lime overtones, layered atop herbal incense and a dry, woody haze. Many phenotypes add a green-apple lift and a faint floral perfume, likely from terpinolene-limonene synergy. As buds cure, an undercurrent of pepper and earthy spice from beta-caryophyllene rounds the profile.
Grinding releases sharper top notes and a volatile burst that can fill a room quickly, so carbon filtration is advised in small spaces. The scent intensity ranks medium-high for an auto, often comparable to photoperiod Amnesia when grown under high-terpene conditions. Proper drying at 18–21°C and 55–60% RH helps preserve these brighter monoterpenes.
On a terpene scale of 1–3% total volatiles by dry weight—common for well-grown craft cannabis—Amnesia Auto can sit in the upper half when managed carefully. High-airflow curing jars, opened daily during week one, slow oxidation and lock in lemon-herbal clarity. Leaving too much fan leaf or drying too warm can flatten the citrus and push the profile toward generic herbal.
Even in micro-grows, the cultivar’s nose stands out for its cleanliness and focus. Expect a “sparkling” quality that reads as fresh-squeezed citrus rather than candy. The haze incense acts as a memory anchor, recognizable to anyone who has experienced classic European Amnesia cuts.
Flavor and Combustion/Vapor Experience
The inhale is zesty and bright, delivering lemon peel, lime soda, and a hint of sweet basil. As vapor thickens, a dry cedar-haze character appears, adding sophistication without harshness. On the exhale, caryophyllene spice and light herbal bitterness linger politely.
Draws remain smooth when buds are dried to 10–12% moisture and cured 2–4 weeks. Over-drying below 8% moisture can emphasize sharpness and reduce perceived sweetness. In combustion, white ash correlates with a careful flush and stable root-zone pH in late flower.
In vaporizers at 175–190°C, terpinolene and limonene dominate, delivering a crisp, sparkling top end with excellent mouthfeel. Raising to 200–205°C pulls deeper wood-spice and faint musky notes, at the cost of some citrus immediacy. The flavor arc matches the aroma closely, a sign that monoterpenes were preserved from dry to cure.
The aftertaste is clean, citrus-herbal, and slightly resinous, fading after a few minutes. Users who prioritize flavor often find Amnesia Auto a reliable daytime sipper—expressive without overwhelming. It pairs well with citrus-forward beverages and bright, herbal teas that echo its terpene set.
Cannabinoid Composition and Potency
Autoflowering cultivars from Haze families commonly land in the THC-forward range, and Amnesia Auto is no exception. Grower and dispensary reports for similar autos often place THC roughly between 15–20%, with outliers higher under optimized conditions. CBD tends to be low, typically under 1%, which preserves the energetic, sativa-like headspace.
As with all autos, environment and stress management strongly influence potency. Maintaining consistent PPFD, avoiding root-bound conditions, and dialing pH to 6.2–6.8 in soil or 5.8–6.2 in hydro/soilless supports full cannabinoid expression. Overfeeding nitrogen late can depress cannabinoid and terpene synthesis by diverting energy to foliage.
Beyond THC and CBD, minor cannabinoids like CBG may appear in trace amounts, often in the 0.1–0.5% range for modern autos. While these traces rarely dominate effects, they may modulate the overall experience in subtle ways. Lab-verified ranges vary by grower, phenotype, and post-harvest handling.
Users seeking a less intoxicating option sometimes pivot to CBD-leaning relatives in the same strain family. Catalog listings such as “Amnesia Auto CBD” highlight that balanced chemotypes exist for those prioritizing function over intensity. For THC-centric clarity in a compact timeframe, however, Amnesia Auto remains the archetype.
Terpene Profile and Chemotype Patterns
Amnesia Auto most commonly expresses a terpinolene-limonene-myrcene triad, with beta-caryophyllene and ocimene frequently appearing as secondary contributors. This mirrors classic Amnesia/Haze trends, where terpinolene imparts citrus, pine, and floral nuances. Limonene amplifies bright lemon, while myrcene lends fruit-herbal depth and potentiates perceived relaxation in the body.
In well-grown flowers, total terpene content typically reaches 1–3% of dry mass, which is a practical benchmark for craft-quality cannabis. Autos rewarded with high light intensity and balanced VPD often sit toward the high side of that band. Excess heat or aggressive drying can reduce monoterpenes first, shifting the profile toward heavier sesquiterpenes.
Beta-caryophyllene introduces a peppery finish and may interact with CB2 receptors, a topic of ongoing pharmacological interest. Ocimene contributes green, sweet-herbal notes and can spike during certain environmental regimes, particularly in open-air, sun-grown conditions. Linalool is occasionally present in trace to modest levels, adding a lavender-like smoothness when detectable.
The resulting chemotype reads “bright, energetic haze with a spicy backbone,” differentiating Amnesia Auto from sweeter dessert autos. That separation is valuable for users seeking citrus-incense complexity over pastry flavors. Careful curing preserves the terpinolene sparkle that defines the line’s personality.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Most users describe Amnesia Auto as uplifting, clear-headed, and motivational, fitting morning or midday sessions. The onset is brisk, with mental energy and a gentle mood lift within minutes of inhalation. Many report enhanced focus and idea flow, mapping well to creative tasks and active errands.
The body feel is light-to-neutral, without the couchlock commonly tied to indica-heavy autos. As dosage increases, sensory acuity rises, and the experience becomes more panoramic and immersive. Anxiety-prone users may prefer microdoses (e.g., 1–2 small puffs or a low-temperature vape session) to keep stimulation smooth.
Duration usually spans 2–3 hours for inhalation, with a gradual taper rather than a hard drop. Stacking sessions can extend effects but also increases the chance of racy edges in sensitive individuals. Hydration and slow, mindful pacing improve comfort, especially with terpene-rich batches.
Use cases often include creative work, socializing, outdoor walks, and chores requiring upbeat attention. Many find it pairs well with music production, design sketching, or brainstorming, where a “zoomed-in yet optimistic” perspective is desirable. For late evenings, some users pivot to a heavier cultivar to avoid lingering alertness at bedtime.
Potential Therapeutic Applications
Given its THC-forward profile and citrus-terpinolene focus, Amnesia Auto’s potential therapeutic utility leans toward mood and activation rather than sedation. Users anecdotally report support for low motivation, mild fatigue, and negative mood states. The bright sensory quality and perceived cognitive lift may assist task engagement for certain individuals.
For pain, the cultivar can offer distraction and mild-to-moderate relief, though it is not a heavy body analgesic. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 interaction is of interest in inflammation contexts, but clinical evidence specific to this cultivar is limited. As always, responses vary, and titration is important to avoid overstimulation.
In appetite and nausea, THC can be beneficial at low-to-moderate doses, with citrus-dominant terpenes sometimes improving palatability. However, users sensitive to limonene or terpinolene’s brightness might prefer a more myrcene-leaning chemotype for stomach issues. Balancing dose and timing often determines success.
Patients seeking lower intoxication may consider related entries such as “Amnesia Auto CBD,” reflecting the market’s move toward balanced options. Those with anxiety disorders should approach carefully, starting low and slow, as energizing cultivars can be a double-edged sword. Consultation with a clinician familiar with cannabinoid therapy remains the safest path.
Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Cure
Cycle length and scheduling: Amnesia Auto commonly finishes 70–80 days from sprout, with some phenotypes ready around day 65 under ideal conditions. Indoors, many growers run 18/6 or 20/4 lighting throughout, with 20/4 sometimes providing marginal yield gains at higher power density. Outdoors, day-neutral flowering allows multiple cycles per season in warm climates—two runs are realistic in temperate zones and up to three in Mediterranean latitudes.
Lighting and PPFD: Aim for 400–600 µmol/m²/s PPFD in early veg and 900–1100 µmol/m²/s in late flower, keeping daily light integral (DLI) roughly 30–45 mol/m²/day. LED fixtures with full-spectrum white plus a modest 660 nm red component drive resin and density without excessive stretch. CO2 supplementation to 800–1200 ppm can increase biomass if PPFD exceeds ~900 and nutrition is dialed.
Environment controls: Keep temperatures 22–26°C day and 18–22°C night. Relative humidity targets 60–65% in early veg, 50–55% in early flower, and 40–45% in late flower to deter botrytis. Good airflow—one oscillating fan per 1–1.5 m²—maintains boundary-layer exchange and improves stomatal conductance.
Media and pH: In soil, maintain pH 6.2–6.8; in coco/hydro, 5.8–6.2. A light, aerated mix (e.g., 30–40% perlite or pumice) prevents compaction and supports rapid autoflower metabolism. Fabric pots of 11–15 L (3–4 gallons) strike a balance between root volume and cycle speed.
Nutrition and EC: Autos prefer moderate feeding. Target EC 1.2–1.4 in veg and 1.5–1.8 in peak bloom, adjusting to cultivar response and runoff readings. A general ratio of 3-1-2 (N-P-K) in veg and 1-2-3 in bloom works well; add 1–2 ml/L calcium-magnesium if using RO or soft water.
Irrigation strategy: Water to 10–15% runoff in coco or soilless to prevent salt buildup, and let containers approach 50–60% of saturated weight before the next irrigation. In soil, avoid chronic overwatering by observing pot heft and leaf turgor daily. Maintaining even moisture during the stretch (days ~14–28) prevents stress that can truncate yields in autos.
Training: Use LST to bend the main stem when the 4th–5th node emerges, spreading branches horizontally to create an even canopy. Avoid high-stress training or topping after week 3–4; autos have limited vegetative recovery time. Light leaf tucking and selective defoliation around week 4–5 improve light penetration without stalling growth.
Density and layout: A sea-of-green approach with 9–16 plants per m² in 7–9 L pots can hit 350–500 g/m² with a uniform canopy. Single-plant showcases in 15 L containers can return 60–120 g per plant indoors under strong LEDs. Maintain 30–45 cm between canopy and light, adjusting by fixture and PPFD mapping.
Pest and disease management: Sticky cards and weekly scout checks catch fungus gnats, thrips, and spider mites early. Rotate targeted biologicals (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis for gnats) and beneficials (e.g., Amblyseius swirskii) as needed, avoiding harsh sprays after week 4. Keep intake filters clean and quarantine new clones or plants to protect your room.
Flowering management: Expect a rapid stretch from days 14–28, with pistils appearing by week 3 under strong light. Maintain consistent VPD to avoid humidity spikes that can reduce resin density. Support branches with a net or stakes starting week 6 as buds gain weight.
Ripening cues and harvest: Amnesia Auto often looks “done” before it is—wait for >80% cloudy trichomes with 10–20% amber for a balanced effect. Pistils alone can mislead; always check resin heads with a loupe. Flush 7–10 days in hydro/soilless or allow a mild taper in living soil to improve combustion quality and flavor.
Drying and curing: Dry 10–14 days at 18–21°C and 55–60% RH, with gentle air movement not directly on buds. Target 10–12% internal moisture for jarring, then cure 2–8 weeks, burping daily the first week and every 2–3 days thereafter. Proper cure can lift perceived terpene intensity by a noticeable margin and elongate shelf life.
Outdoor notes: Plant after the last frost; autos tolerate a range of day lengths but prefer at least 6–8 hours of direct sun. In containers, 20–30 L pots outdoors help buffer heat and moisture swings, raising the likelihood of 80–150 g returns per plant. Mulch and silica supplementation improve drought tolerance and stem resilience in windy sites.
Strain family context: The presence of Amnesia Auto variants across catalogs—including CBD-leaning spinoffs—speaks to market validation for this fast haze niche. The wider autoflower ecosystem has even leveraged strawberry-amnesia-type donors to import day-neutrality and robust terpenes into other lines, illustrating breeding utility. In that landscape, Speed Seeds’ Amnesia Auto stands as a reliable, citrus-forward option that rewards precision without demanding a large footprint.
Written by Ad Ops