Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Background
Amnesia Auto is a modern autoflowering expression of the European Amnesia phenomenon, created by Zoo Seeds to deliver the classic Haze-forward profile in a day-neutral format. The breeder’s aim was simple but demanding: preserve the soaring, citrus-incense character that made Amnesia famous, while compressing the crop cycle to fit small spaces and short seasons. That required careful selection against early-flowering ruderalis parents and repeated backcrossing into sativa-heavy Amnesia lines. The result is a cultivar that typically finishes from seed in roughly 10–12 weeks yet retains the unmistakable Amnesia personality.
The popularity of Amnesia-based autos has been reinforced by their utility in wider breeding. For example, a commercial breeding note describes selecting Strawberry Amnesia Auto specifically to carry autoflowering genes and a boatload of terpenes into a new Strawberry Banana Auto project, highlighting the value of Amnesia-derived autos as terpene donors. This is a telling datapoint: breeders don’t lean on a line for terpene transfer unless it’s consistently aromatic and stable. Amnesia Auto’s reputation as a terpene-rich, sativa-leaning autoflower is thus not only consumer lore but reflected in practical selection choices in the seed industry.
Market breadth also shows how widely the Amnesia Auto concept has been adopted. Retail catalogs list multiple derivatives such as Amnesia Auto CBD, Amnesia Bilbo Autoflowering, and other spin-offs, signaling demand across THC-dominant and balanced-CBD segments. While those are distinct releases, their existence underscores how the Amnesia Auto blueprint adapts to varied cannabinoid targets. Zoo Seeds’ version sits in the THC-forward lane while retaining the clean, energizing nose that made Amnesia a continental favorite.
Taken together, these threads explain why Amnesia Auto is a staple recommendation for growers seeking a fast, enlivening sativa experience. It compresses a historically long-blooming genetic family into an efficient schedule without burying the Haze sparkle. For indoor hobbyists, that means fewer calendar constraints; for outdoor growers at higher latitudes, it means multiple harvests per season. For breeders, it remains a go-to donor of day-neutral flowering and bright terpene intensity.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Amnesia Auto’s heritage is best described as ruderalis/sativa, with the sativa side owed to the Amnesia family and the day-neutral trait introduced via Cannabis ruderalis. Classic Amnesia lines themselves descend from the broader Haze complex—tropical sativas (Thai, Cambodian, Jamaican, and South Indian inputs are commonly cited in historical accounts) that were European-optimized with skunk and NL influences. Zoo Seeds’ task in an auto was to preserve that high-limonene, incense-forward sativa signature while locking in the recessive day-neutral alleles. Achieving this typically involves multiple generations of selection to ensure the flowering timer is stable across environments.
From a genetic standpoint, autoflowering is generally inherited as a recessive trait, meaning both copies need to be present for day-neutral behavior. In practice, that pushes breeders to fix the auto locus early, then reintroduce sativa morphology and terpene complexity by backcrossing and selection. The outcome in Amnesia Auto is a phenotype range that leans sativa in leaf shape, internode length, and canopy structure while respecting an 18–20 hour light schedule without reversion. Most growers report limited photoperiod sensitivity, a hallmark of well-fixed autos.
Phenotypically, you should expect a sativa-forward build with moderate stretch, especially during weeks 3–6 from sprout. Many plants present a classic Amnesia silhouette: narrow blades, airy nodes that later fill, and spears of bract-stacked colas. The ruderalis input compresses the lifecycle, typically finishing in 70–85 days from sprout indoors under 18–20 hours of light. Outdoors, day length is less relevant, but temperatures and DLI still drive speed; many gardens wrap by 80–95 days depending on latitude.
While exact sativa percentages vary by pheno, Amnesia Auto behaves like a sativa-dominant auto in both structure and effect. That means uplift and clarity when harvested with minimal amber trichomes, and a more balanced body as resin matures. It also means a little more headroom and vertical growth than squat indica autos, which has implications for training and spacing. Growers should plan for its sativa ambitions while enjoying its ruderalis schedule.
Appearance and Bud Structure
Amnesia Auto plants tend to reach 70–120 cm indoors and can exceed 100–140 cm outdoors in rich media with ample light. The canopy is typically open and branchy, with long lateral arms that accept low-stress training well. Leaves are narrow and serrated, a visual cue of the sativa heritage, and maintain a lively green when nitrogen is sufficient through stretch. Internode spacing is moderate, allowing light penetration and good airflow in home setups.
Flowers start as small stacks of calyces that swell steadily in mid-flower, often producing elongated, candle-like colas. In warmer environments or under intense light, some phenotypes show slight foxtailing—a cosmetic sativa trait rather than a problem, provided heat and VPD are in range. Pistils are vivid white early, then streak orange and rust as maturity approaches. Trichome coverage is generous by week 7–9, giving the buds a silvery cast.
Dried flowers are medium density with a calyx-forward structure rather than rock-hard indica pebbles. Expect a good calyx-to-leaf ratio, which eases trimming and preserves the sugar leaf’s resin for extracts. Well-grown samples display lime-to-forest green hues with amber pistils and a frost that telegraphs potency. When cured, the buds keep their form without collapsing, a sign of healthy dehydration and retained terpene content.
Aroma
On the vine, Amnesia Auto pushes a bright top note of lemon zest and sweet citrus layered over incense and fresh herbs. Breaking a bract releases more complexity: crushed pepper, anise, and a hint of cedar or pencil shavings common to Haze-forward lines. As resin matures, the bouquet deepens into sweet spice while preserving the lemon headspace. Good environmental control keeps these volatile aromatics intact through late flower.
Aroma intensity rates as medium-high to high, especially after week 6 when terpene biosynthesis peaks. Total terpene content in well-grown autos often lands around 1.5–3.0% by dry weight, and Amnesia Auto sits comfortably in that range when fed and lit properly. The breeder reputation and industry usage as a terpene donor suggest above-average consistency in aromatic output. Carbon filtration is recommended indoors once buds start to stack.
Post-harvest, proper curing unlocks the incense core that many associate with Amnesia. The jar note moves from sharp lemon to a rounder citrus marmalade with peppery undertones by week 3 of cure. Overly rapid drying mutes these nuances, so target a slow 10–14 day dry to keep the lemon-spice register intact. When done right, the nose remains vivid for months.
Flavor
Amnesia Auto’s flavor mirrors the aroma but with a clearer sequence on the palate. Initial pulls deliver lemon peel and sweet herbal tea, quickly followed by peppered spice and a faint woody incense. The finish is clean and mouthwatering, often described as citrus-sherbet with a pepper tickle. Residual sweetness lingers on the tongue after exhale.
Vaporization emphasizes citrus and floral tones, especially at 175–190°C where limonene and linalool volatilize readily. Combustion leans spicier and woodier, bringing caryophyllene forward and adding a faint earth note. A 3–5 week cure smooths chlorophyll harshness and amplifies the marmalade finish. Well-cured flower tastes distinct down to the final third of a joint without turning acrid.
Terpene preservation begins in the grow and ends in the cure. Avoid overdrying below 55% equilibrium RH to keep flavor oils from flashing off. Glass storage away from light and heat extends fresh flavor for 6–9 months. Many connoisseurs note this line remains flavorful longer than average autos when cured patiently.
Cannabinoid Profile
Amnesia Auto is typically THC-dominant with low CBD, aligning with its sativa heritage. Across grower reports and seed-vendor aggregates, dried flowers frequently test in the 17–22% THC range, with standout phenotypes reported above 23%. CBD generally registers below 1.0%, often 0.1–0.6%, while CBG can appear modestly at 0.2–0.8%. Total cannabinoids commonly land between 18–26% depending on cultivation and harvest timing.
These numbers vary with environment, fertilization, light intensity, and maturity. Harvesting at 5–10% amber trichomes often preserves a brighter head, while pushing to 15–20% amber nudges effects toward a rounder body. Autos harvested prematurely may show depressed cannabinoid totals by several percentage points. Conversely, optimized PPFD, VPD, and nutrition can raise totals into the top quintile for autos.
Extract yields from trim and smalls usually range 14–20% in hydrocarbon or ethanol processes due to good resin coverage. Rosin pressing of well-cured colas often returns 18–24% at 80–95°C plates, reflecting the cultivar’s resinous character. The low CBD content means the psychoactivity is driven largely by THC and terpenes rather than a THC–CBD synergy. Growers seeking balanced ratios can look to CBD-oriented Amnesia Auto derivatives in the broader market.
Terpene Profile
Amnesia Auto’s terpene profile centers on limonene, terpinolene, and beta-caryophyllene, with myrcene and ocimene frequently present as supporting players. In well-grown samples, limonene often falls around 0.3–0.6% of dry weight, contributing the sparkling citrus. Terpinolene may register 0.2–0.6%, lending the fresh, piney-floral lift that reads as classic Haze. Beta-caryophyllene commonly appears at 0.2–0.5%, supplying the peppery, slightly woody undertone.
Myrcene varies with phenotype and environment but is typically moderate, often in the 0.2–0.5% band rather than the heavy 1%+ seen in sedative lines. This helps explain the energetic, non-sedating feel compared to myrcene-dominant cultivars. Linalool and humulene sometimes show as minor contributors (0.05–0.2% each), rounding out floral sweetness and earthy spice. Ocimene, when present at 0.1–0.4%, gives a tropical snap that blends well with limonene.
Total terpene content in high-performing autos generally spans 1.5–3.0%, and Amnesia Auto can sit at or above the midpoint with attentive cultivation. The breeding community’s use of Strawberry Amnesia Auto as a terpene donor in a separate project underscores how Amnesia-derived autos can carry robust terpene loads reliably. Environmental control is critical to maximize expression; temperatures above 28–29°C during late bloom often cut terpene content by measurable percentages. Keeping canopy temps in check and avoiding late-flower stress preserves the lemon-incense hallmark.
Because terpenes are plastic traits, expect batch-to-batch nuance. Cooler nights may enhance limonene brightness, while warmer rooms can tilt toward spice and wood. Organic soil grows sometimes yield a rounder, more complex bouquet, whereas coco and hydro can emphasize clarity and punch. Regardless of method, a careful dry and cure is the final determinant of the terpene impact in the jar.
Experiential Effects
The effect profile is classic Amnesia in a shorter format: clear, energetic, and mood-elevating with a creative edge. Onset is quick—often 2–5 minutes when inhaled—peaking by 20–30 minutes and sustaining for 90–150 minutes in most users. The headspace is bright and linear rather than hazy or disorienting when harvested with minimal amber. Many report enhanced focus and sociability at modest doses.
Dose size strongly shapes the ride. Small sessions of 1–2 inhalations can feel crisp and functional, suitable for daytime tasks or outdoor activity. Larger consumption can become racy for sensitive users, with elevated heart rate and chatter if anxiety-prone. A lighter hand preserves the strain’s vaunted clarity and avoids overstimulation.
Physically, Amnesia Auto provides light muscle relief and a gentle body buzz but is not typically couch-locking. Appetite stimulation is moderate and often delayed, surfacing after the mental peak wanes. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most common side effects; hydration and eye drops mitigate both. Paranoia rates are low to moderate and most associated with high doses or hectic settings.
Tolerance builds as with any THC-dominant cultivar. Rotating strains or taking 48–72 hour breaks can restore the early sparkle. Users seeking a slightly more grounding effect can harvest with 10–15% amber or pair with a myrcene-rich cultivar in the evening. The net effect remains one of uplift, motivation, and clean finish when handled thoughtfully.
Potential Medical Uses
Although individual responses vary, the energetic and clear profile points to daytime symptom management for select conditions. The limonene–terpinolene–caryophyllene triad has been associated with mood elevation, focus, and anti-inflammatory signaling, complementing THC’s analgesic effects. Observational studies on inhaled cannabis often report 30–50% reductions in self-rated pain intensity within minutes, though results depend on dose and product chemistry. Amnesia Auto’s low CBD means its benefits skew toward acute relief and mood shift rather than broad-spectrum anxiolysis.
Potential use cases include neuropathic pain, migraine prodrome, and task-related fatigue where a stimulating option is preferable. Limonene-rich profiles have been linked in preclinical work to stress-resilience pathways and may support perceived mood lift. Beta-caryophyllene, a CB2 agonist, offers a plausible anti-inflammatory contribution without CB1 intoxication, reinforcing peripheral relief. Users seeking generalized anxiety relief may prefer a higher linalool or CBD-leaning chemotype; Amnesia Auto can be too activating for some.
For appetite and nausea, fast-onset inhalation can be strategically helpful before meals. The effect curve’s clarity allows daytime use without sedation for many, aligning with exercise recovery or physical therapy sessions. Some patients report improved concentration for ADHD-like symptoms in short windows, though responses are highly individualized and evidence remains preliminary. As always, medical decisions should be made with clinician guidance, especially when combining with other medications.
Those sensitive to THC should start with a single inhalation and wait 10–15 minutes before titrating. Harvest choice can tailor effects: earlier harvests feel more cerebral and zesty, while later harvests are steadier and slightly more body-present. Users needing CBD modulation can look to market variants like Amnesia Auto CBD for a gentler psychoactive profile. In all cases, track dose, timing, and outcomes to find a personal therapeutic window.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Lifecycle and timing
Amnesia Auto typically completes in 70–85 days from sprout indoors, with some phenotypes running 90+ days outdoors in cooler climates. Expect a fast juvenile phase (days 1–14), an aggressive stretch window (days 15–35), and rapid calyx swell (days 40–70). Because autos begin flowering on an internal timer, transplant stress and heavy pruning can reduce final yield by 10–30%. Plan the entire grow around minimizing shock while maximizing light and root volume.
Germination and early seedling care
Aim for 24–26°C and 70–80% RH during germination using a moist paper towel or directly into a small starter plug. Most quality seeds show 90%+ germination within 24–72 hours if temperatures and moisture are stable. Once the taproot is 0.5–1.0 cm, transfer carefully into the final container to avoid transplant shock. Seedlings prefer gentle light around 200–300 PPFD for the first 5–7 days.
Containers and media
For soil, a 3–5 gallon (11–19 L) fabric pot balances root room and oxygenation; in coco, 3 gallons (11 L) is ample due to rapid root turnover. Choose a well-aerated mix: 30–40% perlite in coco or a light living soil with added pumice. Pre-charge coco with 0.4–0.6 EC calcium-magnesium and base nutrients before planting. Autos dislike being root-bound; starting in the final pot is a proven yield safeguard.
Lighting strategy
Amnesia Auto thrives under 18/6 or 20/4 schedules; both produce strong results with minimal difference in finish time. Target 400–600 PPFD in early veg (days 7–21) and 700–900 PPFD from early flower onward, keeping canopy temperatures around 24–27°C. Daily Light Integral (DLI) of 30–40 mol/m²/day supports robust flowering without light stress in most rooms. Keep fixtures 30–50 cm above the canopy depending on fixture power and observe leaf posture for clues.
Environment and VPD
Maintain 65–70% RH in seedling stage, 55–60% in early veg, 45–50% in early flower, and 40–45% in late flower. This corresponds to VPD around 0.8–1.0 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in bloom at 24–26°C. Night temps should drop modestly to 20–22°C to protect terpenes. Excessive heat (>29°C) in late bloom can shave terpene totals and encourage foxtailing.
Nutrition and pH
In coco, maintain 5.8–6.2 pH; in soil, run 6.2–6.8 pH. A simple NPK guideline: veg at roughly 3-1-2, early bloom at 1-2-2, and mid-to-late bloom at 1-3-3, adjusting for plant appetite. EC targets: 0.8–1.2 in early veg, 1.4–1.8 in early flower, and 1.8–2.2 at peak bloom if the plant is demanding. Supplement 100–150 ppm Ca and 40–60 ppm Mg in coco to prevent deficiencies common in sativa-leaning autos.
Watering and irrigation
Water to 10–15% runoff in coco to avoid salt accumulation; in soil, water more slowly and allow the top inch to dry slightly between events. Early plants may only drink 200–400 ml per day; peak flower can reach 1–1.5 L per day in 3–5 gallon pots. Weight-of-pot is the most reliable indicator; avoid overwatering seedlings. Consistent moisture and oxygenation drive root health and yield.
Training and canopy management
Low-stress training (LST) is ideal from days 12–25, gently pulling the main stem laterally to open the canopy. Avoid topping after day 18–20 to prevent yield loss in autos; if topping, do it once at the 3rd node by day 14 for the most forgiving window. Selective defoliation is best kept light—remove 4–8 large fan leaves per session to improve light paths without shocking the plant. Expect stretch of 50–100% during days 15–35; plan tie-downs accordingly.
CO2 and airflow
Supplemental CO2 to 900–1200 ppm can increase biomass and yield by 10–20% if PPFD and nutrition are increased proportionally. If not supplementing, prioritize strong, laminar airflow across and above the canopy. Two to four clip fans in a 4×4 ft tent prevent microclimates and mildew. Exchange room air fully every 1–3 minutes through filtered exhaust to manage odor and humidity.
Pest and disease management
A weekly integrated pest management routine keeps problems rare. Use yellow sticky cards to monitor, and consider a rotation of neem or thyme oil in veg, switching to biologicals like Bacillus subtilis and Beauveria bassiana as flower begins. Amnesia Auto’s sativa structure helps airflow, lowering powdery mildew risk if RH is controlled. Always avoid foliar sprays after week 3–4 of flower to prevent residue on buds.
Expected structure, yield, and harvest windows
Indoors, yields of 400–550 g/m² are achievable under optimized LEDs and disciplined training, with skilled growers occasionally exceeding this range. Outdoors, expect 60–180 g per plant depending on pot size, climate, and sunlight (25–35 mol/m²/day DLI in summer signals excellent potential). Trichome maturity guides harvest: for a bright, uplifting effect, aim for mostly cloudy with 5–10% amber; for a slightly rounder body, push to 10–20% amber. Pistils alone are not reliable—always verify with a loupe.
Flushing and finish
In inert media like coco, a 7–10 day low-EC finish (0.2–0.4 EC) can improve ash quality and flavor by clearing residual salts. In living soil, maintain the ecosystem and simply water as normal while the plant senesces. Watch for a natural fade: lower leaves yellowing, petiole colors deepening, and aromas peaking toward citrus marmalade and spice. Avoid extending past the peak of terpenes, as late harvesting can dull the lemon brightness.
Drying and curing
Hang whole plants or large branches at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH with gentle air exchange for 10–14 days. When small stems snap rather than bend, move flowers to glass jars at 62% RH, burping 10–15 minutes daily for the first week, then twice weekly for weeks 2–4. Most lots hit full flavor stride by week 3–5 of cure. Properly cured flowers preserve Amnesia Auto’s citrus-incense character and remain aromatic for months.
Outdoor considerations
Because Amnesia Auto is day-neutral, you can stagger plantings for multiple harvests in a single warm season. Start in late spring when nighttime temps reliably stay above 12–14°C, and finish before heavy autumn rains to avoid botrytis. Full sun exposure (8+ hours, DLI 25–35 mol/m²/day) pays dividends in terpene and cannabinoid totals. Windbreaks and mulch help stabilize microclimate and root zone moisture for steady growth.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting
The most common pitfalls are overfeeding early, topping too late, and overwatering seedlings. Leaf tip burn in weeks 2–3 indicates EC is too high; back off 20–30% and watch new growth. Long internodes and weak stems point to insufficient PPFD or excessive blue-to-red imbalance; raise intensity gradually and improve airflow. If aromas seem muted late flower, verify canopy temps are below 27–28°C and consider reducing light intensity 10–15% for the final week to protect terpenes.
Breeding and seed selection notes
The line’s ability to carry rich terpenes alongside the autoflowering trait is well-recognized among breeders. A documented example showed Strawberry Amnesia Auto being selected specifically for both terpene heft and autoflowering genetics in creating a new auto hybrid, illustrating the utility of Amnesia-derived autos in modern programs. For home seed makers, remember that the autoflower trait is recessive; crossing two autos maintains day neutrality, while crossing to a photoperiod will generally produce photoperiod offspring unless worked further. Select for vigor, aromatic intensity, and stable timing across environments to keep the Amnesia Auto identity strong.
