Written by Ad OpsIntroduction & Overview
Amnesia is a celebrated indica/sativa hybrid that blends classic Haze energy with modern resin production, producing a high-THC, low-CBD profile prized by enthusiasts and patients alike. Bred and popularized in Europe by respected houses including The Plant, this cultivar sits in the same family tree as Amnesia Haze while offering its own phenotype nuances. In consumer datasets, Amnesia is consistently described as uplifting, creative, and euphoric, with a tendency to make people talkative and giggly after just a few pulls. In contrast, negative reports cluster around dry mouth, occasional dizziness, and, at higher doses, bouts of paranoia—typical for potent Haze-leaning genetics.
Amnesia typically registers very high THC, commonly over 20% and often in the 20–26% range in modern markets, while CBD stays low, usually under 1%. This potency window puts it in the upper quartile of retail flower potency in both North America and Europe based on published dispensary lab dashboards. Terpene profiles skew toward bright citrus, spice, and incense, echoing the Haze family’s signature terpinolene, limonene, and myrcene triad. The result is a sensory experience that starts with zesty lemon-peel aromatics and finishes with a peppery, woodsy exhale that lingers.
As a plant, Amnesia tends to grow vigorously with long internodes and a substantial post-flip stretch, traits that reward training and canopy management. It performs well indoors under high-intensity LED or HPS lighting with careful nutrient discipline, and it thrives outdoors in warm, dry late seasons. Growers can achieve excellent yields—500–650 g/m² indoors and 700–1000 g per plant outdoors—when dialing in environmental controls and avoiding overfeeding. For many, Amnesia is a benchmark hybrid that defines the modern, cerebral-yet-functional Haze experience.
History & Breeding Story
The Amnesia name rose to prominence in the Netherlands and broader European scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s, overlapping with the rise of Coffeeshop culture. While multiple breeders have released versions of Amnesia over the years, The Plant’s take on the cultivar is notable for balancing Haze-forward terpenes with robust yields and a dependable structure. This version preserves the heady, uplifting signature while tightening internode spacing and enhancing resin coverage compared to older, lankier Haze cuts. The result is a plant that feels distinctly modern while still reading unmistakably as a member of the Amnesia/Haze family.
The Amnesia moniker has been applied to both pure Haze-dominant phenotypes and more balanced hybrids, which explains why different seedbanks report slightly different flowering times and growth habits. In the market, Amnesia is often contrasted with Amnesia Haze, a phenotype that leans even more heavily into the sativa side with pronounced citrus-incense aromatics. What unites them is a high-THC, low-CBD chemistry and a bright, motivational high that remains a favorite for daytime use. The Plant’s version respects that tradition while tuning for consistency and adaptability in modern indoor rooms.
Consumer recognition of Amnesia grew alongside the modernization of lab testing and online strain databases. With tens of thousands of user reviews indicating effects like euphoria, happiness, and talkativeness, Amnesia carved a niche as a reliable “feel-good” hybrid. This endurance in the market—despite waves of dessert, gas, and purple trends—speaks to the cultivar’s fundamental appeal. It still sells because it works, and its sensory profile remains distinct amid many sweeter, heavier contemporaries.
Genetic Lineage & Phenotypic Variability
Amnesia’s genetic backbone is firmly rooted in the Haze family, with many releases described as a Haze-dominant hybrid refined by backcrossing and selection. While some catalogs list Afghan or Skunk influences to stabilize the line and add bulk, the expression that consumers know as Amnesia retains bright, terpinolene-forward aromatics and an uplifting effect. The Plant’s version is described as indica/sativa, which matches its balanced morphology: taller than average with open branching, yet capable of dense, resinous colas when trained. This balance is a hallmark of many successful European refinements of classic Haze lines.
Phenotypically, growers may encounter two main expressions: a citrus-incense phenotype with airy, fox-tailed tops, and a slightly denser phenotype with more Skunk-like body and fuller calyx stacking. The former tends to finish a week later and tests high in terpinolene and ocimene; the latter brings a touch more myrcene and β-caryophyllene, often enhancing peppery and woody notes. Both phenotypes commonly fall into the 60–75 day flowering window indoors, with the denser expression leaning toward the short end. Seed selections from The Plant aim to reduce outliers and bring consistency to canopy height and ripening.
From a breeding perspective, Amnesia provides a robust donor for terpene complexity and psychoactive clarity. Crosses with indica-heavy lines often retain the citrus-incense top note while softening the raciness and shortening flowering time by 5–10 days. Examples in the market—such as Amnesia Lemon or Amnesia x AK-47—illustrate how the parent’s clarity and citrus profile blend into hybrids with distinct personalities. This versatility keeps Amnesia genetics relevant to both breeders and growers seeking signature aromas and elevating effects.
Appearance & Bud Structure
Amnesia presents long, tapering colas with a moderate-to-high calyx-to-leaf ratio, making for reasonably easy trimming when grown well. The buds tend to be lime to forest green, overlaid with clusters of amber to tangerine pistils that shoot outward in curly strokes. In warmer, high-light rooms, light foxtailing is common, producing conical bract stacks with high trichome density. This trait, often seen in Haze families, increases surface area for terpene volatilization and contributes to the strain’s loud aroma.
Trichomes are abundant and predominantly capitate-stalked, with generous head size that presses well for full-melt or rosin. Under magnification, heads mature from clear to cloudy and then to 10–20% amber near peak ripeness, a cue many growers use to balance psychoactivity with body feel. The resin has a glassy, sticky character at room temperature, indicating robust terpene content (often 1.5–2.5% total terpenes by weight in top-shelf samples). Bag appeal is high, especially when colas are cured whole and trimmed post-cure to preserve the frosted exterior.
Bud density is variable across phenotypes and environments, ranging from medium-density, feather-light Haze spears to firmer, more Skunk-influenced tops. In controlled indoor grows with optimized PPFD and VPD, Amnesia can form satisfyingly dense colas without sacrificing aromatic expression. Outdoors, where late-season humidity can rise, the airier phenotype is actually advantageous for airflow and mold resistance. Either way, the cultivar rewards careful dry and cure to keep the fragile lemon-spice top notes intact.
Aroma & Nose
On the nose, Amnesia delivers a distinctive citrus-incense bouquet framed by sweet herbs and fresh-cut wood. The top note is lemon zest and sweet orange peel, a signature linked to limonene and terpinolene synergy. Underneath, you’ll often find cardamom, black pepper, and a faint “church incense” nuance that Haze aficionados view as a badge of authenticity. This spice-and-wood background is usually attributable to β-caryophyllene and humulene working in tandem.
Breaking up the flower intensifies the citrus while releasing green, slightly floral tones reminiscent of lemongrass tea and eucalyptus. Some samples exhibit a faint tropical fruit undertone—think mango skin or green guava—when ocimene and linalool join the chorus. Cured properly at 58–62% RH, the aroma opens progressively over 2–4 weeks, peaking around week four as chlorophyll dissipates. Subpar cures can mute the citrus and exaggerate pepper, so storage conditions matter.
Compared with sweeter dessert cultivars, Amnesia’s aroma reads cleaner and more botanical, with less caramelized sugar and more crisp zest. The scent throw in a jar is strong; it is not unusual for a single eighth to perfume a small room on opening. In blind sessions, experienced tasters often identify Amnesia or its Haze kin by the unmistakable lemon-incense fingerprint. This consistency has helped the cultivar retain a dedicated following despite flavor trend cycles.
Flavor & Mouthfeel
The first impression on the palate is bright lemon and orange rind, followed by a peppery tickle on the exhale. A cedar-like woodiness lingers, joined by herbaceous hints of basil and lemongrass. As the joint or bowl progresses, the flavor deepens into a slightly sweeter, tea-like profile, suggesting a blend of terpinolene and myrcene. Vaporizing at 175–190°C accentuates citrus and floral high notes, while combustion highlights spice and wood.
Mouthfeel is clean and brisk rather than creamy or heavy, with a subtle effervescence that some associate with terpinolene-dominant flowers. Well-flushed, properly cured buds burn to a light gray ash and leave a pleasant, dry citrus finish. Over-dried flower loses volatile top notes, so keeping cured buds at 58–62% RH preserves both aroma and flavor fidelity. In extracts, Amnesia’s citrus-incense character translates best in live resin and cold-cured rosin, where terpene retention is maximized.
For pairing, the strain complements bright foods and beverages: sparkling water with lemon, green tea, or citrus-forward salads. Coffee can exacerbate raciness for sensitive users, so lighter, lower-caffeine pairings are ideal for daytime sessions. The clean finish makes back-to-back sessions less cloying than with dessert cultivars, which can fatigue the palate. Overall, Amnesia’s flavor profile is a masterclass in crisp, botanical clarity.
Cannabinoid Profile & Potency Data
Consistent with live market reports, Amnesia typically tests in the high-THC, low-CBD bracket. Common retail ranges show THC at 20–26%, with occasional outliers from 18–28% depending on phenotype and cultivation. CBD is usually between 0.1–0.8%, rarely crossing 1%. This aligns with listings that categorize Amnesia as a high-THC, low-CBD hybrid with strong euphoric and creative effects.
Minor cannabinoids frequently measured include CBG at 0.2–1.0% and THCV in trace amounts, often 0.05–0.5%. While THCV is low, its presence may subtly shape the energetic, clear-headed feel that users report. Total cannabinoids (the sum of all detected) in top-shelf lots often land between 22–30%, underscoring the cultivar’s potency potential. These figures place Amnesia firmly in the upper tier relative to the average dispensary flower, which commonly falls around 16–20% THC in many markets.
It is worth noting that potency is a function of both genetics and cultivation. Dense, well-lit tops with optimized environmental controls often test 2–4 percentage points higher in THC than lower-canopy or poorly lit buds on the same plant. Harvest timing also matters: pulling at peak milky trichomes with 10–20% amber can maximize THC while balancing effect. Overripe flowers may show an increase in oxidation products and a slight shift in subjective feel toward sedation.
Terpene Profile & Chemistry
Amnesia’s terpene profile is typically led by terpinolene and limonene, with myrcene and β-caryophyllene playing strong supporting roles. In analytical testing of Haze-line cultivars, terpinolene often tops the chart at 0.4–1.0%, contributing to the bright, piney-citrus snap and perceived mental clarity. Limonene is commonly 0.3–0.8%, enhancing lemon zest aromatics and mood-elevating effects reported by consumers. Myrcene sits around 0.2–0.6%, smoothing edges and deepening the herbaceous undertone without tipping the high into couchlock.
Additional contributors include ocimene (0.1–0.5%) for green, tropical sweetness and β-caryophyllene (0.2–0.6%) for peppery warmth that interfaces with CB2 receptors. Humulene (0.1–0.3%) introduces dry, woody nuances, while linalool (0.05–0.2%) can add a faint floral echo in certain phenotypes. Total terpene content in top-shelf Amnesia typically ranges from 1.5–2.5% by weight, with exceptional crops pushing beyond 3.0%. This terpene load supports the strain’s loud, persistent aroma and its uplifting reputation.
These chemical signatures mirror broader findings across the Haze family. Terpinolene-dominant chemovars like Amnesia and Amnesia Haze are regularly associated with euphoric, invigorating experiences in user reports. This consistency suggests that the terpene ensemble—rather than THC alone—plays a meaningful role in shaping the cultivar’s character. For consumers seeking a daytime, creativity-forward profile, Amnesia’s chemistry is a statistically reliable predictor of “bright” effects.
Experiential Effects & Use Cases
User reports consistently tag Amnesia as euphoric, uplifting, and talkative, making it a social and creativity-friendly option. In effect surveys, descriptors like “giggly,” “energetic,” and “motivated” appear frequently among top mentions for the Amnesia family. Onset with inhalation is rapid—often within 2–5 minutes—with peak effects at 15–30 minutes and a typical duration of 2–3 hours. The mental clarity differentiates it from heavier hybrids, keeping the mind engaged rather than fogged.
At moderate doses, many users note an increase in ideation, divergent thinking, and verbal throughput, which suits brainstorming or collaborative tasks. Musically, the strain pairs well with upbeat genres and can enhance sensory acuity without overwhelming introspection. Physically, there’s a light, buzzy stimulation—more “standing desk” than “couch lock”—which aligns with daytime use. For newcomers or those sensitive to racy strains, small-dose titration is essential to avoid jitters.
Common side effects include dry mouth and occasional dizziness, especially if hydration is neglected. At higher doses, a subset of users reports transient anxiety or paranoia, a pattern that mirrors other potent Haze-leaning cultivars. Using a vaporizer at lower temperatures and spacing puffs can mitigate intensity while preserving flavor. As always, set and setting matter; a comfortable environment often improves outcomes with energetic strains.
Potential Medical Applications & Risks
Amnesia’s high THC and terpene ensemble may support relief for stress, low mood, and fatigue in some patients. Anecdotal and survey data frequently highlight improvements in motivation and outlook, with users citing enhanced focus for short durations. For mood disorders, uplifting strains are often selected during daytime to avoid sedation, and Amnesia aligns with that preference. That said, individual responses vary, and formal clinical evidence for specific indications remains limited.
Patients dealing with neuropathic discomfort sometimes report short-term distraction from pain due to the cultivar’s engaging, euphoric quality. The β-caryophyllene content may contribute to perceived anti-inflammatory effects via CB2, though the magnitude at typical inhaled doses is not well quantified. Some individuals with ADHD-like symptoms find the activating profile beneficial in micro to moderate doses, while others may feel overstimulated. As with all cannabis use, careful titration and journaling of responses can help identify personal therapeutic windows.
Risks include anxiety, paranoia, and tachycardia in susceptible individuals, especially at higher doses or in unfamiliar settings. Those with a history of panic disorder may prefer lower-THC or CBD-rich alternatives, or they may mix Amnesia with CBD flower to modulate intensity. Dry mouth and dry eyes are common and manageable with hydration and eye drops. Patients should consult healthcare professionals when integrating cannabis with existing medications, as THC can interact with certain drug classes.
Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Cure
Amnesia thrives in controlled indoor environments and temperate outdoor climates with a dry, sunny finish. Indoors, expect a 1.5–2.5x stretch after flip; plan vertical clearance and training accordingly. Vegetative periods of 4–6 weeks under 18/6 light build robust branch structure before flowering under 12/12. Typical flowering time is 9–11 weeks, with some citrus-forward phenos leaning toward week 10 and denser expressions finishing closer to week 9.
Lighting intensity targets of 400–600 µmol/m²/s PPFD in veg and 700–1000 µmol/m²/s in flower work well without supplemental CO2. With CO2 at 1000–1200 ppm, growers can push flower PPFD toward 1100–1200 µmol/m²/s if VPD and feed are in balance. Maintain day temperatures of 24–28°C (75–82°F) and night temperatures of 18–22°C (64–72°F). Target VPD around 0.8–1.2 kPa in early flower, drifting to 1.1–1.4 kPa in late flower to reduce mold risk.
Soil grows do well at pH 6.2–6.8; hydro/coco performs at pH 5.6–6.0. EC in veg can range 1.2–1.8, rising to 1.8–2.2 in peak bloom depending on cultivar appetite and environment. Amnesia can be sensitive to overfeeding, especially with nitrogen beyond week three of flower; reduce N and emphasize P and K as pistil production peaks. Cal-Mag supplementation is often helpful under high-intensity LEDs to prevent interveinal chlorosis and tip burn.
Training is essential to manage height and maximize yield. Low-stress training (LST) and topping produce a flat, even canopy; Screen of Green (ScrOG) further optimizes light distribution across multiple tops. Expect to tie down vigorous limbs, especially in phenotypes reminiscent of Amnesia Haze; growers commonly report needing multiple tie points to keep tops from light burn. Avoid tight Sea of Green (SoG) with minimal veg unless you prefer many small spears; the cultivar performs best with shaped, well-spaced plants.
Defoliation should be moderate and timed. Remove large fan leaves that shade interior sites just before flip and again around week three to four of flower. Over-defoliation can increase foxtailing and stress in Haze-leaning plants, so preserve enough foliage to maintain metabolic stability. Good lateral airflow and top-down circulation keep colas dry and terpene-rich.
Irrigation practices should prioritize oxygenation and a dry-back rhythm. In coco and hydro, frequent light feeds maintain steady EC while preventing salt buildup; run 10–20% runoff to avoid accumulation. In living soil, allow containers to dry to the first knuckle between waterings, then saturate evenly. Enzymes or beneficial microbes can help maintain root health throughout the long bloom.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is critical due to the long flowering window. Preventive releases of predatory mites, along with sticky cards and weekly inspections, help keep spider mites and thrips at bay. Foliar sprays should be confined to vegetative stages; in flower, use biological controls and environmental tuning only. Keep late-flower humidity under 50% RH where possible to deter Botrytis in dense colas.
Outdoors, Amnesia likes full sun and well-draining soil with ample calcium. Plant in-ground or in large fabric pots (50–100L) to support root mass and water buffering. In Mediterranean-like climates, harvest typically lands in mid-to-late October; in cooler or wetter regions, consider greenhouse protection to avoid autumn rains. Trellising prevents wind damage and helps support long, weighty colas as they fill out.
Yields can be impressive with dialed-in environments. Indoors, 500–650 g/m² is a realistic target under 600–800W of quality LED in a 1.2 × 1.2 m tent, with skilled growers pushing higher. Outdoors, single plants can produce 700–1000 g with long vegetative periods and good late-season weather. Resin production is strong, making Amnesia a good candidate for live extracts and dry-sift when harvested at peak trichome maturity.
Harvest timing is best judged with a loupe or microscope. Pull when trichomes are mostly cloudy with 10–20% amber for a balanced, euphoric effect; earlier harvests feel racier, while later lean heavier. Flushing in inert media for 7–10 days, or tapering feeds in soil, can improve ash quality and flavor. Aim to avoid visible nutrient stress in late flower to preserve aroma intensity and smoothness.
Harvest, Drying & Curing
After harvest, hang whole plants or large branches to slow dry for 7–14 days at 18–20°C (64–68°F) and 55–60% RH. Haze-influenced flowers benefit from a patient dry that protects volatile terpenes like terpinolene and ocimene. Gentle airflow that moves air around, not directly on, the flowers helps prevent case hardening. Stems should snap rather than bend before you begin the cure.
Cure in airtight glass jars or food-grade containers, filling to 70–80% capacity to leave headspace. Burp daily for the first week, then every few days for weeks two to four, targeting an internal RH of 58–62%. Over the first month, chlorophyll dissipates and citrus-incense aromatics intensify, often reaching a peak around weeks three to four. Well-cured Amnesia stores flavor for months if kept cool, dark, and sealed.
For extractors, freezing fresh-cut flowers for live products preserves the bright top notes exceptionally well. If making dry sift or bubble hash, a 7–10 day dry followed by a 2–4 week cure can sharpen resin brittleness and yield. Always avoid excessive handling of dried buds, as trichome heads can shear off with agitation. Proper post-harvest handling is as critical to quality as the grow itself.
Comparisons: Amnesia vs. Amnesia Haze
Amnesia and Amnesia Haze share a clear family resemblance—both are high-THC, low-CBD cultivars with citrus-incense bouquets and euphoric, talkative effects. Amnesia Haze is typically positioned as more sativa-leaning, with taller stretch, longer flowering times (often 10–12+ weeks), and more pronounced terpinolene dominance. Growers frequently report needing to tie down multiple limbs in Amnesia Haze, with heightened sensitivity to light burn and feeding—traits that have been specifically noted by home growers. Amnesia, by contrast, tends to be slightly more manageable, with 9–11 week finishes and a modestly denser bud structure in many phenos.
On the palate, both feature lemon and spice, but Amnesia sometimes presents a touch more herbaceous wood and less tropical sweetness than certain Amnesia Haze cuts. In effect, both skew uplifting and social, but Amnesia often feels a notch smoother and less jittery at comparable doses for many users. That said, dosing and individual sensitivity profoundly shape the experience; some users find Amnesia Haze’s extra edge perfect for creative sprints. For cultivation, cultivators deciding between the two can factor in available headroom and willingness to manage a longer bloom.
Consumer Tips & Responsible Use
Start low and go slow, especially if you’re sensitive to energetic strains. One to two small puffs, wait 10 minutes, and reassess is a good guideline for new users with high-THC cultivars. Vaporizing at lower temps (175–190°C) preserves flavor and can moderate the intensity compared with deep combustion pulls. Hydration before and during sessions helps mitigate dry mouth and dizziness.
Consider your setting: Amnesia shines in daylight hours, social gatherings, creative projects, or active tasks. If you’re prone to anxiety, pair with calming activities, soothing music, or a small CBD ratio to soften edges. Avoid combining with high doses of caffeine until you understand your personal response. Always store cannabis out of reach of children and pets and adhere to local laws.
If you overconsume, breathe, hydrate, and find a comfortable space; effects typically subside within a couple of hours. Black peppercorn sniffing or chewing is anecdotally helpful for anxiety for some, possibly due to β-caryophyllene. Future sessions can be tuned by reducing dose or choosing lower-THC flowers. Responsible use preserves the enjoyable clarity that makes Amnesia special.
Key Data Snapshot
Type: Indica/Sativa hybrid (Haze-dominant expression)
Typical THC: 20–26% (outliers 18–28%)
Typical CBD: 0.1–0.8%
Minor cannabinoids: CBG 0.2–1.0%; THCV 0.05–0.5%
Total terpenes: 1.5–2.5% (exceptional >3.0%)
Dominant terpenes: Terpinolene, Limonene, Myrcene, β-Caryophyllene, Ocimene
Flowering time (indoor): 9–11 weeks
Stretch: 1.5–2.5x after flip
Indoor yield: 500–650 g/m² (optimized environments)
Outdoor yield: 700–1000 g/plant (large containers/in-ground)
Climate: Temperate to warm with dry finish
Breeder: The Plant (European release noted)
Reported effects: Euphoric, creative, talkative, giggly; negatives include dry mouth, dizziness, and occasional paranoia
