Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Amnesia Haze Auto is the autoflowering reinterpretation of one of Europe’s most decorated sativas, created by the Dutch breeding house Barneys Farm. The original Amnesia Haze earned a reputation across Amsterdam coffeeshops in the 2000s for its effusive citrus-incense profile and soaring cerebral lift. To translate that character into an easier, faster crop, Barneys Farm introduced a robust ruderalis line to the classic Haze genetics, aiming to preserve the unmistakable “Amnesia” brightness while compressing the growth cycle.
Autoflowering cannabis arises from Cannabis ruderalis, a subspecies adapted to short summers and extreme latitudes, where day length is unreliable as a flowering cue. By integrating ruderalis traits into a sativa-dominant parent like Amnesia Haze, breeders achieve a plant that initiates bloom by age rather than photoperiod. The result is a cultivar that typically finishes in 70–80 days from sprout, in contrast to the 11–14 week bloom period of many photoperiod Hazes.
Commercial listings consistently describe Amnesia Haze Auto as an “autoflower that smokes like a Haze,” and yield and potency figures support that claim. Seedshop data captured via Cannaconnection’s marketplace notes a THC content around 21% and an indoor yield potential of 450–550 g/m², placing it at the upper tier for autos. Those numbers align with the modern generation of premium autos that routinely exceed 18–20% THC while harvesting in under three months.
The cultivar’s rapid rise in popularity mirrors the broader market shift toward compact, high-throughput grows at home and in micro-licensed spaces. Autoflowers reduce logistical complexity, allowing staggered planting and perpetual harvests without light schedule changes. Amnesia Haze Auto, with Barneys Farm’s pedigree, leveraged that shift by offering an iconic flavor and effect package in a highly approachable format for new and experienced growers alike.
Genetic Lineage and Botany
Barneys Farm lists the heritage of Amnesia Haze Auto as ruderalis/sativa, which in practical terms means a Haze-forward sativa infused with a flowering-time gene set from ruderalis. Classic Amnesia Haze traces back to a mosaic of tropical landraces—often described as South Asian and Jamaican lines—with a Haze backbone emphasizing terpinolene-forward terpenes. This ancestry yields the hallmark citrus-peel, sandalwood, and spice bouquet that differentiates it from lemony skunks or diesel lines.
The ruderalis contribution does not erase the sativa architecture but tempers it into a more compact, controllable plant. Growers typically observe medium internodal spacing and a reluctance to stack into dense colas unless environmental parameters are finely tuned. The structure remains airy-to-medium dense, which is advantageous in humid climates because it reduces the risk of botrytis while still delivering respectable flower mass.
From a developmental standpoint, autos do not rely on day-length reduction to trigger bloom. Instead, a set of age-related mechanisms, introgressed from ruderalis, onset pre-flower typically at 3–4 weeks from sprout. In Amnesia Haze Auto, full flowering often asserts by days 28–32, with rapid calyx production occurring through weeks 5–9 before ripening signals—pistil recession and trichome maturation—dominate the final two weeks.
Breeding autos presents a particular challenge: preserving the complex terpene matrix of a parent like Amnesia Haze while shortening life cycle and stabilizing morphology. Barneys Farm’s rendition prioritizes flavor retention and cognitive clarity, as evidenced by the terpene profile reported anecdotally by users and retailers. Compared with indica-leaning autos, this cut tends to produce higher terpinolene and ocimene fractions, aligning it closely with legacy Haze chemotypes.
Morphology and Visual Characteristics
In veg, Amnesia Haze Auto generally exhibits narrow leaflets, a sativa hallmark that enables better airflow through the canopy. Node spacing is moderately open, helping light penetrate deeper and encouraging auxiliary bud development on lateral branches. Plants commonly reach 60–100 cm indoors with minimal training, though skilled low-stress training (LST) can spread the canopy and hold the apex to 70–80 cm for improved light uniformity.
The flowers present a frosty, sugar-dusted appearance even by mid bloom, with trichomes coating bracts and sugar leaves early. Calyxes are slim and stack into elongated spears rather than chunky golf-ball nuggets. Under optimal conditions—steady VPD, adequate calcium/magnesium, and high, even PPFD—buds firm up to a medium density while retaining the Haze airiness that resists mold.
Coloration is typically lime to olive green, with vivid orange to apricot pistils that darken to sienna as maturity approaches. Anthocyanin expression is uncommon in this line unless subjected to cooler night temperatures near the end of flower. Resin heads are abundant and bulbous, making the strain visibly sticky and well-suited for dry-sift or ice water extraction even from an autoflower.
By harvest, plants often carry one dominant central cola surrounded by a ring of consistently filled satellite tops if LST was applied early. Untrained plants may show a taller central spear with smaller underdeveloped sites, reflecting the sativa tendency to prioritize apical dominance. The overall bag appeal leans toward the classic Haze look—elongated spears with shimmering resin and a citrus-incense aroma that announces itself immediately upon opening.
Aroma and Bouquet
The bouquet is unmistakably Haze: bright lemon zest, sweet orange peel, and fresh herbs on first crack of the jar. As the flower warms, a wave of incense, cypress, and pepper unfurls, suggesting a terpene axis dominated by terpinolene with support from ocimene and beta-caryophyllene. A faint sweetness—sometimes described as honeyed tea or lemongrass syrup—lingers in the background and rounds the profile.
Freshly ground flower intensifies the citrus top notes while releasing a volatile green note reminiscent of crushed pine needles. This is typical of monoterpene-rich chemotypes, where terpinolene and limonene volatilize quickly and can fill a room within minutes. Earthy, slightly musky base notes reveal themselves late, likely due to myrcene and humulene components.
Upon curing for 4–8 weeks, the aroma becomes more layered and less sharp, with the incense and cedar elements gaining prominence. Properly dried at 60/60 (60°F/60% RH) preserves these delicate monoterpenes; overly warm or rapid drying mutes the citrus and pushes the resin toward generic herbal tones. Air-tight storage at water activity 0.55–0.62 maintains aromatic stability and reduces terpene loss over time.
Compared to skunk-leaning autos, Amnesia Haze Auto is less sulfuric and more perfumed, with a cleaner, more uplifting nose. This makes it feel “lighter” and more invigorating when smelled side-by-side with fuel or garlic-forward cultivars. The bouquet alone often telegraphs the energetic experience many users report post-consumption.
Flavor Profile and Combustion/Vaping Notes
The smoke carries a zesty, lemon-lime snap on the inhale, with sweet citrus candy layered over dry herbs and faint anise. On the exhale, a peppery bite and resinous incense tone appear, adding depth and preventing the profile from reading as purely sweet. This interplay of bright and spicy notes is a signature of Haze-descended terpinolene chemotypes.
In a vaporizer at 175–190°C, terpinolene and ocimene shine with remarkable clarity, and the overall flavor feels floral, herbal, and effervescent. Raising temperature toward 200°C draws out caryophyllene and humulene, shifting the palate toward sandalwood, black pepper, and hop-like bitterness. The strain tends to perform exceptionally in convection vaporizers, where delicate top notes remain intact across multiple draws.
Combustion preserves the lemon and spice core reasonably well but can flatten the floral nuances if temperatures surge. A slow, even burn with well-cured flower accentuates the herb-sweet balance and avoids harshness. Because monoterpenes are volatile, users seeking maximum flavor fidelity should grind immediately before use and store flower in cool, dark conditions.
Edible infusions capture a different expression, skewing more toward citrus peel and herbal bitterness due to decarboxylation and lipid infusion processes. Adding a small amount of citrus zest to cannabutter complements the cultivar’s natural flavor and balances the grassy undertones. As with other potent autos, dosing should start low because the uplift can be pronounced when eaten.
Cannabinoid Composition and Potency
Multiple seedshop listings, including data accessible via Cannaconnection, report Amnesia Haze Auto near 21% THC with indoor yields around 450–550 g/m². That potency places it in the top tier of contemporary autos, which frequently land between 18–22% THC. Individual phenotypes may vary, with some growers reporting slightly lower or higher results depending on environment, harvest timing, and post-harvest handling.
CBD content is typically minimal, generally below 0.5% and often closer to 0.1–0.2%. CBG frequently appears in the 0.2–0.8% range in Haze-leaning profiles, though results depend on lab methodology and maturity at harvest. Trace THCV (0.1–0.3%) is sometimes observed in sativa-heavy lines, but it is not a defining cannabinoid for this cultivar.
For context, a 0.2 g joint of 21% THC flower contains approximately 42 mg of THC. Inhalation bioavailability ranges broadly from 10% to 35% depending on device and user technique, so systemic exposure from that joint could span roughly 4–15 mg. Such a dose is sufficient to induce strong psychoactive effects in most occasional users and a bright, stimulating headspace in tolerant consumers.
Autos can show modest potency penalties compared with their photoperiod parents, but modern breeding has narrowed that gap significantly. With optimized lighting, sufficient calcium and magnesium, and careful harvest timing, Amnesia Haze Auto routinely tests within the low-20% THC band. The line’s potency combined with its abbreviated lifecycle underlies its popularity in home grows and boutique production.
Dominant Terpenes and Minor Aromatics
Although terpenes vary by phenotype and cultivation method, Amnesia Haze Auto commonly expresses a terpinolene-dominant profile. In analogous Haze chemotypes, terpinolene can constitute 20–35% of total terpene content, with ocimene often in the 10–15% range. Myrcene and beta-caryophyllene together frequently sum to another 18–30%, with limonene, humulene, and linalool providing supporting roles.
Total terpene content in well-grown autos often falls between 1.5% and 3.0% by dry weight. Growers maximizing slow drying and cool curing report brighter citrus and floral top notes, reflecting preservation of monoterpenes like terpinolene and limonene. Conversely, heat stress and rapid dehydration disproportionately strip these volatiles, leaving a flatter, more generic herbal aroma.
Beta-caryophyllene introduces a spicy-black-pepper edge and is one of the few terpenes that directly binds to CB2 receptors, although the physiological significance in whole-flower use remains under study. Humulene adds a dry, woody bitterness reminiscent of hops, especially at higher vaporization temperatures. Linalool may appear at low levels, contributing subtle lavender and sweet floral hints that soften the spice.
Minor contributors like alpha-pinene and beta-pinene are frequently detectable and correlate with the piney, resinous undertone in the bouquet. These pinenes are associated with a perceived “clear-headed” quality in user reports, complementing the cultivar’s energizing effects. Taken together, the terpene stack paints a classic Haze profile that is bright, crisp, and complex yet not overwhelmingly skunky or fuel-forward.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
The onset is typically quick—often within 2–5 minutes when inhaled—with a rising, sparkling euphoria and sharpened focus. Users describe a clean, uplifting cerebral buzz that enhances conversation, music, and creative tasks. Body sensation remains light to medium, with minimal couchlock, especially at moderate doses.
As intensity builds, the headspace can become expansive and energetic, sometimes bordering on racy for those sensitive to sativas. Heart rate increases of 10–20 beats per minute are common acute effects of THC-rich sativas, and Amnesia Haze Auto is no exception. Individuals prone to anxiety or panic with stimulatory strains should start with very small doses and consider consumption in calm, familiar settings.
Duration typically spans 2–3 hours when inhaled, with the peak experience in the first 60–90 minutes. The glide down tends to be gentle, often leaving users with lingering mental clarity and an uplifted mood rather than sedation. Vaporization at lower temperatures emphasizes the energizing side of the experience, while hotter vapor or larger smoked doses tilt the effect toward a fuller, more immersive high.
Typical use cases include daytime creative work, brainstorming sessions, outdoor activities, and social gatherings where a buoyant mood is desired. Many people report enhanced appreciation of sensory detail—color, sound, and flavor—without heavy motor impairment at modest doses. Because of its potency, it is wise to avoid combining with other strong stimulants such as high-dose caffeine until individual tolerance is understood.
Potential Therapeutic Applications
While individual responses vary and clinical evidence for specific cultivars is limited, the profile of Amnesia Haze Auto suggests several potential areas of interest. The uplifting, mood-brightening character may be appealing to individuals seeking daytime relief from low mood or lethargy. The relative lack of heavy body sedation can support functionality for routine tasks when dosed judiciously.
Some users report temporary relief from stress-related tension and the ability to reframe anxious thinking at low doses. However, as with many sativa-leaning strains, higher doses may exacerbate anxiety in susceptible individuals, underscoring the importance of slow titration. CBD co-administration or balanced strains may help temper overstimulation for those sensitive to THC.
The spicy-citrus terpene blend—particularly limonene and caryophyllene—has been hypothesized to contribute to anxiolytic or mood-supportive effects in preclinical settings. Human data are still developing, and the entourage effect is complex, making individual experimentation and medical guidance important. For neuropathic discomfort, some patients prefer uplifting sativas during the day, reserving heavier indica profiles for sleep and nighttime relief.
Ultimately, outcomes depend on dose, delivery method, set and setting, and personal biochemistry. Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, anxiety disorders, or a history of psychosis should consult healthcare professionals before use. This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice; local laws and personal medical circumstances should guide all decisions.
Cultivation and Grower’s Guide
Lifecycle and timing: Amnesia Haze Auto typically finishes in 70–80 days from sprout under optimal indoor conditions. Pre-flower appears by days 21–28, early bloom by week 4, and peak flowering in weeks 5–9. A common harvest window is days 70–77, though some phenotypes benefit from an extra week for full terpene development and partial amber trichomes.
Yield: Seedshop data captured via Cannaconnection lists 450–550 g/m² indoors for dialed-in grows, aligning with many growers’ reports. Outdoors or in balconies, expect 70–200 g per plant depending on container volume, season length, and sunlight intensity. Autos generally produce best when seeded directly into their final container to avoid transplant shock and lost time.
Plant size and training: Indoors, plan for a 60–100 cm finished height when using 18–20 hours of light with moderate PPFD. Gentle low-stress training (LST) beginning around day 14–18 helps flatten the canopy and drive multiple tops without stressing the plant. Avoid topping after week 3; autos have limited veg windows and recover slowly from high-stress training.
Environment: Maintain 24–28°C daytime and 20–22°C nighttime temperatures. Relative humidity should track 65–70% for seedlings, 55–60% in veg, 45–50% early flower, and 40–45% late flower. Aim for a VPD around 0.8–1.0 kPa in veg and 1.1–1.4 kPa during flowering for steady transpiration and nutrient flow.
Lighting: Autoflowers do not require a 12/12 switch; most growers run 18/6 through the entire cycle. A PPFD range of 450–650 µmol/m²/s in early growth and 700–900 µmol/m²/s in mid-to-late flower works well without CO2 enrichment. For maximum yields, some advanced growers push 900–1,050 µmol/m²/s with 800–1,200 ppm CO2, but careful heat management and feeding adjustments are required.
Light schedule and DLI: At 18 hours, 700 µmol/m²/s corresponds to a daily light integral (DLI) near 45 mol/m²/day, ideal for robust autos. If running 20/4, reduce PPFD slightly to keep DLI within 40–50 mol/m²/day and avoid light stress. Keep LED fixtures 30–45 cm above the canopy once acclimated, watching for leaf edge curl or bleaching.
Medium and containers: In soil, use 11–15 L (3–4 gal) fabric pots to balance root volume and oxygenation; coco coir performs excellently in 12–20 L pots with frequent fertigation. Start seeds in their final container to avoid growth stalls. An airy mix with 20–30% perlite improves drainage and reduces overwatering risk.
Nutrition: Target pH 6.2–6.8 in soil and 5.8–6.2 in coco/hydro. EC guidelines: 0.6–0.8 in early seedling, 1.0–1.3 in early veg, 1.3–1.6 in late veg/early flower, and 1.6–2.0 in mid-to-late flower depending on plant response. A general NPK arc of 3-1-2 in veg shifting to 1-2-3 in bloom suits this sativa-leaning auto.
Calcium and magnesium: Under strong LEDs, supplement 100–150 ppm Ca and 40–60 ppm Mg to prevent interveinal chlorosis and brittle growth. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) additions at 0.3–0.5 g/L in coco can correct emerging Mg deficiencies quickly. Silica at 50–100 ppm strengthens stems and may improve stress tolerance.
Irrigation: Keep media evenly moist but never waterlogged; autos dislike extremes. In coco, apply multiple small fertigation events daily by mid bloom, targeting 10–20% runoff to maintain root-zone EC stability. In soil, water when the top 2–3 cm are dry, and avoid heavy saturation in early weeks to encourage root exploration.
Training and canopy management: Begin LST once the third node has developed and stems are pliable. Spiral the main stem gently around the pot’s perimeter and pin side branches to create an even canopy. Defoliation should be light and strategic—remove only leaves that clearly block sites or trap moisture, and avoid stripping more than 10–15% of leaf mass at a time.
Pest and disease management: The cultivar’s medium-density flowers are moderately resistant to botrytis, but vigilance is still essential late in bloom. Implement preventive IPM: sticky traps, regular scouting, and beneficial insects such as Phytoseiulus persimilis for spider mites and Amblyseius swirskii for thrips/whitefly. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drenches help suppress fungus gnat larvae in moist media.
Outdoors: Amnesia Haze Auto performs well in temperate-to-warm climates with at least 6–8 hours of direct sun. Because it finishes in ~10–11 weeks, multiple sequential runs per season are possible in Mediterranean zones. Use 20–30 L fabric pots or raised beds for maximum vigor, stake branches to resist wind, and position plants where morning sun dries dew quickly to mitigate mildew.
CO2 and advanced methods: In sealed rooms maintaining 800–1,200 ppm CO2, yields can increase 10–20% when paired with high PPFD and optimal nutrition. Hydroponic methods like recirculating deep water culture (RDWC) can accelerate growth, but autos demand careful root-zone oxygenation and temperature control (18–20°C solution temperature). Regardless of system, stable environment and gentle handling matter more than chasing maximum inputs.
Flowering progression and diagnostics: Weeks 5–6 usually show rapid calyx stacking with a surge in terpene output—rooms become intensely aromatic. By weeks 7–8, pistils begin to recede, and trichomes shift from clear to cloudy; resin heads swell. Watch for calcium-related micro-cracking on fast-growing colas under high light; adjust Ca/Mg and humidity if necessary.
Harvest timing: For a bright, electric effect, harvest when trichomes are ~5–10% amber with the majority cloudy. For a slightly rounder, more grounded effect, allow 10–15% amber development. Many growers land between days 70 and 77 from sprout; a minority of phenotypes prefer day 80–84 for full aromatic maturity.
Flush and finish: In coco/hydro, a 5–7 day low-EC finish helps remove residual salts; in soil, 10–14 days of reduced feeding and plain water is common practice. Keep late-flower RH near 40–45% and strong, but indirect, airflow to protect against mold. Reduce nighttime temperatures by 2–3°C during the final week to enhance terpene retention and minimize foxtailing under high PPFD.
Drying and curing: Dry for 10–14 days at 60°F and 60% RH with very gentle airflow and darkness, aiming for a slow moisture migration. Stems should snap, not bend, before jarring; then cure at 62% RH with daily burps the first week, tapering over 4–6 weeks. Target final moisture content around 10–12% or water activity 0.55–0.62 to preserve terpenes and prevent microbial growth.
Performance summary: With proper care, indoor growers routinely meet the 450–550 g/m² benchmark cited by retailers, and some exceed it using high-intensity LEDs and CO2. The strain’s sativa vigor responds best to consistency: steady environment, modest stress, and timely light nutrition adjustments. Because it delivers photoperiod-grade flavor and potency in an autoflower package, it remains a top pick among easy-grow lists and “top ten” showcases promoted by seedshops.
