Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Amnesia Haze stands as one of Amsterdam’s most iconic sativa-dominant cultivars, with roots squarely in the Dutch coffeeshop scene of the early 2000s. Credited to Abraxas Seeds, the strain was refined in the orbit of the famed Abraxas Coffeeshop, where high-energy, citrus-forward Hazes were king. This origin story explains both its cosmopolitan flavor and its long-blooming, tropical sativa growth behavior.
The breeder’s intent was to bottle the quintessential Haze headspace into a reliably reproducible seed line. Amnesia Haze quickly won favor for delivering soaring euphoria without sacrificing flavor density, a hallmark that separated it from more earthy, spicy Hazes of the previous decade. Its early traction in Amsterdam helped propel the Haze family worldwide, where Amnesia Haze became a yardstick for sativa lovers.
Commercially, the strain’s rise coincided with the modern era of lab testing and consumer review platforms. As the strain spread, consistent reports described high THC, low CBD chemotypes and a strong terpinolene-driven bouquet. Those attributes made it a darling for daytime consumers seeking uplift, social energy, and flavor clarity.
Today, Amnesia Haze is among the most searched and reviewed sativas on large platforms and menus. While individual seed vendors have released their own takes, the Abraxas lineage remains the reference point. In dispensaries and coffeeshops alike, it is often flagged as a classic choice for euphoric, talkative sessions and long walks through creative projects.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypes
Amnesia Haze is widely reported as a complex Haze hybrid built from multiple sativa landrace influences with a stabilizing dash of indica. The most commonly cited components include Thai and Jamaican sativas layered into a Haze backbone, with Afghani heritage providing structural density and resin output. This mosaic aligns with the cultivar’s long bloom time, lemon-incense aromatics, and the mentally electric effects that defined the original Haze family.
Because the cultivar is mostly sativa in heritage, expect phenotypic variation in internodal spacing, flowering time, and bud shape. Classic Amnesia Haze phenotypes show tall, willowy architecture, medium-to-wide internodes, and elongated spears of flowers. Faster phenotypes may finish in the low 70s days of bloom; more classic Haze-leaning expressions often need closer to 80 or even 85 days under 12-12 lighting.
Modern breeders have worked this line into both photoperiod and autoflower formats. Autoflower versions inherit the vertical drive; grower anecdotes frequently note plants outgrowing tents unless trained early. Even then, the signature haze-head high and lemon-pine aromatics come through, signaling strong chemotype stability across forms.
Appearance and Bag Appeal
Amnesia Haze buds are typically elongated, tapering spears with satiny calyxes and a slightly airy macro-structure. The coloration is often lime to olive green with electric orange pistils that can turn copper as the flowers mature. Under good lighting, a dense frost of trichomes creates a glistening film that underscores the strain’s potency.
While some Haze cultivars foxtail heavily, well-grown Amnesia Haze develops stacked, orderly calyxes that can show light foxing at the tips in late bloom. The medium density helps guard against late-season botrytis, a risk for tight indica buds, while still offering substantial hand-feel. Trimmed properly, the flowers show an elegant, vintage-Haze silhouette that experienced consumers recognize immediately.
Broken buds reveal resinous interiors with an almost glassy trichome sheen. The texture is sticky yet springy when cured to 58 to 62 percent relative humidity. Jar appeal is elevated by vibrant pistil contrast and the shimmering trichome jacket that suggests a terpene-forward experience.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
Open a jar of Amnesia Haze and the room lifts with bright citrus, sweet tropical fruit, and polished pine. Aromas of lemon zest and grapefruit peel intertwine with floral, herbal top notes, hinting at terpinolene and limonene dominance. Underneath, a subtle spiciness with pepper-cinnamon edges points toward beta-caryophyllene.
Many consumers describe a sweet fresh fruit fragrance that blooms as the flower warms in the hand. That impression aligns with Haze-family terpene profiles where terpinolene and ocimene contribute juicy, nectary aromatics. In Amnesia Haze, those sweet notes remain balanced by incense-like woodiness and a whisper of earth.
On the palate, expect a sparkling lemon-lime entrance with a piney glide and a clean, herbal exhale. The finish often reveals a faint clove-pepper tickle, consistent with caryophyllene, and a lilting floral echo that lingers. Vaporizing at lower temperatures, around 170 to 180 Celsius, amplifies the bright citrus while preserving delicate top notes.
Higher-temperature combustion highlights spicier, deeper layers at the expense of some citrus clarity. The combined effect is both classic and modern, marrying old-school Haze incense with a contemporary citrus-pop profile. Across phenotypes, the flavor arc tends to remain consistent, showcasing why Amnesia Haze became a staple of Amsterdam menus for more than a decade.
Cannabinoid Composition and Potency
Amnesia Haze is a high-THC, low-CBD cultivar by modern market standards. Seed and retail sources frequently report total THC above 20 percent by dry weight, placing it in the very high potency category. CBD typically registers at 0 to 1 percent, with minor cannabinoids like CBG often appearing in the 0.2 to 1 percent range.
In dispensary lab reports, THCA is commonly the dominant acidic cannabinoid before decarboxylation. When activated by heat, THCA converts to THC, which consumers experience as the primary psychoactive driver. The combination of high THC with low CBD and a terpinolene-forward terpene profile contributes to the bright, energetic effects associated with Amnesia Haze.
Batch variability exists due to cultivation methods, phenotype, and environmental factors. Indoor hydroponic grows with high PPFD lighting often push THC into the 22 to 26 percent window, while organic soil runs may emphasize terpene intensity at slightly lower potency. Even with variance, marketplace listings regularly categorize Amnesia Haze as high THC and low CBD, a characterization consistent across multiple vendors.
For extractors, the cultivar’s trichome density and relatively clean biomass make it suitable for both hydrocarbon and solventless processing. Live resin and rosin preparations tend to capture amplified lemon-pine aromatics while concentrating total cannabinoids. Consumers should note that high-THC Haze extracts can feel racier than flower, particularly when terpinolene remains dominant.
Terpene Profile and Chemotype
Amnesia Haze typically expresses a terpinolene-dominant chemotype, a hallmark of many Haze family strains. Terpinolene is associated with bright, uplifting sensory qualities and contributes piney, citrus, and floral aromas. Lab profiles often quantify terpinolene in the 0.5 to 1.5 percent range, though results vary by cultivation environment and harvest timing.
Limonene frequently appears as a secondary terpene, adding lemon-lime and grapefruit character. Concentrations in well-grown samples commonly fall between 0.2 and 0.6 percent. Limonene has been studied for potential mood-elevating properties, which may synergize with the fast, happy headspace of Amnesia Haze.
Beta-caryophyllene often rounds out the profile between 0.2 and 0.5 percent, lending peppery warmth and providing unique CB2 receptor activity among major terpenes. Caryophyllene’s interaction with CB2 may complement the otherwise cerebral nature of the high by grounding the body. Minor contributions from myrcene, ocimene, and linalool are also observed, bringing herbal-sweet and floral nuances.
In sensory terms, terpinolene drives the bright top register, limonene foregrounds citrus, and caryophyllene frames the finish. Vapers who set devices between 160 and 190 Celsius can modulate which notes dominate; lower temps preserve floral-citrus while mid-range temps enhance pine and spice. The Haze family’s trademark uplifting effect has been linked by reviewers and terpene analyses to this terpinolene-centric orchestration.
Because terpenes volatilize easily, post-harvest handling heavily influences outcomes. Slow drying at 60 Fahrenheit and 60 percent RH for 10 to 14 days, followed by curing at 58 to 62 percent RH, helps retain terpinolene and limonene. Over-drying or hot, fast dry cycles can slash measured terpene totals by double-digit percentages, dulling Amnesia Haze’s signature bouquet.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
Consumer reviews consistently describe Amnesia Haze as giggly, euphoric, and talkative. The onset is often rapid within two to five minutes of inhalation, cresting into a buoyant, social headspace. The top of the experience tends to be friendly and creative, supporting conversation, brainstorming, and light activity.
The duration typically spans two to three hours for experienced users when consumed as flower. As a high-THC, low-CBD sativa, the mental clarity can feel laser-bright at moderate doses but may tilt into overstimulation at high doses. Many users reserve Amnesia Haze for daytime use or early evening when a lively mood is desirable.
Common side effects include dry mouth and occasional dizziness, particularly in novices or when standing quickly. A subset of users reports transient paranoia, which is a known risk with high-THC, terpinolene-forward strains in overstimulating settings. Keeping doses modest and ensuring a calm environment can reduce the chance of discomfort.
Functionally, the strain pairs well with outdoor walks, music sessions, collaborative work, and chores that benefit from energy. Some users note improved focus during the first hour, though the experience can become more dreamy and diffuse as it evolves. For social settings, the talkative lift and laughing fits often make it a go-to, with effects aligning closely to the classic Haze playbook.
Flavor and effect cohesion is a defining trait: the lemon-bright nose maps onto a sparkling, upbeat headspace. Vaporization at lower temperatures offers a slightly lighter, clearer cognitive effect, while hot bowls push intensity. Overall, Amnesia Haze remains a reference choice for those seeking a cheerful, extroverted experience with classic sativa flair.
Potential Medical Applications
With its uplifting, energizing profile, Amnesia Haze is frequently chosen by patients looking to elevate mood and motivation. Self-reports often mention improvements in situational low mood and daytime anergia, consistent with the strain’s citrus-forward, terpinolene-dominant character. While patient experiences vary, the bright headspace can help nudge engagement with tasks and social interaction.
Some individuals report benefit for stress and fatigue during the daytime, noting reduced rumination and a shift toward a lighter outlook. In observational research, cannabis with higher THC and lower CBD has been associated with short-term reductions in self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety for some users. Amnesia Haze’s chemotype is aligned with those patterns, though effects are not universal.
Anecdotal reports also highlight help with tension-related headaches and appetite stimulation. The caryophyllene content, though modest, may provide a grounding body note that helps some users manage stress-related somatic discomfort. That said, high-THC sativas can be counterproductive for people prone to anxiety spikes or panic.
For patients sensitive to overstimulation, microdosing approaches can be prudent. One to two small inhalations, spaced by 10 to 15 minutes, can provide the mood lift without racing thoughts. Vaporization allows finer titration and may reduce throat irritation relative to combustion.
As with any cannabis strain, individual responses vary by physiology, setting, and dose. Patients should consult clinicians where possible and consider starting low and going slow. Given its potential for dry mouth, hydration can improve comfort; snacks on hand may help those who experience appetite increases.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Environment, Medium, and Schedule
Amnesia Haze performs best in a warm, Mediterranean-style environment with stable light intensity and well-managed humidity. Target day temperatures of 24 to 28 Celsius in veg and 22 to 26 Celsius in flower, with a night drop of 2 to 4 degrees. Maintain relative humidity around 55 to 65 percent in veg, tapering to 45 to 50 percent in early flower and 40 to 45 percent in late bloom to deter mold.
Indoors, expect vigorous vertical growth and generous internodal spacing typical of sativas. Without training, plants can push 120 to 180 centimeters in a standard tent; outdoors, 180 to 250 centimeters is common in full sun. A scrog or multi-topped bush structure helps harness height and redirect energy to an even canopy.
Photoperiod versions often flower in 70 to 80 days after the switch to 12-12, with some phenotypes completing at 65 days and classic expressions running up to 85 days. Plan your run accordingly; an extra two weeks can dramatically improve terpene density and resin maturity. Outdoor harvests in temperate regions typically fall in late October, making mold vigilance essential.
For lighting, target 700 to 1,000 micromoles per square meter per second PPFD in mid to late flower. Many growers see optimal density and terpene output around 800 to 900 PPFD when CO2 is not supplemented. With supplemental CO2 at 1,000 to 1,200 ppm, PPFD can be pushed toward 1,100, but environment must be tight to avoid stress.
Soilless coco or hydroponics can accelerate growth and yield, while living soil enhances flavor complexity. In coco, maintain a pH of 5.8 to 6.2 and an EC of 1.2 to 1.6 in veg, rising to 1.8 to 2.2 in peak flower depending on cultivar sensitivity. In soil, aim for pH 6.3 to 6.8 and feed more conservatively given the strain’s tendency to dislike excessive nitrogen in late veg.
A complete base nutrient with ample calcium and magnesium supports the cultivar’s fast metabolism, particularly in coco. Supplement 100 to 150 ppm of calcium and 50 to 75 ppm of magnesium where water is soft or reverse-osmosis filtered. Watch leaf margins for early signs of magnesium deficiency during the stretch and adjust accordingly.
Airflow and canopy management are critical during the long bloom. Position oscillating fans to move air both above and below the canopy, and prune interior growth to prevent moisture traps. Maintaining a vapor pressure deficit around 1.2 to 1.5 kPa in flower strikes a good balance between transpiration and mold prevention.
Autoflower versions inherit the tall, energetic architecture and can easily outgrow small spaces. Grower anecdotes describe having to tie down multiple limbs to prevent light burn, a common issue when autos catch a growth spurt under strong LEDs. Start low-stress training by day 14 to 18 from sprout and manage light intensity to avoid bleaching.
Expected yields vary with training, environment, and veg length. Indoors, 500 to 650 grams per square meter is achievable in dialed-in scrog setups, with advanced growers occasionally surpassing 700 g/m2. Outdoors, single plants in 50 to 100-liter containers can return 500 to 800 grams when given full sun and a long season.
Training, Nutrition, and Plant Health Management
Topping once or twice by week three to four of veg sets the stage for an even canopy. Combine topping with low-stress training to pull branches horizontal and fill the screen in a scrog. Flip to flower when 70 to 80 percent of the net is filled, allowing the two-week stretch to complete the grid.
Defoliation should be measured with this cultivar. Remove broad fans that cast shade on key bud sites, but avoid stripping too aggressively at once, which can stall momentum. A light defoliation at day 21 of flower and a tidy-up at day 42 is a common cadence.
Nutritionally, Amnesia Haze responds well to moderate feeding with a steady micronutrient supply. Aim for an N-P-K ratio around 3-1-2 in mid-veg, tapering nitrogen as preflower approaches and emphasizing potassium and sulfur in mid to late bloom. Excessive nitrogen late in veg can exacerbate stretch and delay flower set.
In coco and hydro, maintain solution temperatures between 18 and 21 Celsius and oxygenate reservoirs to prevent root hypoxia. Root health products like beneficial microbes or enzymes can help manage biofilm and encourage vigorous uptake. In soil, top-dressing with gypsum and langbeinite around the flip can bolster calcium, sulfur, and potassium without spiking nitrogen.
Pest pressures to watch include two-spotted spider mites and thrips, which favor the cultivar’s fast-growing, tender foliage. Implement integrated pest management with weekly scouting, sticky traps, and periodic applications of biologicals like Bacillus thuringiensis for larvae and Beauveria bassiana for soft-bodied pests. Keep entry points clean and quarantine new clones to minimize introductions.
Powdery mildew risk rises in late bloom if humidity creeps above targets. Maintain airflow, keep leaf surfaces dry during dark periods, and consider preventive sulfur in veg only; do not apply sulfur in flower to preserve terpenes. In organic programs, potassium bicarbonate can be used sparingly early in stretch as a safeguard.
Light stress is a common issue given the plant’s height. Maintain proper distance from high-output LEDs and monitor leaf edges for tacoing and bleaching. If upper leaves show interveinal paling, reduce PPFD or implement targeted supercropping to lower apical colas out of the hotspot.
Finally, guard against hermaphroditism by preventing light leaks and major stress swings. Keep 12-12 cycles strict and avoid aggressive pruning late in bloom. Stable conditions pay off with improved resin uniformity and a cleaner harvest window.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Determining harvest for Amnesia Haze benefits from both macro and micro cues. At peak ripeness, calyxes swell, pistils are mostly curled and darkened, and the terpene intensity is highest during lights-off. Under a loupe, a 5 to 10 percent amber trichome ratio with the remainder cloudy preserves the cultivar’s energetic signature.
Growers chasing maximum euphoria often harvest on the earlier side of that window to avoid a heavier, sedative tilt. Later harvests with 15 to 20 percent amber deepen body effects but can flatten the sparkling headspace. Choose based on personal preference and intended use case.
For trimming, a two-stage approach works well. Perform a light wet trim removing only protruding fan leaves to reduce drying surface area, then finish with a detailed dry trim after 10 to 14 days. This strategy minimizes terpene loss and protects delicate gland heads during the vulnerable early dry.
Dry in the 60 Fahrenheit and 60 percent relative humidity range to preserve terpinolene and limonene. Avoid rapid drying above 22 Celsius or under 45 percent RH, which can reduce measured terpenes and lock in chlorophylly notes. Stems should snap with a bend before breaking to signal readiness for cure.
Cure in airtight containers at 58 to 62 percent RH, burping daily for the first week and gradually tapering over weeks two to four. A four to eight-week cure is ideal; terpinolene-bright cultivars often show their best nuance around week six. Proper curing not only improves aroma and flavor but can raise perceived smoothness by a meaningful margin.
Store finished flower cool and dark to slow terpene oxidation. Light and heat can degrade both cannabinoids and terpenes, muting the profile and shifting effects. With careful post-harvest handling, Amnesia Haze delivers a vibrant, long-lasting bouquet that stands up to connoisseur scrutiny.
Common Mistakes, Troubleshooting, and Grower Tips
Letting plants overgrow the space is a top mistake with Amnesia Haze. The cultivar’s sativa vigor can double or triple height during stretch, leading to light burn and canopy chaos. Start training early, use scrog techniques, and be ready to tie down multiple limbs as needed.
Overfeeding nitrogen in late veg is another common pitfall. Excess N fuels spindly stretch and delays floral initiation, hurting density. Taper N before the flip and emphasize potassium and micronutrients during the first three weeks of bloom.
Humidity mismanagement in late flower invites powdery mildew and botrytis. Keep RH below 50 percent from week five onward and ensure steady airflow across all canopy layers. Dehumidifiers sized to your space and automated controllers help maintain consistent conditions across the long bloom.
Light leaks and stress swings can trigger nanners in long-blooming sativas. Inspect tents for pinholes, keep intake and exhaust sealed during dark periods, and avoid drastic changes to feeding or environment late in flower. Consistency is a performance multiplier with this cultivar.
Finally, harvest timing influences effect character dramatically. If early test jars feel edgy, wait an extra five to seven days and reassess trichomes; a modest rise in amber can settle the top-end buzz. Conversely, if samples feel sleepy, harvest a bit earlier to capture the zest that defines Amnesia Haze.
Comparative Context Within the Haze Family
Within the Haze family, Amnesia Haze sits at the intersection of citrus-forward brightness and classic incense. Compared to Super Lemon Haze, it is often a touch more floral-pine and a bit less candy-sweet, though both lean on terpinolene and limonene for uplift. Versus classic old-school Haze cuts, Amnesia Haze is typically denser and more resinous with a shorter—though still long—bloom.
From a user-experience standpoint, Amnesia Haze emphasizes talkative euphoria and a slightly dreamy sheen. Some Hazes trend more racy or jittery; Amnesia Haze, at moderate doses, reads as sociable and creative. That balance explains its popularity among daytime consumers who want energy without edge.
Agronomically, Amnesia Haze exhibits the tall architecture and long internodes of its sativa heritage but responds exceptionally well to training. Yields compare favorably with many Haze lines, especially under scrog. Its resin production makes it a stronger hash candidate than some thinner, wispier Hazes that shine mostly as flower.
Terpene-wise, the citrus-pine-floral triangle is a signature, whereas other Haze lines can swing more toward sandalwood or pepper. In blind aroma tests, the sweet fresh fruit nose often tips tasters off to Amnesia Haze or closely related cuts. This reliable sensory anchor is part of why the strain remains a fixture in modern menus.
Breeder, Reputation, and Cultural Impact
Abraxas Seeds’ role in codifying Amnesia Haze linked the strain to Amsterdam’s reputation for world-class sativas. The coffeeshop culture provided a proving ground where thousands of consumers validated the strain’s profile. That feedback loop reinforced the cultivar’s stability and guided refinements in selection.
As legal markets expanded, Amnesia Haze travelled well thanks to its immediately recognizable nose and mood lift. Retailers frequently flag it as a high-THC sativa-dominant option with upbeat, talkative effects. In competitive menus, its consistent flavor and effect made it a dependable anchor.
Culturally, the strain helped re-center the Haze family in the modern era of chemovar literacy. Consumers learned to connect terpinolene-dominant profiles with energetic, giggly experiences, reinforcing the practical value of terpene data. That evolution, mirrored by testing and consumer education, keeps Amnesia Haze relevant in a marketplace obsessed with both numbers and nuance.
Safety, Tolerance, and Responsible Use
Because Amnesia Haze tends toward high THC with low CBD, approach dosing thoughtfully. Beginners can start with one or two small inhalations, waiting at least 10 minutes to gauge onset. Eating beforehand and hydrating can reduce lightheadedness and dry mouth.
Users prone to anxiety or palpitations may prefer microdoses or mixing with a CBD-dominant cultivar. Setting and mindset matter; bright, stimulating environments can amplify the energetic edge. For sleep, this strain is generally not ideal unless taken late and at substantial doses, which can blunt its lively charm.
Remember that tolerance builds with frequent use, attenuating both positive and negative effects. Periodic tolerance breaks restore sensitivity, often making the experience more nuanced. As always, avoid driving or hazardous tasks during and after consumption until effects fully resolve.
Sourcing Seeds and Clones
Sourcing Amnesia Haze from reputable breeders helps ensure the classic chemotype and growth behavior. Look for genetics tied to proven lines from Dutch houses and breeders who publish grow data. Vendor claims of very high THC over 20 percent and low CBD in the 0 to 1 percent range are consistent with the cultivar’s reputation.
Photoperiod feminized seeds remain the most stable path to the original experience. Autoflower variants are convenient and fast but demand early training due to vertical vigor. Review grower feedback for notes about height management, light sensitivity, and nutrient tolerance.
When selecting clones, inspect for pest-free status, strong lateral branching, and healthy root development. Given the strain’s bloom length, starting with robust, disease-free cuts saves weeks of troubleshooting. Ask for lab data if available to confirm the expected terpinolene-forward terpene profile and high-THC, low-CBD ratio.
Quick Reference: Key Stats and Targets
Genetics: Mostly sativa heritage refined by Abraxas Seeds; Haze family influences with landrace sativa roots and Afghani structure. Chemotype: High THC, low CBD; terpinolene-forward terpene profile with limonene and caryophyllene support. Typical THC: Frequently above 20 percent by dry weight; CBD commonly 0 to 1 percent.
Flowering Time: 70 to 80 days indoors; some phenotypes 65 to 85 days. Height: 120 to 180 cm indoors; 180 to 250 cm outdoors. Yield Potential: 500 to 650 g/m2 indoors with scrog; 500 to 800 g per plant outdoors in large containers.
Environment: 24 to 28 Celsius veg, 22 to 26 Celsius flower; RH 55 to 65 percent veg, 45 to 50 percent early flower, 40 to 45 percent late. Lighting: 700 to 1,000 PPFD flower without CO2; up to ~1,100 PPFD with CO2 around 1,000 to 1,200 ppm. pH and EC: Coco 5.8 to 6.2 with EC 1.2 to 1.6 veg, 1.8 to 2.2 flower; soil 6.3 to 6.8, feed moderately.
Conclusion: Who Will Love Amnesia Haze
Amnesia Haze is the quintessential choice for consumers who want a bright, talkative, and euphoric sativa that wears its citrus-pine perfume proudly. It shines in daytime scenarios, creative collaborations, and social settings where a grin and a fresh perspective go a long way. The effects trace neatly to its terpinolene-forward chemistry and high-THC, low-CBD profile.
Growers with room to train and patience for a longer bloom will be rewarded with generous yields and top-tier flavor. The cultivar demands environmental discipline but pays back in unmistakable aroma and a buoyant headspace that defines the Haze family’s best days. For fans of classic Amsterdam sativas, Amnesia Haze remains a gold standard worth revisiting again and again.
