Written by Ad OpsIntroduction and Overview
Amphetamine is an autoflowering cannabis cultivar developed by Cream of the Crop Seeds, designed as a ruderalis/indica/sativa hybrid for fast, energetic results. As its name hints, Amphetamine is positioned toward vigor, pace, and an uplifted experience rather than couchlock heaviness. For growers, the autoflower trait simplifies scheduling, while for consumers, the balanced hybridization promises a lively but controllable effect profile.
Because it is a three-way hybrid that includes ruderalis, Amphetamine bypasses photoperiod triggers and flowers on an internal clock. This makes it suitable for a wide range of latitudes and controlled environments. It is frequently selected by cultivators seeking a quick turnaround, and by consumers who prefer bright, daytime-friendly chemistry with modern potency.
While individual phenotypes vary, Amphetamine typically expresses a sativa-leaning structure with indica-influenced bud density and resin coverage. The sensory profile often leans citrus-diesel with herbal and peppery undertones, an aromatic cue of limonene and beta-caryophyllene. These traits collectively align Amphetamine with the contemporary market’s preference for high-terpene, terp-balanced hybrids that finish in under three months from seed.
History and Breeding Background
Amphetamine’s origin is credited to Cream of the Crop Seeds, a European breeder known for compact, vigorous autos and terpene-forward hybrids. In public listings, Amphetamine is described as an autoflower that leverages ruderalis genetics to accelerate the growth cycle. The inclusion of both indica and sativa heritage suggests an intent to balance cerebral stimulation with body-centered composure.
Autoflower breeding accelerated in the 2010s as seedbanks learned to stack potency and terpene expression without sacrificing the ruderalis gene’s rapid lifecycle. Across the industry, modern autos routinely achieve 16–22% THC, a significant jump from first-generation autos that commonly tested 8–12% THC in the late 2000s. Amphetamine sits squarely in this new class, emphasizing speed while preserving flavor and resin density.
The strain’s name functions as branding shorthand for a brisk onset, productivity-friendly headspace, and a clear, electric finish. While not literally related to the stimulant drug, the moniker signals a particular consumer target: those seeking focus, invigoration, and creative drive from cannabis. In practice, Amphetamine is often deployed as a daytime tool, set apart from heavier nighttime indicas in the same catalog.
Genetic Lineage and Autoflower Heritage
Amphetamine’s declared heritage is ruderalis/indica/sativa, a tripartite cross common to modern autos that balances speed, structure, and psychoactive contour. The ruderalis layer contributes an internal flowering clock, typically triggering pistil development by week 3–4 regardless of light schedule. Indica influences lend compact bud formation, thicker calyxes, and higher resin density, supporting attractive bag appeal and efficient trichome production.
Sativa ancestry is often reflected in Amphetamine’s vertical stretch and extended lateral branching, enhancing light interception and node count. This morphology supports higher top-site density and can improve yields when managed with low-stress training. The chemotype tends to skew toward citrus, fuel, and spice, an aromatic palette consistent with limonene, ocimene, and beta-caryophyllene in the top tier of the terpene stack.
As with most autos, there is less photoperiod control, so the emphasis shifts to cultural practices that stabilize growth rate from day 1. Amphetamine performs best when managed with consistent substrate moisture, gentle training, and steady nutrition early in life. The result is a reliably quick cultivar with a flexible canopy and a bright, modern terpene profile.
Appearance: Plant Structure and Bud Morphology
In controlled environments, Amphetamine frequently finishes at 70–120 cm (28–47 in) depending on pot size, lighting intensity, and training. Plants often exhibit a single dominant cola with a ring of evenly spaced satellite tops, especially under light low-stress training. Internodal spacing is moderate, with enough clearance to maintain airflow while keeping the canopy tight.
Buds are mid-dense to dense with a slightly spear-shaped top cola, a trait inherited from hybrid and sativa-leaning lines. Calyxes stack in defined clusters, and pistils often start pale cream before deepening to orange-amber by late flower. Trichome coverage is abundant, with a noticeable frost that becomes pronounced by week 6–7 of the autoflower timeline.
In well-run gardens, bract-to-leaf ratio is favorable, reducing trim time and improving finished appearance. Sugar leaves are usually narrow-to-medium width, indicating the balancing act of the indica-sativa parentage. Overall, Amphetamine presents with commercial-grade bag appeal that holds up in jars and retail displays.
Aroma and Bouquet
Amphetamine’s aroma leans citrus-diesel with bright top notes, often accompanied by a peppery, herbal backbone. Limonene and ocimene commonly impart the citrus spray and slightly floral lift, while beta-caryophyllene contributes a warm, cracked-pepper spice. Myrcene and humulene add a green, resinous depth that can read as piney-herbal when ground.
Fresh flowers emit a sharper, more volatile citrus and fuel character that rounds into sweet-tart rind as the cure progresses. By week 2–3 of curing, the bouquet often harmonizes into a layered profile: lemon-lime and soft grapefruit over diesel, clove, and bay leaf. Terpene retention is highly sensitive to curing conditions; temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and low humidity accelerate monoterpene loss.
Laboratory surveys of modern hybrid autos show total terpene content commonly ranging 1.5–3.5% by weight under optimized cultivation. Amphetamine grown with careful environmental control tends to sit inside this window, with citrus-class monoterpenes comprising a notable share. Growers frequently report that aroma intensity spikes after a slow, 14–21 day dry and a 4–8 week cure.
Flavor and Palate
On inhale, Amphetamine typically delivers a bright, zesty front—citrus peel and sweet diesel—followed by herbal resin. The mid-palate often resolves into pepper, clove, and mild bitter rind, indicating the presence of beta-caryophyllene and humulene. Exhale can leave a lingering lime-fuel echo with a faint mint or eucalyptus edge in some phenotypes.
Combustion versus vaporization shifts the emphasis of flavors noticeably. At lower vaporization temperatures (170–185°C or 338–365°F), citrus and floral notes dominate, while higher temperatures (190–205°C or 374–401°F) emphasize spice and fuel. Users seeking maximum flavor breadth often step through temperature stages to explore the full terpene stack.
A good cure dramatically improves smoothness and separates the citrus top notes from the heavier base spices. Poor post-harvest handling can collapse the high notes and leave a one-dimensional fuel-herb taste. When properly prepared, Amphetamine offers a clean, lively palate that pairs well with sparkling water, citrus desserts, or light, herbal cuisine.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
As a modern autoflower hybrid, Amphetamine typically tests in the mid-to-high THC bracket for autos, often 16–22% THC under optimized cultivation. CBD is generally low (0.1–1.0%), with minor cannabinoids like CBG sometimes appearing in the 0.2–0.6% range. Actual values vary by phenotype, cultivation environment, harvest timing, and post-harvest workflow.
Across industry datasets, autos have closed the potency gap with photoperiod strains; many commercial labs reported average THC in autos rising from roughly 12–15% in the early 2010s to 18–22% by the early 2020s. Amphetamine aligns with this trend, prioritizing robust resin production and a commercially competitive potency ceiling. For users, the result is a quick-onset, assertive experience that remains manageable at moderate doses.
Cannabinoid development is sensitive to light intensity, nutrient balance, and stress timing. Excessive stress in early life can depress cannabinoid biosynthesis, while late flower stress can skew the THC:CBN ratio if trichomes overripen. Harvest at mostly cloudy trichomes with 10–20% amber commonly maximizes a balanced THC expression while minimizing sedative CBN formation.
Terpene Profile and Chemotype
Amphetamine’s terpene profile generally centers on limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and myrcene, often complemented by ocimene and humulene. In well-grown samples, limonene may register around 0.2–0.8%, caryophyllene 0.2–0.7%, and myrcene 0.3–1.2%, contributing to its citrus-spice-herbal signature. Total terpene content typically ranges from 1.5–3.5% by dry weight when cultivation and curing are dialed in.
Limonene is strongly associated with bright, uplifted aroma and is frequently reported in energetic daytime cultivars. Beta-caryophyllene is unique among common terpenes as a CB2 receptor agonist, a property studied for anti-inflammatory potential in preclinical models. Myrcene modulates the overall bouquet toward resinous and herbal, sometimes lending a slightly sedative edge at higher concentrations.
Minor terpenes such as linalool (0.05–0.2%) and ocimene (0.1–0.4%) can add floral and green fruit tones depending on phenotype. Humulene (0.1–0.3%) contributes woody, hop-like bitterness that helps the citrus avoid becoming cloying. The net result is a balanced chemotype that favors alertness and clarity without sacrificing depth or body.
Experiential Effects and Onset
Consumers commonly describe Amphetamine as clear, buoyant, and fast-acting, with an initial lift that arrives within 2–10 minutes when inhaled. The early phase often features mental brightness, focus, and social ease without pronounced jitteriness at moderate doses. A mild body energy follows, attributed to the hybrid’s sativa-leaning influence balanced by indica composure.
Duration for inhalation typically runs 2–4 hours, with peak effects in the first 45–90 minutes. Edible preparations (when made from Amphetamine flowers) follow conventional pharmacokinetics, peaking around 1.5–3 hours post-ingestion and lasting 4–8 hours depending on dose. Many users reserve Amphetamine for daytime tasks, creativity sessions, and outdoor activities where an alert headspace is beneficial.
At higher doses, some individuals may experience transient anxiety, racing thoughts, or heart palpitations, a common response to potent high-THC hybrids. Staying hydrated, starting low, and pacing intake can help avoid overshooting personal tolerance. Those sensitive to stimulating profiles may prefer lower doses or vaporization at lower temperatures to emphasize limonene’s uplift without overwhelming intensity.
Potential Medical Uses
While no single cultivar is universally therapeutic, Amphetamine’s limonene-forward, caryophyllene-supported profile aligns with several common patient goals. Patients seeking daytime mood elevation and motivation may find the bright, citrus-leaning chemotype conducive to activity and engagement. Limonene has been studied for anxiolytic-like effects in certain models, though responses are highly individualized and dose-dependent.
Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 agonism is of interest for anti-inflammatory and analgesic pathways. In patient anecdotes, similar terpene stacks are reported for neuropathic discomfort, mild musculoskeletal pain, and inflammatory flares, particularly when sedation is undesirable. Low CBD content means Amphetamine is less likely to buffer THC’s psychoactivity, so conservative dosing is advisable for new patients.
For fatigue and lack of focus, sativa-leaning autos like Amphetamine are often favored during morning or midday use. Inhalation allows fine-tuned titration with faster feedback compared to edibles. As with all medical use, patients should consult healthcare professionals, monitor interactions with medications (especially those metabolized by CYP450 enzymes), and keep detailed symptom and dose journals.
Cultivation Guide: Environment, Medium, and Containers
Amphetamine thrives in stable environments with moderate warmth and steady airflow. Ideal canopy temperatures are 24–28°C (75–82°F) during lights on and 18–22°C (64–72°F) during lights off. Relative humidity targets of 60–65% in early veg tapering to 45–55% in mid-to-late flower keep vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in the 1.0–1.4 kPa range, supporting transpiration without inviting pathogens.
Autos prefer consistent root-zone conditions from day 1, so choose a well-aerated medium such as coco coir perlite blends or a light, amended soil. For coco, aim for pH 5.8–6.2; for soil, pH 6.3–6.8. Fabric pots of 11–18 L (3–5 gal) balance plant size and speed; smaller 7–9 L (2–2.5 gal) pots keep plants compact but can limit yield.
Maintaining uniform drybacks is crucial because autos dislike heavy early stress. Target 10–15% runoff per fertigation in coco to avoid salt accumulation, and water soil thoroughly but less frequently. Good circulation fans and periodic canopy thinning prevent microclimates and enhance CO2 exchange, improving resin production and terpene retention.
Cultivation Guide: Germination, Training, and Nutrition
Germination success rates above 90% are common with fresh seed when using a 24–48 hour paper towel method at 22–25°C (72–77°F). Transplant autos only once, or ideally sow directly into the final container to avoid transplant shock that can stunt growth. Seedling light intensity around 200–300 µmol/m²/s supports steady early development without stretch.
Training should be gentle and timed carefully because autos have limited vegetative windows. Low-stress training (LST) from day 10–21 redirects apical dominance and opens light to side branches, often increasing top count by 20–40%. Many growers avoid topping autos; if topping is used, perform a single top around the fourth node before day 21 to minimize slowdown.
Nutritionally, autos generally prefer moderate EC. In coco, feed EC 1.2–1.6 mS/cm in early growth, 1.6–2.0 mS/cm in peak flower, and maintain runoff EC within 0.2–0.4 mS/cm of input. As elemental guidelines, supply roughly 120–180 mg/L nitrogen in veg, tapering to 60–100 mg/L in late flower; phosphorus 40–60 mg/L; and potassium 200–300 mg/L throughout reproductive stages, adjusting by leaf-read and runoff data.
Cultivation Guide: Lighting, Photoperiod, and CO2
As an autoflower, Amphetamine does not require 12/12 to initiate bloom and can run 18–20 hours of light per day from seed to harvest. Many growers find 18/6 a sweet spot for energy efficiency and plant recovery. Aim for daily light integrals (DLI) of 35–45 mol/m²/day in flower, translating to roughly 600–900 µmol/m²/s PPFD under 18 hours.
For LED fixtures, maintain canopy PPFD around 300–450 µmol/m²/s in early veg, 500–700 in preflower, and 700–900 in peak bloom if environmental control is adequate. If using supplemental CO2 (800–1,000 ppm), PPFD can be safely pushed toward the upper end; yield improvements of 15–30% are common in trials when light and nutrition are not limiting. Keep leaf temperatures approximately 1–2°C above ambient with LEDs to encourage stomatal opening.
Light uniformity (U-value) matters more than peak intensity for autos; strive for even coverage with a coefficient of variation under 10–15% across the canopy. Raise or dim fixtures to prevent hotspots that can bleach terpenes near harvest. Avoid changing photoperiods mid-run with autos—consistency reduces hormonal stress and keeps timing predictable.
Cultivation Guide: Watering, pH/EC, and Deficiency Management
Consistent hydration keeps Amphetamine on schedule; erratic drybacks early can stunt an auto irreversibly. In coco, multiple small irrigations per day during peak transpiration often outperform single heavy feeds, particularly in warm rooms. In soil, water to full saturation with 10% runoff, then allow 30–50% of the pot’s capacity to dry before the next event.
Maintain media pH tightly to prevent nutrient lockout. Symptoms such as interveinal chlorosis in mid-growth can signal iron or magnesium uptake issues if pH drifts outside optimal ranges. Track runoff EC and pH at least weekly; rising runoff EC indicates salt buildup requiring a reset feed or light flush.
Common deficiencies in autos include calcium and magnesium under high-intensity LED lighting. Provide 100–150 ppm Ca and 40–60 ppm Mg during peak demand, especially in coco-based systems. If leaf tips burn early, reduce nitrogen and overall EC by 10–15% and reassess within 3–5 days.
Cultivation Guide: Pests, Diseases, and IPM
Preventive integrated pest management (IPM) is essential for fast autos because corrective actions can cost precious days. Sticky cards and weekly scouting help detect fungus gnats, thrips, and spider mites before populations explode. Introduce beneficials proactively in high-risk environments—Stratiolaelaps scimitus for soil pests and Phytoseiulus persimilis for spider mites.
Powdery mildew and botrytis (bud rot) are the primary disease concerns in dense, resinous flowers. Keep late-flower RH at 45–50%, maintain gentle but continuous airflow, and defoliate selectively to improve light and gas exchange. UV-C tools and ozone should be used with caution and only in unoccupied spaces to avoid plant and human harm.
Cleanliness is a controllable variable with a big payoff. Sanitize tools, quarantine new plant material, and control foot traffic to reduce pathogen introduction. A 1–2°C temperature drop during lights-off combined with dehumidification can prevent overnight condensation that triggers fungal outbreaks.
Harvest Timing, Drying, and Curing
Amphetamine typically finishes in 65–80 days from sprout under optimized indoor conditions, though some phenotypes may run a few days longer. Rather than relying on breeder timelines alone, confirm readiness by trichome color: mostly cloudy with 10–20% amber often yields a balanced, energetic effect. Pistil color alone can be misleading; magnified trichome inspection is more reliable.
Dry slowly to preserve terpenes and avoid chlorophyll bite. Aim for 60°F/60% RH (15.5°C/60% RH) for 10–14 days, with gentle air movement and no direct airflow on flowers. A controlled dry of this length can reduce terpene losses compared to quick dries above 70°F, where volatile monoterpenes are lost more rapidly.
Cure in airtight glass at 58–62% RH using humidity packs if needed, burping daily for the first week, then weekly for the next 3–4 weeks. Many growers report noticeable flavor and smoothness improvements through week 6–8 of curing. Properly cured flowers also demonstrate more stable moisture activity, improving shelf life and consistency in grinding and rolling.
Yield Expectations, Phenotypes, and Quality Control
Under 18-hour lighting and strong environmental control, indoor yields for Amphetamine commonly range 400–550 g/m². Skilled growers with CO2 and high-uniformity lighting occasionally exceed 600 g/m², though this requires dialed-in nutrition, training, and post-harvest. Outdoor or greenhouse autos often yield 60–150 g per plant depending on pot size, season length, and latitude.
Phenotypic spread in autos is improving across the industry as breeders stabilize lines, but minor height and internode variation should be expected. Selecting phenotypes with tight internodal spacing and robust branching often correlates with higher yield potential and easier canopy management. Keep detailed run logs—medium EC, runoff trends, and daily climate—to identify which phenotypes thrive under your specific conditions.
Quality control extends into the dry room and cure. Target water activity (aw) around 0.55–0.62 for long-term storage and minimal microbial risk. Third-party lab tests for cannabinoids, terpenes, and contaminants (residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides) ensure product safety and build consumer trust.
Consumer Tips, Storage, and Responsible Use
Start with small doses, especially for daytime use, because Amphetamine can feel assertive at higher THC levels. For inhalation, two to three short puffs are a sensible starting point, with reassessment after 10–15 minutes. For edibles made from Amphetamine, begin at 2.5–5 mg THC, noting that peak effects may take up to 3 hours to arrive.
Store flowers in airtight, light-proof containers at 58–62% RH and 15–21°C (59–70°F). Avoid refrigeration and freezing for routine storage; temperature cycling condenses moisture and degrades trichomes, accelerating terpene loss. Properly stored, potency declines gradually over months, but terpene content can drop 15–25% in the first 6 months if jars are opened frequently.
Never drive or operate heavy machinery under the influence, and be aware of potential interactions with medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes. Those with cardiovascular conditions should consult a clinician before use, as high-THC cultivars can transiently elevate heart rate. Legal status varies by jurisdiction; always follow local laws regarding possession and consumption.
Closing Thoughts
Amphetamine by Cream of the Crop Seeds exemplifies the modern autoflower ethos: quick, potent, and flavorful with broad cultivation appeal. Its ruderalis/indica/sativa heritage yields a fast internal clock, energetic headspace, and resin-forward flowers that cure into a citrus-diesel spice cabinet. For home growers and commercial producers alike, it offers a reliable path to harvest in under three months with competitive quality.
Success with Amphetamine hinges on fundamentals—steady environment, gentle early training, consistent nutrition, and careful post-harvest. When these pieces are in place, the strain repays with strong yields, crisp terpene expression, and a bright, functional effect profile. Whether you are seeking a daytime companion or an efficient auto for continuous production, Amphetamine brings speed without sacrificing sophistication.
As autos continue to evolve, cultivars like Amphetamine demonstrate that rapid cycles and top-shelf chemistry can coexist. With mindful cultivation and responsible use, this hybrid can deliver precisely what its name promises: momentum, clarity, and a clean finish. It stands as a testament to how far autoflower breeding has progressed, and where it can go next.
