Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Anubis is an indica/sativa cannabis variety that originated in Europe’s independent seed scene, where small houses focused on reliable, high-yielding hybrids with approachable potency. The line is widely credited to No Mercy Supply, a Dutch-bred program known for compact, resinous plants that deliver solid results in diverse grow setups. The name evokes the Egyptian deity associated with protection and the afterlife—an apt metaphor for a cultivar valued for dependable harvests and deeply relaxing effects.
As Anubis circulated among growers, Spanish breeders and retailers helped popularize it across the EU, bringing it into the mainstream of hobby cultivation. Pyramid Seeds notably promoted Anubis as a strain that balances quality with quantity, citing indoor yields up to 600 g/m² and THC content around 15–18%. That combination—moderate potency and heavy production—cemented Anubis as a practical choice for personal-use growers as well as small-scale producers.
Over time, more than one commercial line carrying the Anubis name appeared, with slightly different selections being stabilized by different seedmakers. This led to minor differences in aroma, height, and flowering times between catalogs while retaining core traits: vigorous growth, dense buds, and an effect profile that is calming without overwhelming. Variability between commercial versions is normal in cannabis and reflects the relatively young state of formalized genetic registries in the plant’s modern era.
A key reason for Anubis’ staying power is its accessibility. Growers consistently report plants that tolerate training, respond well to indoor lighting intensities common in home tents, and resist common mistakes like minor overfeeding or slight temperature swings. The emphasis is on predictable production; in the words often associated with the line’s marketing in Spain, “quality and quantity united,” a phrase that matches how many cultivators describe their harvests.
The family also expanded into an autoflowering version (“Auto Anubis”), which shows up in seed shop indexes and sitemaps that catalog autoflower lines alongside photoperiod staples. While autoflower variants trade a bit of yield and terpene intensity for speed and simplicity, the Auto Anubis option broadened the audience, especially for balcony and small-space growers who want a 10–12-week seed-to-jar workflow. The photoperiod original, however, remains the standard for maximum yield and dialed-in resin.
On the consumer side, Anubis is cataloged by third-party databases and discovery tools that cluster strains by similarity of reported effects and aromas. It crosses paths in those tools with relaxed, dessert-adjacent hybrids, reflecting its sweet-citrus nose and balanced body feel. Put simply, Anubis built its reputation by doing a lot right at once: enough potency, friendly effects, strong structure, and big, repeatable harvests.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Expression
Breeder notes and community lore agree that Anubis is an indica-leaning hybrid with sativa influence in its architecture and buzz. The exact parental pairing is not consistently documented publicly, a common situation for older European hybrids where line names were often protected trade secrets. Nevertheless, the phenotype profile points toward Afghan-influenced indica foundations crossed to a sweeter, fruit-forward hybrid, producing dense colas with a fresher, citrus-floral top note.
In practical terms, this translates into plants that stay relatively compact indoors while forming heavy tops that benefit from staking or netting. Expect a primary phenotype that is stocky and broad-leafed with short internodes and a secondary phenotype that stretches a bit more, especially under higher red-rich spectra during early flower. Both expressions tend to finish in roughly the same time window, within a week of each other, with the stretchier cut often leaning a touch more aromatic in citrus and sweet-herbal notes.
Growers commonly report a calyx-to-leaf ratio that’s favorable for trimming, especially after week six when the bracts swell and “fox tails” remain minimal under proper environmental control. Resin coverage is dense and uniform, giving even lower colas a frosty appearance when the canopy is thinned appropriately. The structure is conducive to SCROG and manifold techniques, as lateral branches readily form uniform bud sites.
From a breeding perspective, Anubis performs like a stabilized hybrid that can still throw minor variance in terpene dominance depending on environment. A warmer, brighter canopy with tight VPD control often pulls more limonene-forward bouquets; slightly cooler night temps and low-stress handling seem to accentuate myrcene and linalool facets. These small shifts are typical in cannabis and are part of the cultivar’s reputation for being “easy to steer.”
Because multiple commercial versions exist, it is wise to phenotype a small batch and select a mother for cloning if you want consistent outcomes. In most gardens, 2–3 seeds are enough to identify a keeper that matches your target height and aroma. Clonal runs typically lock the structure and finish times to within a 3–5 day window, simplifying harvest planning.
Appearance and Morphology
Anubis plants present as medium-height, bushy shrubs with a firm central stem and strong laterals. Leaves are broad, serrated, and dark green in veg, often lightening slightly under high-intensity lighting as the canopy thickens. Internodal spacing is tight to medium, which helps stack bud sites into continuous spears when the plant is topped and spread.
As flowering advances, the plant builds dense, golf-ball to soda-can-sized colas that are notably heavy for the footprint. Calyxes swell conspicuously from week six onward, and resin glands mushroom across bract surfaces with a milky, crystalline sheen. In optimized rooms, the trichome density is high enough that sugar leaves frost tip-to-stem, improving bag appeal even on secondary flowers.
Pistils begin pale and peachy, then mature to a tangerine or copper tone as the harvest window approaches. On the primary phenotype, pistil density is moderate, allowing the underlying bracts to show through and creating that “granular” look prized by many indoor growers. You can expect about a 2:1 calyx-to-leaf ratio on top colas and roughly 1.5:1 deeper in the canopy if defoliation is restrained and airflow is robust.
Under cool nights (16–18°C) late in flower, some plants display faint anthocyanin blushes along the sugar leaf edges, although full purple coloration is uncommon. The prevalent finish is lime to olive green dotted by glistening trichome heads, an aesthetic many consumers associate with potent but smooth indica-leaning hybrids. When dried and cured correctly, the flowers hold their shape firmly and do not collapse when jarred.
Because the buds are dense, branch support is important from week four onward to prevent lean and micro-tears at the stem junctions. A single-layer trellis or a few well-placed bamboo stakes are usually sufficient in a 60×60 cm tent to carry the top weight. The cultivar’s mechanical strength is good, but yield potential invites prudence as colas put on mass in the final 2–3 weeks.
Trimmers often remark that Anubis is “cooperative” on the table. The sugar leaves are short and close, so a light trim produces a finished flower that retains protective leaf edges without looking unkempt. This helps preserve volatile terpenes around the bracts and can reduce handling time per gram by a measurable margin compared to fluffier cultivars.
Aroma and Bouquet
The dominant aromatic impression of Anubis is a sweet, candy-like top note supported by citrus zest and a soft, herbal baseline. Many growers describe a grapefruit-or-orange peel lift that sits over mellow, green-sweet tones reminiscent of fresh-cut herbs and mild tea. The overall effect is inviting rather than loud, with sweetness that leans natural rather than syrupy.
During the first week in jars, the bouquet often shifts as chlorophyll volatiles dissipate and the terpene balance steadies. The citrus-floral profile becomes more pronounced after regular “burping,” and a subtle spice emerges in the background. By week three of curing, the nose becomes rounder, with the sugary citrus knitting to a slightly musky, resinous core.
Breaking up a dried flower releases a richer matrix of aromatics. Caryophyllene-driven pepper spice and faint skunk elements appear, especially in phenotypes that finished under warmer conditions. Some cuts show a trace of floral-lavender lift, consistent with linalool contributions at modest levels.
Environmental handling has a significant impact on how Anubis expresses its bouquet. Drying at 18–21°C with 55–60% RH for 10–14 days preserves monoterpenes that otherwise volatilize readily above 24°C. Fast, hot drying can reduce citrus and floral clarity and amplify bitter grassiness, so gentle post-harvest control is strongly recommended.
Third-party strain discovery tools sometimes cluster Anubis alongside relaxed hybrids that also blend sweet, citrus, and mild skunk spice. These algorithms, which compare reported terpenes and effects, reflect the cultivar’s balanced aromatic presence rather than a single dominant terp note. While those comparisons are not identical flavor matches, they help consumers anticipate a sweet-forward nose with a friendly herbal-spice underpinning.
Flavor Profile
Anubis translates its aromatics into a smooth, sweet inhale and a bright, citrus-inflected exhale. The initial draw is candy-like but not cloying, and the mouthfeel is plush with gentle resin heaviness. On the finish, a peppered-herbal note lingers, giving the sweetness a structured, adult edge instead of a one-note sugar hit.
Vaporizing accentuates the top notes, especially around 175–190°C where limonene and lighter monoterpenes shine. At lower temps, the flavor is all citrus peel and floral candy; at higher vapor temperatures, the base turns earthier and more resinous. Combustion introduces toastier tones but still preserves a recognizable sweet-zest signature if the cure has been patient and even.
In joints, Anubis stays pleasant through the midsection with minimal acridity, a quality associated with good resin-to-leaf ratios and cleaned-up post-harvest handling. In glass, flavors clarify—especially the peppery back end that suggests caryophyllene is present at meaningful levels. A clean grinder and glassware amplify the delicate citrus and keep the sweetness crisp.
In edibles, the cultivar infuses a gentle herbal-citrus character that plays well with butter and coconut oil. Decarboxylation at 110–115°C for 35–45 minutes preserves more of the light aromatics than higher, longer heat. While the finished edible rarely tastes overtly of citrus, the aftertaste is noticeably softer and more confectionary than many diesel-leaning varieties.
Cannabinoid Composition
Multiple breeder-facing sources position Anubis with a THC range of approximately 15–18%, placing it comfortably in the moderate-to-strong category for contemporary flower. That potency window makes the cultivar approachable for newer consumers while still satisfying seasoned users who prefer a steady, functional high. In practice, the subjective intensity varies with dose, device, and individual tolerance, but the overall strength is consistent with modern indica-leaning hybrids.
CBD is generally reported at low levels (<1%), which is typical for legacy European hybrids bred primarily for THC-rich resin. Minor cannabinoids such as CBG may appear in the 0.2–1.0% range depending on harvest timing and analytical lab methodology, though published, batch-specific laboratory data for Anubis remain limited. Trace CBN tends to rise when flowers are harvested late or stored warm and exposed to light.
Potency outcomes in real-world gardens frequently deviate a couple of percentage points in either direction based on environment and post-harvest process. Factors like canopy PPFD, root-zone oxygen, and dry/cure parameters can easily shift an assay by 2–3 percentage points. While the genetics set the ceiling, cultivation practices often determine whether a harvest lands near 15% or pushes toward 18%.
Harvest timing modulates the THC-to-CBN relationship and therefore the perceived sedation. Pulling Anubis when trichomes are mostly cloudy with 5–10% amber maintains a brighter, more uplifting initial effect; letting it run to 15–25% amber tips the feel toward heavier body calm. This is a practical lever for home growers tailoring their harvest to day- or night-use preferences.
Proper storage matters for preserving both cannabinoids and terpenes. Studies on stored cannabis suggest measurable degradation when flower is exposed to heat and light, with cumulative losses that can exceed 10–20% of THC content over a year in poor conditions. An airtight, UV-opaque container at cool room temperature with 55–62% RH helps maintain potency and flavor integrity over time.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
While comprehensive, public lab panels specific to Anubis are scarce, the sensory profile and horticultural behavior point to a myrcene/limonene/caryophyllene triad as the likely backbone. In similar indica-leaning hybrids, myrcene often falls in the 0.3–1.0% range by weight, limonene around 0.2–0.6%, and beta-caryophyllene roughly 0.2–0.5%. Total terpene content is typically 1–3% for well-grown indoor flower, with top-shelf examples occasionally exceeding that band.
Myrcene contributes to the cultivar’s relaxed body feel and sweet, herbaceous undertone, acting as a bridge between fruit and earth. Limonene drives the citrus peel impression and is commonly associated with mood-elevating, bright top notes. Beta-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene that can directly bind to the CB2 receptor, adds pepper spice and may synergize with THC for perceived analgesic effects.
Secondary terpenes such as linalool, humulene, and ocimene may appear in trace-to-moderate amounts depending on cut and environment. Linalool explains the faint lavender lift some users notice at low vapor temperatures, and humulene can reinforce the woody, resinous mid-palate. These small contributors help round the profile and give Anubis its gentle, sophisticated sweetness.
Cultivation and curing exert a heavy influence on terpene outcomes. Drying above 24°C or in sub-40% RH can volatilize monoterpenes rapidly, noticeably thinning citrus and floral clarity. Slow, cool drying and a patient cure preserve the top-end aromatics that define Anubis’ nose and keep total terpene content close to its genetic potential.
Autoflower expressions of Anubis often mirror the same terp family but can present slightly lower total terpene concentration on average, a common observation for many autos due to shorter developmental windows. Nevertheless, with tight environmental control, autos can deliver a very similar bouquet, particularly when harvested promptly and cured with care. The biggest differences tend to be intensity rather than direction of the aroma.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Anubis is widely described as calming and centering, with a gentle lift in the first 10–15 minutes that brightens mood without racing the mind. The onset is smooth rather than abrupt, which pairs well with social unwinding and low-stakes creative tasks. Users often report a clear, pleasantly slowed headspace that reduces background stress.
As the session deepens, body relaxation becomes more apparent. Shoulders drop, small aches recede, and a grounded ease takes over while mental acuity remains functional at modest doses. At higher doses, the body heaviness can become very pronounced, encouraging couch time and long, absorbing movies.
Focus and creativity are dose-dependent. A light inhalation can support brainstorming or music appreciation by easing tension without fogging recall, while heavier sessions skew more toward introspective calm. Many consumers reserve Anubis for late afternoon and evening to align with the slow, contented taper of its effects.
Common side effects are in line with most THC-rich flower. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most frequently reported, with occasional dizziness if over-consumed quickly. The moderate THC range and smooth onset make acute anxiety less common than with high-THC, sharp-sativa profiles, but individual sensitivity varies, so pacing remains prudent.
Expect effects to last 2–3 hours with inhalation, with noticeable afterglow that can aid sleep if the session occurs late. Edible forms extend that timeline substantially, typically 4–8 hours depending on dose and metabolism. As always, start low and titrate slowly, especially when switching consumption methods.
Potential Medical Applications and Safety
Anubis’ calm, steady profile makes it a candidate for stress reduction and general relaxation. The limonene-leaning top note is often associated anecdotally with uplift, while myrcene and caryophyllene contribute to body comfort and perceived mood stability. For individuals who find sharp, energizing sativas too racy, Anubis offers an alternative that soothes without immediate sedation at modest doses.
Pain and muscle tension are common targets for indica-leaning hybrids, and Anubis aligns with that use case. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity has been investigated for potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and myrcene is frequently linked to perceived muscle relaxation. While clinical evidence is evolving and varies by condition, many patients report relief for mild-to-moderate aches, especially when combined with heat therapy or stretching.
Sleep support is another plausible application, particularly when harvested later (15–25% amber trichomes) to emphasize the heavier body lull. Those sensitive to THC-induced anxiety may prefer earlier-harvested flower and smaller doses to reduce mental overstimulation. Appetite stimulation and nausea relief are also reported by some users, in line with THC’s known pharmacology.
Dosing guidelines mirror standard cannabis best practices. Newer users might start at 2.5–5 mg THC in edibles or a single, shallow inhalation and wait 10–15 minutes before considering more. Avoid driving or operating machinery, and be mindful of potentiation with alcohol, which can unpredictably amplify sedation and impair coordination.
Potential drug interactions deserve attention. THC and CBD both interact with cytochrome P450 enzymes, which metabolize many prescription medications, including some SSRIs, benzodiazepines, and blood thinners. Patients should consult a clinician familiar with cannabinoid medicine before integrating Anubis into a therapeutic regimen, and should keep records of dose, timing, and effects to guide adjustments.
Cultivation Guide: Growing Anubis Indoors and Outdoors
Anubis is celebrated among home growers for being both forgiving and productive. Photoperiod seeds are the go-to for maximum yield and control, but an autoflower version exists for growers prioritizing speed. In both cases, the cultivar rewards attentive environment management with dense, resinous colas and a balanced, sweet-citrus bouquet.
Germination is straightforward using the paper towel or direct-to-medium method. Maintain 22–26°C and high humidity (70–80%) for quick emergence within 48–72 hours. In early seedling stages, keep EC around 0.4–0.6 (200–300 ppm) and pH at 5.8–6.2 for hydro/coco or 6.2–6.8 in soil to avoid nutrient burn.
Vegetative growth thrives under a PPFD of 400–600 µmol/m²/s with a DLI of ~30–40 mol/m²/day. Aim for 24–28°C canopy temperature and 55–65% RH, holding VPD at 0.8–1.1 kPa for strong transpiration without stress. Anubis responds well to topping at the 4th–6th node followed by low-stress training to create an even canopy.
SCROG is particularly effective, as lateral branching is eager and bud sites stack when spread under a net. A single plant can fill a 60×60 cm tent in 4–6 weeks of veg, while a 90×90 cm tent may take 2–4 plants depending on pot size and training. Lollipopping the lower 20–30% of the plant in late veg helps redirect energy to the top grid.
Nutritionally, Anubis is not a heavy feeder for nitrogen but appreciates steady calcium and magnesium, especially in coco. In veg, an EC of 1.2–1.6 (600–800 ppm) is usually sufficient, increasing to 1.6–2.0 EC (800–1000 ppm) in mid-flower. Keep pH stable and avoid big swings; consistent root-zone pH prevents the micronutrient lockouts that can dull aroma and reduce resin.
Transitioning to flower, shift to 12/12 and expect a 25–60% stretch over the first 2–3 weeks depending on phenotype and spectrum. A red-leaning spectrum induces a bit more stretch; adding blue in early bloom can help compact nodes. Temperatures of 22–26°C with 45–55% RH during weeks 1–5, then 20–24°C with 40–50% RH in weeks 6–8, reduce mold risk on the cultivar’s dense colas.
Defoliation should be measured. Remove large fan leaves shading key sites around day 21 and reassess lightly around day 42, but avoid over-thinning, which can stress the plant and reduce yield. Provide horizontal airflow across the canopy (0.5–1.5 m/s) and keep a clean under-canopy to deter microclimates that favor powdery mildew.
CO2 supplementation at 1000–1200 ppm in a sealed room can increase biomass by 20–30% if light intensity and nutrition are scaled accordingly. Under high-intensity LED (800–1000 µmol/m²/s) with proper CO2, Anubis can push dense flowers across the entire grid. Monitor runoff EC and leaf tissue for tip burn to avoid overshooting feed levels during the bulking phase.
Indoors, well-run gardens regularly report 450–600 g/m² with Anubis, aligning with breeder claims of up to roughly 600 g/m² under optimal conditions. Flowering time generally falls in the 8–9 week range, with some phenotypes finishing a bit earlier and others wanting a few extra days to tighten calyxes. Harvest timing by trichome color is reliable: aim for mostly cloudy with 5–15% amber for a balanced effect.
Outdoors, Anubis prefers a warm, Mediterranean-like climate with plenty of sun and low sustained humidity during late season. In the Northern Hemisphere, harvest typically lands from late September to early October, making it feasible in many temperate regions. With strong root mass and proactive pest management, single plants can yield several hundred grams, with experienced growers reporting 500–900 g per plant in ideal conditions.
Pest and pathogen vigilance is important due to the cultivar’s dense floral structure. Prioritize integrated pest management: sticky traps, predatory mites if needed, and weekly inspections under leaves. For disease prevention, ensure ample spacing, prune for airflow, and avoid wetting the flowers; a sulfur or potassium bicarbonate program in veg can reduce mildew pressure ahead of bloom.
Medium choices are flexible, with coco/perlite offering fast growth and fine control, and living soil delivering rich flavor and resilience. In coco, irrigate to 10–20% runoff and keep the root zone oxygenated; in soil, allow gentle dry-backs to strengthen structure. Hydroponic setups can accelerate growth further but demand tighter EC and temperature control to avoid overshoot.
Autoflower Anubis simplifies scheduling by removing photoperiod dependence. Run 18/6 or 20/4 lighting from seed, and anticipate a 10–12-week seed-to-harvest window. Avoid topping autos unless highly experienced; instead, use gentle LST to open the canopy and keep EC conservative early to prevent stunting.
Harvest and post-harvest practices are decisive for preserving the sweet-citrus signature. Dry for 10–14 days at 18–21°C and 55–60% RH, then cure in airtight jars, burping daily for the first week and every other day thereafter. Small hygrometers in jars make it easy to keep RH between 58–62%, which protects terpenes and keeps flowers supple without inviting mold.
For growers targeting different effect nuances, harvest in two passes. Take the top colas when mostly cloudy for a clearer head and leave lowers another 5–7 days to deepen the body finish. This staggered approach also evens out drying loads and can improve overall quality control across the crop.
Storage should be dark, cool, and stable. UV light and heat accelerate cannabinoid and terpene degradation; opaque jars or a dark cupboard can preserve quality. With proper storage, aroma and potency remain vibrant for months, whereas poor storage can flatten the bouquet and shave meaningful percentages off THC over the course of a year.
In summary, Anubis grows like a cooperative, high-output hybrid that forgives minor missteps while rewarding disciplined environment control. Whether you choose the photoperiod or autoflower route, the path to peak results is the same: even canopies, robust airflow, moderate feeding, and patient drying and curing. Follow those fundamentals and the cultivar’s promise—quality and quantity united—becomes the norm rather than the exception.
