Written by Ad OpsIntroduction to Auto CBG
Auto CBG is an autoflowering cannabis cultivar bred to express cannabigerol (CBG) as its dominant cannabinoid rather than THC or CBD. Unlike most commercial varieties that target THC or CBD, Auto CBG prioritizes CBGA-to-CBG production while keeping THC exceptionally low. For consumers and growers, that means a clear, non-intoxicating experience and compliance advantages in regions that regulate THC tightly.
The particular Auto CBG covered here is a Cannabiogen creation with a ruderalis/indica/sativa heritage. That three-way backbone gives it the automatic flowering trait from ruderalis and the yield, resin, and structure improvements associated with indica and sativa influences. In practice, growers can expect an accessible, vigorous cultivar that finishes quickly and tends to remain manageable in size.
CBG-dominant autos emerged commercially in the early 2020s, and the category has matured quickly. Dutch Passion, for example, publicized Auto CBG-Force as the world’s first autoflowering CBG seed variety, noting seed-to-harvest times around 12 weeks with heavy harvests and CBG levels up to 15%. Cannabiogen’s Auto CBG sits squarely in this new wave of purpose-bred CBG autos, with similar intent and performance benchmarks.
History and Breeding Origins
CBG as a target took a back seat for decades because most breeding programs favored THC-rich or CBD-rich chemotypes. As consumer demand diversified and scientific interest turned to the so-called “minor” cannabinoids, breeders began stabilizing lines that divert CBGA away from THC and CBD synthase pathways. By reducing or functionally eliminating THCA and CBDA synthase activity, breeders can push the plant to accumulate CBG as the primary neutral cannabinoid after decarboxylation.
Cannabiogen, a Spanish breeder known for work with heirloom and landrace material, developed Auto CBG to bring a fast, reliable, and stable CBG-dominant auto to market. Their approach combines ruderalis for autoflowering with carefully selected indica and sativa ancestors for vigor, resin output, and structure. The result is a true hybrid that expresses the auto trait consistently while maintaining high trichome density and a chemotype biased toward CBG.
The broader CBG seed movement gained industry recognition around 2020–2021. Dutch Passion’s reports noted CBG-Force as the world’s first cannabis strain rich in cannabigerol and described its autoflowering counterpart reaching harvest in roughly 12 weeks with heavy yields and CBG up to 15%. That benchmark helped define expectations for modern CBG autos, and Cannabiogen’s Auto CBG follows the same trajectory: low THC, fast finishing, and a functional, clear-headed effect.
Photoperiod CBG cultivars typically bloom in 7–8 weeks once flipped, according to Dutch Passion’s photoperiod CBG-Force guidance. Translating that pace to autos commonly yields 10–12 weeks from seed to harvest under 18–20 hours of daily light. Auto CBG adheres to that quick timetable, making it suitable for indoor perpetual cycles or short outdoor seasons where reliable finish dates are critical.
Taken together, the history of Auto CBG is a story of turning a biochemical precursor, CBGA, into the star of the show. By focusing on genetics that minimize THC pathways and stabilize CBG dominance, breeders like Cannabiogen made non-intoxicating, trichome-rich autos practical for home growers and professionals alike. The rapid market evolution underscores growing interest in targeted cannabis experiences that are not defined solely by THC levels.
Genetic Lineage and Botany
Auto CBG’s heritage is a three-way ruderalis/indica/sativa combination. The ruderalis component contributes the day-length neutrality that triggers flowering based on age rather than photoperiod. The indica and sativa inputs refine plant architecture, internodal spacing, terpene cues, and resin production, while maintaining the auto trait through successive filial generations.
From a chemotype perspective, Auto CBG is bred to downregulate THCA and CBDA synthase activity so that CBGA is not efficiently converted into THCA or CBDA. After drying and gentle heat exposure, CBGA decarboxylates to CBG, creating the dominant neutral cannabinoid in the finished flower. This enzymatic and post-harvest path is central to the variety’s intended effect profile and legal positioning.
Autoflowering genetics also produce a compressed lifecycle independent of light schedule. In practical terms, most Auto CBG phenotypes move from seed to harvest in approximately 10–12 weeks indoors under 18–20 hours of light. Outdoors, that schedule can stretch by 1–2 weeks depending on latitude, temperature, and seasonality.
Stabilizing a CBG-dominant auto requires careful selection across multiple generations to lock in both chemotype and timing. Breeders will typically phenotype large populations, confirm cannabinoid profiles through lab testing, and backcross to fix desirable architecture and resin traits. Cannabiogen’s line reflects this work, delivering consistent low-THC expression and uniform autoflowering behavior.
In the garden, the plant behaves like a balanced hybrid with moderate stature and tidy internodes. Expect a primary cola with supportive side branches that carry uniform flowers. Trichome production is pronounced, with a high proportion of bulbous and capitate-stalked trichomes despite the low-THC chemotype.
Morphology and Visual Appearance
Auto CBG typically finishes at a compact 60–100 cm indoors, depending on pot size, light intensity, and nutrition. In larger containers or under high PPFD, vigorous phenotypes can reach 110–120 cm while maintaining a central spear cola. The canopy is orderly, with side branches that stack closely spaced flower sites.
Leaves lean hybrid: medium-width leaflets with a slightly serrated edge and a healthy, deep-green color in mid-flower. As ripening advances, nitrogen draws down and the foliage may lighten to lime-green, with occasional anthocyanin expression in cooler night temperatures. Petioles remain sturdy, supporting dense top clusters that resist excessive flop when properly staked.
Buds are frosty and relatively firm, ranging from conical spears to golf-ball-sized nuggets along the laterals. The calyx-to-leaf ratio is favorable for hand trimming, with resin gland heads that turn from clear to cloudy quickly in late flower. Pistils start cream or pale orange and gradually deepen to copper as harvest approaches.
Despite low THC, trichome coverage is conspicuously thick—one of the pleasant surprises of CBG autos. Under magnification, expect a high density of capitate-stalked heads with uniform size and a glassy sheen. This coverage is particularly valuable for extractors aiming to isolate minor cannabinoids without chasing THC potency.
Compared to many high-THC autos, Auto CBG often displays slightly larger gland heads but lower total terpene output. The visual impact, however, remains striking: a snowy jacket over tightly stacked calyces that advertise resin without the euphoric payload. Growers focusing on aesthetics and resin capture will find the cultivar rewarding.
Aroma and Flavor
The aroma of Auto CBG is nuanced and subdued compared to terpene-heavy dessert cultivars. On first rub, expect a clean herbal profile with soft apple-skin or pear notes, often associated with farnesene in other cultivars. Beneath that top note lies a gentle layer of sweet hay, green tea, and a whisper of fresh pepper.
When plants are grown in living soil or coco with balanced sulfur and micronutrients, minor accents of chamomile, lemongrass, or lime zest can emerge. These delicate tones are often masked in high-THC varieties but become noticeable because the volatile load is moderate here. The overall impression is crisp, botanical, and restrained rather than heavy or cloying.
Flavor on inhale mirrors the aroma with a light, clean herbal entry. Many users report a tea-like smoothness with subtle sweet grain and green apple highlights. On exhale, a mild pepper-spice tickle consistent with beta-caryophyllene often appears.
Because terpene totals are typically modest in CBG-dominant autos, post-harvest handling makes a big difference. Slow drying at 60–62% relative humidity and a patient cure preserve fragile top notes that can otherwise vanish. Aggressive drying or high-heat decarboxylation can flatten the profile, yielding a more neutral, grassy flavor.
For vaporization, lower temperature settings in the 175–190°C range retain the delicate esters and terpenes better than hotter sessions. Combustion remains smooth but can overshadow the subtle orchard-fruit and tea nuances. Overall, Auto CBG delivers a refined, approachable flavor that pairs well with morning or daytime routines.
Cannabinoid Profile
Auto CBG is engineered for a CBG-dominant chemotype with very low THC. Published breeder data from the broader CBG category indicate CBG levels up to 15% by dry weight with THC well below conventional psychoactive thresholds. Dutch Passion, for instance, reports their CBG-Force family reaching up to 15% CBG in flower, with autos finishing from seed to harvest in around 12 weeks and maintaining very low THC.
Although exact lab results vary by phenotype and cultivation, a reasonable expectation for Auto CBG is a total cannabinoid window around 10–18% with CBG representing the majority share. CBD typically remains low because the same genetic strategy that reduces THCA synthase activity often limits CBDA conversion as well. Minor cannabinoids like CBC, CBN (post-storage), and trace THCV may appear in small quantities, generally below 1% each.
It is important to distinguish CBGA (the acidic precursor) from CBG (the neutral form). During drying and especially with gentle heat, CBGA decarboxylates to CBG; this is why finished flower tests higher for CBG than CBGA. Decarboxylation kinetics depend on temperature and time, but many producers target a low-and-slow approach to protect terpenes while achieving adequate conversion.
For compliance-focused grows, the low-THC trait confers noticeable advantages. In jurisdictions with strict THC limits for hemp-adjacent crops, CBG cultivars provide a wider harvest window with reduced risk of THC spike. Nonetheless, prudent growers still test periodically because environmental stress can modulate enzyme expression and trace cannabinoid ratios.
Extractors working with Auto CBG flower or biomass appreciate the simplified downstream processing. With less THC to mitigate, formulations can aim directly at CBG-forward products without extensive remediation. That efficiency, combined with consumer demand for non-intoxicating options, underpins the growing interest in CBG-dominant autos.
Terpene Profile and Volatile Chemistry
Auto CBG usually carries a modest total terpene content compared to high-THC dessert lines, often in the approximate range of 0.5–1.5% by dry weight. This more restrained volatile profile contributes to its gentle aroma and smooth, tea-like flavor. The balance favors light, green, and orchard-fruit tones rather than skunky or gassy notes.
Commonly observed terpenes in CBG-dominant cultivars include farnesene, beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and humulene. Farnesene is frequently linked to apple and pear peel aromatics and has been a topic of interest in cannabis discussions due to its distinctive effect on scent. Beta-caryophyllene adds a peppery, woody accent and is known to interact with CB2 receptors as a dietary cannabinoid.
Myrcene, when present, contributes gentle herbal and tea notes rather than the heavy musk found in some indica-leaning strains. Humulene can express as a dry, hoppy bitterness that complements the light herbal matrix. Minor contributions from ocimene, linalool, or limonene may pop up depending on phenotype and cultivation inputs.
Nutrient management and substrate choice influence terpene outcomes in Auto CBG. Balanced sulfur, magnesium, and proper micronutrient availability support monoterpene and sesquiterpene synthesis. Overfeeding nitrogen late in flower can mute volatile production, while mild stress from gentle, controlled light intensity increases can encourage terpene accumulation.
Because the terpene ceiling is moderate, post-harvest preservation strategies are pivotal. Slow drying at 18–20°C and 58–62% RH over 10–14 days, followed by a steady cure, can retain a higher fraction of monoterpenes that otherwise evaporate quickly. The result is a cleaner, brighter flavor that rewards careful handling.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
CBG is non-intoxicating in the way most users understand intoxication from THC. Auto CBG flower delivers a clear, functional effect profile characterized by calm focus, light mood lift, and minimal alteration in sensory processing. Many describe it as a “no-buzz buzz”—present and centering without the heady or heavy overlay of THC-rich strains.
Onset is smooth and gradual whether consumed via vaporizer or combustion, typically building over 5–15 minutes. The peak is steady rather than spiky, with little to no anxiety or racing thoughts for most consumers. Duration tends to run 1.5–3 hours in flower form, depending on individual metabolism and dose.
Compared to CBD-forward flower, CBG is often reported as more focusing and activating without being jittery. Users frequently note easier task engagement, better reading or studying flow, and a reduction in internal mental noise. Body feel is light: no couch lock, minimal heaviness, and no appreciable motor impairment.
The low terpene intensity contributes to a very mild aftereffect profile. Many users report a clean return to baseline with negligible grogginess or rebound fatigue. For this reason, Auto CBG is well suited to morning and afternoon sessions when functionality is paramount.
As always, individual responses vary, and set and setting matter. People sensitive to THC often find CBG-dominant flower to be a safe entry point into cannabis because the likelihood of intoxication is extremely low. Microdosing—single inhalations or 25–50 mg of flower through a vaporizer—lets new users discover their personal sweet spot with minimal commitment.
Potential Therapeutic Applications
Interest in CBG has grown because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system differently from THC and CBD. Preclinical studies indicate activity at CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as interactions with alpha-2 adrenergic and 5-HT1A systems, suggesting a broad pharmacologic footprint. These mechanistic hints have pushed researchers to explore CBG’s roles in inflammation, neuroprotection, and gastrointestinal function.
Early laboratory work has examined CBG’s antibacterial potential, including activity against difficult pathogens in vitro. Additional preclinical research has probed CBG’s effect on appetite, with animal models suggesting it may stimulate feeding without intoxication. Other domains of interest include ocular pressure modulation and neuroinflammation, though robust human trials remain limited.
Consumer and patient anecdotes often mention perceived improvements in focus, mild mood stabilization, and a reduction in worry with CBG-dominant flower. Some users also report gentler digestion and appetite normalization, especially compared with THC-rich strains that can be overwhelming. However, these observations are not substitutes for clinical evidence and can be confounded by expectation and context.
For people seeking symptom relief without impairment—such as professionals or older adults—Auto CBG offers a pragmatic starting point. The low THC content reduces legal and occupational risk where zero-THC policies exist, though compliance always depends on local rules and lab verification. In any therapeutic exploration, medical consultation and careful self-tracking are recommended to monitor outcomes and interactions.
It bears emphasizing that CBG research is still in its early stages compared to THC and CBD. While the safety profile of non-intoxicating cannabinoids is generally favorable, formal dosing guidelines and indications have not been established. Until larger, controlled human studies report, Auto CBG should be considered an experimental wellness option rather than a proven medical treatment.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Cure
Autoflowering dynamics and timing
Auto CBG thrives under stable, high-frequency light schedules. Indoors, run 18–20 hours of light daily from seed to harvest to maximize photosynthesis and minimize stretch. Most phenotypes finish in 10–12 weeks from sprout, aligning with Dutch Passion’s broader CBG auto benchmark of roughly 12 weeks seed-to-harvest.
Because autos initiate flower by age, transplant stress and heavy topping can cost time and yield. Start seeds in the final container or transplant once at day 10–14 when the root ball holds together. Handle gently and avoid root pruning to keep the internal clock on schedule.
Environment: temperature, humidity, VPD
Target 24–28°C during the lights-on period and 20–22°C at night for robust growth. Maintain relative humidity at 65–70% for seedlings, 55–60% in early veg, 50–55% in preflower, and 42–48% in late bloom. These ranges correspond to a vapor pressure deficit (VPD) of about 0.8–1.2 kPa early, drifting to 1.2–1.6 kPa late, which supports resin formation and reduces botrytis risk.
Provide consistent air exchange: 20–30 total air exchanges per hour for small tents and 30–60 for larger rooms, with oscillating fans producing gentle leaf flutter. Slightly increased airflow in weeks 7–10 helps keep dense tops dry. Keep leaf surface temperature close to ambient by balancing light intensity and airflow.
Lighting and DLI planning
Autos respond well to modern full-spectrum LEDs. Aim for a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 300–400 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in week 1–2, 500–700 in weeks 3–5, and 700–900 in weeks 6–10. At 20 hours, that corresponds to a daily light integral (DLI) of roughly 22–29, 36–50, and 50–65 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹, respectively.
If running 18 hours instead of 20, increase PPFD slightly to keep DLI near target. Avoid sustained PPFD above 1,000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ unless CO2 is supplemented to 900–1,200 ppm and irrigation is optimized. CBG autos often thrive with moderate-to-high light but can reduce terpene expression if pushed too aggressively late.
Media, containers, and irrigation
Auto CBG performs well in 10–15 L (3–4 gal) final pots for indoor grows, with 7 L (2 gal) viable for dense Sea of Green. Use a well-aerated substrate: 70% coco coir with 30% perlite for precision feeding, or a light, living soil blend for simplicity and flavor. Ensure 15–20% runoff per irrigation in coco to prevent salt buildup; in soil, water to light runoff only as needed.
Maintain root-zone pH at 5.7–6.1 in coco and 6.2–6.8 in soil. Calibrate meters regularly; a 0.2–0.3 drift can lock out micronutrients. Warm irrigation solution to 18–22°C to avoid chilling roots and slowing metabolism.
Nutrition and EC management
Start with a light feed: EC 0.7–1.0 (350–500 ppm on 500-scale) in week 1–2, ramping to 1.2–1.5 (600–750 ppm) in weeks 3–5, and peaking around 1.5–1.7 (750–850 ppm) in mid-flower. Drop back to 1.0–1.3 (500–650 ppm) in the final 10–14 days to encourage clean burn and full senescence. Keep calcium and magnesium readily available; coco grows generally benefit from 0.3–0.4 EC of Ca/Mg supplement if base water is soft.
Favor a vegetative N-P-K ratio near 3-1-2 early, transitioning to 1-2-3 or 1-3-2 from week 5 onward. Excessive nitrogen past week 6 can mute flavor and slow ripening. Supplement sulfur and micronutrients moderately to support terpene synthesis without overshooting EC.
Training and canopy management
Because autos have a fixed clock, prioritize low-stress training (LST) over aggressive topping. A single soft tie-down at the fourth node, done around day 17–21, can open the center and create 6–10 productive tops. Light defoliation of large fan leaves that shadow bud sites in weeks 4–6 improves airflow and light penetration.
Avoid removing more than 10–15% of leaf area at a time. If a topping is desired, perform one early at the fourth node no later than day 18–20 on a vigorous plant. Otherwise, a hands-off approach with strategic leaf tucking often yields best results in Auto CBG.
Irrigation cadence and root health
Water seedlings every 2–3 days with small volumes until the container shows uniform colonization. From week 3 onward, many growers settle into a daily or every-other-day rhythm, adjusting volume to achieve slight runoff in inert media. Monitor pot weight; repeated overwatering slows autos more than any other single mistake.
Inoculating with beneficial microbes—mycorrhizae at transplant and a weekly microbial tea or inoculant—supports nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. Keep root-zone oxygen high with proper drainage and moderate irrigation volume. Avoid root-bound conditions by starting in the final pot or transplanting only once early.
Pest and disease management
Auto CBG’s dense, resinous flowers require preventive IPM. Sticky cards and weekly scouting are your first line of defense against fungus gnats, thrips, and spider mites. Keep intake air filtered and quarantine new plant material to avoid outbreaks.
Use gentle, broad-spectrum preventives in veg such as Beauveria-based bioinsecticides or essential-oil sprays at low concentrations, ceasing foliar sprays by week 4–5. In flower, focus on environmental controls: air movement, humidity discipline, and sanitation. A clean room and stable VPD do more than reactive sprays in protecting yields.
Timeline, yield expectations, and benchmarks
Indoors under competent LED setups, Auto CBG commonly produces strong harvests when managed well. As a category reference, Dutch Passion reports heavy yields from Auto CBG-Force within 12 weeks, and Auto CBG from Cannabiogen can be optimized for similar timelines. Individual outcomes vary, but autos in this class frequently land in the 350–500 g·m⁻² range in dialed-in rooms, with 40–120 g per plant typical in 7–15 L pots.
Outdoors, expect 60–100 days from sprout to harvest depending on season and temperature. Yield per plant outdoors ranges widely due to weather and pot size but often sits between 40–150 g for single plants in 15–30 L containers. Avoid planting too early in cold soils; root vigor sets the ceiling for final weight.
Harvest readiness and trichome reading
Because CBG cultivars may show less ambering than THC strains, trichome evaluation requires nuance. Look for a majority of cloudy trichome heads with only a small fraction turning amber, alongside receded pistils and swollen calyces. Aroma will plateau and subtly sweeten in the final week when peak ripeness approaches.
CBG-focused growers often harvest a touch earlier than they would a THC cultivar to preserve brighter terpenes. However, allowing an extra 3–5 days at the end can improve density and resin recovery for extraction. Track daily with a 60–100× loupe and keep notes to identify your preferred window.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing for CBG Preservation
Cut plants at the base and perform a light wet trim limited to large fan leaves, or hang whole if humidity is controlled. Target 18–20°C and 58–62% RH for 10–14 days, with gentle airflow that moves air around, not across, the flowers. Stems should snap with a fibrous crack rather than bend when drying is complete.
After drying, jar flowers at 60–62% using reliable humidity packs only if needed; many growers prefer a natural cure with hygrometers in each jar. Burp daily for 10–15 minutes during the first week, every other day in week two, and weekly thereafter. A 3–6 week cure often reveals the clean orchard-fruit and tea-like top notes typical of Auto CBG.
If decarboxylation is desired for edible or extract use, apply low, even heat to convert CBGA to CBG without burning terpenes. Gentle protocols in the 105–120°C range for 30–60 minutes are common starting points; adjust time and temperature based on lab feedback and desired terpene retention. Avoid aggressive heating that can drive off delicate monoterpenes and flatten flavor.
Store finished flower in the dark at 15–20°C with stable humidity. Oxygen and light accelerate terpene loss and cannabinoid oxidation, so keep storage airtight and cool. Properly cured Auto CBG maintains its subtle aromatics and clean effect for months, with the best flavor typically peaking between weeks 4 and 12 of cure.
For extraction-bound biomass, a slightly earlier harvest that prioritizes trichome head integrity can pay dividends. Process promptly after drying to minimize terpene volatilization. Whether for rosin, hydrocarbon, or ethanol extraction, the low-THC profile simplifies downstream compliance and formulation.
Comparisons and Market Position
Auto CBG exists in a young but fast-growing niche that values clarity and compliance alongside resin production. Dutch Passion’s publications identified CBG-Force as the world’s first CBG-rich strain and Auto CBG-Force as the first autoflowering CBG variety, citing heavy harvests in roughly 12 weeks and up to 15% CBG. Those metrics provide a practical yardstick for the category and align with what skilled growers achieve with Cannabiogen’s Auto CBG.
Where classic autos market THC potency or dessert terpenes, Auto CBG markets purpose: a non-intoxicating, highly functional experience backed by measurable cannabinoid data. In regions with strict THC rules, the cultivar can fit within compliance frameworks that would disqualify many THC-forward plants. That opens doors for small craft growers and larger facilities that need predictable cannabinoid profiles.
Relative to CBD autos, CBG autos tend to produce a cleaner, less sedating feel with similar non-intoxicating benefits. Extractors see operational efficiencies because there is less or no THC remediation required for CBG-forward products. Consumers interested in focus, calm, and everyday usability find Auto CBG easy to integrate into daytime routines.
From a breeding perspective, CBG genetics highlight progress in targeted chemotype engineering. The ruderalis/indica/sativa foundation demonstrates that autos can be specialized for more than just speed—they can be specialized for cannabinoid outcomes. Cannabiogen’s Auto CBG shows how refined selection and testing translate into a consistent, low-THC, CBG-dominant result.
As the market matures, expect more phenotypic diversity in flavor and structure while maintaining the CBG core. For now, Auto CBG stands out by virtue of clarity, simplicity, and reliability, three features that new growers and experienced producers both value. It is a cultivar with a clear purpose and a growing audience.
Conclusion and Practical Buying Tips
Auto CBG is a modern answer to a modern need: a resinous, fast-finishing autoflower that prioritizes CBG and keeps THC low. Bred by Cannabiogen from a ruderalis/indica/sativa base, it delivers a tidy structure, frosty flowers, and a calm, lucid effect with minimal intoxication. In the garden, it behaves predictably and finishes on a short calendar that suits both indoor cycling and compact outdoor seasons.
Context from the wider market—such as Dutch Passion’s reports of 12-week seed-to-harvest timelines and CBG concentrations up to 15% in related CBG autos—helps set realistic expectations. Growers should plan for solid yields and a smooth workflow without the pressure of THC spikes late in flower. With proper environment, nutrition, and gentle training, Auto CBG reliably rewards careful hands.
When purchasing, verify breeder authenticity and look for recent lab tests demonstrating the CBG-dominant profile with low THC. Seek feedback from growers in similar environments to calibrate pot size, lighting, and expected finish time. Above all, lean into the cultivar’s strengths: clarity, compliance, and ease of integration into daily life.
For consumers, start with small doses and note effects across different times of day. The subtle aroma and clean flavor make Auto CBG a friendly companion for work, study, or creative tasks. As research evolves, this cultivar is well positioned to remain relevant—an embodiment of cannabis’ expanding role beyond intoxication and into tailored, functional experiences.
