Written by Ad OpsOverview
Auto Critical Amnesia is an autoflowering hybrid developed by Real Gorilla Seeds that marries the output and sweetness of Critical genetics with the high-octane euphoria of Amnesia, and adds ruderalis for a rapid, day-length-independent life cycle. Its heritage spans ruderalis/indica/sativa, with a genetic balance designed to deliver quick, generous harvests without sacrificing potency or headroom. Growers prize it for dependable vigor, compact structure, and a terpene-forward profile that leans citrus-sweet with a skunky, spicy undercurrent.
As an auto, it typically finishes from seed to harvest in roughly 70–85 days under optimal indoor conditions, with many phenotypes ready around day 77. Indoor plants commonly reach 70–110 cm, while outdoor plants can stretch to 140 cm in ideal, sunny climates. When dialed in, yields can be impressive for an autoflower, often rivaling photoperiod hybrids derived from Critical.
On the user side, Auto Critical Amnesia provides an energetic, creative lift underpinned by calm, body-centered comfort. The experience reflects the Amnesia parentage—uplifting, euphoric, and thought-stimulating—tempered by Critical’s soothing, heavy-bloom character. The result is a modern auto that feels dynamic during the day and restorative in the evening when dosage is moderated.
History and Breeding
Auto Critical Amnesia was bred by Real Gorilla Seeds, a United Kingdom-based breeder known for rugged, outdoor-ready genetics capable of performing in temperate climates. The project set out to combine two proven pillars: the commercial-grade productivity and sweetness of Critical lines, and the iconic, cerebral electricity of Amnesia. Ruderalis genetics were integrated to lock in autoflowering behavior and compress the crop cycle without severely compromising cannabinoid output.
The Critical side brings a storied reputation for high yields and manageable structure. Critical selections—like those celebrated by European seedbanks—are cited as potent and particularly generous, with marketing literature describing them as plucky providers with above-average production. Amnesia, in contrast, has long been a favorite among connoisseurs for its uplifting, creative, and euphoric profile, with widely reported high THC and minimal CBD.
By fusing these parents in an auto framework, Real Gorilla Seeds targeted a balanced phenotype that performs in less predictable weather and shorter seasons. The breeding emphasis prioritized fast onset flowering, dense flower formation, and a terpene profile that would pop in both aroma and flavor. Over multiple filial selections, the line stabilized toward consistent height, rapid preflower initiation, and a reliable finish window under 18/6 or 20/4 lighting.
Genetic Lineage and Background
The lineage can be understood as a three-part harmony: Critical (mostly indica) for yield and bud density, Amnesia (sativa-leaning) for psychoactive lift and citrus-spice terpenes, and ruderalis for autoflowering. Critical genetics are known for sweet, skunky aromas and compact, trichome-heavy buds that fill in quickly. Amnesia contributes the exhilarating headspace, often described as creative and euphoric, alongside terpenes such as limonene, terpinolene, and caryophyllene in varying proportions.
Ruderalis traits are expressed primarily through its photoperiod independence and accelerated life cycle. Expect preflowers to appear by days 20–28 from sprout, with full bloom by weeks 4–5, regardless of daily light hours. This behavior allows multiple outdoor runs per season in suitable regions and highly flexible indoor scheduling.
The intended chemotype sits at the intersection of Critical’s sweet-earth base and Amnesia’s citrus-incense top notes. That chemistry produces a sensory profile that is both comforting and bright, a hallmark of top-tier hybrid autos. The synergy is intentional: easy-to-grow structure with a versatile, day-to-evening effect curve.
Appearance and Morphology
Auto Critical Amnesia typically exhibits a stout-to-medium stature with a strong central cola and well-spaced satellite branches. Internodal spacing often lands in the 2–5 cm range, allowing for good airflow and uniform light penetration. Leaves tend to be broad in early growth due to indica influence, narrowing slightly and becoming more lanceolate as flowering advances.
Buds are dense, golf-ball to egg-shaped, and tend to be uniform from top to mid-canopy when training is applied early. A thick trichome crust is common, reflecting the Critical heritage as frequently described in best-selling autos that produce hard, compact nugs with fast-hitting effects. The calyx-to-leaf ratio is favorable, which simplifies trimming and helps the flowers retain shape during drying.
Coloration remains mostly lime to forest green, with occasional amber pistils that darken toward harvest. Under cooler night temperatures late in bloom, faint purple hues may emerge in some phenotypes. Resin output is notable, coating bracts and sugar leaves, and often extending to fan leaf tips in peak ripeness.
Aroma
Expect a robust, room-filling aroma that blends sweet citrus with earthy skunk and a hint of spice. The first impression often recalls fresh-squeezed orange or lemon zest, consistent with limonene-forward expressions. As buds are broken apart, deeper notes of cedar, pepper, and faint incense appear, likely driven by caryophyllene and terpinolene.
In late flower, the bouquet intensifies, and the sweetness can take on a honeyed, floral character. Under warm, dry conditions, volatile monoterpenes leap off the plant, making carbon filtration a must indoors. Outdoors, a light breeze will carry the scent far, so consider wind direction if discretion is a priority.
Curing amplifies the complexity and rounds off rough edges. Over 3–6 weeks in proper conditions, sharp citrus becomes more candy-like, while the base note grows creamy and soft. The final jar note is bright yet composed, with a memorable sweet-peel finish.
Flavor
On the palate, Auto Critical Amnesia is vivid and layered, delivering a sweet citrus entry followed by earthy-skunk undertones. Limonene-driven zest often reads as orange sherbet or Meyer lemon, while the Critical sweetness evokes sugared herbs. Peppery warmth creeps in mid-draw, with a faint, incense-like echo that lingers on the exhale.
Vaporizing at lower temperatures (175–185°C) accentuates the top notes and yields a cleaner, citrus-candy experience. At higher temperatures or in combustion, the grounding elements come forward, bringing spicy caryophyllene and a gentle woodiness. Aftertaste is persistent but pleasant, with many users noting a sweet-skunky echo for several minutes.
Pairings work well with citrus-forward beverages, lightly sweet teas, or fruit-based desserts. Savory pairings like peppered goat cheese or herb-roasted nuts also complement the spicy-sweet interplay. The terpene balance holds up nicely in joints, vaporizers, and small-bowl glass sessions.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
While exact laboratory results vary by phenotype and cultivation, Auto Critical Amnesia generally aims for modern auto potency in the mid-to-high THC bracket. The Amnesia lineage is known for high THC with low CBD, a trend widely reported in strain databases. Critical-derived autos frequently test in the 15–20% THC range, with some pheno variation and occasional peaks above that under optimized lighting and nutrition.
Realistic expectations for Auto Critical Amnesia place THC in the 17–21% range for well-grown plants, with CBD usually under 1%, though a minority of autos with Critical ancestry can express 1–5% CBD. Reference points include commercial Critical autoflowers often noted as high potency and a Critical Mass Autoflower listing indicating 15–20% THC and medium (1–5%) CBD. This suggests Auto Critical Amnesia sits squarely within the contemporary potency spectrum for quality autos.
Users typically report a fast onset and clear strength after 1–3 inhalations, consistent with the dense trichome coverage and compact bud structure associated with Critical lines. Tolerance, set, and setting strongly influence perceived potency. For new users, start with a single inhalation and wait 10–15 minutes to assess the trajectory before redosing.
Terpene Profile and Aroma Chemistry
Limonene is a likely lead terpene, aligning with the bright citrus nose and the energizing tilt of Amnesia. Beta-caryophyllene follows closely, adding spicy, peppered depth and engaging CB2 receptors in a way that some users associate with a soothing, body-centered calm. Myrcene often sits in the background here, contributing to the creamy-sweet cohesion and potentially deepening relaxation at higher doses.
Secondary contributors may include terpinolene and ocimene, which can add a floral-incense top note and a crisp, green sweetness. A widely marketed terpene enhancer formula that blends limonene, caryophyllene, and ocimene is often described as sharpening the nose and lifting the mind—an apt description for this cultivar’s aromatic signature. Pinene may appear in trace-to-moderate amounts, supporting a clean, piney lift that enhances perceived alertness.
In aggregate, the terpene ensemble explains the paradox of Auto Critical Amnesia’s effects: uplift and clarity on the inhale, with a relaxing, pepper-warmed landing. Grow conditions influence terpene expression profoundly; high-intensity LED with modest UVA/UVB supplementation late in flower often elevates total terpene yield. Careful drying and curing preserve these volatiles, preventing terpene loss that can exceed 30% if conditions are too warm or dry.
Experiential Effects
The first phase is head-forward: uplifting, creative, and euphoric, reflecting Amnesia’s well-known profile. Many users report a spark for brainstorming, music, or light socializing within 5–10 minutes of the first inhale. Sensory brightness and mood lift are common, while racing thoughts are tempered by the cultivar’s grounding base.
As the session progresses, a warm, body-centered calm rises from the Critical side, loosening shoulders and easing minor physical tension. The duality often makes it suitable for day-to-early-evening use, depending on dose. Lower doses emphasize clarity and motivation; moderate doses bring a comfortable, couch-friendly ease after 60–90 minutes.
Potential downsides include dry mouth and eyes, as is typical, and occasional over-stimulation for very sensitive users in the first phase. Intensity and duration vary, but many report 2–3 hours of primary effects with a soft afterglow. Music, gaming, creative tasks, or relaxed conversation pair well, while complex multitasking may feel less appealing at higher doses.
Potential Medical Applications
Auto Critical Amnesia’s mixed profile makes it a candidate for users seeking mood elevation with functional calm. Amnesia-derived strains are commonly cited as helpful for mood-related concerns such as low affect, anhedonia, or creative block, due to uplifting and euphoric properties. On the other hand, Critical-based autos are frequently mentioned for managing stress and tension, echoing listings that highlight utility for stress and general relaxation.
Reported benefits from comparable Critical autoflowers include relief for chronic pain, sleeping difficulties, and stress, according to retailer summaries that aggregate consumer feedback. The body comfort and muscle ease reported with Critical lines can complement Amnesia’s mental brightening, potentially aiding users with combined physical and mood symptoms. For sleep, timing and dose matter; a late, moderate dose may promote rest, while earlier, lighter dosing is better for daytime function.
From a phytochemical perspective, limonene has been studied for mood support, while beta-caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory potential via CB2 pathways in preclinical literature. These mechanistic hints align with consumer anecdotes, though individual responses vary widely. As always, people with medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis therapeutically.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Auto Critical Amnesia is engineered for speed and simplicity, but precision pays dividends in yield and terpene intensity. Plan for 70–85 days from sprout to harvest under 18/6 or 20/4 light indoors, with day 77 a common finish point. Avoid photoperiod-style topping; instead, employ early low-stress training to shape a flat canopy and optimize light distribution.
Germination and seedling: Start seeds in their final containers—11–15 L fabric pots indoors, 20–30 L outdoors—to avoid transplant shock, which can steal critical days from autos. Maintain 24–26°C day and 20–22°C night with 65–70% RH, aiming for a seedling VPD around 0.8–1.0 kPa. Provide 250–350 PPFD for the first week and gentle air movement to strengthen stems.
Vegetative run-up (days 7–21): Increase light to 400–550 PPFD and RH to 55–60%, with daytime temps at 24–26°C. Begin LST around day 14–18 by gently bending the main stem and pegging it to create multiple tops; avoid hard kinks. Feed lightly—EC 1.0–1.2 in coco/hydro, or a mild vegetative nutrient tea in soil—keeping pH at 5.8–6.2 in inert media and 6.2–6.8 in soil.
Early flower (weeks 3–5): Preflowers typically appear by day 20–28. Raise PPFD to 600–800 and reduce RH to 50–55% to prevent botrytis risk as calyxes stack. Switch to bloom nutrients with a balanced NPK (e.g., 1–2–2 ratio) and add magnesium support (50–75 ppm) to keep chlorophyll production strong under higher light.
Mid-to-late flower (weeks 6–11): Push light intensity to 800–1,000 PPFD, with advanced growers exploring 1,100–1,200 PPFD if CO2 is enriched to 800–1,000 ppm. Keep daytime temps at 24–26°C and RH at 45–50% mid bloom, drifting to 40–45% in the last two weeks for resin and terpene preservation. Potassium and phosphorus demand rise; elevate EC to 1.6–1.9 in coco/hydro while watching for tip burn.
Lighting strategy: Autos perform well at 18/6, optimizing both growth and nightly metabolic cleanup. Some growers prefer 20/4 for absolute speed; if you do, monitor VPD closely to prevent desiccation. LED fixtures with full-spectrum white and a dash of 660 nm red produce compact internodes and dense flowers; limited UVA/UVB exposure during the last 2–3 weeks (30–60 minutes daily) can nudge potency and terpene density, echoing insights that UVA/UVB supplementation can maximize results.
Mediums and nutrition: In coco, feed daily to 10–20% runoff with a complete base nutrient and supplemental Ca/Mg, maintaining pH 5.8–6.1. In soil, a buffered, living mix with 20–30% aeration (perlite/pumice) and slow-release organics simplifies care; top-dress flower amendments at week 3 and week 5. Aim for 100–150 ppm nitrogen through mid bloom, then taper as pistils wither and trichomes turn cloudy.
Watering cadence: Water to full media saturation followed by partial dryback; overwatering in early life can stunt autos notably. As a rule of thumb, deliver 10% of pot volume per irrigation and adjust based on pot weight and leaf turgor. Maintain consistent inputs rather than feast-famine swings to reduce stress-induced delays.
Training and pruning: Limit defoliation to selective leaf tucking and removal of a few large fans that block flower sites. Heavy pruning or topping can cost 5–10 days, which is a major fraction of an auto’s life. A single LST session early, with minor adjustments in week 4, typically creates 6–10 strong colas around the central axis.
Environmental controls: Keep VPD near 1.1–1.3 kPa in mid bloom and 1.3–1.5 kPa late bloom to balance resin production with pathogen pressure reduction. Provide steady airflow across and through the canopy with two opposing clip fans and a constant exhaust at 1–1.5x tent volume per minute. If odors are a concern, a fresh, properly sized carbon filter is non-negotiable due to the strain’s loud terpene output.
Outdoor strategy: Choose the sunniest 70–85 day window, ideally late spring to midsummer in temperate zones. Plant in 30 L fabric pots with a light, well-draining mix; position to get 10–12 hours of direct sun. Shelter from prolonged rain late in flower, and mulch to stabilize soil moisture during heat waves.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Harvest timing should be driven by trichome maturity rather than calendar alone. For a bright, energetic effect, harvest around 5–10% amber trichomes with the majority cloudy; for fuller body weight, target 10–20% amber. Pistils should be mostly orange-brown and retracted, and the calyxes should be visibly swollen.
Drying parameters strongly influence flavor retention. Aim for 10–14 days at 18–20°C and 58–62% RH with gentle, indirect airflow. Rapid drying above 22°C or below 50% RH can flatten citrus notes and accentuate harshness by volatilizing monoterpenes.
After stems snap but don’t shatter, jar buds loosely, filling to 70–80% volume to allow air space. Burp jars daily for the first week, then every 2–3 days for the next two weeks, maintaining 58–62% RH with humidipaks if needed. A 4–6 week cure deepens the sweet-skunk base and rounds the spice, with noticeable gains in smoothness by week three.
Yield Expectations and Grow Metrics
Under mid-to-high-intensity LED and well-managed nutrition, indoor yields of 450–550 g/m² are achievable with healthy phenotypes. Many growers report 350–450 g/m² on a first run before dialing in environmental controls and LST. Outdoors in full sun, 70–160 g per plant is a reasonable range in 30 L pots, with exceptional results past 200 g in long, warm seasons.
Typical plant height indoors is 70–110 cm with early LST, while outdoors plants can reach 90–140 cm in rich media. Seed-to-harvest time lands most often in the 70–85 day window, with faster phenos finishing in about 65–70 days. Preflower initiation around day 20–28 is common, and full flower stack begins by day 30–35.
Bud density is high, resembling the compact structure reported for best-selling autos that crust over with trichomes. Trimming is straightforward thanks to a favorable calyx-to-leaf ratio, and dry trim generally preserves more resin on sugar leaves. Expect a strong bag appeal: bright-green buds, amber pistils, and visible resin granularity.
Comparative Notes and Use Cases
Compared with a typical Royal Critical Auto-style profile, Auto Critical Amnesia retains the fast cycle and big-yield character while layering in a more cerebral, giggly uplift. The sweet flavors cross over, but the citrus-incense top notes and creative energy are more pronounced due to the Amnesia influence. This makes it a better daytime choice than many straight Critical autos, which can lean more sedative.
Relative to classic Amnesia, the auto format offers faster time-to-jar and more compact stature, at the cost of slightly less stretch and, in some phenotypes, a touch less top-end THC. For users, the tradeoff is often favorable: consistent access to an uplifting profile with a smoother body landing. For growers, the reduced cycle time allows multiple harvests per year indoors and successive outdoor runs in sunny months.
For social settings, low-to-moderate doses emphasize euphoria and laughter without heavy couchlock. For creative sessions, pair with music or a change of scenery to capitalize on the elevated mood and novel associations. Evening use can segue into relaxation if dosing creeps upward, echoing how Red Critical Auto-type effects rapidly ease tension and quiet racing thoughts.
Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes
The most common error with autos is aggressive training that costs crucial days. Avoid topping, supercropping, or heavy defoliation—each can delay progress and reduce final mass. Stick to gentle LST and selective leaf removal.
Nutrient overshoot is another frequent issue, especially with high-intensity light. Watch for clawing or burned tips as EC rises above 1.8–1.9; ease back at the first sign of stress. Magnesium deficiency can masquerade as excess; supplement Mg at 50–75 ppm in bloom to prevent interveinal chlorosis under strong LEDs.
Environmental drift late in flower can flatten terpenes and encourage mold. Keep RH at 40–45% and ensure cross-canopy airflow as buds densify. If outdoor humidity spikes, deploy a canopy fan or shake off morning dew to thwart botrytis in the thickest colas.
Data-Backed Context and Sources in Practice
Several external data points contextualize Auto Critical Amnesia’s expected behavior. Amnesia is widely reported to produce uplifting, creative, euphoric effects with high THC and low CBD, aligning with the heady initial phase users describe. Critical lines are marketed as potent, high-yielding workhorses, consistent with the dense bud structure and generous output here.
Autoflower seed roundups highlight indica/sativa hybrid autos with hard, compact buds and thick trichome crusts that hit fast—traits mirrored in this cultivar’s morphology and onset. Listings for Critical-based autos frequently reference broad medical appeal, including use cases like chronic pain, sleeping issues, and stress, which dovetail with user anecdotes for this hybrid. Notes from cultivation guides and seed sellers further suggest that LED grows with possible UVA/UVB supplementation achieve maximum potency and that flower phases often resolve in 9–10 weeks for modern lines, a window consistent with the 70–85 day seed-to-harvest range reported here.
Finally, cannabinoid context from Critical Mass Autoflower ranges (15–20% THC and 1–5% CBD) set a realistic benchmark for auto potency. Together, these public data points help triangulate the expected potency, effects, and cultivation tempo of Auto Critical Amnesia. While absolute numbers vary with phenotype and grower technique, the converging evidence offers a robust, practical picture.
Safety, Compliance, and Responsible Use
Start low and go slow, especially if you are new to higher-THC autos. A single inhalation followed by a 10–15 minute pause allows you to gauge potency and steer the session. Hydration and eye drops help manage common side effects like dryness.
Mind your local laws; cultivation and possession regulations vary widely by region. Keep grows compliant with plant count, secure spaces, and odor control requirements if applicable. For medical use, consult a clinician to avoid interactions with medications and to tailor timing and dosage to your needs.
Storage matters for safety and quality. Keep flowers in airtight jars at 58–62% RH, in the dark at 15–20°C, and away from children and pets. Proper storage preserves terpenes and cannabinoids for months, with the best flavor expression within the first 3–6 months post-cure.
