Written by Ad OpsOverview and Introduction
Auto Dubai Poison is an autoflowering, ruderalis/sativa hybrid bred by Bulk Seed Bank, designed to capture the bright, energetic character of classic African sativas in a fast, compact package. Where many autos aim for sheer convenience, this cultivar leans into vigor, aromatic complexity, and a clean, functional high reminiscent of its Durban lineage. Growers choose it for seed-to-harvest speed, typically in the 70–85 day window, while consumers appreciate its crisp focus, sweet-spicy bouquet, and daytime usability.
As an autoflowering plant, Auto Dubai Poison transitions to bloom based on age rather than light schedule, giving indoor growers flexibility and outdoor growers reliability in variable latitudes. Its structural traits reflect sativa ancestry—narrow leaves, open bud formation, and long calyx stacks—tempered by ruderalis genes that keep height manageable. The result is a cultivar that performs consistently in small spaces, thrives under extended light hours, and rewards attentive cultivation with resinous, spear-shaped flowers.
In the jar, Auto Dubai Poison leans toward sweet anise, citrus zest, and fresh pine, a profile commonly associated with terpinolene-forward sativas. On the palate, it is zippy and clean, with a lingering herbal-candy finish that can remind experienced users of Durban Poison’s hallmark aromatics. Effects arrive quickly and feel mentally bright, making this strain a reliable companion for creative work, chores, or outdoor activities where clarity matters.
Bulk Seed Bank’s version is tailored for accessibility as much as performance, making it a solid entry point for growers new to autos and a reliable workhorse for experienced cultivators dialing in perpetual harvest cycles. Its genetic balance also makes it adaptable across growing media, from living soil to coco coir and hydroponics. When environmental parameters and nutrition are dialed in, indoor yields of 350–500 g/m² are realistic, with outdoor plants producing 50–150 g per plant depending on latitude, sun hours, and pot volume.
History and Breeding Context
Auto Dubai Poison sits at the intersection of two major cannabis narratives: the rise of autoflowering genetics and the enduring influence of Durban Poison. Autoflowering strains first gained mainstream attention in the early 2000s, when crosses incorporating Cannabis ruderalis enabled flowering independent of photoperiod. Over two decades of selection have dramatically improved potency, terpene content, and structure, making modern autos competitive with traditional photoperiod strains in many gardens.
On the sativa side, Durban Poison is a pure sativa popularized from the South African port city of Durban. According to Leafly, it is renowned for its sweet smell and energetic, uplifting effects, features that have driven global popularity since the late 1970s and 1980s. Breeders prize Durban lines for their clean, electric effect, licorice-citrus aromatics, and occasionally elevated THCV content.
Bulk Seed Bank’s Auto Dubai Poison channels this lineage through ruderalis infusion, stabilizing a fast life cycle for universal light schedules and compact growth. The “Dubai” moniker nods to the cultivar’s bright, cosmopolitan flavor profile and market appeal while signaling a connection to Durban’s sensory signature. The breeding objective is clear: compress the time to harvest while retaining the sativa clarity, terpinolene-driven nose, and classic spear-shaped buds.
Autos like this evolved rapidly as growers demanded reliable, multiple harvests per year, both indoors and outdoors. In northern latitudes where seasons are short, an autoflower that finishes in 10–12 weeks can deliver consistent results between late spring and early fall. Indoors, their fixed life cycle simplifies perpetual harvest planning, with cohorts staggered 2–3 weeks apart to provide a steady supply of fresh flowers year-round.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Auto Dubai Poison’s core heritage is ruderalis/sativa, with the sativa component derived from Durban-type genetics and the ruderalis component providing autoflowering behavior. Ruderalis contributes photoperiod independence via day-neutral flowering and imparts early vigor, cold tolerance, and a compact root-centric growth pattern. In effect, the ruderalis fraction acts as a chassis for a Durban-influenced terpene and effect profile.
From the sativa side, expect narrow leaflets, elevated internodal spacing, and a calyx-forward bud structure. Durban lines often exhibit terpinolene-dominant terpene arrays with supportive ocimene, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene, and Auto Dubai Poison frequently echoes this. The inheritance can also manifest as higher resistance to botrytis thanks to a more open floral structure compared to dense indica-leaning autos.
Some Durban selections have been reported to carry trace-to-moderate levels of THCV, a minor cannabinoid of interest for its distinctive pharmacology. In ruderalis crosses, THCV is typically diluted but can still appear in trace quantities (for example, 0.1–0.5% by weight in favorable phenotypes). Most phenotypes of Auto Dubai Poison will express a THC-dominant profile with minimal CBD, while CBG may register in the 0.2–1.0% range depending on maturity and cure.
Phenotypic expression will vary with environment, nutrition, and light intensity, but the line tends to stay within a manageable height class indoors. Expect stabilized autoflowering onset—often around day 21–30 from sprout—with a stretch period over the next 10–20 days. Cohesion of traits is improved when seeds are started directly in final containers and stress is minimized during the rapid early phase where autos set their yield ceiling.
Appearance and Plant Morphology
Auto Dubai Poison expresses a sativa-leaning architecture tempered by ruderalis compactness. Plants typically reach 70–110 cm indoors under high-intensity LED lighting, though 50–90 cm is common in small pots or under moderate PPFD. Internodal spacing averages 3–6 cm, providing good airflow and a scaffolding conducive to low-stress training.
Leaves are narrow to mid-narrow with serrated margins, presenting a lighter lime-green in new growth and deepening as nitrogen accumulates. Stems are initially pliable—useful for training—but lignify by mid-flower; supplemental silica can help reinforce structural integrity. The calyx-to-leaf ratio trends high, making trimming relatively straightforward compared to leafy indica autos.
Inflorescences develop as elongated spears with stacked calyx clusters and a modest foxtail tendency under high heat or intense light. Pistils emerge bright white, gradually turning orange to rust as maturity approaches. Trichome coverage is dense across bracts and upper sugar leaves, and resin heads tend toward a medium size with a milky stalk/head split visible under 60–100x magnification.
Coloration stays in the green spectrum in most environments, though cooler night temperatures can nudge leaf edges toward darker hues. The airy-to-medium bud density mitigates mold risk in humid regions while preserving the racy sativa aesthetic. In large containers outdoors, the plant can widen significantly, with lateral branches creating a radial canopy ideal for maximizing light interception.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
The aroma of Auto Dubai Poison is led by sweet terpinolene notes—think candied citrus peel, fresh pine, and a faint floral top note. Beneath the initial sweetness sits anise and fennel seed, an echo of classic Durban Poison bouquets. When the flowers are broken up, sharper citrus and green herb tones flash, with a brief hint of eucalyptus.
In the pipe or vaporizer, the first impression is brisk and clean, with a cool, mint-adjacent sensation that pairs with lemon-lime zest. Mid-palate, a licorice-candy thread and pine resin become more prominent, especially at lower vaporization temperatures (170–185°C). On the exhale, the finish turns softly herbal with a peppery tickle from beta-caryophyllene.
Terpene expression is sensitive to drying and curing practices, and terpinolene in particular volatilizes readily at high temperatures and with excessive airflow. A slow dry at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH preserves the sweet, zesty top notes far better than quick, warm drying. Properly cured jars retain the confectionary-citrus core for months, while poor storage bleaches the profile into generic pine.
Compared to many modern dessert cultivars, Auto Dubai Poison’s flavor is less creamy and more crystalline and brisk. This makes it a distinctive daytime strain for connoisseurs who favor clean, high-tone aromatics over heavy sweetness. Experienced Durban Poison fans will recognize the lineage immediately when the grinder is opened.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Auto Dubai Poison is THC-dominant, with seedbank listings and grower reports commonly placing total THC in the 14–20% range under competent indoor conditions. CBD is typically low (<1%), rendering a THC:CBD ratio often in excess of 20:1. Minor cannabinoids can include CBG at 0.2–1.0% and trace THCV in select phenotypes.
Autos historically trailed photoperiod lines in potency, but modern breeding has narrowed that gap substantially. With high-intensity LED lighting (800–1,000 µmol/m²/s peak PPFD), optimized nutrition, and a stable environment, it is realistic to reach the top end of the reported THC range. Under suboptimal light (e.g., <500 µmol/m²/s), THC and terpene totals drop, and the effect softens toward a lighter, shorter-lived experience.
Harvest timing affects cannabinoid balance measurably. Pulling at mostly cloudy trichomes with minimal amber tends to emphasize a brighter, racier expression with slightly lower measured THC but higher perceived “sparkle.” Allowing 10–20% amber slightly boosts the body component and can marginally increase CBN from oxidation, shifting the effect toward calm at the expense of the most electric top end.
Extraction outcomes align with a sativa-leaning resin: shatter and live resin capture the high-tone terpenes well, while rosin returns vary with moisture and pressure. Well-grown flowers generally yield 15–22% return in hydrocarbon extraction, 15–20% in rosin pressing from premium material, and 18–24% from fresh-frozen live material by weight of input. Decarboxylation for edibles typically targets 105–115°C for 30–45 minutes to activate THCA effectively without excessive terpene loss.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Auto Dubai Poison’s terpene spectrum is commonly terpinolene-dominant, reflecting its Durban ancestry. Total terpene content in well-grown, slow-dried flowers generally lands around 1.0–2.5% of dry weight, with terpinolene comprising 35–55% of that fraction. Supporting terpenes often include beta-myrcene, beta-ocimene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and humulene in descending abundance.
As a rough profile, you might see terpinolene at 0.3–1.2%, beta-ocimene at 0.1–0.5%, beta-myrcene at 0.1–0.4%, beta-caryophyllene at 0.1–0.3%, and limonene at 0.05–0.2% by dry weight in dialed-in environments. These ranges shift with growing media, drying speed, and harvest timing. Faster dries and high-heat environments disproportionately strip the most volatile monoterpenes, flattening the profile.
From a chemistry standpoint, terpinolene’s citrus-pine-floral character sets the high-tone signature. Beta-ocimene contributes green, sweet-herbal facets, while myrcene adds a subtle earthy base that can round the palate without turning it musky. Beta-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene that can interact with CB2 receptors, brings peppery warmth and may contribute to perceived body balance.
Terpene synergy—the so-called entourage effect—helps explain why Auto Dubai Poison’s experience feels mentally bright yet not hollow. Limonene can uplift mood perception, terpinolene contributes a crisp alertness, and caryophyllene offers grounding. The result is an effect curve that starts fast and clean but retains sufficient body to avoid a jittery edge when dosed appropriately.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
Consumers often describe Auto Dubai Poison as clear, energetic, and task-friendly, aligning closely with the Durban Poison reputation. According to Leafly’s overview of Durban Poison, the parent lineage is known for a sweet smell and energetic, uplifting effects, and the auto cross carries this through in moderated form. Expect an initial mental lift within minutes of inhalation, followed by enhanced focus and a mild, positive mood elevation.
The effect curve is front-loaded: a brisk onset, a productive plateau, and a relatively clean comedown over 90–150 minutes for inhaled routes. Vaporization preserves the brightest cognitive qualities and tends to minimize harshness, while combustion may feel slightly punchier at the cost of some top-end aroma. Edibles or tinctures derived from this cultivar will lose some of the terpinolene-bright headspace but can still feel alert at lower doses (2.5–5 mg THC).
Side effects at higher doses can include transient anxiety, racing thoughts, and a pick-up in heart rate, a pattern common to terpinolene-rich sativas. Dry mouth and dry eyes are routine across THC-dominant strains; hydration and slower pacing mitigate these. Users prone to anxiety often do best by microdosing (1–2 small inhalations) and avoiding use on an empty stomach.
Tolerance builds with frequent use, flattening the uplift and shortening the duration of effects. Taking 48–72 hour breaks resets sensitivity for many users and restores the crisp top-end clarity. Caffeine co-use can compound the racy edge; replacing coffee with water or herbal tea often yields a smoother experience without sacrificing focus.
Potential Medical Applications
For medical-oriented consumers, Auto Dubai Poison’s profile lends itself to daytime indications where energy and attention are desired. Patients report utility for fatigue, motivational deficits, and task initiation, with some finding assistance in focus-intensive activities. The alert effect can support mood during seasonal dips, especially when used in low doses that avoid anxiety.
Preclinical literature suggests that limonene may have mood-elevating properties and beta-caryophyllene exhibits CB2-mediated anti-inflammatory potential. Terpinolene has been studied for antioxidant and potential anxiolytic effects in animal models, though human data remain limited. While these findings are encouraging, they should be viewed as supportive rather than definitive clinical proof.
Patients sensitive to THC-induced anxiety should proceed cautiously, as terpinolene-dominant sativas can feel racy at moderate to high doses. Starting with 1–2 mg THC and titrating slowly is a common harm-reduction approach, particularly in new users. Vaporization at lower temperatures (170–185°C) can emphasize uplifting terpenes while decreasing roughness.
Those seeking appetite suppression or glycemic control sometimes explore THCV-rich cultivars, and Durban lines occasionally express trace THCV. In Auto Dubai Poison, THCV is usually modest, but some phenotypes may show detectable levels that contribute to a lighter body feel. As with all cannabinoid-based strategies, medical users should consult clinicians familiar with cannabis and consider interactions with existing medications.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Environment and Light
Auto Dubai Poison performs best at 24–28°C during the day and 18–22°C at night, with relative humidity at 55–65% for seedlings, 45–55% for vegetative growth, and 40–50% during mid-flower. Target a vapor pressure deficit of roughly 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in flower for balanced transpiration. Good airflow is critical; use oscillating fans to avoid dead zones and maintain a gentle leaf flutter without windburn.
As an autoflower, it thrives under extended light. An 18/6 light schedule is the standard, though many growers run 20/4 for slightly faster metabolism and tighter internodes. Indoors, aim for 500–700 µmol/m²/s PPFD early on, ramping to 800–1,000 µmol/m²/s in bloom, corresponding to a daily light integral (DLI) of roughly 35–45 mol/m²/day.
Seed Starting and Containers
Autos dislike transplant shock, so sow seeds directly into final containers whenever possible. For indoor grows, 11–18 L (3–5 gal) fabric pots balance root volume and plant size; outdoors, 20–40 L (5–10 gal) pots can push bigger yields without slowing the life cycle. Inoculate the planting hole with mycorrhizal fungi and dust the taproot at transplant to support rapid early colonization.
Use a well-aerated substrate. In soil, blend 30–40% perlite or pumice for improved drainage; in coco, aim for 10–20% perlite and irrigate more frequently at lower volumes. Ensure plenty of oxygen to the root zone, as early root vigor strongly influences final yield in autos.
Nutrition and pH
In soil, target a pH of 6.2–6.8; in coco/hydro, 5.8–6.2. Early feeding should be gentle: EC 0.8–1.2 during seedling/early veg, rising to 1.4–1.8 in mid-flower for coco/hydro, and slightly lower in rich soils. Autos generally prefer moderate nitrogen; a 3-1-2 N-P-K ratio in early growth transitioning to 1-2-2 in early bloom and 0-3-3 in late bloom works well.
Supplement calcium and magnesium consistently, especially under LED lighting. A baseline of 100–150 ppm Ca and 30–50 ppm Mg prevents common deficiencies that trigger leaf mottling and necrotic spotting. Silica at 50–100 ppm builds stem strength and improves heat resilience.
Irrigation Strategy
Keep the medium moist but not saturated during the seedling stage, using small, frequent waterings around the plant’s base. Once roots establish, water to ~10–15% runoff in coco/hydro and to near field capacity in soil, allowing the top 2–3 cm to dry slightly between events. Overwatering early can dwarf autos and permanently cap yield.
Measure inflow and runoff EC/pH to diagnose salt accumulation in coco/hydro. If runoff EC climbs significantly above inflow, perform a gentle flush with balanced nutrient solution. In soil, avoid repeated heavy flushes; manage nutrition through top-dressing or light liquid feeds to preserve microbial life.
Training and Canopy Management
Low-stress training (LST) is the safest technique for autos. Begin gentle bends once the fourth node is present, typically around days 14–20 from sprout, and anchor branches to open the canopy and promote even light distribution. Avoid topping after day 18–20; if used at all, topping should occur very early and only on vigorous plants to prevent stunting.
A soft SCROG (screen of green) can help shape the canopy by tucking branches during stretch. Maintain 20–30 cm between the canopy and LED at high intensities to prevent light stress; adjust by manufacturer guidance and watch for canoeing leaves and bleached tips. Defoliate lightly—removing large fan leaves that shade bud sites—between days 25–40, then keep further leaf removal minimal.
Lifecycle Timeline (Typical)
Days 0–7: Germination and seedling establishment; keep RH 60–70% and gentle PPFD ~200–300 µmol/m²/s. Days 8–21: Rapid vegetative growth; increase PPFD to 400–600 and begin LST. Days 21–30: Pre-flower; first pistils appear, and stretch initiates.
Days 31–50: Early/mid-flower; ramp PPFD to 700–900, maintain VPD ~1.2–1.4 kPa, and shift nutrients toward bloom ratios. Days 51–70: Peak bulking; monitor for deficiencies and maintain consistent irrigation. Days 70–85: Ripening; evaluate trichomes and reduce nitrogen to improve fade and post-harvest burn quality.
Pest and Disease Management (IPM)
Auto Dubai Poison’s sativa structure improves airflow through flowers, reducing botrytis risk compared to dense indica-dominant autos. Nevertheless, maintain an IPM stack: yellow and blue sticky cards for monitoring, clean intakes with HEPA prefilters, and weekly inspections under leaves. For biologicals, predatory mites (e.g., Neoseiulus californicus) target mites, while Orius insidiosus helps control thrips when deployed early.
In vegetative stages, use gentle foliar preventatives if needed—neem or karanja oil at low rates, insecticidal soaps, or Beauveria bassiana—avoiding foliar sprays after early flower initiation. Maintain sanitation: remove plant debris, sterilize tools, and quarantine new clones if running mixed rooms. Keep RH and temperature within targets; environmental discipline is the first line of defense.
Outdoors and Greenhouse
Outdoors, choose the sunniest site available and plant after the last frost once nights exceed 10–12°C consistently. Autos appreciate extended light hours, so late spring and midsummer sowings usually outperform early spring starts in cool climates. In 20–40 L containers, expect 70–140 cm height and 60–150 g per plant depending on sunlight, nutrition, and wind exposure.
Stake early to support stretch and prevent wind stress from damaging the primary stem. Mulch with straw or living cover to stabilize root temperatures and reduce irrigation frequency. In humid regions, the open floral structure resists mold better than dense cultivars, but a 30–50 cm plant spacing still helps avoid microclimates that foster disease.
Hydroponics vs. Soil
Coco and hydroponics can produce faster growth and higher yields due to greater oxygen availability and precise nutrient control. In coco, feed 1–3 times daily at lower volumes once plants are established, keeping EC stable and runoff modest. In living soil, build a balanced profile with quality compost, mineral amendments, and trace elements; top-dress with bloom inputs around day 25–30.
Both approaches can succeed; choose the one that fits your workflow and tolerance for precision. Hydro/coco reward meticulous monitoring and can push PPFD and CO2 more aggressively. Soil rewards patience and tends to produce especially nuanced terpene expression when dried and cured correctly.
CO2 and Advanced Optimization
Supplemental CO2 (800–1,200 ppm) can increase growth rates and canopy tolerance for high light, especially above 900 µmol/m²/s PPFD. Only add CO2 if you can maintain temperature, humidity, and nutrition in balance; otherwise, it may introduce more variables than benefits. Tighten irrigation frequency and ensure calcium and magnesium are ample when pushing high light and CO2.
Leaf surface temperature (LST) monitoring with an infrared thermometer helps fine-tune light height and intensity. Aim for a leaf temperature roughly 1–2°C below ambient under LED to keep stomata active without overstress. Watch for common stress signals: tacoing leaves from excess light/heat, interveinal chlorosis from Mg deficiency, or bronzing from Ca issues.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Judge maturity primarily by trichomes: a bright, energetic profile usually aligns with mostly cloudy heads and 5–15% amber. For a slightly softer effect, wait for 15–25% amber. Pistil color can mislead; rely on a loupe or microscope for accuracy.
If using mineral salts, a 7–10 day “soft flush” with balanced, low-EC solution can improve ash quality and burn. Dry at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH with gentle airflow for 10–14 days, aiming for small stems to snap cleanly without shattering. After drying, cure in airtight glass at 58–62% RH, burping daily for the first 7–10 days, then weekly for 4–8 weeks.
Yield Expectations and Benchmarks
Indoors, experienced growers frequently achieve 350–500 g/m² with high-quality LEDs, proper nutrition, and thoughtful training. New growers should set a baseline goal of 200–300 g/m² and focus on environment stability; consistent VPD and watering practices reliably lift yields. Outdoors, 50–150 g per plant is common, with upper figures in sunny, low-latitude sites and larger containers.
Quality metrics matter as much as quantity. Target total terpenes of 1.0–2.5% and THC in the mid-to-high teens under optimized conditions. A clean, slow dry often improves the perceived potency and lengthens the effect due to better terpene preservation and smoother combustion.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Overfeeding nitrogen in early flower is a frequent error that leads to dark, clawed leaves and delayed bud set; switch to bloom ratios promptly once pre-flowers appear. Overwatering in the first three weeks can dwarf plants irreversibly—keep early irrigations small and frequent rather than soaking the pot. Late heavy defoliation can reduce photosynthetic capacity during the critical bulking window; keep leaf removal measured.
If leaves pale rapidly in mid-flower, check for insufficient EC, low magnesium under LEDs, or pH drift. If tips burn and leaves canoe, reduce PPFD slightly, increase light distance, or lower room temperature by 1–2°C. Spider mite stippling on lower leaves calls for immediate action: remove affected foliage, increase airflow, and deploy predators or approved miticides in veg-only areas.
Conclusion and Buyer’s Tips
Auto Dubai Poison delivers a faithful, fast-tracked take on Durban-style energy with the convenience of a modern autoflower. For growers, it represents a dependable, 10–12 week route to terpinolene-bright flowers with a tidy footprint, especially under 18/6 or 20/4 lighting. For consumers, it’s a daytime specialist: sweet, zesty, and clear without the heaviness of dessert cultivars.
When choosing seeds, prioritize reputable sources and look for breeder-backed batches from Bulk Seed Bank to ensure trait stability. Plan the run around the plant’s fixed life cycle: start in final pots, keep early stress minimal, and adjust nutrition promptly at pre-flower. Indoors, target 800–1,000 µmol/m²/s in bloom, maintain VPD discipline, and dry slowly to protect terpinolene.
If you enjoy Durban Poison’s signature profile—described by Leafly as sweet-smelling, energetic, and uplifting—Auto Dubai Poison puts that experience within reach on a shorter calendar. Expect THC in the mid-teens to around 20% with low CBD, terpinolene-led aromatics, and a working person’s clarity ideal for projects and movement. With attentive cultivation and careful curing, this cultivar can anchor a reliable rotation of bright, functional cannabis all year long.
