Written by Ad OpsIntroduction to Auto Maxi Gom
Auto Maxi Gom is an autoflowering, ruderalis/indica cannabis cultivar developed by GB Strains, designed to deliver reliable yields and a relaxingly balanced experience in a compact, rapid-cycling plant. As an auto, it transitions to flowering based on age rather than day length, allowing growers to harvest regardless of light schedules. This characteristic makes it highly accessible for beginners while still offering enough performance to satisfy experienced cultivators.
The strain's name hints at its generous bud production for an auto, with modern autos often rivaling older photoperiods in density and resin coverage. In practical terms, indoor growers commonly report 400–550 g/m² under optimized conditions and 70–85 days from germination to harvest. Those numbers position Auto Maxi Gom squarely in the “high-output auto” category without sacrificing manageable plant size or ease of cultivation.
While exact lineage details remain proprietary, the confirmed ruderalis/indica heritage is evident in its structure, resilience, and sedative-leaning effects. The result is a cultivar that performs well in both home and micro-grow settings, including tents, cabinets, and balconies. Flavor-wise, users describe sweet, gum-like notes layered with mild earth and spice, pointing to a terpene ensemble dominated by myrcene, β-caryophyllene, and limonene.
Origin and Breeding History
Auto Maxi Gom was bred by GB Strains as a modern refinement of early European autoflower projects that fused cannabis ruderalis with compact indica stock. The goal was clear: combine the time certainty and resilience of ruderalis with the yield density, bag appeal, and relaxing effects of an indica. GB Strains’ selection work centered on phenotypes that flower promptly, finish uniformly, and accept higher feed rates without losing terpene intensity.
Autoflowers entered the mainstream in the late 2000s, but potency and terpene output lagged behind photoperiods. By the mid-2010s, repeated backcrossing and careful selection pushed typical auto THC values into the mid-to-high teens, with standout phenos exceeding 20%. Auto Maxi Gom belongs to this newer wave of autos, which frequently test in the 15–22% THC band depending on environment and phenotype.
GB Strains has not publicly disclosed the exact indica donors used, a common practice to protect intellectual property. However, the phenotype expression—chunky calyxes, short internodes, and heavy resin—suggests stable indica influence layered over a vigorous ruderalis base. The result is a plant that can finish rapidly while filling out enough to justify the “Maxi” in its name.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
The declared heritage of Auto Maxi Gom is ruderalis/indica, a pairing that impacts growth rhythm, morphology, and effects. Ruderalis confers age-dependent flowering (autoflowering) and strong environmental robustness, including tolerance to cooler nights and inconsistent light. Indica contributes compact structure, denser buds, and a body-forward effect profile that trends toward relaxation and stress relief.
From a breeder’s perspective, a typical filial generation for an auto project cycles through multiple selection rounds to stabilize auto-flowering traits above 90% expression. In practice, that means most plants in a seed pack initiate pre-flowers around day 20–28 from sprout and fully commit to bloom by day 28–35. Auto Maxi Gom fits this profile, with most growers observing pistils by the end of week four.
Indica-forward chemotypes often express myrcene-dominant terpene ratios (frequently 0.4–1.2% myrcene by dry weight) and β-caryophyllene in the second position, which correlates to earthy-sweet and spicy notes. Ruderalis influence can slightly temper peak THC while improving uniformity, early vigor, and pathogen resilience. The combined genetics thus favor growers who want fast, forgiving plants that still produce flavorful, potent flower.
Morphology and Visual Profile
Auto Maxi Gom typically grows 60–110 cm tall indoors, with a single dominant cola and 4–6 strong laterals when left untrained. Internodal spacing is short to moderate, commonly 2–5 cm on primary branches in high-light environments, which encourages tight bud stacking. Leaf morphology trends broad and serrated, with a medium-dark green color that will lighten slightly if nitrogen is reduced heading into bloom.
Bud structure is compact and resin-rich, presenting as chunky, golf-ball to soda-can sized colas depending on training. Calyxes swell noticeably between days 50 and 65 from sprout, often with 70–85% of pistils turning copper-to-rust near maturity. Trichome coverage is dense, with a frosty layer visible even on sugar leaves, a hallmark of modern autos selected for resin output.
Anthocyanin expression is phenotype-dependent and most often triggered by cool nights below 18°C in late flower. Under warm conditions, flowers remain lime to forest green with vivid orange pistils and a silver trichome sheen. Dried buds typically exhibit a bulk density of roughly 0.18–0.32 g/cm³, depending on drying protocol, cultivar phenotype, and trim tightness.
Aroma and Bouquet
Auto Maxi Gom lives up to its name with a sweet, gum-like bouquet that many users describe as a blend of confectionary sweetness and soft fruit esters. On first grind, expect a sweet top note reminiscent of bubblegum, melon, or pear candies, likely driven by myrcene and limonene synergy. Beneath that, an earthy-spicy foundation comes from β-caryophyllene and humulene, adding structure and warmth.
As flowers cure, the aroma evolves. Weeks three to six of curing often deepen the sweet notes into a richer, pastry-like impression, while a faint herbal edge emerges from secondary terpenes such as ocimene and linalool. Proper humidity control during curing (58–62% RH) helps preserve volatile monoterpenes and increases perceived intensity by 10–20% compared to overdried samples.
In sealed storage, headspace fills quickly, indicating a relatively high volatile component for an auto. Total terpene content typically lands in the 1.2–2.5% range by dry weight under standard indoor conditions, with CO₂ supplementation and careful drying pushing the upper end. Growers aiming for maximal aroma retention should avoid high-temperature drying, as terpene losses can exceed 30% when temperatures rise above 24°C during the first 72 hours.
Flavor and Consumption Experience
The flavor track mirrors the nose: sweet, candy-like top notes followed by a gentle earth-spice finish. Vaporization between 175–190°C highlights limonene and myrcene, bringing out fruit and confection without harshness. Combustion tends to emphasize β-caryophyllene and humulene, yielding a slightly toastier, spiced finish with less overt sweetness.
Mouthfeel is medium-bodied with a soft, slightly creamy texture when properly cured at 58–62% RH. Poorly dried buds (below 54% RH) can thin the flavor and add a papery note, demonstrating the importance of the 60/60 approach—about 60% RH at roughly 60°F (15–16°C) for 10–14 days—for terpene preservation. Users often report better flavor fidelity and smoother inhalation when using a clean glass piece or a convection vaporizer.
On exhale, a lingering sweetness persists along with a faint herbal coolness, suggesting minor contributions from terpenes like terpinolene in some phenotypes. The aftertaste tends to be less pungent than diesel or chem lines, making Auto Maxi Gom approachable for newcomers. Because of its balanced profile, it pairs well with beverages like lightly sweetened tea or citrus water that amplify limonene’s brightness.
Cannabinoid Composition and Potency
Auto Maxi Gom expresses an indica-leaning chemotype with typical THC values reported in the 15–22% range by dry weight, contingent on phenotype and environment. CBD is generally low, commonly 0.2–0.8%, consistent with modern autos that target euphoric but manageable potency. Minor cannabinoids such as CBG often appear at 0.3–1.2%, with trace CBN rising during extended cures.
Environmental and cultural factors can shift potency by several percentage points. High-intensity LED lighting delivering 700–900 µmol/m²/s in bloom, stable root-zone temperatures (20–22°C), and adequate calcium/magnesium supply correlate with higher cannabinoid content. Conversely, chronic overwatering or nutrient lockout can depress THC by 10–20% compared to optimized controls, as seen in side-by-side grow logs and caregiver reports.
For inhalation, typical onset occurs within 5–10 minutes, with peak subjective effects at 30–60 minutes and a 2–3 hour duration when smoked. Vaporization often extends the active window to 3–4 hours due to more efficient cannabinoid delivery and terpene preservation. Edible preparations derived from Auto Maxi Gom, when accurately dosed, can range from 5–10 mg THC for beginners to 15–25 mg for experienced users, with a delayed onset of 45–120 minutes and a total duration of 4–8 hours.
Terpene Profile and Sensory Chemistry
The terpene profile skews myrcene-dominant, with myrcene commonly observed in the 0.4–1.2% range of dry flower mass, contributing to sweet, fruity, and slightly herbal notes. β-caryophyllene typically follows at 0.2–0.6%, lending spice and a mild pepper tone while engaging CB2 receptors, which may relate to perceived anti-inflammatory effects. Limonene is often the third anchor, around 0.1–0.4%, brightening the bouquet with citrus and supporting mood elevation.
Secondary terpenes include humulene (0.05–0.2%), which complements caryophyllene with woody dryness, and linalool (0.02–0.1%), adding a faint floral calm. Depending on phenotype and environment, ocimene and terpinolene may appear in trace-to-minor quantities, subtly influencing top-note sweetness and perceived freshness. Under optimized indoor conditions, total terpene content of 1.5–2.5% is attainable, with some high-performance grows approaching 3%.
Processing and handling have measurable effects on terpene retention. Each 1°C increase in drying temperature within the 18–24°C band can reduce monoterpene retention by approximately 2–4% based on aggregate indoor grower data and post-harvest QC. Minimizing agitation during trimming and avoiding long, warm jar cures preserves limonene and ocimene, which are among the most volatile constituents.
Experiential Effects and Use Patterns
Auto Maxi Gom tends toward a calm, mood-brightening onset that transitions into physical relaxation without immediate couchlock at moderate doses. Users frequently report stress relief and an easing of muscle tension within the first hour, with a clear enough headspace to remain conversational. At higher doses, sedation deepens, and many describe a gentle drift toward sleep.
In community reports, dry mouth is the most common side effect, affecting roughly 30–50% of users depending on hydration and dose. Dry or reddened eyes occur in 15–30%, and occasional dizziness or orthostatic lightheadedness may appear in sensitive individuals, particularly when standing quickly after inhalation. Anxiety incidence is comparatively low versus high-THC sativas but can occur when exceeding personal tolerance.
The strain aligns well with late afternoon or evening use. Creative sessions benefit from the relaxing, low-anxiety environment it fosters, while casual social settings appreciate its smooth palate and mellow body tone. For inexperienced users, two to three small inhalations or 5–7 mg THC orally is a prudent starting range, titrating upward in 2–5 mg increments as needed.
Therapeutic Potential and Medical Use Cases
Given its indica-leaning effects and myrcene/caryophyllene chassis, Auto Maxi Gom is often chosen by patients seeking relief from stress, mild-to-moderate pain, and sleep disturbances. Anecdotally, users with tension headaches, muscle soreness, or post-workout aches report benefit at modest inhalation doses. The combination of β-caryophyllene and humulene may contribute to a perceived decrease in inflammatory discomfort, though individual responses vary.
For anxiety, the strain’s relatively gentle headspace helps some patients reduce acute stress without a racy cognitive edge. Low-to-moderate THC, typically below 15 mg per session, can reduce worry and facilitate decompression, particularly when combined with slow breathing and hydration. For sleep, a slightly higher dose taken 60–90 minutes before bed often ushers in drowsiness and prolongs sleep duration.
Patients exploring this cultivar should consider set, setting, and interaction with other medications. THC can potentiate sedatives and may interact with SSRIs, antihypertensives, and anticoagulants; medical supervision is recommended. This discussion is informational and does not constitute medical advice; individuals should consult a qualified clinician before initiating or modifying any treatment.
Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Harvest
Auto Maxi Gom, as bred by GB Strains, is optimized for straightforward cultivation and predictable timelines. Most plants finish in 70–85 days from sprout, with pre-flowers commonly appearing by day 21–28. Because autos flower by age, plan your environment and feed ramp early to avoid growth stalls that cannot be corrected later with extended veg time.
Germinate seeds via a moistened paper towel or directly in the final container to minimize transplant shock. If using plugs or small pots, transplant before day 10–12 to avoid root-bound stress, which can reduce final yields by 10–25%. Choose 11–15 L (3–4 gal) fabric pots for soil or 9–12 L (2–3 gal) for coco/hydro to balance vigor and container footprint.
Light schedules of 18/6 or 20/4 work well; many growers favor 20/4 for slightly faster growth, though the marginal gains may be 5–10% at best. Target PPFD of 400–600 µmol/m²/s during early growth (days 7–21), increasing to 700–900 µmol/m²/s in bloom for dense stacking. Maintain day/night temperatures around 24–28°C day and 18–22°C night, with RH about 60–70% in seedling, 50–60% in veg, and 40–50% in late bloom.
In soil, pH 6.2–6.8 is appropriate; coco/hydro performs best at pH 5.7–6.0. Begin with an EC of 0.6–0.8 during the seedling stage, ramping to 1.1–1.4 in early veg and 1.4–1.8 in bloom depending on cultivar appetite and runoff readings. Keep calcium and magnesium readily available, particularly under LED lighting, as deficiency can appear by day 25–35 if neglected.
Nutrient ratios offer a helpful guide: seedling 2-1-2 N-P-K, early veg 3-1-2, transition 2-2-3, early bloom 1-2-3 with added Ca/Mg, mid bloom 1-3-3, and late bloom 0-3-4. Avoid heavy nitrogen past day 35 to encourage proper ripening and reduce chlorophyll harshness. A 7–10 day plain water or low-EC finish often improves burn quality and flavor.
Training should be light and early. Low-stress training (LST) starting day 15–21 can open the canopy and increase light penetration, often boosting yields by 10–20%. Avoid topping after day 18–21; autos generally have limited time to recover, and aggressive pruning can reduce final output.
Environmental Parameters and Nutrient Strategy
Autos respond predictably to stable environments. For Auto Maxi Gom, aim for a vapor pressure deficit (VPD) of 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in bloom to balance transpiration and nutrient flow. If adding CO₂ (900–1200 ppm), nudge temperatures up 1–2°C and ensure sufficient light intensity to leverage the enrichment.
Water management is frequently the biggest yield lever. In soil, allow 10–20% runoff and let pots reach 50–60% of saturated weight before rewatering to encourage healthy root aeration. In coco, smaller, more frequent irrigations keep EC stable; maintain runoff EC within 0.2–0.4 of input to avoid salt buildup.
Micronutrients matter under LEDs and inert media. Keep Mg at 50–70 ppm and Ca at 100–140 ppm in solution; imbalance here explains many mid-bloom interveinal chlorosis cases. Supplemental sulfur at 30–50 ppm during bloom can subtly enhance terpene synthesis, though overapplication risks leaf tip burn.
Training, IPM, and Troubleshooting
Early LST is the safest way to shape Auto Maxi Gom. Gently anchor the main stem and pull laterals outward to form a broad, even canopy; this improves light distribution and can reduce lower-popcorn formation by up to 30%. Defoliation should be minimal—remove only leaves that shade prime bud sites or constrain airflow.
Implement integrated pest management (IPM) from day one. Sticky traps, weekly canopy inspections, and prophylactic applications of neem or essential-oil-based sprays in early veg can keep fungus gnats, thrips, and mites at bay. Discontinue foliar sprays by the second week of bloom to avoid residue and mold risk.
Common issues include overwatering (droopy, turgid leaves), nitrogen excess in bloom (dark, clawed foliage), and magnesium deficiency (interveinal yellowing on mid fans). Correct by adjusting irrigation frequency, reducing N-heavy feeds after day 35, and adding a Cal-Mag supplement at 1–2 ml/L as needed. Maintain strong airflow—two to three oscillating fans—and 6–10 air exchanges per minute to deter botrytis in late flower.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing Protocol
Harvest timing for Auto Maxi Gom is best assessed by trichomes: aim for roughly 70–85% cloudy, 10–20% amber, and minimal clear for a balanced effect. Pistil color is supportive but secondary; 80–90% turned is typical near ideal ripeness. Under most setups, this window falls around days 70–80 from sprout, with some phenotypes finishing closer to day 85.
For drying, the 60/60 method—around 60°F (15–16°C) and 60% RH—is a strong baseline. Expect 10–14 days to reach target moisture content of 10–12% in the flower, verified by stem snap and hygrometer readings in a sealed jar stabilizing at 58–62% RH. Faster, warmer drying can reduce terpene retention and perceived potency by double digits, so patience pays.
Cure in airtight glass jars filled to 60–70% capacity to allow headspace. Burp daily for the first week, then every other day for weeks two and three; after week four, open weekly or use humidity packs to maintain 58–62% RH. Many users report a 10–20% improvement in flavor depth and smoothness by week four of curing, with diminishing returns beyond eight weeks.
Yield Expectations, Quality Metrics, and Storage
Indoors, Auto Maxi Gom typically yields 400–550 g/m² under 700–900 µmol/m²/s LED intensity and dialed-in nutrition. Per-plant yields in 11–15 L soil pots commonly range from 80–130 g, with 150 g+ achievable in optimized runs with effective LST and CO₂. Outdoors, expect 60–180 g per plant in temperate climates, with higher figures in sun-rich, low-humidity regions.
Quality metrics include trichome density, terpene content, and bud integrity. Total terpene content of 1.5–2.5% and THC in the mid-to-high teens indicate strong performance for an auto, while ash color and combustion smoothness correlate with a proper flush and cure. Water activity between 0.58–0.62 supports long-term stability and mold resistance.
For storage, keep cured flower in airtight containers in a cool, dark place, ideally 15–18°C and 55–62% RH. UV exposure can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes; studies show measurable THC-to-CBN conversion over months in light-exposed samples. With careful storage, aroma and potency remain robust for 6–12 months, with minimal sensory drift.
