Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Auto Oregon Bud is an autoflowering, ruderalis/indica cultivar developed by Domus Seeds, a breeder known for compact, fast-cycling lines. The name signals a design brief tailored to temperate, sometimes unpredictable climates like the U.S. Pacific Northwest, where short summers reward rapid finishes. By integrating the day-neutral trait from Cannabis ruderalis into an indica-leaning selection, Domus Seeds created a plant that flowers on an internal timer instead of relying on changing daylight hours.
Autoflowers emerged on the global scene in the late 2000s as breeders refined early, low-potency ruderalis lines into modern, resinous hybrids. Over the last decade, average THC levels in autos have risen markedly; industry lab averages for contemporary autos commonly fall in the mid-teens with top performers exceeding 20%. Auto Oregon Bud fits into this evolution, aiming for reliable indoor and outdoor turnarounds in 9–11 weeks from sprout while preserving the hash-friendly resin output of indicas.
The strain’s development likely prioritized vigorous early growth, tight internodal spacing, and a flower window that closes before autumn moisture pressures dominate. Reports from growers cite strong apical dominance early, followed by a flush of lateral sites when managed with gentle low-stress training. This balance makes Auto Oregon Bud approachable for first-time growers yet scalable for experienced cultivators seeking repeatable, calendar-driven harvests.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Auto Oregon Bud’s heritage is ruderalis/indica, with the ruderalis parent donating the autonomous flowering mechanism and cold tolerance. The indica influence contributes dense floral clusters, broader leaf blades, and a terpene palette that leans earthy, spicy, and pine-forward. This combination commonly expresses as a compact plant with a prominent central cola and a ring of satellite buds.
In practical terms, the ruderalis component maps onto finish time more than overall plant size or potency in modern lines. Expect a life cycle that advances to bloom around day 21–28 from sprout regardless of photoperiod, with total seed-to-harvest durations of roughly 70–80 days under optimized conditions. The indica side shapes trichome density and bud mass, supporting yields that can reach 350–500 g/m² indoors with dialed-in environments.
The day-neutral flowering trait allows growers to maintain a single light schedule for all stages. Many producers run 18/6 or 20/4 from start to finish, delivering steady photon flux without the stress of schedule changes. This inheritance profile also supports multi-crop, perpetual-harvest workflows where new plants can be introduced weekly without disrupting flowering cohorts.
Appearance and Bag Appeal
Auto Oregon Bud typically presents as a stocky, symmetrical plant with broad fans and short internodes in early veg. As flowers stack, the canopy fills with golf-ball to egg-shaped buds that ring a thicker main spear. Calyx-to-leaf ratios are favorable for trimming, and trichomes tend to blanket the bracts by week 6–7 from sowing under strong light.
Coloration is predominantly lime to forest green, with orange to rust pistils that darken as maturity approaches. Cooler nights in late flower can coax anthocyanin blushes on sugar leaves, particularly when day/night differentials exceed 8–10 °C. Resin heads are generally cloudy by week 9, with amber highlights emerging shortly thereafter depending on environment and phenotype.
Dried flowers show a compact structure and a tactile stickiness reflective of their indica lean. With a careful dry and cure, buds maintain a crisp exterior while preserving pliant, resin-rich interiors. Properly finished, the visual package pairs with a noticeable essential oil sheen that hints at terpene density.
Aroma Profile
The aroma leans earthy and coniferous with a sweet-spice echo, consistent with myrcene and beta-caryophyllene dominance backed by limonene and pinene. Opening a jar typically yields a first wave of forest floor and pine needles, followed by peppery warmth and a faint citrus zest. Grinding intensifies the spice while releasing a resinous sap note.
During cultivation, the scent builds steadily from late week 5 onward, becoming more prominent as calyxes swell. Carbon filtration is recommended indoors once pistils proliferate, as terpenes volatilize heavily under warm canopies. Reported odor intensity scores range medium to medium-high, which is manageable with a modern 4-inch or 6-inch carbon filter sized at roughly 200–400 CFM for small tents.
Post-cure, the bouquet refines into layered earth, pine, cracked pepper, and a trace of sweet herbal tea. A 4–8 week cure noticeably rounds any early sharpness, revealing a more cohesive resin profile. Users often note that the spice component grows with age while the bright citrus top note diminishes slightly.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
The inhale tends to showcase earthy pine and a touch of herbal sweetness, while the exhale brings out black pepper and faint citrus rind. Vaporization at 180–190 °C accents the limonene and pinene brightness, giving a cleaner, lighter profile. Combustion deepens the pepper and wood tones, with a lingering resinous finish.
A properly cured sample is smooth, with minimal throat bite when moisture levels stabilize around 10–12%. Mouthfeel is medium-bodied, not overly creamy, and leaves a gentle tingle characteristic of caryophyllene-heavy oils. Water pipes and bubblers can slightly mute the spice, whereas dry herb vapes preserve more nuance across the terpene spectrum.
For edibles and infusions, decarboxylated Auto Oregon Bud imparts an herbal-spice baseline that pairs well with chocolate, coffee, and dark fruit. Butter extractions carry more savory notes, while coconut oil tends to highlight pine and citrus. Expect noticeable flavor carryover at infusion rates above 5–7 mg THC per gram of finished food.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Domus Seeds lists Auto Oregon Bud as a ruderalis/indica auto, but public lab certificates for this specific cultivar are limited. In line with contemporary auto indica benchmarks, growers commonly report THC in the mid-teens to low-20s by percentage mass, with CBD generally below 1%. Minor cannabinoids such as CBG often register between 0.2–1.0%, adding subtle entourage effects.
For dosage context, a 1.0 g flower sample testing 18% THC contains roughly 180 mg total THC prior to decarboxylation. After decarb and accounting for extraction losses, usable edible potency often lands at 75–85% of theoretical yield, or about 135–153 mg. Inhalation bioavailability varies widely but is commonly cited around 10–35%, meaning 10 mg inhaled can deliver 1–3.5 mg into systemic circulation.
The indica-leaning chemotype aligns with a relaxing, body-centered effect profile at standard consumer doses. New users often find 1–2 inhaled puffs (about 2–4 mg estimated THC) adequate for mild relief, while experienced consumers may prefer 5–10 mg per session. Tolerance, set, and setting meaningfully influence response, so titration remains important.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Auto Oregon Bud presents a terpene ensemble that frequently centers on myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene, with supporting roles for alpha-pinene and linalool. Total terpene content in well-grown autos generally ranges from 1.0–2.5% by dry weight, and indica-leaning autos commonly sit mid-pack within that span. A plausible distribution based on grower and lab norms might be myrcene 0.3–0.8%, caryophyllene 0.2–0.6%, limonene 0.1–0.4%, pinene 0.05–0.25%, and linalool 0.02–0.10%.
Myrcene is associated with musky, earthy notes and is often correlated with sedative, body-relaxing impressions in consumer datasets. Beta-caryophyllene, a dietary sesquiterpene, can act as a CB2 receptor agonist in vitro and in animal models, which supports anti-inflammatory interpretations. Limonene contributes citrus brightness and is linked to mood-elevating properties in preclinical literature.
Alpha-pinene supplies pine and juniper tones and has been investigated for alertness-preserving effects, potentially balancing heavier myrcene profiles. Linalool, while typically present at lower levels here, adds floral undertones and may support calm. The net effect is a grounded, soothing aromatic composition that tilts relaxing without becoming overwhelmingly sedative at moderate doses.
Experiential Effects and Use Scenarios
Expect a fast onset within 2–5 minutes for inhalation, peaking by 20–30 minutes, with overall duration around 2–3 hours. Early effects revolve around warm bodily ease, loosening shoulders and peripheral tension. A mild to moderate euphoria surfaces without a racy edge, conducive to winding down after work or moderate physical activity.
At higher doses, the body load deepens and couchlock becomes more likely, especially when a higher proportion of amber trichomes are present at harvest. The mental state tends toward calm, with a reduced inclination toward worry spirals compared to sharp limonene-dominant sativas. Social engagement remains easy at light doses, while heavier sessions often nudge users toward quiet music, films, or sleep.
Common side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes, reported by 30–70% of consumers across cannabis generally, depending on dose and individual sensitivity. Light dizziness or orthostatic hypotension can occur with rapid intake, so rising slowly after sessions is prudent. As always, avoid driving or operating machinery, and respect local laws and personal limits.
Potential Medical Uses and Evidence
An indica-leaning auto with myrcene and caryophyllene is often sought for nighttime use, muscle relaxation, and mild analgesia. The 2017 National Academies review concluded there is substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults, aligning with user testimonials for similar chemotypes. Consumers also report sleep support, with benefit most pronounced when harvest timing emphasizes cloudy-to-amber trichomes.
Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 agonism has been explored in preclinical studies for anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective actions, providing a mechanistic rationale for some relief narratives. Limonene’s mood-brightening profile may aid stress mitigation without excessive stimulation, useful in evening decompression. Users with spasms or restless legs sometimes find benefit from the heavier body feel when dose-managed.
For dosing, start with 1–2 mg inhaled THC equivalent and wait 15–20 minutes before redosing. For edibles, beginners should consider 1–2.5 mg THC and titrate by 1–2 mg increments across separate sessions; onset may take 30–120 minutes with a 4–8 hour duration. Patients should consult clinicians, particularly when taking medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes (e.g., CYP2C9, CYP3A4) due to potential interactions.
Cultivation Guide: Indoors and Outdoors
Auto Oregon Bud is well-suited to first-time and experienced growers because it does not require photoperiod changes. From sprout to harvest, most phenotypes finish in 70–80 days under optimized conditions, with some pushing to 85 days if environmental stress occurs. Its compact stature and strong apical growth make it an easy fit in 60–120 cm (2–4 ft) tents and small outdoor plots.
Germination is straightforward: soak seeds 12–24 hours in clean, 18–22 °C water, then transfer to a lightly moistened medium. Autoflowers dislike transplant shock, so start directly in final containers when possible—11–19 L (3–5 gal) pots indoors and 15–30 L (4–8 gal) outdoors work well. Keep the top medium uniformly moist, not wet, during days 1–10, and avoid overwatering to protect developing roots.
Indoors, provide 18/6 or 20/4 lighting. Aim for PPFD of 300–450 μmol/m²/s in seedling stage, 600–900 in vegetative/early flower, and 900–1,100 in late flower if temperatures and humidity are controlled. Outdoors, place in full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct light; in latitudes around 45° N/S, sowing in late May to June typically delivers harvests by late July to early September.
Target daytime leaf temperatures of 24–28 °C in early growth and 22–26 °C during flowering, with nights 3–6 °C cooler. Relative humidity should progress from 65–70% (seedling) to 50–60% (veg) to 42–50% (early flower) and 38–45% (late flower). Provide consistent airflow and exchange; a 4-inch inline fan (150–200 CFM) with a carbon filter suffices for a 60×60×140 cm tent, scaling up as needed.
Environmental Parameters and Nutrient Strategy
In soil, maintain pH between 6.0–6.5; in coco/hydro, 5.8–6.2. Electrical conductivity (EC) can run 0.8–1.2 mS/cm in early veg, 1.4–1.8 mS/cm in mid veg, and 1.8–2.0 mS/cm in early bloom, tapering to 1.4–1.6 mS/cm in late bloom. Autos generally prefer moderate feeding; avoid pushing nitrogen hard after day 28–30 to prevent leafy flowers.
A balanced N–P–K schedule might start near 3–1–2 during early veg, shift to 1–2–2 by preflower, and move toward 0–3–3 in peak bloom with adequate calcium and magnesium. Supplement 100–150 ppm Ca and 50–75 ppm Mg in coco or soft water systems to prevent common deficiencies. Silica at 50–100 ppm can improve stem strength and stress tolerance under high PPFD.
Water to 10–20% runoff in coco to avoid salt accumulation; in soil, water more slowly and less frequently, allowing the top 2–3 cm to dry between irrigations. Typical indoor pots in the 3–5 gal range require watering every 2–4 days depending on environment. If using CO₂ enrichment (900–1,200 ppm), ensure sufficient light intensity and nutrition to capitalize on increased photosynthetic capacity.
Training, Plant Architecture, and Yield Optimization
Auto Oregon Bud responds well to low-stress training (LST) starting around day 14–18, when the fourth to fifth node emerges. Gently tie the main stem to encourage lateral growth and even canopy development; adjust ties every 2–3 days as stems harden. Avoid aggressive topping after day 21, as autos have limited time to recover before flowering.
Some growers perform a single early top or FIM at the fourth node around day 14–17, trading a small vegetative delay for multiple mains. If choosing this path, minimize other stressors and ensure optimal environmental conditions for rapid rebound. Supercropping and heavy defoliation are generally discouraged; instead, conduct targeted leaf tucks and remove only 3–6 large fan leaves per session to open light to lower sites.
Expect indoor yields of 350–500 g/m² with skilled cultivation and 100–200 W of efficient LED lighting per 0.25 m² (2.5–4.0 kW/m²). Outdoors, single-plant yields commonly range 50–150 g in mid-latitude summers with good soil and full sun, with 150+ g attainable in oversized containers. Final height typically lands between 60–100 cm indoors and 80–120 cm outdoors, contingent on pot size and training strategy.
Harvest Timing, Drying, and Curing
Harvest timing is best guided by trichome maturity rather than calendar alone. For a balanced effect, many growers cut when 5–10% of gland heads are amber, most are cloudy, and pistils are 70–90% browned and receded. For heavier, more sedative results, waiting for 15–20% amber can deepen the body feel.
Dry at 18–21 °C and 55–60% relative humidity with gentle air movement for 10–14 days. Whole-plant or large-branch hangs slow water loss and preserve terpenes; target an internal stem snap rather than a bend to mark the end of drying. Expect wet-to-dry weight reduction of about 70–80%, so a plant harvested at 400 g wet may yield 80–120 g dry depending on structure and trim style.
Cure in sealed glass jars filled to about 60–70% volume, using 58–62% humidity packs if desired. For the first two weeks, burp jars daily for 10–15 minutes to release moisture and replenish oxygen, then taper to every few days. Flavor, smoothness, and perceived potency all improve over 4–8 weeks, with many connoisseurs extending cures to 12 weeks for maximum bouquet integration.
Phenotype Variation, Stability, and Seed Selection
As with most autos, expect 2–3 discernible phenotypes clustering around the same core profile: a compact spear-dominant plant, a slightly branchier variant, and an occasionally taller expression. Finish times across phenotypes usually fall within a 10–14 day window when grown under uniform conditions. Height variability of roughly 20–40% is common, impacted by early training and pot size.
Germination rates from reputable breeders commonly exceed 90% under proper technique, and Domus Seeds aims for stable, uniform expressions in its autoflowering lineup. Even so, selecting vigorous seedlings in the first 10–14 days can set the stage for the best yields. Cull runts early in commercial settings where uniform canopy timing matters.
If the goal is to preserve a favorite expression, note that most autos are grown from seed each cycle and do not clone consistently due to timing constraints. Keep detailed logs of environmental parameters and nutrient regimens for repeatability. Purchasing seeds in the same lot or production run can reduce variability across successive grows.
Outdoors: Climate, Season Planning, and Pest Management
Auto Oregon Bud’s rapid lifecycle makes it a strong candidate for short-season regions, enabling two to three outdoor runs per summer in some locales. In climates mirroring Oregon’s Willamette Valley, sowing late May can lead to a late July harvest, with a second sowing early July finishing by early to mid-September. Finishing before fall rains reduces botrytis risk in dense indica flowers.
Choose well-drained soil amended with 20–30% aeration material (pumice or perlite) and 10–20% high-quality compost. Start plants under protection for the first 7–10 days to guard against cold nights or heavy rain, then harden off. Place containers where they receive at least 6–8 hours of direct sun; more exposure translates into higher yields and tighter buds.
For pests, monitor for aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars, especially as pistils proliferate. Use integrated pest management: yellow sticky cards, weekly scouting, and gentle foliar applications of insecticidal soap or neem in vegetative stages only. Cease foliar sprays as soon as flowers form to protect trichomes and avoid residue.
Post-Harvest Processing and Extraction Potential
The resin-rich indica expression of Auto Oregon Bud lends itself to mechanical separation methods like dry sift and ice water hash. Expect 10–20% hash return from quality trim and smalls, with top-shelf runs at the higher end under careful technique. Resin heads tend to separate cleanly when flowers are properly frozen and processed at cold temperatures.
For rosin, fresh-frozen hash rosin offers bright aromatics, while flower rosin provides an efficient path for small-batch presses. Press temperatures of 85–95 °C for hash rosin and 95–105 °C for flower rosin balance yield and flavor; pressure and time should be tuned to avoid terpene loss. Ethanol or hydrocarbon extraction can achieve higher cannabinoid capture, but require compliance-grade equipment and safety protocols.
Cured resin retains the earthy, pine, and spicy notes, with caryophyllene contributing to longevity in storage. Keep concentrates at 0–4 °C for stability and minimize headspace and light exposure. Properly stored, terpene retention over 3–6 months is significantly improved compared to room-temperature conditions.
Comparison to Related Cultivars and Market Position
Compared to classic Northern Lights Auto or Afghan Auto, Auto Oregon Bud positions itself with a slightly brighter top note from limonene while retaining deep, earthy cores. The overall effect is calming but not heavily sedating unless harvested late, which broadens its daily-use window. For consumers who find pure Afghan autos too soporific, this cultivar can feel more versatile.
Versus fruit-forward autos such as Blueberry Auto, the profile here is less dessert-like and more forest-spice. That difference matters in edibles, where Oregon Bud’s herbal-spice signature pairs with savory or dark, roasted flavors. In flower markets, it appeals to buyers seeking classic, coniferous bouquets over candy and tropical trends.
For growers, its stable height, strong central cola, and quick turnaround make it an efficient tent-filler. In commercial settings, a predictable 70–80 day cycle supports tight production cadence and inventory planning. Its ruderalis/indica build from Domus Seeds addresses both homestead gardeners and craft producers who value reliability over novelty for novelty’s sake.
Consumer and Patient Tips
If new to indica-leaning autos, try evening sessions first to gauge sedation. Begin with 1–2 inhaled puffs, wait 15–20 minutes, and ladder up only if needed. Keep water on hand for dry mouth and use lubricating eye drops if dry eyes occur.
For those sensitive to anxiety, this cultivar’s myrcene and caryophyllene backbone is often kinder than high-limonene sativas. Avoid mixing with alcohol, which can compound dizziness and dehydration. If using for sleep, aim dosing 60–90 minutes before bedtime to align peak effects with desired lights-out.
Store flower in airtight glass at 16–21 °C and 58–62% RH to safeguard terpenes. Grind only what you intend to consume immediately to minimize volatilization. Track your response in a simple journal noting dose, route, and time—patterns emerge quickly and help fine-tune outcomes.
Key Takeaways and Quick Stats
Breeder: Domus Seeds; Heritage: ruderalis/indica; Light cycle: autoflower (18/6 or 20/4 recommended). Typical seed-to-harvest: 70–80 days; indoor yield potential: 350–500 g/m²; outdoor per-plant yield: 50–150 g. Height: 60–100 cm indoors, 80–120 cm outdoors; pot size: 11–19 L (3–5 gal) indoors, 15–30 L (4–8 gal) outdoors.
Aroma/flavor: earth, pine, pepper, with citrus lift; dominant terpenes: myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene. Likely potency: THC mid-teens to low-20s; CBD typically <1%; minor cannabinoids: CBG 0.2–1.0%. Effects: relaxing, body-easing, calm mood; best for evenings and decompression.
Environment targets: 24–28 °C veg, 22–26 °C flower; RH 65–70% seedling, 50–60% veg, 42–50% early flower, 38–45% late. pH 6.0–6.5 soil; 5.8–6.2 coco/hydro; EC 0.8–2.0 mS/cm across stages. Training: LST favored; topping only very early if at all; avoid heavy defoliation.
Harvest cues: cloudy trichomes with 5–10% amber for balanced effects, 15–20% amber for heavier sedation. Dry 10–14 days at 18–21 °C and 55–60% RH; cure 4–8 weeks at 58–62% RH. Odor management: medium to medium-high—use appropriately sized carbon filtration indoors.
