Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
MAF is a modern autoflowering cannabis cultivar bred by Growers Choice and composed of ruderalis, indica, and sativa genetics. In practice, that means it is a day‑neutral plant that flowers based on age rather than light schedule while delivering a balanced psychoactive profile. Growers Choice positioned MAF as an accessible, robust hybrid that finishes quickly, an attractive trait for both indoor and outdoor hobbyists seeking predictable harvests.
The three‑way heritage creates practical versatility. Ruderalis confers rapid lifecycle and durability, indica contributes density and body effects, and sativa adds lift and drive to the experience. Because it is an autoflower, MAF can be run on long light cycles year‑round indoors and can perform across a wide range of latitudes outdoors.
It is important to note a common naming conflict in retail menus and forums. Some listings use MAF as shorthand for Mendo Afgoo, a distinct photoperiod strain with its own profile and a separate history. Leafly’s Mendo Afgoo entry even shows the label Maf and summarizes effects like creative, happy, and uplifted with common negatives such as dry mouth and dry eyes, which can confuse shoppers; the MAF covered in this article is the Growers Choice ruderalis/indica/sativa hybrid, not Mendo Afgoo.
History and Breeding Background
Autoflowering cannabis traces to wild Cannabis sativa ssp. ruderalis populations from higher latitudes, where short seasons selected for day‑neutral flowering. Over the last two decades, breeders have repeatedly backcrossed ruderalis into indica and sativa lines to improve resin production, cannabinoid density, and flavor. By the mid‑2010s, autos matching or rivaling traditional photoperiod cultivars for potency became common in seed catalogs.
Growers Choice developed MAF within this context of second‑ and third‑generation autoflower improvement. The program goal is typical for European breeders: finish in roughly 70 to 90 days from sprout with minimal loss of terpene complexity or cannabinoid strength. Practical reliability, not novelty alone, defines the line, making it suitable for first‑time growers as well as experienced cultivators looking to stack rotations.
The name MAF is often assumed by hobbyists to be an acronym referencing its autoflower nature, though the breeder markets it primarily by the shorthand name. Without a publicly disclosed photoperiod parentage, MAF should be understood as a composite that expresses hybrid vigor and stable day‑neutrality. Its appeal rests more on performance metrics and ease of cultivation than on a specific celebrity lineage.
Because of the overlapping initialism, confusion with Mendo Afgoo persists in online spaces and dispensary boards. The Leafly page for Mendo Afgoo lists a spectrum from calming to energizing, with low to high THC reports, and highlights creative, happy, uplifted effects. Those descriptors describe Mendo Afgoo users’ reports and may or may not overlap with MAF; savvy consumers should always verify breeder and seedbank information to avoid mix‑ups.
Genetic Lineage and Taxonomy
MAF exists at the intersection of three genetic influences: ruderalis for day‑neutral flowering, indica for compact structure and body‑leaning effects, and sativa for cognitive brightness and longer‑lasting head effect. The precise percentages are not disclosed, but its growth habit and timing align with modern autos that often blend roughly one‑third ruderalis with a balanced indica–sativa framework. The result is a plant that can handle variable conditions while producing attractive, resinous flowers.
Ruderalis genetics achieve floral initiation independent of photoperiod by relying on age‑related developmental cues. This trait allows MAF to move from seedling to flower even under 18 to 20 hours of daily light, which is useful for increasing daily light integral without risking reveg. It also means the plant has a comparatively short vegetative window, impacting training choices and nutrient ramp‑up.
The indica component typically shows in MAF’s denser bud set, tighter internodal spacing, and relatively moderate height for an auto. The sativa contribution may appear as narrower leaflets on some phenotypes and a clearer top‑end effect, especially when limonene and pinene express well. Together, these influences create a versatile hybrid suited to both container living and small tent environments.
Appearance and Morphology
MAF generally grows to a final height of 60 to 100 centimeters indoors, depending on pot size, light intensity, and environmental control. Plants tend to exhibit a single dominant cola with several satellite branches if left untopped, a common architecture for autos that maximizes speed. Internodal spacing is medium, allowing good airflow without requiring heavy defoliation.
As flowers stack, calyxes swell into compact, frost‑heavy clusters, with pistils starting bright white and gradually darkening to orange and rust. Under temperatures below 20°C at night in late flower, some phenotypes may show anthocyanin expression along sugar leaves or bracts, adding purple hues. Trichome coverage is abundant, with a thick glandular layer that aids in both aroma retention and bag appeal.
The leaf morphology skews toward broadleaf in many plants, though you may see hybrid leaves with narrower fingers, especially early. Fan leaves are medium in size, helping maintain transpiration balance and making canopy management straightforward. The overall build is sturdy but flexible, favoring low‑stress training to open the mid‑canopy.
Aroma and Flavor
Most MAF phenotypes express an earthy‑pine base layered with citrus zest and a light peppery snap. The earth and pine are consistent with myrcene and pinene, while the pepper points to beta‑caryophyllene. Limonene often rides on top, lending a sweet‑citrus lift that becomes more obvious during cure.
On a cold dry pull, expect a forest‑floor note with hints of lemon rind and cracked black pepper. After combustion or vaporization at moderate temperatures, the flavor rounds into a clean pine with herbal tea tones. When vaporized at 175 to 190°C, many users report a brighter citrus and a softer finish compared with high‑temperature hits.
A proper cure unlocks the subtler parts of the bouquet. Two to four weeks at 58 to 62 percent relative humidity typically preserves volatile monoterpenes that can otherwise flash off. The result is a more layered experience, with secondary notes like sweet wood, mild floral, or hop‑like bitterness from humulene showing through.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Public, strain‑specific lab aggregates for MAF are limited, but results for comparable Growers Choice autoflower hybrids often fall in the mid‑teens to low‑20s for THC by dry weight. In practical terms, expect many phenotypes to test between 16 and 22 percent THC when grown under optimized conditions. Total cannabinoids commonly reach 18 to 24 percent, with minor contributions from CBG in the 0.2 to 1.0 percent range.
CBD expression in modern THC‑dominant autos tends to be minimal, often below 0.5 percent, though occasional phenotypes can touch 1 percent. Trace THCV may appear under 0.2 percent, especially in sativa‑leaning chemotypes, but it is not a defining feature here. As always, environment, nutrition, maturity at harvest, and cure have measurable effects on final potency values.
For context, adult‑use market datasets from multiple state lab dashboards frequently show a median flower THC near 19 to 21 percent across all strains. Autos that are well‑bred and adequately lit routinely track that median. With MAF, hitting the upper end of the range correlates with high PPFD during flower, sufficient calcium and magnesium supply, and stable VPD for sustained resin biosynthesis.
Users should calibrate dose by experience and format. For inhalation, one to three draws on a 18 to 22 percent THC flower often delivers 3 to 10 milligrams of THC, depending on device efficiency, which is enough to feel noticeable effects for most new consumers. For edibles prepared from MAF, start with 2.5 to 5 milligrams THC and wait at least two hours before redosing, as oral onset and peak differ substantially from inhalation.
Terpene Profile and Minor Compounds
Total terpene content in well‑grown MAF typically lands around 1.0 to 2.5 percent by dry weight, which is common for resinous autos. Myrcene is frequently the lead terpene, often constituting 0.3 to 0.8 percent of flower mass on the higher end. Supporting terpenes usually include beta‑caryophyllene (0.2 to 0.5 percent) and limonene (0.1 to 0.4 percent), with smaller fractions of alpha‑pinene, beta‑pinene, humulene, and linalool.
Myrcene is associated with earthy, musky, and herbal notes and is often linked anecdotally with body relaxation. Beta‑caryophyllene is unique among major terpenes because it can bind to CB2 receptors, providing a mechanistic rationale for anti‑inflammatory potential without intoxicating CB1 activity. Limonene contributes bright citrus aromas and is frequently reported to support mood elevation in survey studies.
Pinene, though secondary here, can add crisp pine and may counterbalance short‑term memory fogginess in subjective reports, creating a clearer head. Humulene, a sesquiterpene also found in hops, can deliver subtle woody and bitter accents that read as sophisticated dryness on the palate. Linalool, if present, lends a faint floral lavender that is more noticeable on vapor than on smoke.
Minor cannabinoids matter in rounding the experience. CBG in the half‑percent range is common in modern hybrids and may contribute to perceived smoothness and focus. Trace CBC and THCV sometimes register, but their levels in MAF are typically too low to define the profile, serving instead as nuanced background actors.
Experiential Effects
MAF’s effect profile is balanced, offering a comfortable body ease paired with a clear, functional headspace. The onset after inhalation is usually felt within two to five minutes, peaking at around 15 to 30 minutes and tapering over one to two hours. At moderate doses, users often describe gentle muscle relaxation, uplifted mood, and light sensory enhancement without heavy couchlock.
At higher consumption levels, the indica influence can assert itself with warming body weight and a desire to recline. The sativa contribution can keep the mind engaged, making the cultivar suitable for creative hobby work, music, or conversation when dosed conservatively. In social contexts, its even keel can help maintain talkativeness without jitters.
Common side effects mirror those of THC‑dominant flower broadly. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most frequently reported and can be mitigated with hydration and rest breaks. Sensitive individuals may experience transient anxiety or a racing heart at higher doses; lowering dose and choosing lower‑temperature vaporization can help.
The confusion surrounding MAF and Mendo Afgoo sometimes leads users to expect identical effects. Leafly’s Mendo Afgoo page lists creative, happy, and uplifted as common positives and dryness as common negatives, and some overlap is plausible in hybrid territory. However, MAF is distinct in being an autoflower hybrid from Growers Choice, so consumers should judge by their own experience and by verified labeling rather than acronym alone.
Potential Medical Uses
Nothing in this section is medical advice, but MAF’s cannabinoid and terpene makeup suggests several plausible therapeutic use cases. For pain, THC in the mid‑teens to low‑20s paired with beta‑caryophyllene and myrcene can support analgesic and anti‑inflammatory effects, particularly for musculoskeletal discomfort. Users with neuropathic pain often report benefit from inhaled THC due to rapid onset and titratability.
For stress and mood, limonene and pinene can lend a bright, engaging mental tone at light doses. Individuals prone to THC‑induced anxiety may prefer microdosing by taking one to two inhalations or using low‑dose edibles to avoid overshooting the comfort zone. When combined with grounding activities and consistent sleep, a balanced hybrid can fit into a broader wellness routine.
Sleep support is plausible when dosing later in the evening, especially if harvest timing favors a slightly more mature trichome profile. Myrcene‑forward expressions and a higher percentage of amber trichomes at harvest often correspond with heavier body relaxation. Many patients employ a two‑part regimen of a small dose after dinner for unwinding followed by a slightly higher dose near bedtime.
For appetite stimulation, THC remains the primary driver, and MAF’s potency can be sufficient to support mealtime in individuals struggling with poor appetite. Individuals with inflammatory conditions sometimes report benefit attributable to beta‑caryophyllene’s CB2 activity, though rigorous human data remain limited. As always, patients should coordinate with a clinician and track responses in a journal to calibrate strain selection and dose.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
MAF’s autoflowering nature means the clock starts at sprout, so planning and gentle handling are essential. Begin by germinating seeds via the paper towel or direct‑to‑medium method at 24 to 26°C with 95 to 100 percent relative humidity inside a covered dome. Most viable seeds crack within 24 to 72 hours; under controlled conditions, germination rates above 85 percent are typical for reputable breeders.
Because autos dislike transplant shock, sow directly into the final container whenever possible. Common indoor pot sizes are 11 to 19 liters (3 to 5 gallons) for soil and 9 to 15 liters (2 to 4 gallons) for coco, balancing root space and turnaround time. Fabric pots promote air pruning and help prevent overwatering by boosting gas exchange.
Choose a medium that matches your management style. In soil, use a lightly amended mix and avoid hot, heavily fertilized soils that can burn seedlings; target pH 6.2 to 6.8. In coco or soilless blends, you’ll feed nearly every irrigation; maintain pH 5.8 to 6.2 and EC initially around 0.8 to 1.2 mS/cm, rising as the plant matures.
Lighting is the biggest driver of yield and potency. For seedlings, provide 200 to 300 PPFD and ramp to 400 to 600 PPFD by late veg, then 700 to 1000 PPFD in flower if CO2 is ambient. Autos perform well under 18/6 or 20/4 schedules; a 20‑hour day increases daily light integral and can speed resin production without sacrificing health.
Maintain day temperatures of 24 to 28°C and night temperatures of 20 to 24°C to support growth and terpene retention. Target VPD of 0.8 to 1.2 kPa during the first three weeks, shifting to 1.2 to 1.5 kPa from mid‑flower onward to drive transpiration and calcium transport. Relative humidity can start near 65 to 70 percent for seedlings, tapering to 50 to 55 percent in mid‑flower and 45 to 50 percent late to deter mold.
Feeding should be measured early and responsive later. Weeks 1 to 2 require minimal nutrition beyond a gentle root stimulator and 0.8 to 1.0 EC. By weeks 3 to 4, increase to 1.2 to 1.6 EC with emphasis on nitrogen and calcium/magnesium, then pivot toward phosphorus and potassium in early flower while keeping calcium robust to prevent tip burn and bud rot susceptibility.
Because the vegetative window is short, training must be conservative. Low‑stress training (LST) beginning around day 14 to 18, when the fourth to fifth node appears, is ideal to open the canopy without stalling growth. Many growers avoid topping autos; if you choose to top, do so only once at the fourth node by day 17 to 20 and accept a small delay, as timing missteps can cost yield.
Irrigation strategy depends on medium. In soil, water thoroughly to 10 to 20 percent runoff and allow a light dryback, irrigating again when pots feel light or when the top 2 to 3 centimeters dry, typically every 2 to 4 days early and daily in late flower. In coco, smaller, more frequent irrigations work best, often once to twice daily by mid‑flower to maintain steady nutrient availability and root zone oxygen.
A typical growth timeline runs 9 to 12 weeks from sprout to harvest. Days 1 to 10 cover germination and seedling establishment, with days 11 to 21 focused on vegetative expansion. Floral initiation often begins around days 18 to 25, with visible pistils and stacking from days 26 to 56, and ripening from days 57 to 84 depending on phenotype and environment.
Integrated pest management should begin before problems appear. Use sticky cards to monitor fungus gnats and flying pests, and practice strong sanitation by removing plant debris and not overwatering. For biological control, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTi) can suppress gnat larvae, and beneficial mites like Phytoseiulus persimilis can counter spider mites; essential oil sprays should be used sparingly on autos to avoid terpene contamination.
Outdoors, MAF’s day‑neutral trait shines in temperate and northern climates. Plant once soil temperatures reliably exceed 15°C and avoid cold snaps in the first two weeks; you can run multiple cycles per season, for example May to July and July to September at mid‑latitudes. In full sun with quality soil, expect 50 to 150 grams dry flower per plant depending on pot volume, sunlight hours, and local weather.
CO2 supplementation indoors can boost growth if PPFD is above 800 and environmental control is tight. At 1000 to 1200 ppm CO2 during lights‑on, you can push PPFD to 900 to 1100 with appropriate nutrition, potentially increasing biomass and cannabinoid content. Ensure strong airflow and monitor leaf temperature with an infrared thermometer to maintain optimal leaf‑air coupling.
Harvest timing impacts effect and flavor. Use a jeweler’s loupe to inspect trichomes, aiming for mostly cloudy heads with 5 to 20 percent amber for a balanced profile; clear heads indicate under‑ripeness. Pistil color is a secondary cue; wait until most have darkened and retracted before deciding.
For drying, target the so‑called 60/60 environment: 60°F (15.5°C) and 60 percent relative humidity for 10 to 14 days. Slow drying preserves monoterpenes and reduces chlorophyll harshness; expect a roughly 4:1 wet‑to‑dry weight loss. Use gentle air movement that circulates the room but does not blow directly on flowers to prevent case hardening.
Curing further refines MAF’s flavor and smoothness. After stems snap but don’t shatter, jar flowers at 58 to 62 percent RH and burp jars daily for the first week, then weekly for the next three to four weeks. Aim for water activity between 0.55 and 0.65 to stabilize terpenes and inhibit microbial growth.
Storage conditions significantly influence long‑term quality. Keep jars in the dark at 15 to 20°C with minimal oxygen exchange; light and heat accelerate THC oxidation to CBN and terpene volatilization. With good storage, aroma intensity remains high for several months and potency loss is minimized.
History, Context, and Avoiding Mendo Afgoo Confusion
Because the acronym MAF appears on some dispensary menus and in online strain databases, shoppers can confuse Growers Choice’s autoflower with Mendo Afgoo. Leafly’s Mendo Afgoo page explicitly shows the nickname Maf and lists effects such as creative, happy, and uplifted, alongside common negatives like dry mouth and dry eyes. Those descriptors apply to Mendo Afgoo and should not be automatically transferred to Growers Choice’s MAF without lab results or firsthand experience.
From a practical standpoint, the easiest way to differentiate is to verify whether the product is labeled as an autoflower or a photoperiod clone or seed. If it is sold as a quick, 9‑ to 12‑week seed‑to‑harvest plant that does not require light schedule changes, you are almost certainly dealing with the Growers Choice hybrid. If it is presented as a traditional photoperiod lineage with a vegetative phase controlled by light, that aligns with Mendo Afgoo.
Consumers and growers benefit from clear labeling that includes breeder name, genetic type (autoflower vs photoperiod), and, ideally, a QR code linking to a certificate of analysis. These steps reduce confusion and allow side‑by‑side comparison of cannabinoid and terpene profiles. When in doubt, ask the budtender or seed vendor to confirm breeder and cultivation specs.
