Written by Ad OpsOverview of Magnum by Buddha Seeds
Magnum is a high-output autoflowering cannabis strain developed by Buddha Seeds, a breeder known for dialed-in ruderalis hybrids. It is a balanced hybrid with ruderalis, indica, and sativa ancestry, built to deliver fast, reliable harvests without photoperiod manipulation. Growers value Magnum for its vigorous lateral branching, large canopy footprint, and consistently strong production across indoor and outdoor setups.
As an autoflower, Magnum transitions from seed to harvest in one continuous life cycle, typically finishing in about 10–12 weeks under optimal conditions. CannaConnection characterizes Magnum as profit-yielding with lots of branching and powerful effects, a reputation it has cemented among home and professional cultivators. This combination of speed, structure, and impact positions Magnum as a workhorse auto that scales from tent gardens to commercial runs.
In practical terms, Magnum’s design makes it forgiving and productive for newer growers while still capable of impressive numbers for experienced operators. Plants usually reach medium-tall stature for an auto, often 70–120 cm indoors, with multiple colas formed along well-spaced internodes. The strain’s versatility—thriving under 18–20 hours of light in perpetuity—is a cornerstone of its broad appeal.
Beyond standalone cultivation, Magnum’s genetics have also proven useful in breeding. Its autoflowering trait and robust architecture have been used to support terpene-rich crosses, indicating a genetic toolkit that plays well with elite photoperiod parents. The result is a strain that is both a performer in its own right and an enabling component in modern auto breeding programs.
History and Breeding Background
Buddha Seeds, based in Spain, rose to prominence by refining early autoflower lines into reliable commercial cultivars. Magnum emerged in the 2010s as one of their flagship autos, ensuring fast cycles with a higher ceiling for yield than many earlier ruderalis hybrids. Its development reflects an industry-wide shift from novelty autos to autos that could rival photoperiod strains in everyday production.
The breeder’s aim was to harmonize three elements—speed from ruderalis, structural density and resin from indica, and top-end vigor and uplift from sativa inputs. That balance is evident in Magnum’s growth habit and effect profile. The strain’s name signals both output and impact, and it has built a following among growers who want multiple harvests per season without sacrificing quality.
Independent industry references reinforce Magnum’s usefulness in breeding tertiary autos. Dutch Passion has repeatedly highlighted projects combining Cinderella 99 and Jack Herer with a Magnum autoflower component, listing seed-to-harvest times of 10–11 weeks and reporting total terpene levels over 1.6% in some batches. While those numbers apply to crosses rather than pure Magnum, they underscore the production and aromatic potential that breeders have tapped from Magnum’s gene pool.
As autoflower adoption expanded worldwide, Magnum became a reliable candidate for staggered perpetual harvest schedules. Its consistency and mid-to-high potency for an auto made it a staple choice in mixed genetic portfolios. The line remains relevant due to its predictability, strong lateral branching, and compatibility with modern LED cultivation.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Magnum’s heritage is a deliberate blend of ruderalis, indica, and sativa. The ruderalis component confers the autoflowering trait, allowing Magnum to flower regardless of photoperiod—typically initiating bloom by day 21–28 from sprout. Indica inputs contribute density, resin production, and a compact flower structure on the lateral branches, while sativa ancestry supports vigor, canopy expansion, and an uplifting psychoactive profile.
Buddha Seeds has not fully publicized the exact cultivar parents, a common practice to protect breeding IP. However, the phenotypic outcomes are consistent with a sativa-leaning hybrid architecture moderated by indica density and ruderalis timing. Internodal spacing tends to be moderate, and apical dominance is less pronounced than in many autos due to strong side branching.
Magnum’s role in hybridization programs provides indirect evidence of its heritable strengths. Crosses that integrate a Magnum auto component have achieved notably fast cycles and terpene totals exceeding 1.6% in some lab results, indicating an ability to maintain aromatic complexity under compressed life cycles. This suggests Magnum transmits both flowering independence and metabolic robustness to its progeny.
From a breeder’s perspective, Magnum is a toolkit of stable auto-flowering behavior, reproducible structure, and mid-to-high potency ceilings for its class. These traits present predictably from F1 auto hybrids onward, reducing the risk of reversion to photoperiod behavior. As a result, Magnum is both a production cultivar and a genetic contributor in the broader auto landscape.
Appearance and Plant Morphology
Magnum plants typically present a strong central stem with 8–16 pronounced lateral branches, giving the canopy a bushy, candelabra architecture. Internodal spacing under high-intensity light averages 4–7 cm, dense enough to stack buds while leaving airflow channels that mitigate moisture risks. Leaves are medium-width hybrid blades, with a slightly lighter lime-to-emerald green coloration under balanced nutrition.
As flowering progresses, Magnum builds elongated colas with a dense calyx stack and generous pistil coverage. The pistils shift from white to amber and rust tones late in bloom, while sugar leaves develop a consistent trichome frost. Under optimal conditions, trichome density is visibly high on both bracts and proximal leaves, supporting an efficient trim and resin-rich yield.
Bud structure is compact for an auto with sativa influence, often showing spear-shaped top colas and golf-ball satellite buds across side branches. The branch load can be substantial, and many growers deploy stakes or a single-layer net for support from week 6 onward. Swelling is most pronounced during the final 14–21 days, when calyx expansion and resin maturation converge.
In terms of size, indoor plants commonly finish 70–120 cm tall in 9–11 liter containers under 18–20 hours of light. Outdoor plants in full sun and 15–25 liter containers can exceed 120 cm, with a canopy diameter of 60–100 cm depending on training. The plant’s natural tendency is to fill lateral space, which is why Magnum is frequently singled out for its branching and overall canopy volume.
Aroma and Bouquet
Magnum typically delivers a layered bouquet combining herbal spice, citrus zest, and a resinous pine core. Early flower may lean toward fresh-cut herbs and green pepper, transitioning into brighter lemon-lime notes as terpenes accumulate. Late bloom often adds a sweet, floral top note alongside a subtle woody base.
The aromatic intensity scales with environment and curing quality. Well-grown specimens present a medium to high aroma output by week 7–8, noticeable in the room even without agitation. A slow, controlled dry at 18–21 Celsius and 55–60 percent relative humidity helps retain the brighter top notes while rounding the base.
Growers frequently report a terpene profile that suggests terpinolene or myrcene influence, supported by limonene for citrus lift and pinene for the conifer backbone. Caryophyllene typically adds a peppery snap in the mid-range. Together, the bouquet is both lively and grounded, with enough complexity to reward proper curing.
When ground for consumption, Magnum often becomes more pungent and zesty, with lemon peel, pine sap, and a touch of anise or fennel on some phenotypes. Carbon filtration is recommended in discrete indoor settings, as the aroma can intensify through days 60–80 of the cycle. The overall impression is clean, bright, and slightly spicy rather than heavy or cloying.
Flavor and Consumption Notes
On inhalation, Magnum tends to deliver crisp citrus and pine with an herbal-spice accent. The first impression is frequently lemon-lime and fresh resin, followed by gentle sweetness on the exhale. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, with a slightly drying finish if harvested late and cured longer than three weeks.
The spice component often reads as black pepper and coriander seed, signaling caryophyllene and related sesquiterpenes. A faint floral nuance can emerge at lower vaporization temperatures, around 175–185 Celsius, before the profile becomes more resinous beyond 195 Celsius. Combustion adds a toasted wood character and can mute the top-note citrus if the flower is overdried.
Vaporization tends to showcase the complexity better than combustion, preserving the bright terpene fraction. Users who prefer terpene-forward sessions often run Magnum in conduction or hybrid vaporizers, gradually stepping temperature to map the profile. Properly cured flower at 62 percent humidity often maintains the clearest citrus-pine expression over weeks of storage.
Concentrates from Magnum flower skew toward pine, citrus, and herbal resin, with live extracts highlighting sweeter floral tones. Rosin yields are moderate for an auto, commonly 15–20 percent from well-grown, trichome-dense material. The flavor remains clean and brisk, making it a versatile daytime extract.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Magnum is generally considered a medium-to-strong potency autoflower depending on phenotype and cultivation intensity. Retail listings such as SeedSupreme have categorized Magnum auto at a medium THC content, approximately 10–15 percent. Many grow reports indicate that optimized LED grows and careful nutrient management can push select plants higher, though cultivar variability is expected with autos.
CBD in Magnum is typically low, often below 1 percent, consistent with most THC-leaning modern hybrids. Minor cannabinoids like CBG commonly appear in trace amounts, around 0.2–0.6 percent in comparable auto profiles, contributing subtly to the overall effect. As with all cannabis, exact values require lab confirmation because lighting, nutrition, and harvest timing can shift potency by several percentage points.
For context, autos in today’s market often test between 12–22 percent THC, with many landing in the 15–18 percent band under optimized conditions. Magnum tends to sit comfortably in that competitive range when dialed in, though conservative planning should assume a baseline around 10–15 percent unless proven otherwise via testing. This places Magnum well within the daily-driver potency class for most consumers.
Growers aiming for peak potency should focus on high PPFD lighting within the plant’s tolerance, careful macronutrient balance, and a harvest window aligned to peak resin maturity. In practice, trichomes that are mostly cloudy with 5–15 percent amber often correspond to the most dynamic psychoactive effect for many users. Extended ripening can add a heavier feel but may dampen the energetic top end.
Terpene Profile and Aromachemistry
The dominant terpene spectrum in Magnum usually includes a combination of terpinolene or myrcene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-pinene. This pattern explains the citrus brightness, herbal-pine depth, and peppery undertone that characterize many phenotypes. Total terpene content for pure Magnum varies, but modern autos frequently present 1.0–2.5 percent total terpenes when grown and cured carefully.
Independent breeder data from Dutch Passion, referencing crosses that include a Magnum autoflower component with Cinderella 99 and Jack Herer, recorded total terpene levels over 1.6 percent in some batches. While these figures describe a hybrid and not pure Magnum, they are useful as a benchmark for what this lineage can achieve in a compressed auto cycle. The repeated 10–11 week seed-to-harvest timing in these references underlines the efficiency of the terpene biosynthesis window in auto genetics carrying Magnum.
From an aromachemistry standpoint, limonene correlates with the lemon-lime nose and can contribute to a perceived mood lift. Caryophyllene is unique as a dietary cannabinoid that binds to CB2 receptors, potentially modulating inflammation signaling while delivering the spicy-pepper snap in the aroma. Pinene adds the resinous forest note and may help maintain mental clarity in combination with THC for some users.
Cultivation practices significantly influence terpene outcomes. Maintaining canopy temperatures around 24–26 Celsius in late flower, avoiding severe nutrient stress, and a slow dry at 10–14 days help preserve volatile monoterpenes. Overly aggressive defoliation late in bloom or high heat above 28–30 Celsius can reduce top-note intensity by accelerating terpene volatilization.
Experiential Effects
Magnum’s effects skew uplifting and energetic at onset, transitioning to a balanced, relaxed finish. Users commonly report a crisp head change within minutes, often described as clear, social, and focused. The experience is typically compatible with daytime tasks that require mild stimulation without jitteriness.
As the session continues, a gentle body ease develops, softening peripheral tension while avoiding heavy sedation for most users. This body component is more pronounced in phenotypes with slightly higher myrcene or in harvests taken with more amber trichomes. The combined effect profile feels broadly hybrid and versatile rather than narrowly sativa or indica.
Dose calibration matters because THC tolerance varies widely. At lower doses of 5–10 mg THC equivalent, Magnum often reads as bright and functional; at higher doses above 20–30 mg, some users report a heavier, couch-leaning finale. Vaporization can yield a more linear, controllable experience, while combustion sometimes pushes a quicker onset and stronger body finish.
Side effects are consistent with THC-dominant cannabis: dry mouth, dry eyes, and occasionally transient anxiety at high doses. Hydration, paced inhalation, and mindful setting help keep the experience in the comfortable zone. For most, the net effect is positive, productive, and steady.
Potential Medical Applications
While no strain-specific clinical trials exist for Magnum, its cannabinoid and terpene profile align with several plausible symptom targets. Users seeking mood elevation and motivational support often find the limonene-forward, medium-THC profile helpful for low energy and stress. The relatively clear onset can be suitable for daytime use where cognitive function must remain intact.
Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity suggests potential for mild anti-inflammatory synergy in the entourage with THC. Anecdotal reports commonly cite relief for tension headaches, minor musculoskeletal discomfort, and post-exercise soreness when doses remain moderate. For sleep, Magnum is not a classic sedative, but higher doses taken later in the day can facilitate wind-down.
Patients sensitive to anxiety may prefer conservative titration, starting with small vaporized doses and increasing gradually. Vaporization at lower temperatures can emphasize mood-lifting monoterpenes while limiting heavy sedation. As always, medical use should be guided by healthcare professionals, and lab-tested product is essential for consistent outcomes.
For appetite, Magnum’s medium THC content can help some users without overwhelming intoxication. However, those requiring strong analgesia or deep sedation may prefer higher-THC indica-leaning cultivars with heavier myrcene and linalool. Magnum fits best as a daytime functional option with balanced relief potential.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Indoors
Magnum excels indoors under continuous lighting schedules, most commonly 18/6 or 20/4 from seed to harvest. Seed-to-harvest time typically falls between 70 and 85 days, with many finishing around weeks 10–12. Photoperiod changes are unnecessary, which simplifies scheduling and allows perpetual staging in shared rooms.
Target PPFD for vigorous autos is 400–600 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ during early growth and 700–900 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in peak bloom, with some phenotypes tolerating up to 1,000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ if CO2 and nutrition are optimized. Maintain day temperatures of 24–26 Celsius in veg and 24–25 Celsius in bloom, with nights at 18–21 Celsius. Relative humidity should be 60–65 percent in early veg, 50–55 percent mid-veg, 45–50 percent early bloom, and 40–45 percent late bloom.
Autos are sensitive to early stress, so start Magnum in its final container to avoid transplant shock. Pot sizes of 9–12 liters are standard for indoor runs, producing compact yet productive plants; 12–15 liters can support larger phenotypes and enhance lateral branching. A light, airy medium with 25–35 percent perlite or a coco mix promotes rapid root development and oxygenation.
EC targets are modest for autos: 1.1–1.3 EC in early veg, 1.4–1.6 EC in late veg, and 1.6–1.9 EC in bloom depending on cultivar response. Keep pH at 6.2–6.8 in soil and 5.7–6.2 in coco or hydro. Cal-mag supplementation is often necessary under high-intensity LEDs, particularly in soft water regions or RO systems.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Outdoors and Greenhouse
Magnum’s autoflowering nature allows multiple outdoor cycles per season in temperate zones. In regions with frost-free periods of 120–180 days, growers can plan two or even three successive plantings, each taking roughly 10–12 weeks from seed. This flexibility can yield cumulative seasonal production that rivals large single photoperiod harvests.
Outdoor plants perform best in 15–25 liter containers or directly in amended beds with excellent drainage. Place in full sun to maximize DLI; Magnum’s lateral branching thrives with 8–12 hours of direct sunlight. Typical height ranges from 80–140 cm outdoors, depending on pot size, sunlight, and nutrition.
In greenhouses, Magnum benefits from enhanced VPD control and wind protection. Maintain daytime temperatures of 24–28 Celsius with nights at 16–20 Celsius, aiming for VPD around 0.9–1.2 kPa during flower. Shade cloth can help keep canopy temperatures in range during heat waves, preserving terpenes and preventing foxtailing.
Autoflowers are more timing-sensitive with stress, so avoid aggressive topping late and minimize transplant delays. Use sticky traps and routine scouting to intercept pests like thrips, whiteflies, and mites that become active in warm months. Preventative biologicals, such as Bacillus subtilis and Beauveria bassiana, can form the backbone of a low-residue IPM plan.
Cultivation Guide: Substrates, Nutrition, and Irrigation
A well-aerated substrate is crucial because autos like Magnum do not have time to recover from hypoxic root conditions. In soil, blend 25–35 percent perlite or pumice, or consider a living soil amended lightly to avoid overfeeding in early weeks. In coco, a 70/30 coco-perlite mix is popular for rapid root growth and precise EC control.
Autos generally prefer gentler feeding than photoperiods. Start with 25–40 percent of the manufacturer’s feed chart in weeks 1–2, 50–70 percent in weeks 3–5, and 60–80 percent in bloom, adjusting by leaf color and tip burn. Maintain a nitrogen-forward ratio in early growth, then shift toward higher potassium and phosphorus from week 4 onward.
Irrigation should target full wet-dry cycles without extremes. In soil, water to about 10–15 percent runoff and allow the top 2–3 cm to dry before the next irrigation; in coco, smaller, more frequent irrigations maintain stable EC and pH. Avoid overwatering seedlings; early over-irrigation is a top cause of stunting in autos.
Supplemental calcium and magnesium are frequently needed under LED lighting, especially with RO water. Silica at 50–100 ppm can strengthen stems and help manage branch load, which is valuable for Magnum’s bushy morphology. Beneficial microbes such as mycorrhizae can improve nutrient uptake and stress tolerance, supporting the short lifecycle.
Training, Pruning, and Canopy Management
Magnum responds exceptionally well to low-stress training that exploits its natural side branching. Begin LST around day 14–18 by gently bending the main stem and tethering to expose lower sites. Continue guiding laterals outward to create a flat, even canopy and multiple top sites.
Defoliation should be selective and minimal in autos to avoid growth stalls. Remove large leaves that shade bud sites, but avoid heavy stripping in weeks 4–6 when stretch and initial flower set are active. A modest lollipop of the lowest 10–20 percent of the plant can improve airflow and direct resources to the main production zone.
Topping is optional and should be timed carefully if attempted. Experienced growers sometimes top at the third or fourth node around day 18–21 on vigorous phenotypes, but this is risky if growth is slow or if environmental stress is present. Most gardeners will achieve excellent results with LST alone due to Magnum’s inherent branching.
Support branches by week 6 with bamboo stakes or a single-layer trellis, especially in high-yield scenarios. The goal is to maintain an even canopy within 20–30 cm of uniform height, optimizing light distribution. Preventive planning here reduces stem stress and bud flop late in bloom.
Environment, Lighting, and Integrated Pest Management
Stable environmental control maximizes Magnum’s output and quality. Maintain intake air filtration and a slight negative pressure to manage odor and spores. Oscillating fans should provide gentle, omnidirectional airflow to prevent stagnant pockets within the bushy canopy.
Full-spectrum LEDs in the 3000–4000 K range work well from seed to harvest for autos, with blue-heavy ratios in early growth to tighten internodes. Consider daily light integral targets of 35–45 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ in bloom for strong autos, scaling intensity based on plant feedback like leaf posture and transpiration. If supplementing CO2, aim for 800–1,000 ppm and keep temperatures 1–2 Celsius higher to leverage increased photosynthesis.
A proactive IPM program is essential. Scout twice weekly for mites, thrips, and fungus gnats—common in dense indoor gardens—and rotate biologicals to avoid resistance. Maintain RH within target bands to deter botrytis; Magnum’s many colas can trap humidity if airflow is weak.
Sanitation protocols reduce risk: clean spills promptly, sterilize tools between plants, and quarantine new clones or equipment. While Magnum is robust, autos can deteriorate quickly if pests gain a foothold during their short lifecycle. Early and consistent prevention always outperforms late-stage rescue treatments.
Harvest Timing, Drying, and Curing
Magnum typically matures between days 70 and 85 from sprout under 18–20 hours of light, though phenotypes can run slightly shorter or longer. Visual cues include swollen calyxes, a majority of pistils turned amber to brown, and trichomes that are mostly cloudy with 5–20 percent amber depending on desired effect. For a more energetic profile, many growers target minimal amber; for a heavier finish, allow additional maturity.
Perform a clean flush or reduced EC feed the final 7–10 days if growing in soilless media to improve burn and flavor. Ensure plants are supported during the final swell to avoid stem splitting. Harvesting at the onset of lights-off helps preserve volatile aromatics.
Dry in a dark, well-ventilated space at 18–21 Celsius and 55–60 percent RH, aiming for a 10–14 day slow dry. Avoid fans blowing directly on the buds; gentle air exchange is sufficient. Stems should snap rather than bend when ready for trimming and cure.
Cure in airtight containers at 62 percent RH, burping daily for the first 7–10 days and weekly thereafter. Most Magnum flower reaches a stable, expressive cure within 3–4 weeks, with citrus and pine notes sharpening over time. Proper curing can elevate perceived potency and smoothness, turning good harvests into excellent ones.
Yield Expectations and Grow Economics
CannaConnection highlights Magnum as a profit-yielding auto, a claim that aligns with grower observations of heavy branching and strong production. Indoors, competent LED grows commonly achieve 400–550 grams per square meter, with dialed-in cultivators pushing 600 g/m² under high DLI and CO2. Per-plant yields in 9–12 liter pots typically range 60–120 grams, scaling to 120–200 grams for larger phenotypes in 12–15 liters.
Outdoor yields vary with sun exposure and container size. In full sun with 15–25 liter containers, 90–200 grams per plant is realistic, with exceptional setups occasionally exceeding that. Staggering three cycles over a long season can produce impressive cumulative totals without photoperiod dependency.
Economic efficiency stems from the 10–12 week turnaround and continuous lighting simplicity. Perpetual indoor systems can start new Magnum plants every 2–3 weeks, creating a steady-state harvest pipeline. Reduced veg infrastructure and consistent light schedules simplify operational planning and can improve labor allocation.
Cost control hinges on nutrient efficiency, stable environmental management, and trimming workflow. Autos like Magnum benefit from precise but moderate feeding, which lowers input costs while maintaining quality. In markets where mid-to-high potency autos sell well, Magnum’s price-to-performance ratio is attractive for both craft and commercial operations.
Testing, Compliance, and Quality Benchmarks
For reliable product positioning, laboratory testing of Magnum harvests should include potency, terpene profile, moisture activity, and contaminant screening. THC often lands in the 10–15 percent bracket for baseline grows, with optimized runs sometimes testing higher. Total terpenes of 1.0–2.0 percent are credible targets for quality indoor product from this line.
Reference points from Dutch Passion’s published data on crosses that include Magnum autos show terpene totals over 1.6 percent and seed-to-harvest in 10–11 weeks. Although these data are for hybrids integrating Magnum rather than pure Magnum, they serve as informative benchmarks. They also reinforce that autos with Magnum lineage can present competitive aromatic output in less than three months.
Compliance requires that batches meet state or national thresholds for residual solvents, heavy metals, and microbial loads. Autos may be less exposed to some late-season pathogens due to shorter cycles, but poor drying can still create mold risks. Maintaining water activity below 0.65 and total moisture near 10–12 percent at packaging helps ensure stability.
Consistent SOPs—covering harvest timing, dry room parameters, and curing cadence—are crucial for repeatable lab outcomes. Batch-level COAs allow retailers to position Magnum accurately for consumers who expect potency and aroma transparency. Over time, these benchmarks form the backbone of brand reliability.
Positioning Magnum in the Modern Market
Magnum occupies a sweet spot among autos: fast, forgiving, and productive without sacrificing a clean, invigorating user experience. It suits home growers who want reliable results with minimal complexity and professionals who value quick turns and predictable canopy structure. The strain’s branching makes it a natural fit for single-layer trellis workflows and medium-density plantings.
In the broader genetics ecosystem, Magnum also functions as a valuable breeding component. Multiple Dutch Passion releases cite combinations like Cinderella 99 and Jack Herer with a Magnum auto component, reporting standout terpene totals and 10–11 week cycles. This reinforces Magnum’s role not just as a standalone cultivar but as an enabling engine for modern, aromatic autos.
For retailers, Magnum can be introduced as a versatile daytime hybrid with citrus-pine brightness, moderate potency, and approachable effects. Educating consumers on the autoflower advantage—particularly the speed and consistency—adds a unique talking point that differentiates it from photoperiod counterparts. In markets sensitive to value, Magnum’s yield efficiency and predictable growth translate into competitive pricing opportunities.
Looking ahead, incremental improvements in lighting and substrate management continue to elevate what growers can extract from Magnum. With stable SOPs, many gardens can expect 400–600 g/m² indoors, terpene totals in the 1–2 percent range, and seed-to-jar in under 12 weeks. In short, Magnum remains a dependable, scalable auto with a proven track record and clear upside.
