Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Master Kush Auto traces its lineage to a cornerstone of the 1990s Amsterdam scene: the original Master Kush, itself a compact, resinous indica derived from Hindu Kush landrace populations. In its photoperiod form, Master Kush became known for dense, hash-scented flowers, short internodes, and reliably sedative effects that favored nighttime use. To adapt these qualities to modern home-growing constraints, breeders pursued an autoflowering version capable of finishing on a predictable clock without photoperiod triggers.
Copenhagen Seed Company, operating from Denmark’s capital, introduced Master Kush Auto as a deliberate blend of Old World hashplant integrity and contemporary autoflower convenience. The company selected a robust ruderalis donor to fix day-neutral flowering while preserving the thick, incense-forward profile associated with Kush cultivars. The resulting ruderalis/indica hybrid retained the compact stature, heavy trichome coverage, and spicy-earthy bouquet that made its parent famous.
Autoflowering cannabis surged globally between 2015 and 2022, with seed companies reporting double-digit percentage growth in auto sales due to shorter crop cycles and discreet plant size. Master Kush Auto arrived to meet this trend with an emphasis on reliability and yield-per-day—metrics that matter to home cultivators. Its breeding rationale centers on quick turnarounds, reduced training requirements, and a minimal learning curve without sacrificing potency.
By combining a storied indica with day-neutral genetics, Copenhagen Seed Company targeted a specific performance envelope: seed-to-harvest completion near 70–85 days, average indoor heights under 100 cm, and highly manageable branching. This timeline allows two to three full cycles per season indoors, which can increase annual household output by 50–200% compared to a single photoperiod run. The cultivar’s focus on ease and consistency has helped it gain a following among first-time growers and seasoned cultivators seeking dependable, low-fuss harvests.
Genetic Lineage and Autoflower Mechanism
Master Kush Auto’s genetic backbone is ruderalis/indica, blending a classic Hindu Kush–derived indica with Cannabis ruderalis to confer day-neutral flowering. The indica side contributes dense bud structure, copious resin glands, and the incense-like aroma profile typical of Afghan hashplant lines. The ruderalis contribution delivers rapid ontogeny and a flowering schedule governed by age rather than day length.
Autoflowering is driven by genetic loci inherited from ruderalis populations adapted to extreme latitudes, where photoperiod responsiveness conferred less advantage than rapid maturation. In practical terms, Master Kush Auto begins flowering automatically around week 3–5 from sprout, irrespective of light schedules. Most growers observe visible pre-flowers by days 21–35, with full flowering thereafter.
Phenotypically, the cross yields a compact plant with sturdy, lignified stems that sustain the weight of dense colas despite the plant’s modest height. Internodal spacing tends toward short-to-medium, which aids light efficiency in small tents and cabinets. The cultivar’s architecture is well-suited to low-stress training (LST) but generally tolerates only light-to-moderate high-stress techniques.
While the original Master Kush is prized for consistency, autos can exhibit more variance due to the complex inheritance of day-neutral traits. Even so, Copenhagen Seed Company’s selection focuses on stabilized expression for uniform height and reliable flowering onset. In grow logs and community reports, the majority of phenotypes finish within a 70–85 day window, with a minority extending to 90+ days if heavily trained or grown under suboptimal intensity.
Morphology and Visual Traits
Master Kush Auto typically reaches 60–100 cm indoors under 18–20 hours of light, with the median phenotype around 75–85 cm. The plant develops a central cola with several satellite branches that stack dense, golf-ball to egg-sized buds. Leaves are broad, matte to semi-glossy, and dark green—a visual cue consistent with indica dominance.
Buds cure into tightly packed nuggets with high calyx-to-leaf ratios, minimizing trim time and increasing bag appeal. Trichome coverage is pronounced, often giving flowers a frosted, off-white sheen that turns slightly amber as maturity approaches. Stigmas start cream to orange and can deepen to rust tones late in flower.
In controlled environments with adequate airflow and humidity management, the cultivar displays a low incidence of fox-tailing compared to more heat-sensitive hybrids. Stem rigidity is a notable trait, reducing the need for extensive staking unless plants are overfed late and swell dramatically. In high-light grows, the top canopy can purple slightly at night temperatures below 18°C, accenting the lime-to-forest green base.
Plant density is moderate, which aids airflow in small tents, but packed canopies still warrant strategic defoliation. A light leaf strip at weeks 3 and 6 (from sprout) helps expose interior bud sites without stalling growth. This careful approach keeps the cultivar’s compact structure from becoming a microclimate risk late in flower.
Aroma and Bouquet
The aroma leans heavily toward hashish, incense, and cedar, evoking the classic Afghan-Kush spectrum. A damp earth undertone blends with hints of sandalwood and faint diesel, forming a warm, resinous nose that intensifies as trichomes mature. On a scale of 1–10 for odor intensity, Master Kush Auto registers around 7–9 during late flower, particularly after irrigation or canopy disturbance.
Limonene-derived flashes of citrus—often reminiscent of orange peel—appear when buds are broken apart, balancing the deep, woody base notes. Subtler layers include black pepper and clove from beta-caryophyllene and trace humulene’s hoppy-herbal scent. The overall impression is old-world hashroom meets citrus spice cabinet.
In carbon-filtered setups, odor control is still recommended by week 5–6, as the terpene output ramps rapidly. Ozone generators are unnecessary in small rooms when a modern 4–6 inch carbon filter is sized to 300–450 m³/h for typical tents. Growers in shared living spaces often report the need to close doors and windows during peak bloom to prevent scent bleed.
When properly dried and cured, the aroma stabilizes into a mellow, incense-forward bouquet with less raw green bite. Improper drying at high temperatures (>24°C) can volatilize monoterpenes, muting the citrus and herbal layers, so a gentle 10–14 day dry is recommended. Many users find the cured aroma nostalgic, akin to hand-pressed hash or a cedar-lined humidor.
Flavor and Combustion
The flavor mirrors the aroma with a dominant hashwood and sandalwood core, accented by herbal tea and pepper. Citrus zest appears on the exhale in joints and vapes set between 170–185°C, where limonene and pinene are more expressive. Smoke density is medium-full, with a smooth finish when properly cured.
Combustion quality benefits from a slow dry and a 3–6 week cure at 58–62% RH, which reduces chlorophyll harshness and sweetens the wood-spice profile. In glassware, the initial hit delivers incense and cedar, followed by a faint sweet malt note that lingers on the palate. Some phenotypes pull slightly more diesel on the tail end, likely reflecting minor contributions from secondary terpenes.
Vaporization highlights nuance: expect myrcene’s fruity-earth undertone around 166–170°C and a sharper pepper-clove edge near 190–195°C as caryophyllene and humulene intensify. At higher vape temps or late in a session, the profile becomes richer and more resinous, with a warm, hashy glaze. The aftertaste remains grounded and savory rather than candy-sweet—a hallmark of its indica roots.
Ash color tends toward light gray when mineral balance and cure are on point. Excessive nitrogen late in flower or insufficient flush/dry can produce darker ash and a grittier mouthfeel. For those sensitive to throat bite, a lower-temperature vape preserves flavor while minimizing irritation.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Metrics
As an autoflower derived from an indica hashplant, Master Kush Auto typically expresses mid-to-high THC with low CBD. In well-executed indoor runs, reported THC ranges commonly fall between 16–20%, with exceptional phenotypes pushing toward 21–22% under high-intensity lighting and dialed-in nutrition. CBD content is generally low at 0.1–0.8%, while CBG can register in the 0.2–1.0% range.
Total cannabinoids often measure 18–24% by weight in mature, well-cured flower, reflecting a potent but not overwhelming profile for most experienced consumers. Autos historically trailed photoperiods in potency, but modern breeding has narrowed the gap substantially; Master Kush Auto exemplifies this trend with consistent upper-teen THC percentages. Variability persists due to environmental, nutritional, and phenotype factors, but the central tendency remains firmly in the “strong evening indica” band.
From a practical standpoint, one to three inhalations typically produce noticeable effects within 5–10 minutes for smoked flower, with onset extending to 10–20 minutes for vaporized sessions. Peak intensity arrives around 30–60 minutes and gradually tapers over 2–4 hours depending on dose, metabolism, and tolerance. Edible preparations made from this cultivar can exceed 6 hours of effect duration due to 11-hydroxy-THC formation in the liver.
For extraction, the resin density supports above-average returns in mechanical separation workflows. Dry sift yields of 15–20% are achievable with cold, gentle agitation, while ice water hash yields of 12–18% have been reported under optimized conditions. Hydrocarbon extraction is compatible but should be undertaken only in licensed, safe facilities, as always.
Terpene Profile and Chemical Signature
Master Kush Auto’s terpene profile is typically myrcene-dominant, with significant contributions from beta-caryophyllene and limonene. Total terpene content in properly grown, slow-dried flower often falls between 1.0–2.5% by weight, placing it squarely in the aromatic range that most users perceive as strong but not overwhelming. The leading constituents tend to distribute as follows: myrcene 0.3–0.8%, caryophyllene 0.2–0.6%, limonene 0.1–0.4%, with meaningful traces of humulene and alpha-/beta-pinene.
Myrcene supports the cultivar’s earthy, fruity base and is frequently associated with perceived sedation in user reports, especially when combined with higher THC. Beta-caryophyllene, a selective CB2 agonist, contributes pepper-spice notes and may play a role in anti-inflammatory effects according to preclinical findings. Limonene introduces the bright citrus lift that makes the bouquet feel less heavy, while humulene imparts woody herbal tones that anchor the incense-like character.
Pinene, though present at lower levels, can sharpen the top notes and help balance perceived “heaviness” by contributing a clean, piney thread. When harvested late with more amber trichomes, the profile can skew slightly toward deeper spice and wood, whereas earlier harvests may preserve more citrus and pine. These shifts reflect different volatilities and biosynthetic peaks across monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes as flowers mature.
Environmental controls have measurable effects on terpene retention. Studies and grower data agree that slow drying at 18–20°C and ~60% RH for 10–14 days preserves monoterpenes better than quick, warm dries. Minimizing light exposure post-harvest and curing at 58–62% RH further stabilizes the profile, preventing terpene evaporation and oxidation that can flatten flavor and aroma.
Effects and User Experience
Master Kush Auto delivers a soothing, body-forward experience with a clear indica bias, often described as warm, heavy-limbed relaxation. The mental tone is calm and content, with a steady, non-racy euphoria that peaks gently rather than spiking. Many users report an initial mood lift followed by tranquil focus or comfortable introspection.
On a subjective intensity scale, relaxation rates around 7–8/10 at moderate doses, while mental euphoria sits nearer 5–6/10. Couchlock is dose-dependent, becoming more likely with later-evening sessions or when paired with sedentary activities. Appetite stimulation is common, and sleepiness tends to ramp 60–90 minutes into the session, particularly with later harvests skewed toward amber trichomes.
As with many indica-dominant autos, side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes for a large subset of users. Reports of transient dizziness or orthostatic lightheadedness occur occasionally at higher doses, especially among infrequent consumers. Anxiety or paranoia appears less prevalent than with high-THC sativa-leaning strains, though sensitive individuals should still start low and go slow.
Compared to racy hybrids, Master Kush Auto feels grounded and unfussy—well-suited for winding down after work, watching films, or stretching and light yoga. Playlists and mellow activities pair well, as the cultivar nudges the mind toward stillness without heavy cognitive fog at modest doses. For social settings, microdoses keep conversation fluid while reducing tension.
Therapeutic and Medical Considerations
Patients and wellness users commonly reach for Master Kush–type cultivars for evening relief from stress, muscle tension, and sleep disruptions. The myrcene-forward terpene matrix and indica dominance align with anecdotal reports of analgesic, anti-spasmodic, and anxiolytic effects. In practice, users describe reductions in perceived pain intensity and improved sleep latency when dosing 60–120 minutes before bed.
Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 agonism has been investigated in preclinical models for anti-inflammatory potential, and its presence here complements THC’s broad analgesic properties. Limonene may add mood-lifting synergy for those with stress-related tension that complicates relaxation. While CBD is typically low in Master Kush Auto, trace CBD and measurable CBG can subtly shape the entourage effect without dulling potency.
Use-cases often include chronic back or joint pain, post-exercise soreness, and mind–body decompression after prolonged screen time. Those with appetite challenges may find consistent, moderate stimulation helpful in the evening. For sleep, many report fewer middle-of-the-night awakenings and deeper perceived sleep, though individual responses vary widely.
Medical users should consider delivery and dose: vaporization at lower temperatures preserves terpenes with fewer combustion byproducts, while edibles provide longer coverage for persistent issues. Start with 2.5–5 mg THC equivalents for edibles or two light inhalations for smoked/vaped flower, titrating upward as needed. As always, individuals with underlying conditions or medication regimens should consult a clinician familiar with cannabinoid therapeutics.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Jar
Master Kush Auto is engineered for simplicity and speed, making it a strong choice for small indoor closets, tents, and balcony grows. Most phenotypes complete in 70–85 days from sprout, with a few extending to 90+ days if stressed or heavily trained. Indoor yield potential typically lands at 350–500 g/m² under high-efficiency LEDs, with 50–140 g per plant in 3–5 gallon containers depending on light intensity and grower skill.
Germinate seeds directly in their final container to avoid transplant shock, which can stunt autos during their short vegetative window. A 3–5 gallon (11–19 L) fabric pot offers an optimal balance between root volume and air pruning. For medium, soilless coco coir with added perlite (70/30) or a light, buffered soil mix promotes rapid root development and consistent hydration.
Lighting should remain long throughout the cycle—18/6 or 20/4 light/dark schedules are standard for autos. Target PPFD around 350–500 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ during early growth, ramping to 600–900 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in peak flower for most phenotypes. This corresponds to a daily light integral (DLI) near 30–45 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹, which supports compact structure and resin density without excessive stress.
Environmental parameters are classic indica-friendly. Keep daytime temperatures at 24–28°C during early growth and 22–26°C in flower, with night drops of 2–4°C. Relative humidity should progress from 65–70% for seedlings (week 1–2), to 55–60% in early veg (week 3–4), 45–55% in early bloom (week 5–7), and 40–50% in late bloom (week 8+), maintaining VPD around 0.8–1.2 kPa.
Nutrition should be steady but not excessive. In coco, aim for EC 1.2–1.4 in early growth, 1.4–1.6 in preflower, and 1.6–1.8 in mid-to-late bloom, with pH 5.8–6.2. In soil, pH 6.0–6.5 is ideal, and a light, balanced feeding schedule with a gradual shift from nitrogen to phosphorus/potassium emphasis in bloom works best.
Calcium and magnesium supplementation is frequently beneficial under LEDs, which can drive higher transpiration and calcium demand. Add 0.3–0.5 EC of Cal-Mag in coco or supplement intermittently in soil if leaf edges curl, interveinal chlorosis appears, or buds develop subtle tip burn despite modest base EC. Always observe runoff EC to avoid salt buildup and adjust accordingly.
Watering cadence is crucial. In coco, small, frequent irrigations to 10–20% runoff maintain oxygenation and nutrient stability. In soil, allow the top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings; lifting pots to judge weight remains the gold standard for avoiding overwatering.
Training should be gentle due to the plant’s fixed developmental clock. Low-stress training—softly bending and tying branches during weeks 3–5—opens the canopy and improves light distribution without stalling growth. If topping is attempted, do it once at the 3rd node by day 18–21 at the latest; any later and you risk stunting yield due to lost momentum.
Defoliation is useful but should be measured. Remove a few large, light-blocking fan leaves around week 3–4 and again around week 6 to improve airflow and bud exposure. Avoid heavy stripping that can shock autos; aim for incremental improvements rather than dramatic canopy changes.
Pest and disease management centers on prevention. Ensure steady airflow with 0.3–0.5 m/s across the canopy, use sticky traps for early detection of fungus gnats or thrips, and maintain cleanliness. Because dense buds can be susceptible to botrytis at high humidity, finish the cycle with 40–50% RH and good spacing between colas.
Outdoors, Master Kush Auto excels in temperate summers, finishing in 9–12 weeks from sprout with 50–120 g per plant in 15–25 L containers. Place plants where they receive 6–8+ hours of direct sun; in high-latitude regions, ruderalis heritage supports steady flowering even with long days. Use light, airy media and consider silica supplementation to fortify stems against wind.
Signs of maturity include swollen calyxes, receding pistils, and cloudy trichomes with 10–20% amber for a heavier effect. For a brighter, less soporific profile, harvest at mostly cloudy with <10% amber. Flushing for 7–10 days (in inert media) or tapering nutrients in living soil enhances burn quality and flavor development.
Post-harvest, dry whole plants or large branches at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH with gentle airflow for 10–14 days until small stems snap. Trim and cure in airtight jars at 58–62% RH, burping daily for the first week, then weekly for 3–4 weeks. Proper curing can increase perceived aroma intensity by 20–40% and smoothness substantially, unlocking the full hashwood-and-citrus signature.
For growers targeting extraction, colder dry rooms and minimal handling reduce trichome loss. Sift or wash at low temperatures to protect volatile monoterpenes and maximize yield quality. With consistent environment and nutrition, Master Kush Auto will reward with resin-rich flowers that reflect Copenhagen Seed Company’s goal: classic Kush character on a fast, forgiving autoflower timeline.
Yield optimization tips include maintaining uniform canopy height, targeting 700–900 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD in bloom, and ensuring CO₂ around 400–800 ppm in sealed rooms. While autos do not require CO₂ supplementation, modest enrichment can improve biomass and density by 5–15% when light, nutrients, and water are already optimized. Keep notes each run—dialed-in records of EC, pH, PPFD, and climate often translate into measurable gains by the second cycle.
In small spaces, a 60×60 cm tent with a 150–240 W full-spectrum LED can reliably produce 120–250 g per harvest with two Master Kush Auto plants. In 120×120 cm tents using 400–480 W of modern LEDs, four to six plants in 11–15 L pots can reach 400–600+ g with competent management. These figures assume proper environmental control, attentive feeding, and the gentle training approach that autos favor.
