Are Autoflowering Strains Potent?

If you asked the cannabis community even five or six years ago if autoflowering strains were potent, a resounding response would have been no. But thanks to advancements in modern breeding trials, autoflowering cannabis strains now rival their sister photoperiod cultivars with impressive cannabinoid levels of both THC and CBD.

Breeders have been dabbling with auto-flowers for decades, crossing the tough Cannabis ruderalis plants with legendary photoperiod strains. Initial breeding attempts, however, produced less than desirable results due to ruderalis’ low THC profile. Recent developments in cannabis breeding programs, especially in the last few years, are changing the cannabis community’s opinion on the potency of autoflowering strains.

What are Autoflowering Strains and How Do They Differ from Photoperiod Strains?

Cannabis ruderalis are hardy, resilient plants that grow naturally, most often in extreme, aharsh environments. Native to Russia, central Europe, and Asia, ruderalis adapted to cold temperatures and short days to survive. The tough, stout plants developed resistances to disease, mould, and pests to endure their surroundings.

The life cycle of autoflowering cannabis strains is short, usually less than 100 days from planting seeds to harvest. Compared to photoperiod strains that can take several months to fully mature, autoflower cultivation is a quick process. This characteristic is appealing to cannabis growers who want perpetual harvests in a short amount of time or for the beginner desiring to learn how to grow cannabis.

Notably, the principal difference between autoflowering and photoperiod strains is light. Autos do not rely on changes in hours of light to progress from vegetative growth to the flowering stage. Their growth cycles are defined simply by time. Autoflowering strains have a short vegetative stage, usually two to four weeks, and then readily transform to the flowering stage.

Why Would You Want to Grow an Autoflower Strain?

Up until a few years ago, cannabis growers regarded auto-flowers as a waste of time. Due to their short life cycle, autoflowering plants are typically much smaller than photoperiod strains. Most growers want to maximize yield when growing marijuana given the expense and time they put into cultivating the plant. Why plant a cannabis seed that will only produce a few ounces when you can grow one that yields a few pounds?

Secondly, Cannabis ruderalis genetics are low THC producing plants. Interest in breeding ruderalis initially began with the Lowryder strain due to the cerebral effects presented from moderate levels of CBD. But most marijuana growers want to achieve maximum potency with high THC levels. Autoflower strains did not offer those higher THC values until cannabis breeders took a closer look at the genetic structure.

In recent years, cannabis breeders began developing genetics to increase potency in autoflowering cannabis plants. Crossing ruderalis with stable photoperiod cultivars created autoflowering strains that capture the benefits of both plants. Higher cannabinoid profiles, coupled with the fast flowering time of ruderalis, have changed how we look at autoflowering strains.

What Types of Autoflowering Strains are Potent?

There are several popular strains that have recently been developed and stabilized for autoflowering genetics. Some of these include famed cannabis legends like Sour Diesel, Amnesia Haze, and Cheese. All of these legends are now impressive autoflower strains, delivering THC levels above 20%.

Popular hybrids such as White Widow, Northern Lights, and the famed indica-dominant Wedding Cake are some other great strain types packed with high potency THC content.

For medicinal strains, the ratio of THC to CBD helps determine the potency. For instance, the autoflower, Fruity Jack from Philosopher Seeds, has a 2:1 ratio meaning there are nearly two parts THC to one part CBD cannabinoids present in the strain. A closer look at the percentages of both cannabinoids active in the plant provides a clearer picture of its medical benefits.

Fruity Jack’s THC level is right around 19% compared to the CBD cannabinoid profile boasting 11%. Whereas THC produces psychoactive effects, CBD is known for its grounding properties helping to reduce the effects of THC. The combination of the two cannabinoids working synergistically together can prove uplifting and are potentially effective in combating stress, depression, and anxiety.

High CBD autoflower strains such as Dutch Passion’s CBD Charlotte’s Angel strain have potent medical benefits with anticonvulsant properties that are beneficial for those suffering from seizures associated with epilepsy. This sativa-dominant strain has low THC levels while boasting CBD concentrations near 15%.

What are the Benefits of Growing Potent Autoflowering Strains?

Commercial cannabis growers are delving into autoflowering strains due to their short life cycles resulting in quick crop turnovers. While yields from autoflowering varieties may be considerably less than photoperiod strains, you can achieve multiple harvests of autos in the same amount of time it takes to grow a light-sensitive cultivar.

Planning for perpetual harvests is easily attained with autoflowering strains due to their rapid growth period. A distinct timeline of when the auto strain will mature allows marijuana growers to plan for continuous harvests. As the fast-growing autoflower seeds develop into the flowering phase, it is time to start the germination process for the next rotation.

Additionally, due to autoflowers’ short, small plant stature as compared to photoperiod strains, large-scale cultivators utilize this advantage to grow multiple plants in a smaller area. Commercial operations often use a system called Sea of Green (SOG) to maximize yield from autoflowering cannabis varieties. Marijuana plants grown close together in this manner converge to create a large, productive canopy, delivering a big harvest in a small space.

Depending on your interpretation of potency, whether it be to achieve a euphoric effect from a high THC strain or the medicinal benefits of a CBD rich cultivar, marijuanagrow.shop has the perfect autoflowering seeds to match your needs.

With an impressive line of autoflowering cannabis seeds from world-renowned breeders, marijuanagrow.shop delivers some of the finest genetics available in the cannabis industry.

Learn more about growing autoflowering marijuana strains:

•  How to Increase Yield of an Autoflowering Cannabis Strain
• –When to Harvest an Autoflower Strain
• –What Are the Best Nutrients for Autoflowering Seeds?
• –Autoflower vs Photoperiod Strains – How Do They Differ?