What is THC and what effect does it have?
THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes its effects. When you smoke weed, the “high” occurs when THC enters the bloodstream and interacts with the endocannabinoid system. It acts by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and throughout the nervous system, leading to altered mood, perception, and behavior.
The effects of THC vary from person to person and from strain to strain. Most people experience feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered sensory perception. It can also impact your memory, concentration, and coordination. Some users can be sensitive to the effects of THC and it can cause anxiety or paranoia so for those that are new to using it, go easy until you have worked out your tolerance level.
How strong is a high THC Autoflower?
High THC autoflowers, can reach THC levels between 20% to 25% or higher. Historically, autoflowering strains, which are known for their quick growth and smaller size, and the compromise on this speed was THC levels of around 10% to 15%. However, recent in breeding techniques have dramatically increased the potency of autos with some strains now achieving close to what you would expect from a potent photoperiod.
How much THC gets you high?
It really does depend on your tolerance level and how it’s consumed. Let’s just say you smoke a joint, for someone with a low tolerance level, a strain with just 2-5% THC, could still cause some psychoactive effects. Whereas if you’ve been using cannabis for some time and have developed a higher threshold, then you may be able to handle strains as high as 5-10% without feeling much of an effect at all.
How you consume it also makes a big difference. If you smoke of vape weed the effects occur much vaster than if you consume edibles. This is because THC is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs. Compared to edibles that require digestion for an hour or two before any effects take place.
How can you increase the potency of your autoflowers?
When you are trying to increase the potency of your autoflowers there isn’t any tricks that you can do like when you are trying to increase yield. The simple solution to growing the strongest weed is to optimize your growing conditions as best as possible.
Optimal Lighting: To get the most out of your autos give them at least 18 hours of light each day. Make sure you are using good quality full spectrum lights such as high power LED’s.
Proper Nutrition: Autoflowers generally need a lower nutrient concentration compared to photoperiod strains. Overfeeding can stress the plant and reduce THC levels. Use a nutrient solution formulated for autoflowers making sure you don’t overdo it. The worst thing you can do with autos is stress them while they’re flowering.
Minimizing Stress: Autoflowers are sensitive to stress, and any significant disturbance can impact their THC production. Avoid high-stress training techniques and be gentle when handling your plants. Stressors like transplanting, extreme temperatures, or irregular watering schedules can damage the plant’s ability to produce THC. Use low stress training methods such as scrog and tie and bend and try to avoid techniques such as topping.
Timing the Harvest: When you harvest your autoflowering plants impacts the potency of your buds. THC levels peak when the trichomes turn from clear to a milky white color. Harvesting too early can lead to lower THC levels, while waiting too long can result in a more sedative, less psychoactive product as THC begins to degrade into CBN (Cannabinol).
What are the benefits of growing high THC autoflower strains?
Potent Effects: The primary benefit of high THC autoflower strains is their powerful psychoactive effects. If you want potent weed in only a few months then high THC autoflower seeds are the way to go.
Fast Growth Cycle: Autoflowers are known for their fast turnaround, able to grow from seed to harvest in about 8-10 weeks. This quick turnaround is ideal for growers who want to produce multiple crops in a year or those with limited time.
Resilience and Easy Cultivation: Autoflowers are generally hardy and resilient, making them perfect for beginners. They are less susceptible to environmental stressors and can thrive in various conditions. Their ruderalis genetics make them resistant to temperature fluctuations and pests, reducing the need for constant monitoring.
Compact Size: Autoflowers are smaller than photoperiods and are therefore perfect for indoor grows, balconies, or discreet outdoor gardens.
No Need to Adjust Light Cycles: Unlike photoperiods, autoflowers don’t require changes in light cycles to trigger flowering. They automatically transition from the vegetative to flowering stage making the entire grow less hassle for you.
What else to consider when you buy high THC autoflower seeds?
Sativa or Indica Dominance: Autoflower strains can be sativa-dominant, indica-dominant, or hybrids. Sativa-dominant strains tend to produce a more cerebral, energetic high, often preferred for daytime use. Indica-dominant strains usually offer a more relaxing, sedative effect, ideal for evening use. And if you can’t decide, hybrids offer a blend of these effects.
Flavor and Aroma: The terpene profile, which dictates the flavor and aroma of the strain, is another important aspect. Some people prefer fruity, sweet strains, while others might enjoy earthy, pungent, or diesel-like flavors.
Growing Difficulty: While autoflowers are generally easier to grow than photoperiod strains, some may still present challenges, especially for novice growers. Factors like plant size, resistance to pests and diseases, and general hardiness can vary. It’s important to choose a strain that matches your growing experience and environment.
Yield Expectations: Different autoflower strains have varying yield potentials. If the quantity of the final harvest is a priority, look for strains known for producing higher yields. The highest THC autoflowers are not always the highest yielding, so bear this in mind.
What is the strongest autoflower on the market?
Our Gorilla Glue Auto is widely recognized as one of the strongest autoflower strains on the market. This strain is an autoflowering version of the Cannabis Cup winning Gorilla Glue, created by crossing a selected phenotype of the original Gorilla Glue with Auto Seeds’ Auto #1. This crossbreeding has resulted in an autoflowering strain with an impressive THC level of 23%, making it one of the most potent autoflowers in existence.