Double the lemon essence, double the uplifting high.
Amnesia Lemon resulted from the collaboration between Barney’s Farm and the legendary breeder from the East Coast, Soma. It won first prize at the 2007 Sativa Cup, and more recently, Best High THC Strain at the 2016 Seedsman Awards.
That is hardly a surprise since it descended from Soma’s Amnesia Haze, which was named the Best Overall Strain at the High Times Cannabis Cup in 2004 and Best Sativa in 2012.
Its other parent, Lemon Skunk, is no lightweight, either. It made the High Times Top 10 list in 2009 because of its high THC content and immense yields. It passed on those characteristics to Amnesia Lemon, resulting in a prolific plant with a THC level of 21%. As for the aroma, it blends the spiced lemon essence of Haze with the pungency of Skunk.
Since both of its progenitors are Sativa-doms, this hybrid’s effects can be expected to be on the cerebral side. It provides an energizing and uplifting buzz that stimulates creativity and promotes sociability. But it is made up of 40% Indica, too, which creates a physically relaxing influence to prevent the smoker from becoming hyperactive. It is not sedating enough to cause couch-lock, but it does act as a soothing balm for aching muscles and joints.
Its growth pattern is more Indica than Sativa, which is an advantage for many cannabis cultivators. Not only is it a short and compact plant that can fit into most grow spaces, but it also exhibits strong resistance to pests and diseases. Depending on the grower’s objective and skill level, they can choose among feminized, regular, or autoflowering seeds. Any of them are sure to sprout plants deserving of their exceptional genetics.
| Feminized & Regular | Autoflower | |
|---|---|---|
| Genotype | Genotype60% Sativa + 40% Indica | Genotype50% Sativa + 30% Indica + 20% Ruderalis |
| Lineage | LineageAmnesia Haze x Lemon Skunk | LineageAmnesia Lemon x Ruderalis |
| THC | THC21% | THC15% to 20% |
| CBD | CBD1.2% | CBDLess than 1% |
| Indoor Flowering / Yield | Indoor Flowering / Yield8 to 9Weeks / 550 g/m² | Indoor Flowering / Yield10 to 11 weeks from seed to harvest / 300 to 350 g/m² |
| Outdoor Harvest Time / Yield | Outdoor Harvest Time / YieldEarly to mid-October / 600 g/plant | Outdoor Harvest Time / YieldAll year round / 100 to 150 g/plant |
| Recommended To | Recommended ToBeginner | Recommended ToBeginner |
Although Amnesia Lemon’s effects are markedly on the cerebral side, its growth characteristics are very much Indica-like. Whether it is the photoperiod or autoflower version, the plant is very short and compact. Both variants do not grow more than 110 cm (43 inches) in height, and they have a bushy structure courtesy of their broad, dark green fan leaves and small internodal gaps. Their branches are thick and sturdy so that they can carry the weight of their heavy, densely packed colas. The buds are large but firm, bristling with long, neon orange pistils and laminated with sparkling, crystalline trichomes.
Amnesia Lemon is available to buy as feminized or regular seeds. Regular beans have a 50/50 chance of sprouting male and female plants. When raised side by side, the male will pollinate the female’s blossoms to produce more seeds. They are the better option for breeding and cloning because they are the closest genetically to the mother plant. Feminized seeds, on the other hand, are more suitable for amateur gardeners since they are virtually guaranteed to spawn an all-female crop dedicated to generating smokable buds only.
Due to this strain’s petite size, it is a joy to grow in an indoor setting. It will flourish best in organic soil that contains beneficial microorganisms to ensure a healthy root environment. This type of growing medium is also ideal for enhancing the terpene profile, resulting in top-quality buds with a more intense flavor and aroma. Moreover, higher terpene content boosts the nugs’ recreational and medicinal impacts because of the “entourage effect”.
The simplest way to maximize the yield is by raising multiple plants simultaneously – a setup known as the Sea of Green (SoG). Seven to nine plants per square meter can easily supply 550 grams (19 ounces) of buds as long as the environmental factors are maintained at optimum levels. For this strain, the most favorable temperature range is between 21 and 27 degrees Celsius (70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), while the relative humidity (RH) should be kept at 40 to 50% during the 8 to 9-week flowering period.
It should be noted that an SoG configuration tends to raise the temperature and RH inside the grow room. Packing several plants close together in a confined area can trap excess moisture that could invite pathogens like mold and mildew. Therefore, pruning and trimming non-essential leaves and stems should be part of the maintenance routine. In addition, an oscillating fan would be helpful to promote air circulation, as well as an efficient ventilation system. Don’t forget to install a carbon filter to lessen the plants’ strong odor.
Outdoor cultivation is also pretty straightforward if there is an appropriate garden area where the smell would not attract unwanted attention. This plant can yield an impressive 600 grams (21 ounces) of aromatic, resinous bud in the first half of October when grown in a temperate Mediterranean-Esque climate with plenty of sunshine. Cool nighttime temperatures can bring out muted purple hues in some of the leaves and flowers. The unusual coloration adds bag appeal, but it will not change the flavor or effects.
Regular or feminized Amnesia Lemon takes at least 7 months to mature, but for growers in a rush, an autoflowering version is more convenient. Since it is infused with Ruderalis genes, its development time is cut short to only 10 to 11 weeks from seed to harvest. That means 2 or 3 crops a year are possible outdoors – or even more, depending on the climate. You can continuously sow and harvest as long as there is no frost. However, the most productive period will be in the summer, when each plant can produce 100 to 150 grams (3.5 to 5 ounces) of usable bud.
Indoors, you can propagate as many plants as you like using a single setup, even though they may be in different growth stages. Typically, photoperiod cannabis plants require an 18/6 grow light schedule during vegetation, then 12/12 for flowering. In contrast, autos do not need a change in the light cycle to trigger budding since they will automatically do that on their own by following their internal clock. You can leave the lights on for 18, 20, or even 24 hours a day, and they will still yield around300 to 350 grams (10 to 12 ounces) per square meter.