¶ AK-47
¶ Overview
AK-47 is a sativa-dominant hybrid cultivar bred by Serious Seeds, combining Colombian, Mexican, Thai, and Afghani landrace genetics into a single, cohesive cultivar. Despite its aggressive name, the strain is known for producing a calming, mellow effect that belies the association with automatic weaponry. Named after the rifle as a nod to the potency of its effects, AK-47 has won multiple Cannabis Cup awards and is considered one of the foundational hybrids of the modern cannabis era. Its diverse genetic background gives it a complex terpene profile dominated by caryophyllene, myrcene, and terpinolene.
¶ Quick Stats
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Sativa-dominant hybrid |
| THC % | 15-20% |
| CBD % | <1% |
| Dominant Terpenes | Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Terpinolene |
| Flowering Time | 55-65 days |
| Yield | Moderate (350-500 g/m² indoor) |
| Growing Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
¶ Genetics & Lineage
AK-47 is a multi-landrace hybrid created by Serious Seeds, a Dutch breeding company.
Parent lineage: Colombian x Mexican x Thai x Afghani
The breeders combined three sativa landraces (Colombian, Mexican, and Thai) with one indica landrace (Afghani) to produce a sativa-dominant hybrid that balanced the energizing cerebral effects of its sativa parents with the body relaxation contributed by the Afghani genetics. Through careful phenotype selection and stabilization over multiple generations, Serious Seeds produced a consistent cultivar that maintains a roughly 65% sativa / 35% indica ratio. The genetic diversity of AK-47 has made it a valuable parent strain in its own right, contributing to numerous hybrids including Sour Bubble, White Russian, and many "AK" crosses.
¶ Cannabinoid Profile
| Cannabinoid | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| THC (Total) | 15-20% |
| CBD | <1% (typically 0.1-0.4%) |
| CBG | 0.5-1.5% |
| CBN | <0.5% (increases with age) |
AK-47's THC range is moderate to strong, placing it in the mid-tier of modern cultivars. The low CBD content is typical of THC-dominant hybrids bred primarily for recreational and functional effects.
¶ Terpene Profile
| Terpene | Approximate Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caryophyllene | 25-40% | Spicy, peppery, woody notes; contributes to relaxation |
| Myrcene | 15-25% | Earthy, musky undertones; associated with calming body effects |
| Terpinolene | 10-20% | Floral, herbal brightness that adds complexity to the aroma |
| Pinene | 3-8% | Subtle pine notes in the background |
| Humulene | 2-5% | Faint earthy, hoppy depth |
The caryophyllene-forward profile is notable because caryophyllene is the only dietary terpene known to directly bind to CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which may contribute to the strain's characteristic calming body relaxation despite its sativa-dominant classification.
¶ Effects & Experience
AK-47 is widely reported to produce:
- Calming relaxation -- Despite its name, the strain is known for producing a mellow, soothing body effect
- Gentle cerebral uplift -- A clear-headed mental lift that precedes the body relaxation
- Creativity and sociability -- Many users report increased talkativeness and creative engagement
- Stress relief -- Frequently cited for its ability to ease tension without heavy sedation
Onset: Effects begin within minutes when smoked or vaporized; 30-90 minutes when consumed orally.
Duration: 2-3 hours for inhaled consumption; 4-6 hours for oral consumption.
Intensity: Moderate. The effects build gradually, starting with a cerebral lift before settling into full-body calm.
⚠️ Effects are self-reported and vary by individual, dose, tolerance, and consumption method. Not a prediction of any individual's experience. The name "AK-47" does not indicate effects that are more intense than similarly potent strains -- it is a branding choice by the original breeders.
¶ Aroma & Flavor
- Smell: Earthy and floral with sweet undertones. The caryophyllene dominance gives the aroma a subtle spicy, peppery quality that distinguishes it from purely sweet or fruity strains. The floral notes come from the terpinolene content, creating a complex bouquet that is recognizable even to novice consumers.
- Taste: Earthy and woody on the inhale with sweet floral notes on the exhale. The spicy pepperiness of caryophyllene is most prominent on the palate, with a smooth, clean finish that has made AK-47 popular among traditional cannabis consumers who prefer earthy profiles over fruity or dessert-like flavors.
¶ Medical Usesdanger
Not Medical Advice -- The following lists commonly reported therapeutic applications. This does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis therapeutically.
Commonly reported uses include:
- Stress and anxiety -- The calming effect is frequently cited for stress reduction without heavy sedation
- Chronic pain -- Caryophyllene's interaction with CB2 receptors may contribute to pain relief
- Depression and low mood -- The gentle cerebral lift is reported to improve mood without overstimulation
- Insomnia -- Some users report improved sleep onset, particularly when used in the evening
- Appetite stimulation -- Mild appetite stimulation is commonly reported
¶ Adverse Effects
Commonly reported adverse effects:
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Mild dizziness at higher doses
- Anxiety possible in users sensitive to sativa-dominant effects, particularly at high doses
- Paranoia possible at high doses
- Couch-lock possible when consumed in larger quantities despite the sativa dominance
¶ Growing Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate -- forgiving of common mistakes, suitable for beginners with some research |
| Flowering Time | 55-65 days (indoor) |
| Yield | 350-500 g/m² indoor; 500-600 g/plant outdoor |
| Plant Height | Medium to tall -- exhibits moderate sativa stretch |
| Preferred Environment | Indoor or outdoor; adaptable to various growing conditions |
| Resistance | Good resistance to mold and pests. The diverse genetic background contributes to overall plant vigor and resilience. |
AK-47 is considered an approachable strain for growers of varying experience levels. The multi-landrace genetics confer good disease resistance and adaptability to different growing environments. The plant exhibits a moderate sativa stretch during early flowering, which should be accounted for in indoor setups through topping or LST. The resinous buds develop dense trichome coverage during the flowering phase. Outdoor harvest in the Northern Hemisphere typically falls in early to mid-October. AK-47 responds well to SOG and SCROG training methods.
¶ Awards & Recognition
- High Times Cannabis Cup Winner -- AK-47 has won multiple Cannabis Cup awards, including recognition in the hybrid category
- Serious Seeds' flagship strain -- One of the most well-known creations of the Dutch breeding company
- Widely available -- Offered by numerous seed banks and dispensaries worldwide, making it one of the most accessible classic hybrids
- Parent of award-winning crosses -- Has contributed genetics to numerous other award-winning cultivars
¶ Similar Strains
- White Widow -- Similar classic Dutch-bred sativa-dominant hybrid
- Super Silver Haze -- Comparable multi-landrace sativa genetics
- Skunk #1 -- Similar foundational hybrid genetics with earthy profile
- Green Crack -- Sativa-dominant hybrid with caryophyllene influence
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