Cannabis Seeds: Autoflowering Seeds vs Feminized Seeds
Cannabis seeds are typically sold in two varieties – feminized or non – feminized- subtypes feminized autoflower and non feminized autoflower. Seeds typically are bought from seed banks, breeders, or fellow growers. Seeds themselves can be high-quality or low-quality so it’s important to buy from reputable sources. Growers can be behind the eight ball before the germination process even starts if they’re working with low-quality seeds. When it comes to cannabis, the amount of the information out there can be extremely overwhelming. Hemp, THC, CBD, autoflowering, feminized, male plants, female plants – growers just beginning their journey might have heard of all these terms before, but they might not know exactly what each of them mean. Before we get to the real purpose of this article – the differences between autoflowering seeds and feminized seeds, we’ll break down all those terms to be sure everyone is up to speed.
What is THC?
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid found in marijuana responsible for giving the user their “high”. This psychoactive high can create both positive and negative effects for the user. Positive effects include but are not limited to; euphoria, decreased anxiety, increased appetite, decreased nausea, and lowered pain. Some negative effects of THC include but are not limited to; increased anxiety, dizziness, paranoia, and an increased heart rate. As you can see from the list of positive and negative effects, THC can affect people differently. THC might increase anxiety for one person while decreasing anxiety in another. The effects might also be dependent on the amount of THC or the strain of the cannabis plant. High THC levels will be more likely to produce negative effects in the user while a higher CBD content typically produces more relaxation. An indica strain typically makes the user feel more relaxed and sedated while a sativa strain will energize the user. It’s important for growers to know the typical effects of the marijuana seeds they are buying and what the cannabis strains are.
What is CBD?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is also a cannabinoid found in marijuana plants, but unlike THC it does not give the user psychoactive effects. CBD is a good option for growers who want to give their users the health benefits of marijuana without getting the users “high”. CBD also has the added benefit of being federally legal. CBD was made federally legal with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp across the United States. Hemp is defined as a class of cannabis grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use. When it comes to the Farm Bill, hemp is cannabis containing less than .3% THC content. Because of this strict distinction, it’s important as a grower to know where your seeds are coming from and what the THC content is.
Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds
Autoflowering seeds are cannabis seeds that produce plants that will eventually flower on their own after 2-4 weeks. Autoflower seeds are a result of crossbreeding ruderalis with sativa or indica cannabis. Ruderalis is a subspecies of cannabis with a shorter grow cycle than other varieties of cannabis. Growers using autoflowering strains don’t have to worry about changing the lighting schedule during the flowering phase. Unlike regular seeds which have a random chance of producing male or female plants, Auto flower seeds can be sold both feminized and non-fem. Feminized auto flower seeds or auto feminized. Autoflowering plants are best used by experienced growers and are not the best option for beginners. Growers typically use autoflowering seeds due to the convenience and the quick harvests that they produce. Autoflowering seeds are also more resistant to varying climates and pests. Autoflowers will typically produce smaller plants than other seed types because they have less time to grow before flowering. This can be a positive or negative depending on what the grower is trying to accomplish. Due to the short time between planting and harvest and the lack of lighting requirements, growers can have multiple autoflower harvests in a single year. Autoflowers are best suited for indoor grows.
Feminized Cannabis Seeds
Feminized cannabis seeds are referred to as being photoperiod which means growers will use light changes to trigger flowering. The hours of light the plants receive is vital to producing a healthy yield. Feminized seeds should still only produce female plants. A big advantage of feminized seeds is cloning is something that can be done, meaning you won’t have to buy new seeds after every grow like you will with autoflowering seeds. Feminized hemp or cannabis seeds also produce bigger plants and yields than autoflowers. The downside is that feminized seeds will take longer to flower and harvest due to being photoperiod. Feminized seeds grow based on their light cycle, autoflowering seeds will grow based on age. Feminized seeds are what are used typically by professional growers as they are prepared for the demanding lighting schedule and the amount of space required. One downside of feminized seeds is that there is a much longer time from planting to harvest than autoflowers so there can usually only be one harvest per year. Feminized seeds are best suited for outdoor grows.