Although Pineapple Express is an easy, relaxing smoke, it could be a bit tricky for new home-growers. To help novice cultivators enjoy this strain, many cannabis growers have now begun adding ruderalis genetics to Pineapple Express, thus creating Pineapple Express Auto. These autoflowering seeds still yield plenty of pungent Polynesian buds in a short span of time.

General Info On Pineapple Express Auto

Pineapple Express owes its genetic heritage to two sativa-dominant strains: Trainwreck and Hawaiian. This strain owes all of its fame, however, to Seth Rogan’s 2008 stoner comedy named (obviously) Pineapple Express.

As is suggested in the film, Pineapple Express is best enjoyed amongst fellow weed-enthusiasts. The high produced by Pineapple Express is just right for dampening social anxiety without causing sedation. Plus, due to its sativa-dominance, Pineapple Express gives users a slight energetic boost that helps sharpen the senses and increase productivity. Overall, the effects of this fruity strain are a nice mix of relaxation and energy-boosting, which makes it a safe strain for newbies.

Typically, Pineapple Express has a THC content between 15 – 20 percent. CBD content, on the other hand, is usually no greater than 1 percent. Although it’s not much, the CBD in Pineapple Express could account for some of the strain’s relaxing effects.

Sativa to indica balance for a typical Pineapple Express is around 70:30, but remember autoflowering seeds also have ruderalis genetics. Because cannabis ruderalis has a set grow time, growers who use Pineapple Express Auto don’t have to worry so much about changing their lighting setup as the plant matures.

A Brief History Of Pineapple Express Auto

Honestly, nobody’s quite sure how Pineapple Express got its name. While Seth Rogan likes to think his film gave the strain its name, the only thing we know for sure is his movie made it a household name.

As for the history of this strain’s development, there are about a dozen seed banks that claim they invented Pineapple Express in the early 2000s. Most experts believe the UK’s G13 Labs deserves credit for the first Pineapple Express hybrid, but there are many other companies that claim to own the “authentic” genetics.

Most of the Pineapple Express strains on the market only differ slightly in their terpene and cannabinoid counts. What all Pineapple Express strains share, however, is a fruity flavor profile, eye-popping green buds with plenty of pistils, and energizing high.

Growing Pineapple Express Autoflowering

Pineapple Express Auto is a very hardy strain that does well both indoors and outdoors. Thanks to its strong resistance to mold, this strain is particularly good for new growers interested in improving their sativa grow techniques without worrying about wasting feminized seeds.

One feature to look out for in Pineapple Express plants is their height. Sure, these autoflowering seeds won’t soar as high as a traditional strain, but they still could easily reach over 100cm. We recommend prepping your indoor grow station to accommodate for this average height so you won’t be flustered later in the grow process.

As the plant reaches its flowering stage, you will start smelling those distinctive earthy and fruity flavors. Definitely invest in a good quality air filter if discretion is a priority.

Not only does Pineapple Express smell like a pineapple, it also kind of looks like one! As your plant matures, you should notice lush light green leaves covered with white trichomes and orange pistils.

Fun fact: some growers point out Pineapple Express performs better with slightly cooler temperatures. Apparently, the added stress of occasional bursts of cool air helps increase terpene production, which leads to a stronger flavor. The average temperature range, however, should be in the 70s to mid-80s F for optimal results. People who live in maritime climates should expect the best results from growing Pineapple Express Auto seeds outdoors.

Flowering Time & Yield

Pineapple Express Auto should grow to full maturity within about 60 days whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors. As for yield, usually you’ll harvest about 2 oz/ft2.

To increase the odds of raising high-yielding plants, a few growers recommend using a generous amount of coconut fiber in your soil mix. The addition of this fiber is said to increase oxygenation, helping your Pineapple Express Auto seeds grow healthier and faster.

Taste, Smell, And Effects

As you’d expect from a name like Pineapple Express, the dominant flavors in this strain are reminiscent of tropical fruits. Indeed, the terpene myrcene, which is closely associated with mangoes, is often listed as one of the most prominent in Pineapple Express.

But it’s not all about fruity flavors when riding the Pineapple Express. Indeed, users should also pick up citrusy notes from the terpene limonene and a refreshing earthiness provided by alpha-pinene. On the exhale, you might even catch a slight note of spiciness provided by the peppery terpene beta-caryophyllene.

As already mentioned, the effects of Pineapple Express Auto are both energizing and relaxing. Users usually report a creative buzz, increased focus, as well as an overall sense of joy. For these reasons, Pineapple Express is excellent for people who are searching for a way to overcome anxiety in social situations. Creative types might also enjoy Pineapple Express Auto for its ability to help bust through writer’s block.

Strains Similar To Pineapple Express Autoflowering

With a strain as popular as Pineapple Express, you’d better believe there are a lot of copycats out there. Looking for an alternative to Pineapple Express Auto seeds? If so, take a peek at these strains with similar genetic profiles.

Maui Wowie

First cultivated from native Hawaiian landraces in the 1960s, Maui Wowie is a legendary strain that helped change the global cannabis scene. Before this sativa strain came around, few marijuana plants had THC contents hovering near the 20 percent mark. Of course, things have changed quite a bit since the 60s, but Maui Wowie still delights users with its tropical flavors and its energizing high. As an added bonus, Maui Wowie is also known to be a good appetite stimulant.

• Genetics: Unknown Hawaiian landraces

• Type: Sativa dominant hybrid

• Average THC: 18 percent

• Average CBD: 0 percent

• Flavor: Fruity, citrusy, tropical

• Effect: Energizing, creative buzz, appetite-stimulating

• Grow Difficulty: Low

• Height: High

• Yield: Medium

The Real McCoy

If Pineapple Express isn’t dank enough for you, then perhaps The Real McCoy is up your alley. Made with a blend of Hawaiian and Skunk #1, The Real McCoy certainly has a pungent flavor profile full of the earthy, cheesy, and, well, skunky goodness associated with Skunk #1. In terms of effects, this sativa-dominant hybrid provides users with a giggly high that both relaxes and energizes. Because of its relatively mild THC count, The Real McCoy is well suited for sharing at social occasions.

• Genetics: Hawaiian x Skunk #1

• Type: Sativa dominant hybrid

• Average THC: 13 percent

• Average CBD: 1 percent

• Flavor: Skunk, pungent, fruity, earthy

• Effect: Euphoric, energizing, sociable high

• Grow Difficulty: Low

• Height: High

• Yield: High

Pineapple

After years of interbreeding genetics in the Ed Rosenthal Super Bud, Dutch cultivators finally created the sweet indica strain now known as Pineapple. Yes, you read that right; Pineapple is an indica strain. It’s important not to get this strain confused with the many sativa-based strains that share the Pineapple name. Due to its indica genetics and high THC count, Pineapple can be quite sedating and is only intended for nighttime use. Although you need to take a huge dose of Pineapple to feel couchlock symptoms, you will most likely feel sleepy after a few strong hits.

• Genetics: Ed Rosenthal Super Bud phenotype

• Type: Indica dominant hybrid

• Average THC: 19 percent

• Average CBD: 0 percent

• Flavor: Tropical, fruity, creamy, citrusy

• Effect: Relaxing, slightly sedating, mellow

• Grow Difficulty: Low

• Height: Low

• Yield: Medium

Pineapple OG

Users who are looking for a more intense energy boost than Pineapple Express might consider looking into the invigorating Pineapple OG strain. Made with a blend of OG Kush and Pineapple Express, this potent strain has a commanding “sweet & sour” flavor profile with notes of bright citrus, tropical fruits, and pungent gasoline. Pineapple OG is only intended for daytime use because of its strong energizing effects and elevated THC count. There is, however, usually a bit of CBD in Pineapple OG to help relieve sore muscles and induce a pleasant relaxing sensation.

• Genetics: OG Kush x Pineapple Express

• Type: Sativa dominant hybrid

• Average THC: 23 percent

• Average CBD: 1 percent

• Flavor: Fruity, earthy, gasoline, citrusy

• Effect: Relaxing, refreshing, slightly energizing

• Grow Difficulty: Low

• Height: High

• Yield: Medium