The AK-47 strain is one of the well-known names in cannabis breeding and is often described for its multi-layered origin. In this strain profile, we classify AK-47 botanically, genetically and aromatically: you'll learn which lines the strain is attributed to, how its scent profile is typically described, and which cultivation characteristics are mentioned.
AK-47 Strain: Origin and Genetics
The AK-47 strain is a cannabis variety that became known in the Netherlands in the early 1990s and is usually described as a Sativa-dominant hybrid. It is attributed a multi-part genetics from Colombian, Mexican, Thai and Afghan landraces. This information should be understood as widespread strain lore, not as a fully documented chain of origin. Genetic studies also show that samples under the same strain name can differ from each other.
At CBDÍA, the strain is available as the AK47 CBC flower from the Nightshade Edition: hemp from EU-certified seed, grown in a glasshouse in Austria, with THC below 0.3 percent.
Why the Name Is Often Misunderstood
The name AK-47 is striking and easy to remember, but it says nothing about botany, aroma or quality. For an objective classification, origin, genetics, growth pattern and terpene profile are far more important than the name. A striking name raises expectations that have little to do with the plant itself.
Is the Strain More Sativa or Indica?
In many descriptions, AK-47 is considered a Sativa-dominant hybrid, but botanically it cannot be reduced to a simple pigeonhole. Depending on the phenotype, growth form, leaf structure and internode spacing differ: some plants show rather slender, elongated traits, others stay more compact. How meaningful the categories Sativa and Indica really are is explained in our article on the difference between Sativa and Indica.
Aroma and Terpene Profile
The AK-47 strain's scent is often described as multi-layered: a spicy base meets earthy notes, with sweet, slightly floral or citrus nuances added. How clearly individual notes come through depends strongly on the phenotype, cultivation, and drying and storage.
Terpenes are aromatic plant compounds that help shape the scent profile of cannabis. For AK-47, myrcene, caryophyllene and pinene are often named, representing earthy, peppery-spicy and resinous-fresh directions. Specific terpene values can only be stated reliably via an analysis report, because genetics, location, harvest time and processing change the expression. A similarly skunky, sweet profile with a Sativa emphasis is described in our profile on Island Sweet Skunk.
Flowering Time and Cultivation Characteristics
In strain descriptions, AK-47 is considered a strain with a balanced growth pattern: not extremely compact, but not strongly sprawling either, with a strong main stem and lateral shoots. For a Sativa-dominant strain, the flowering time is described as comparatively short, usually around eight to nine weeks. Such figures remain guide values, because plants react differently to light, substrate and climate.
The buds are described as rather dense with visible resin coverage, with shape and size varying by phenotype. Stable genetics here means that traits such as growth form and aroma expression appear comparatively uniform, though individual plants still differ from one another.
AK47 at CBDÍA: as a CBC Flower
Strain knowledge about genetics, aroma and flowering time describes the AK-47 strain in general terms. The AK47 flower at CBDÍA should be distinguished from this: it belongs to the Nightshade Edition with a focus on the cannabinoid CBC, comes from hemp grown from EU-certified seed, contains below 0.3 percent THC, and is sold only to adults aged 18 and over. Origin and growing method are stated on the product page. Anyone wanting to compare the strain with another Californian classic will find the second strain of this edition in the profile on OG Kush.
Conclusion: The Strain at a Glance
The AK-47 strain is one of the well-known classics among cannabis genetics and is usually described as a Sativa-dominant hybrid with attributed landrace lineage. In terms of aroma, the strain is considered spicy, earthy and slightly sweet; in cultivation, it is considered balanced with a comparatively short flowering time.
Note: This profile describes the strain botanically and aromatically. It contains no statements about effects, consumption or dosage and does not replace legal advice. Sale only to adults aged 18 and over. As of: September 2026.
