AK-47 is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain bred by Serious Seeds in the Netherlands from Colombian, Mexican, Thai and Afghani stock, known for a calm, mellow high that stays clear. It dates to the early 1990s, and the name refers to the strain’s fast effect and not to anything violent. Typical THC runs from about 13% to 20%.
AK-47 Strain at a Glance
| Type | Sativa-dominant hybrid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | AK47, Aka 47 |
| Lineage | Colombian × Mexican × Thai × Afghani |
| Breeder / origin | Serious Seeds (Netherlands), led by Simon |
| THC | 13–20% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, Pinene, Beta-caryophyllene |
| Aroma and flavor | earthy, sweet, floral, skunky, woody |
| Reported effects | relaxed, mellow, uplifted, creative |
| Best for | daytime or afternoon use, social settings, casual relaxation |
| Flowering time | 7–9 weeks |
Where AK-47 Comes From
AK-47 comes from Serious Seeds, a Dutch company led by a breeder who goes by Simon. According to published accounts, Simon spent years testing breeding lines before settling on a cross of Colombian, Mexican, Thai and Afghani stock in the early 1990s. The exact pedigree has always been kept private, so only those four seed sources are known, not the specific plants.
The strain won several awards at Amsterdam competitions. Sources disagree on the count and the years, with 1994, 1999 and 2003 all appearing in different write-ups, so specific claims here should be checked against the competitions’ own records before being repeated.
The name is often misread. Serious Seeds has described it as a reference to the strain’s fast, strong effect, a one-hit wonder, rather than anything to do with weapons. AK-47 spread worldwide through seed sales and clone cuts, and today it is one of the most recognizable names in cannabis, though a dispensary jar may or may not carry the original Serious Seeds line.
AK-47 Effects: What It Feels Like
AK-47 is known for a mellow, balanced high that arrives quickly and tends to stay clear-headed. Most people describe a calm mental lift, an easy mood and a loose body without heavy sedation. Conversation and light creative tasks come easily.
Because the effect is gentle, it works for afternoons, casual gatherings or winding down without falling asleep. A bigger dose can bring dizziness or a more sedating, spacey feeling, and sensitive users may feel anxious. The finish is usually smooth.
AK-47 Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
The aroma is earthy and sweet with a skunky edge, sometimes with floral or woody notes. The inhale tastes sweet and a bit musky, and the exhale leaves an earthy, woody aftertaste.
Myrcene, pinene and beta-caryophyllene are commonly reported, though lab results vary a lot by grower. The pinene accounts for the pine-like freshness some people notice, and the myrcene for the earthy depth.
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Pinene: fresh pine, also found in pine needles and rosemary
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
Terpene levels vary from grower to grower and batch to batch, so check the lab label on the package. Learn more in our guide to cannabis terpenes.
Side Effects and How to Use AK-47
Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most common. Some people report dizziness or a mild headache, and a heavy dose can bring paranoia or anxiety in those sensitive to THC. Keep the first dose small, stay hydrated and use it in a comfortable setting.
With AK-47, as with any strain, a smaller dose usually avoids anxiety or grogginess. Our cannabis safety guide covers what to do if you take too much.
Do People Use AK-47 for Medical Reasons?
Users commonly mention AK-47 for stress, low mood and general tension, since it relaxes the body without knocking people out. These are anecdotal reports, and anyone with a health concern should consult a doctor.
These are user reports, not clinical findings. For what research actually supports, see our cannabis health and research section, and talk to your doctor before using cannabis for a health condition.
Growing AK-47
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Flowering: 7–9 weeks
- Yield: Medium to high
- Height: Medium
- Environment: Indoor or outdoor; warm, dry climates are ideal
Growers like AK-47 for its fast flowering, often around eight weeks, and its resistance to many common problems. It stretches moderately, so topping and training help even out the canopy. Outdoor harvest comes in late September to early October. The buds are fairly dense, so in rainy Pacific Northwest autumns keep airflow high and watch for mold.
Home-grow rules depend on the state: adults can grow at home in states such as California (six plants per residence), Michigan (12 per residence) and Oregon (four per household), while Washington and Illinois allow home growing only for registered medical patients. Check your state in our cannabis laws by state guide before you plant anything.
Strains Like AK-47
- Skunk #1: a long-time classic with a similar earthy, pungent character
- Northern Lights: a mellow staple with a sweeter, heavier body feel
- White Widow: a Dutch classic with a similar balanced, social high
- Blue Dream: a smooth, daytime-friendly hybrid
- Jack Herer: a clear-headed sativa-leaning classic
- Afghani: one of the landrace roots behind the cross
Browse more sativa strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Sativa Strains to Explore
Alaskan Thunder Fuck · Amnesia Haze · Amnesia · Agent Orange · Afghan Haze · ACDC · All sativa strains
Where to Buy AK-47
Dispensary menus change every week, and AK-47 may be sold under its own name, as a cross or as a pre-roll or vape. The fastest way to find it is to check store menus online before you go. In Spokane, browse Spokane dispensaries and check the menus at stores like The Green Nugget Mead and Apex Cannabis Market Street. In San Jose, browse San Jose dispensaries and check the menus at stores like CA Collective and Canna Culture. You can also browse licensed dispensaries in every state we cover. Adults 21 and older can buy with a valid photo ID; see cannabis laws by state for purchase limits.
AK-47 FAQ
Is AK-47 indica or sativa?
AK-47 is a sativa-dominant hybrid. It is often listed as roughly 65% sativa and 35% indica.
Who bred AK-47?
Serious Seeds in the Netherlands, led by a breeder known as Simon, released AK-47 in the early 1990s.
What is AK-47 a cross of?
Serious Seeds lists Colombian, Mexican, Thai and Afghani stock. The specific plants used have not been disclosed.
How strong is AK-47?
Typical THC is about 13% to 20%, which is moderate. Strength depends on the grower and batch.
Why is it called AK-47?
The name is said to reflect how quickly and strongly the strain hits, not any link to weapons or violence.
What does AK-47 taste like?
Mostly earthy and sweet, with a woody, slightly skunky finish.
For adults 21+ in legal states. Strain information reflects breeder descriptions, lab data and user reports; effects vary by person and batch. Not medical advice.
