Amnesia Haze – The Story Behind the Legendary Strain

Amnesia Haze: History, Origin & Genetics

Updated: September 2026 | History, origins, genetics, Core Cut, effects, THC, aroma and growing.
Author: Cannapot Grow Team | Reading time: approximately 30 minutes

Amnesia Haze is one of the best-known names in European cannabis culture – but its history is more complex than the name might initially suggest. Amnesia and Amnesia Haze encompass different breeding lines, selections and cuts that have sometimes become conflated over time. Particularly important for understanding their history are the original Amnesia from Hy-Pro, its continuation by Super Strains, and the distinct Amnesia Haze developed by Soma Seeds.

There is also the widely distributed Amnesia Core Cut, whose exact origin is considerably more difficult to reconstruct. Some accounts link it to Hy-Pro Amnesia, while others trace it to a Super Silver Haze selection. These conflicting accounts illustrate why Amnesia and Amnesia Haze should not simply be treated as a single genetic line from a historical perspective.

This guide therefore examines the different strands of Amnesia history separately. Alongside Hy-Pro, Super Strains, Soma and the Core Cut, it explores the most important genetic lines, Cannabis Cup successes and the spread of Amnesia in the Netherlands. It also examines typical characteristics of today's Amnesia strains, including aroma, THC, effects, flowering time and growth.

What is Amnesia Haze?

Amnesia Haze is one of the best-known names among Haze strains, but historically it does not necessarily refer to the same genetics as the original Amnesia from Hy-Pro.

The name is closely associated with Dutch cannabis and coffeeshop culture and has been used over time by different breeders for various lines and further developments. Amnesia is often associated with a pronounced Haze character as well as citrus, incense, herbal and spicy notes. Many well-known examples also show predominantly sativa-dominant growth. However, these similarities do not mean that all strains bearing Amnesia or Amnesia Haze in their name share the same parents.

To understand the strain's history, one fundamental distinction is important: Hy-Pro developed the original Amnesia, whose line is continued today by Super Strains, while Soma Seeds created a distinct Amnesia Haze with a differently documented ancestry. The Amnesia Core Cut forms another part of this history, but because the available sources conflict, it cannot be assigned to either of these lines with the same degree of certainty.

Where does Amnesia come from?

The history of the original Amnesia can be traced back to the Dutch breeding scene of the 1990s and to Hy-Pro, from whose circle Super Strains later emerged.

According to Super Strains, however, its breeding history goes back even further. Older Nevil's Haze seeds, which were combined with an Afghan line called Enemy of the State, played a decisive role. This cross developed into the Amnesia that later became closely associated with the Hy-Pro name. You can learn more about the origins and development of Haze in the Canna Wiki guide The World of Haze Strains.

What role did Nevil's Haze play?

Nevil's Haze represents the Haze side of the original Amnesia according to Super Strains' current account. The breeder reports having worked with older Nevil's Haze seeds as early as the 1980s. Nevil's Haze therefore represents an important part of the genetic background that Super Strains attributes to its original Amnesia.

What is Enemy of the State?

Enemy of the State is described by Super Strains as an Afghan line and the second major genetic component of the original Amnesia. Its Afghan influence provided a genetic counterpoint to the very long-flowering Nevil's Haze side and contributed to the resulting Amnesia line.

How was the original Amnesia from Hy-Pro created?

According to Super Strains, the original Amnesia was created from Afghan / Enemy of the State × Nevil's Haze and initially became known within the Hy-Pro circle.

Hy-Pro was not simply a conventional seedbank name. Super Strains' company history describes a background originally rooted in professional horticulture and plant nutrition. The cannabis breeding work that eventually produced Amnesia developed within this environment.

The strain spread throughout the Netherlands and became known for its intense Haze profile, potency and characteristic aroma. The line was later continued in seed form. Today, Super Strains offers this line as Amnesia Original.

1995 or 1996 – when was Amnesia really created?

The early dates are not documented consistently. Super Strains' company history cites a first High Life Cup success as early as 1995, while its current product description dates the Amnesia cross to 1996. Both statements come from the same breeder's sources, but without additional historical evidence they cannot be reconciled into an exact chronology.

How did Amnesia become well known in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, Amnesia developed from a breeding line into a name known far beyond the original Hy-Pro circle. The Dutch cannabis and coffeeshop scene, together with competitions that introduced successful genetics to a wider audience, played an important role in its growing recognition. Super Strains itself traces the competition history of its Amnesia back to the High Life Cup of the 1990s.

As its popularity grew, however, the name “Amnesia” was no longer used exclusively for a single, clearly traceable line. Various selections and crosses appeared, followed by distinct Amnesia Haze strains. Over the years, “Amnesia” therefore became associated with different lines and developments whose names, genetic ancestry and historical origins do not always correspond.

This becomes particularly clear when comparing two lines that are central to the later history of Amnesia: the original Amnesia from the Hy-Pro / Super Strains circle and Soma's Amnesia Haze. Both became well known in the Netherlands, but according to their respective breeders, they have different genetic ancestries.

Amnesia or Amnesia Haze – what is the difference?

Historically, Amnesia and Amnesia Haze are not necessarily the same strain. Super Strains traces the original Hy-Pro Amnesia to Afghan / Enemy of the State × Nevil's Haze. Soma, by contrast, describes his Amnesia Haze as a complex cross with Southeast Asian, Jamaican and Afghani-Hawaiian influences.

Both lines have a clear Haze connection and became part of the same Dutch cannabis culture. This helps explain why the terms Amnesia and Amnesia Haze are now often used side by side or even interchangeably. However, similar names do not mean that the genetics are identical. Anyone wishing to identify the origins of a specific Amnesia strain should therefore pay particular attention to the breeder, stated parents and specific breeding line.

What is Soma's Amnesia Haze?

Amnesia Haze from Soma Seeds is a distinct, multiple award-winning Haze line with a documented ancestry that differs from the original Hy-Pro Amnesia.

Soma describes its genetics as a complex combination of Southeast Asian lines – including Thai, Cambodian and Laotian genetics – with Jamaican Haze and Afghani-Hawaiian. This documented ancestry differs significantly from Afghan / Enemy of the State × Nevil's Haze, which Super Strains states as the genetics of its original Amnesia.

According to Soma's own description, Afghani-Hawaiian was introduced to shorten the long flowering period of the predominantly tropical genetics while further developing the flavour profile. Even so, the breeder currently gives a flowering time of 10–12 weeks and describes the strain as approximately 70% Sativa and 30% Indica.

What role did Barney's Breakfast Bar play in 2004?

In 2004, Barney's Breakfast Bar won first place in the overall High Times Cannabis Cup competition with Amnesia Haze. Soma explicitly includes this success in the history of his Amnesia Haze and stated in historical strain descriptions that the Amnesia Haze used by Barney's came from his line. The Cup victory became an important milestone in the international recognition of Amnesia Haze.

Soma also lists another first-place result for Amnesia Haze at the 2012 High Times Cannabis Cup. For historical context, however, the key point is that these successes belong to the history of Soma's Amnesia Haze and are not evidence that Soma's Amnesia Haze and the original Hy-Pro Amnesia are genetically identical.

Hy-Pro Amnesia vs. Soma Amnesia Haze

The two historical lines share the Amnesia name and a clear Haze connection, but according to their respective breeders they differ in origin and ancestry. The following comparison therefore deliberately separates the documented information for the two lines.

What is the Amnesia Core Cut?

The Amnesia Core Cut is an Amnesia selection distributed as a clone whose exact origin is considerably less well documented than the official lines from Super Strains and Soma Seeds. Unlike these breeder lines, its history cannot be reconstructed from a similarly clear record of ancestry.

Grower forums and later historical reconstructions often link the Core Cut to a Super Silver Haze selection that was reportedly distributed by a grower or forum user known as “Core”. Other accounts connect the cut more closely to the original Hy-Pro Amnesia. However, neither version is currently supported by sufficiently strong contemporary evidence to establish its origin beyond doubt.

The Core Cut is nevertheless an important part of the later Amnesia story because the name has been used for years within grower and breeder circles. One specific example is Dutch Fairytale by Seedy Simon: this strain is listed with Amnesia Core Cut × NLX as its genetics. This documents the use of a parent identified as Amnesia Core Cut in this cross – but it does not establish the original ancestry of the cut itself.

How did Hy-Pro become Super Strains?

Super Strains describes Hy-Pro as the historical predecessor of the current brand and dates the founding of Super Strains to 2010. According to its own account, however, its work with cannabis genetics began much earlier. Hy-Pro was associated with a Dutch company specialising in plant nutrition and professional horticulture, and the breeding work that produced Amnesia also developed within this environment.

With the creation of Super Strains, the breeding activities previously associated with Hy-Pro ultimately received their own distinct brand. Amnesia remained a central part of the range and continues to link the historical Hy-Pro period with Super Strains today.

Historically, it is therefore more precise to refer to the Hy-Pro / Super Strains line or to a continuation of the earlier breeding work rather than treating Hy-Pro and Super Strains simply as two names for exactly the same brand. The company, the brand and the genetic line represent different aspects of the history.

What is Amnesia Original from Super Strains?

Amnesia Original from Super Strains is presented by the breeder as a continuation of the original Amnesia from the Hy-Pro circle and is listed as Afghan / Enemy of the State × Nevil's Haze. In today's range, it therefore represents the historical line that Super Strains associates with the development of its Amnesia in the 1990s.

The current Amnesia Original is described as mostly Sativa, with a flowering time of around 9–10 weeks. Its aroma is characterised by intense Haze, incense and joss-stick notes. The currently stated THC content of 30% is a breeder/product specification and should not be understood as a guaranteed measurement for every plant or harvest.

Anyone specifically interested in the currently available continuation of this line can find Amnesia Original from Super Strains at Cannapot, including current product and pack information.

The history of Amnesia as a timeline

The history of Amnesia cannot be represented as a single, straightforward family tree. Several lines, later selections and historical accounts with varying levels of documentation developed alongside one another. The timeline therefore deliberately distinguishes between breeder statements, documented competition results and less certain aspects of grower history.

What are the key characteristics of Amnesia Haze?

Amnesia Haze cannot be reduced to a single set of specifications because genetics, flowering time, THC content and growth characteristics vary depending on the breeder and breeding line. Nevertheless, certain characteristics recur across many classic Amnesia and Amnesia Haze lines.

What are the effects of Amnesia Haze?

Amnesia Haze is typically described as having strong cerebral, euphoric and stimulating effects. Particularly among sativa-dominant lines, breeder and strain descriptions often emphasise a lively, mentally stimulating character and comparatively intense effects.

However, these descriptions do not represent a predictable effect profile for every person. The experience of cannabis depends on several factors, including THC content, dose, individual sensitivity, tolerance and method of consumption. Even two plants of the same strain can differ in their chemical composition. Higher THC levels may further increase the intensity of the experience and can also feel unpleasant to sensitive individuals.

How high is the THC content of Amnesia Haze?

There is no single THC percentage that applies to every Amnesia Haze. Strains offered under the names Amnesia and Amnesia Haze come from different breeders and genetic lines and can therefore have significantly different stated THC levels. For the historic Amnesia Original from Super Strains, for example, the breeder currently states 30% THC. This figure applies specifically to that breeder's product information and should not be applied to every Amnesia Haze strain.

Even within a single genetic line, measured THC levels are not completely constant. Phenotype, light, climate, nutrient supply, maturity, harvest timing, drying and the sample tested can all influence the result. THC percentages stated for seeds should therefore be understood as strain-specific reference values rather than guaranteed values for every plant. You can find more background on THC, its effects and how to interpret percentage figures in the Canna Wiki guide What is THC?.

What does Amnesia Haze smell and taste like?

The typical Amnesia aroma profile often combines the classic Haze character with incense, citrus, herbal and spicy notes. Which nuances actually dominate depends on the specific line. Amnesia Original from Super Strains, for example, is particularly associated with Haze, incense and joss-stick notes, while other Amnesia Haze varieties may show stronger citrus, earthy or sweet accents.

• Haze & incense: the classic spicy, resinous character found in many well-known Amnesia lines

• Citrus: lemon, lime and fresh, tart nuances

• Herbs & spices: aromatic, spicy and sometimes slightly peppery accents

• Earth & wood: deeper notes that may appear mainly in the background

• Sweet & tart: depending on the breeding line, additional fruity or slightly sweet-and-sour nuances

Which terpenes are typical of Amnesia?

A single terpene profile for Amnesia Haze cannot be reliably defined because different genetics and phenotypes exist under the names Amnesia and Amnesia Haze. Depending on the line, commonly reported terpenes include myrcene, limonene, β-caryophyllene and pinene. However, which terpenes actually dominate can only be reliably determined by analysing the specific sample.

Even a characteristic aroma of incense, citrus, herbs or spices does not allow individual terpenes to be identified with certainty. Smell and taste result from the interaction of numerous volatile compounds, whose proportions can also be influenced by genetics, phenotype, growing conditions, maturity and processing.

Terpenes contribute significantly to the aroma of cannabis, but the presence of a single terpene does not allow a specific medical or psychoactive effect of an Amnesia strain to be inferred. The Canna Wiki guide THC Isn't Everything: Terpenes Explained explains in more detail how terpenes are formed and why simple statements such as “terpene X causes effect Y” are too simplistic.

How does Amnesia Haze grow?

Many classic Amnesia and Amnesia Haze lines show sativa-dominant growth with strong stretch, longer internodes and considerable vertical growth. However, the extent of these characteristics depends on the specific genetics – there are clear differences between Amnesia Original from Super Strains, Soma's Amnesia Haze and modern Fast or autoflowering variants.

Particularly after the transition to flowering, sativa-dominant plants can continue to stretch considerably. A well-ventilated plant structure and sufficient space therefore make height and canopy management easier. With vigorous plants, suitable training techniques can also help distribute side branches more effectively and make better use of the available growing area.

How long does Amnesia Haze flower?

The flowering time of Amnesia depends heavily on the specific breeding line. Super Strains currently states a flowering time of around 9–10 weeks for Amnesia Original, while Soma describes his Amnesia Haze as flowering for around 10–12 weeks. Modern Fast and autoflowering variants can have significantly different development times.

A blanket statement such as “Amnesia Haze flowers for twelve weeks” is therefore too simplistic. The breeder and the specific genetics are what matter. You can find more information about flowering and the different stages of development in the detailed Canna Wiki guide to the Cannabis Flowering Stage.

How do you grow Amnesia Haze indoors?

When growing classic Amnesia Haze lines indoors, their potential height should be taken into account from an early stage. Techniques such as LST, topping or SCROG can help suitable plants direct their stretch horizontally and develop a more even canopy. However, how strongly a plant responds to training depends on its genetics, developmental stage and vigour.

With longer flowering periods, stable growing conditions become even more important. Adequate air movement, a climate suited to the plant's developmental stage and consistent watering help maintain stable conditions throughout flowering. Particularly with larger, heavily branched plants, care should be taken to prevent persistently damp areas from developing within the canopy.

Is Amnesia Haze suitable for outdoor growing?

Classic Amnesia Haze lines are particularly suited to outdoor locations where their comparatively long flowering period can reliably be completed. Warm, sunny conditions and a sufficiently long autumn are advantageous. In cooler or rainier regions, however, late-ripening Haze phenotypes may reach the limits of the available growing season.

For locations with a shorter growing window, faster Amnesia crosses and autoflowering variants are now available. When choosing a strain, the focus should therefore be less on the name “Amnesia” and more on the specific flowering or development time of the respective genetics.

Which Amnesia strains are available today?

Today, numerous historical lines, modern crosses, Fast, autoflowering and CBD variants exist under the names Amnesia and Amnesia Haze. They do not form a single, unified genetic family tree. The following selection therefore deliberately represents different directions of development and is not intended as a ranking.

Numerous other variants also exist, including Amnesia Auto from Seedsman and Amnesia Auto from Auto Monkey Seeds. This diversity makes it clear that the name “Amnesia” alone now provides only limited information about a strain's actual ancestry. For genetic classification, the breeder, stated parents and specific breeding line are therefore decisive.

Why did Amnesia become one of Europe's best-known strains?

Amnesia's international recognition developed over decades through the interplay of Dutch cannabis and coffeeshop culture, successful breeding lines, cannabis competitions and numerous later developments. Both the original Hy-Pro Amnesia and Soma's distinct Amnesia Haze helped make the name known far beyond the Netherlands.

Another factor is its particularly recognisable strain profile. Incense, Haze, citrus and spicy notes are associated with many well-known Amnesia lines, while their predominantly sativa-dominant character is often described as producing intense, cerebral and stimulating effects. Successes at competitions such as the High Life Cup and High Times Cannabis Cup further increased recognition of the name.

The success of the name also led more and more breeders to develop their own Amnesia crosses and interpretations. Today, the spectrum ranges from historical photoperiod lines and faster hybrids to autoflowering and CBD variants. This is precisely why one of the most important lessons from its history is: not all Amnesia is the same. Anyone wishing to classify a particular strain historically or genetically should always consider the breeder, stated parents, selection or cut used, and period of origin.

Frequently asked questions about Amnesia Haze

The most frequently asked questions about Amnesia Haze mainly concern its origin, genetics, the different historical lines and the distinction between Amnesia and Amnesia Haze. With this strain in particular, it is worth looking at the respective breeder, because the same or a similar name does not necessarily indicate the same ancestry.

Is Amnesia the same as Amnesia Haze?
No. Although the terms are now often used broadly or interchangeably, historically the Hy-Pro / Super Strains Amnesia and Soma's Amnesia Haze in particular should be considered separately. According to their respective breeders, they have different ancestries.

Who bred the original Amnesia?
The original Amnesia is associated with Hy-Pro and the Dutch breeding scene of the 1990s. Super Strains continues this breeding history today and offers the line as Amnesia Original.

What are the genetics of Amnesia Original from Super Strains?
Super Strains states the ancestry as Afghan / Enemy of the State × Nevil's Haze. This makes the line genetically distinct from Soma's Amnesia Haze according to the respective breeders' descriptions.

Who bred Amnesia Haze?
One of the most historically significant and multiple award-winning Amnesia Haze lines comes from Soma Seeds. Soma describes its ancestry as combining Southeast Asian, Jamaican and Afghani-Hawaiian genetics.

Which Amnesia Haze won the Cannabis Cup in 2004?
Barney's Breakfast Bar won the overall High Times Cannabis Cup competition in 2004 with Amnesia Haze. Historical descriptions by Soma state that the Amnesia Haze used by Barney's came from his breeding line.

Which award did Soma's Amnesia Haze win in 2012?
In 2012, Soma's Sacred Seeds achieved 1st place in the Sativa Cup at the High Times Cannabis Cup. This marked another significant competition success for the line following the 2004 Cup victory.

What is the Amnesia Core Cut?
The Amnesia Core Cut is an Amnesia selection distributed as a clone whose exact origin is not clearly documented. Later grower and forum accounts often associate it with a Super Silver Haze selection, while other accounts suggest a connection to Hy-Pro Amnesia.

Is the Amnesia Core Cut the original Hy-Pro Amnesia?
This cannot be established beyond doubt from the historical sources currently available. The Core Cut should therefore not be presented without qualification as a clone or direct descendant of the original Hy-Pro Amnesia.

How long does Amnesia Haze flower?
It depends on the specific line. Super Strains currently states around 9–10 weeks for Amnesia Original, while Soma states 10–12 weeks for its current Amnesia Haze. Other Amnesia crosses, Fast and autoflowering variants may differ considerably.

How high is the THC content of Amnesia Haze?
There is no universal THC value. Figures differ depending on the breeder and line; in addition, phenotype, growing conditions, maturity and the sample tested can influence measured THC levels.

Why are there so many Amnesia strains?
As the name gained international recognition, numerous breeders developed their own selections, crosses and further developments. Today, alongside classic photoperiod Amnesia lines, there are also Fast, autoflowering and CBD-oriented variants, some with markedly different ancestry.

What makes Amnesia so interesting in the long term?

Amnesia is known not only for its characteristic Haze profile, but also because its history illustrates how complex the origins of famous cannabis strain names can be. Breeders, selections, clones, coffeeshops, competitions and decades of further breeding have resulted in different genetic lines now existing under the names Amnesia and Amnesia Haze.

The distinction between the original Hy-Pro / Super Strains Amnesia, Soma's distinct Amnesia Haze and the far less well-documented Amnesia Core Cut in particular shows why simplified family trees can be problematic. A well-known strain name alone does not guarantee a clearly defined genetic identity.

This is precisely where an important part of Amnesia's legacy lies: not all Amnesia is the same. Anyone wishing to understand a specific strain should therefore always consider the breeder, stated parents, selection or cut used, and the historical context.

Sources and further information

• Super Strains – company history, Hy-Pro and the origin of Amnesia
• Super Strains – Amnesia The Original: current breeder information
• Soma Seeds – Amnesia Haze: current genetics, flowering time and awards
• Cannabis Cup Winners – results of the 2004 High Times Cannabis Cup
• Cannabis Cup Winners – Amnesia Haze by Soma's Sacred Seeds, 2012 Sativa Cup and historical strain description
• Grower.ch – discussion and historical accounts of the Amnesia Core Cut
• ICMag – community discussion of the Amnesia Core Cut
• Cannapot Canna Wiki – The World of Haze Strains
• Cannapot Canna Wiki – THC Isn't Everything: Terpenes Explained

J. Cannapot

J. is the founder of Cannapot and is regarded as an expert in the field of cannabis with a focus on cannabis strains. He has extensive knowledge about the topic as well as many years of experience in the industry. For many years, J. has been deeply involved with strains and various cannabis products in the field of hemp and cannabis.