In remarks to guests at his newly opened gallery celebrating the work of legendary photojournalist Harry Benson this week, Wizards and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis mentioned that he’d just read a biography of Enzo Ferrari. “The first thing he did when he designed his car was he ripped off the rearview mirror,” Leonsis gushed. “He said, ‘I don’t care what’s behind us.’”

To be fair to the billionaire, Leonsis was in the habit of declaring his future-focused-ness long before his plan to move the Wizards and the Caps to Virginia fell apart last spring after Democrats in the General Assembly refused to back the proposal championed by private equity vulture-turned-Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. (Youngkin promptly turned his attention to purging voter rolls.) Soon after the Virginia deal imploded, the District announced it would spend $515 million on upgrades to Capital One Arena as part of an agreement that will keep the Wizards and the Caps downtown until at least 2050. Loose Lips reporter Alex Koma points out that several of the mogul’s pettiest demands—including that he be exempted from taxes that benefit D.C.-based sports franchises he does not own—have been weeded out of the final proposal.

One of the ways Leonsis is demonstrating his renewed commitment to the District of Columbia is via the two-story, 10,000-square-foot makeshift gallery in a former hair salon adjacent to the arena that celebrates Benson’s work and its connection to the federal city. 

The Glasgow-born Benson rocketed to fame in his early 30s, when the London Daily Express assigned him to photograph the Beatles in Paris. Benson subsequently accompanied the ascendant Liverpudlians on their first U.S. tour in 1964. On Feb. 11 of that year, the Beatles played their first American concert at the Washington Coliseum—formerly the Uline Arena, and since 2016, a “flagship” REI outdoor recreation store in NoMa. (So it’s not necessarily a love of corporate naming that prompted Leonsis, at a press conference last Monday, to refer to the site as “REI Arena” while waxing on the breadth of Benson’s career.) 

“Harry is, I believe, the world’s most important living photojournalist,” Leonsis said.

Certainly, Benson’s photos of politicians, entertainers, and athletes from Muhammad Ali and Elizabeth Taylor to O.J. attorney Johnny Cochran and U.S Army General “Stormin’” Norman Schwarzkopf made him one of the key figures in how the most powerful people in the second half of the 20th century were perceived. He covered Robert F. Kennedy extensively—he was standing next to the presidential candidate when an assassin shot him dead on June 5, 1968. Unsurprisingly, Benson’s decision to publish his pictures of the tragedy—including one of a terror-stricken Ethel Kennedy attempting to push him away from her just-shot husband—was controversial. 

Leonsis, a longtime collector of Benson’s photographs, called the 94-year-old shutterbug “my best friend” in his remarks earlier this week. The occasion was the opening of the exhibit of about 180 Benson photos from the personal collections of Leonsis and his business partner, Jeffrey Skoll. Portraits of every president since Dwight D. Eisenhower are part of the show, along with photos of Ali, the Beatles, Civil Rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, and other notable figures. 

“We developed this with an eye for Instagram,” Leonsis said. “Big pictures, small copy.” His audience laughed, but Leonsis wasn’t kidding.

At a separate press conference last Monday attended by Loose Lips, Leonsis couldn’t resist comparing his own makeshift gallery to the more permanent one on the other side of 7th St. NW. 

“I walked through the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery around the corner the other day, and this is nicer,” Leonsis said. “This tells a better story. And so, your move, Smithsonian! Let’s uplift.”

Pressed on the comment moments later, Leonsis said, “the Smithsonian was created to collect, not to tell a story.” He then pivoted to praise Benson’s dedication to his craft. “This man was very close with John Lewis and with Martin Luther King,” Leonsis said. “In Selma, Alabama; in Mississippi, he was tear-gassed, was arrested, beaten. It’s an amazing history when you sit with him and talk to him.” 

It’s clear enough from his “tells a better story” comment that Leonsis was talking about curation, not the quality of the National Portrait Gallery’s holdings. Still, the NPG might take umbrage, given that the 62-year-old institution’s published mission statement is “to tell the story of America by portraying the people who shape the nation’s history, development and culture.” Comparing an exhibition of a single photographer’s work focused on a single city to that of a gallery comprising a variety of such exhibitions is hardly an apples-to-apples scenario. It’s more like apples-to-orchard. 

In fact, the NPG hosted a show of Benson’s work—organized by the Scottish National Portrait Gallery—in 2007. Ironically, then-Washington Post reporter Joel Garreau’s mixed review of that exhibit shares a common element with Leonsis’s far more extemporaneous remarks from 17 years later. Garreau criticized Benson for having frequently staged the scenes captured in his famous photos—a shot of the Beatles having a pillow fight, for example, or another one, 28 years later, of Bill and Hillary Clinton canoodling in a hammock outside the Arkansas governor’s mansion. 

“What you see is an awww-inspiring photo of two people who seem very much in love,” Garreau wrote of that shot of the Clintons. “The viewer, however, might be happier appreciating the image and not reading the wall caption. For there it is revealed that Benson set it up.” He does not dispute Benson’s skill or artistry as a photographer; it’s simply his claim to be a photojournalist that makes Garreau cry foul. “The reason Benson is not well remembered may be that, much of the time, the territory he worked was not so much news, as he might have you believe, but what only can be described as display advertising,” Garreau concluded. 

The review got Garreau a published rebuke from Benson himself, who called it “gratuitously mean-spirited and embarrassing.”

But Garreau did advise visitors to just enjoy the photos and ignore the captions. Or as Leonsis put it 17 years later, “Big pictures, small copy.”

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This is not the way Ward 7 Councilmember Vince Gray’s storied political career was supposed to end. 

It was a given that Gray’s various health challenges would deprive him of the sort of graceful ride into the sunset that might otherwise have been afforded to someone with his three-decade-long career. Gray announced Thursday through a spokesperson that he’s experiencing “early-stage, age-related dementia” and he will step back from Council duties until his term concludes at the end of the year, a sad but perhaps inevitable development for the former mayor after he endured strokes and other health problems. The details below the headlines are another matter entirely. 

The councilmember’s children have been trying to wrest control of Gray’s health care and finances away from his wife, Dawn Kum, according to documents filed in D.C. Superior Court. They argue that she has concealed the extent of his health troubles and exploited his illness for her own monetary gain, liquidating Gray’s assets to pay for “luxury apparel” and “extravagant vacations.” Most troublingly, Gray’s kids claim he’s had at least four strokes since November 2021—two more than his office has disclosed—and that he’s “nearly fully paralyzed” and “extremely fragile.” A Superior Court judge ultimately agreed to appoint a guardian and conservator to manage the 81-year-old’s affairs, after Jonice and Carlos Gray claimed Kum has repeatedly worked to block their access to their father, including blocking their numbers in his phone.

The revelations in conservatorship filings has transformed this story from a melancholy tale about the difficulties of aging into something quite different. There’s every reason to regard claims made in court amid an ugly familial dispute skeptically—Kum and Gray only married in 2019—but they will prompt some serious whispering, nonetheless. 

Gray’s caustic, controversial spokesperson, Chuck Thies, has spent months insisting that although the councilmember may be unable to effectively communicate, he has still been fully engaged with his work as a lawmaker. Wilson Building observers have long doubted these assertions—and Council Chair Phil Mendelson greatly reduced Gray’s committee duties last year in response to these worries. But councilmembers generally have been unwilling to challenge them publicly out of deference to Gray and his long record of service. If Gray’s health truly has been as bad as his children describe, it raises real questions about the extent to which his office has been covering up his deficiencies.

As far back as mid-December 2021, Gray could not “count backwards from 20 and recite the the months of the year backwards” during a neurological exam, according to the court documents. What’s more, Gray’s children claim that Kum “injected herself into a leadership role” in his Council office. 

For more on the messy dispute playing out in court, and the fallout sure to come from these revelations, read our full story online.

—Alex Koma (tips? akoma@washingtoncitypaper.com)

• D.C. police are warning about an increase in thefts of expensive and designer shoes. [NBC Washington]
• U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan closed her courtroom to the press and public for a hearing in the case against D.C. gym owner Michael Everts, who is accused of distributing child pornography. The Oct. 23 hearing was listed as a “change of plea.” Everts, who owns FIT Personal Training, initially pleaded not guilty, but it’s unclear whether he accepted a plea deal. No details about a potential change in his plea, or the terms of any deal, were publicly available after the courtroom was closed. [Blade]
• Arsonists set fire to multiple mopeds on B Street SE, at least some of which belonged to Venezuelan immigrants who use them to make deliveries. “We use these to work, to eat,” Junior Valera told NBC Washington in Spanish. “To pay rent, help our families. Without them, how? We can’t.” The arson was caught on video, which shows five people walking up to the mopeds, pouring liquid on them, and lighting them on fire. [NBC Washington]
• The Department of Justice has reached a $100 million settlement with the owners and operators of the ship that crashed into Baltimore’s Key Bridge. [Maryland Matters, Banner]

By City Paper Staff (tips? editor@washingtoncitypaper.com)

• Families booted out of a key rental assistance program are now suing the D.C. government. A group of renters are demanding that they be reinstated to the city’s Rapid Rehousing program after the city moved to exit hundreds of families from it, citing time limits and budget pressures. The case, filed by attorneys from the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless and the D.C. Children’s Law Center, is a first-of-its-kind effort in the city. [Post]
• Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks claims she once rented out her grandparents’ home in Northeast, but there are no records she ever secured the proper permits to do so. Alsobrooks’ failure to pay the correct taxes on the home has become a central issue in her Maryland Senate race. [WJLA]
• At first, no one stepped up to run for the advisory neighborhood commission seat in Southwest vacated by Clayton Rosenberg, who pleaded guilty to defrauding pandemic relief programs. Now two candidates are mounting write-in bids: Liam Goodwin and Sam Sanders. [Hill Rag]

By Alex Koma (tips? akoma@washingtoncitypaper.com)

Good Taste: San Pancho Blesses Takoma Park With Hefty San Fran-Style Burritos

The husband-and-wife team behind Cielo Rojo are serving belly-busting breakfast, lunch, and dinner options at their new burritoria.

• Celebrity chef Eric Adjepong, of Top Chef and other assorted food network shows, is bringing upscale, contemporary Ghanaian food to D.C. His first restaurant, Elmina, will open on 14th Street NW in January. [Washingtonian]
• Vibes, vibes, vibes: At Michael Rafidi’s latest restaurant, La’ Shukran, the sister spot to Albi and Yellow, reservations go quick, the food is fun, and the space is—wait for it—vibey. [Axios]

By City Paper staff (tips? editor@washingtoncitypaper.com)

Don’t Be Fooled by the Robes and Fancy Hats: Conclave Is a Secular Political Thriller

Edward Berger captures the story of cardinals who jockey for position as the church’s next conduit for God.

• BENT, the queer dance party that happens quarterly at 9:30 Club, is coming to an end. Tomorrow night’s HellBENT is the final installment. [Washingtonian]
• A look inside D.C.’s new art gallery, the Irene and Richard Frary Gallery at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center, which opened its inaugural exhibit this week. [Georgetowner]
• Beyoncé and Taylor Swift have more in common than just pop culture domination. They’ve also inspired play calls for the Washington Commanders, which is perhaps more proof of their domination. [Post] 
• OK, this mural from design studio ThoughtMatter is in Brooklyn, but it’s a good reminder of what’s at stake this Election Day. [Hyperallergic]
• Which institution ranks higher: New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art or our National Gallery of Art? Check out the Post’s ranking of American art museums to find out. [Post]

By Sarah Marloff (tips? smarloff@washingtoncitypaper.com)

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Send us tips, ideas, and comments: newsletter@washingtoncitypaper.com.

I had both hands wrapped around a foil-sheathed burrito, hefting its weight like an edible dumbbell. Peeling back the silvery casing exposed a leopard-spotted tortilla neatly tucked into a familiar tubular shape. Cranking my jaw open wide, I took a big bite, then surveyed its interior as I chewed. There was a lot going on: a gooey layer of mozzarella and Monterey Jack, juicy pico de gallo, onions flecked with verdant bits of cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, a sizable patch of rice, and a large helping of vegan chorizo forged from tofu and mushrooms. As if that wasn’t enough, I drizzled on some smoked chipotle salsa. Heaven on earth.

I was happy I didn’t have breakfast that morning, because this burrito was going to require a fair amount of belly space, especially when paired with the jumble of crackly tortilla chips and house-made salsas on the side. I wasn’t complaining. Wimpy burritos are a contradiction in terms, an affront to tradition, an unsatisfying proposition to be avoided at all costs. This was a magnificent monster, pilgrimage-worthy and utterly satiating.

To enjoy one of your own, set out for San Pancho in Takoma Park, a San Francisco-style burritoria from chef David Perez and front-of-house guru Carolina McCandless, the husband-and-wife team behind celebrated Mexican restaurant Cielo Rojo. The new concept is grounded in the burrito culture of San Francisco, where the couple met while working at famed vegan Mexican restaurant Gracias Madre. The new spot takes over the original location of Cielo Rojo, which opened in a larger location just down Carroll Avenue at the beginning of the year.

The layout of the space is generally the same, with 20 seats inside and another 20 out front, but the aesthetic got a switch-up. The walls now sport black-and-white photographs from San Francisco’s Mission District, the beating heart of the city’s burrito culture. Meanwhile, the front of the bar is covered in cheeky modern tiles mimicking Mexican loteria (bingo cards) and featuring items such as El Bitcoin, El Mason Jar, and El VR.

It’s a straightforward operation. For lunch and dinner (or an epic afternoon snack), choose between a regular burrito brimming with Mexican rice, pinto beans, cilantro, onions, and pico de gallo, plus your choice of filling and soothing avocado salsa verde on the side; or get the super burrito, which includes all that plus melted cheese, guac, and sour cream (all burritos can be served as bowls). Filling options include grilled chicken, chicken wallowing in mole made with pepitas and peanuts, carne asada, barbacoa, shrimp in spicy diabla sauce, carnitas braised in dark Modelo beer and oranges, garlicky mushrooms kicked up with tequila, and house-made vegan chorizo. For another buck, you can add a salsa, including fiery habanero, guajillo tomatillo, and charred chipotle. Those not in a burrito mood can get a torta or quesadilla.

In the morning (8 to 11 a.m. on weekdays; 9 a.m. to noon on weekends), the operation focuses on breakfast burritos packed with eggs, refried pinto beans, potatoes, and rajas (sauteed onions and poblano peppers), along with your choice of melted cheese, barbacoa, chorizo, or vegan chorizo.

Breakfast burritos run $13 to $15 for standard options, while lunch and dinner choices are $13 to $18 without any upgrades, which can push the price over $20. “A lot of the taquerias in San Francisco are known for being affordable,” says McCandless. “And while we want to pay homage to Mission-style burritos, we want to offer an elevated experience with more premium ingredients, like local, hormone-free meats, cage-free eggs, and vegan Mexican-made Sonoran-style tortillas.”

The beverage options start off with Vigilante cold brew, coffee, espresso drinks, a horchata latte, and dirty horchata (horchata depth charged with cold brew). As the day progresses, more choices come online, such as maracuyá (passion fruit) and lemon mint nonalcoholic slushies, agua frescas, Mexican Coke, Topo Chico, frozen margaritas, a few Mexican beers, four wines, and tequila shots.

If you still have stomach space after your burrito (I didn’t), there’s vegan chocoflan (flan-topped chocolate cake) sitting in caramel sauce and hiding a hint of maracuyá.

San Pancho,7056 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, Md. (301) 270-0876, sanpanchoburritos.com.

This is not the way Ward 7 Councilmember Vince Gray’s storied political career was supposed to end. 

It was a given that Gray’s various health challenges would deprive him of the sort of graceful ride into the sunset that might otherwise have been afforded to someone with his three-decade-long career. Gray announced Thursday through a spokesperson that he’s experiencing “early-stage, age-related dementia” and he will step back from Council duties until his term concludes at the end of the year, a sad but perhaps inevitable development for the former mayor after he endured strokes and other health problems. The details below the headlines are another matter entirely. 

The councilmember’s children have been trying to wrest control of Gray’s health care and finances away from his wife, Dawn Kum, according to documents filed in D.C. Superior Court. They argue that she has concealed the extent of his health troubles and exploited his illness for her own monetary gain, liquidating Gray’s assets to pay for “luxury apparel” and “extravagant vacations.” Most troublingly, Gray’s kids claim he’s had at least four strokes since November 2021—two more than his office has disclosed—and that he’s “nearly fully paralyzed” and “extremely fragile.” A Superior Court judge ultimately agreed to appoint a guardian and conservator to manage the 81-year-old’s affairs, after Jonice and Carlos Gray claim Kum has repeatedly worked to block their access to their father, including blocking their numbers in his phone and threatening to call police if they attempted to visit him at his home.

The revelations in conservatorship filings, many of which were not included in the Washington Post‘s story first disclosing the proceedings, has transformed this story from a melancholy tale about the difficulties of aging into something quite different. There’s every reason to regard claims made in court amid an ugly familial dispute skeptically—Kum and Gray only married in 2019—but they will prompt some serious whispering, nonetheless. 

Gray’s caustic, controversial spokesperson, Chuck Thies, has spent months insisting that although the councilmember may be unable to effectively communicate, he has still been fully engaged with his work as a lawmaker. Wilson Building observers have long doubted these assertions—and Council Chair Phil Mendelson greatly reduced Gray’s committee duties last year in response to these worries. But councilmembers generally have been unwilling to challenge them publicly out of deference to Gray and his long record of service. If Gray’s health truly has been as bad as his children describe, it raises real questions about the extent to which his office has been covering up his deficiencies.

As far back as mid-December 2021, Gray could not “count backwards from 20 and recite the months of the year backwards” during a neurological exam, according to the court documents. Thies told the Post that he only learned about Gray’s dementia within the past “week to 10 days,” but many people who have watched the councilmember appear confused or repeat himself in his rare public appearances over the past few years raised doubts to Loose Lips long before then.

Kum’s attorney did not respond to LL’s request for comment. And Thies writes in an email that the claims in these court filings “represent and advocate for the interests of one side of a complicated legal matter.”

“The petition and related proceedings are a private family matter, not Council business,“ Thies says via email. He subsequently called LL to vigorously deny many of the allegations outlined in the filings.

“Before I’m an employee, a consultant, and advisor to Vince Gray, I am his friend,” Thies says. “If I went to his home or to any hospital or medical facility where he was housed, and I believed he was receiving substandard care, I would find out how to intervene, because he’s my friend.”

Gray’s children claim that Kum “injected herself into a leadership role” in his Council office. They allege she “makes substantive decisions related to government office matters, influences personnel decisions that impact the hiring and firing of staff members, and manipulates the hours of government employees, demanding that they work outside of regulated hours, all to personally benefit [Kum.]” This includes forcing the office to hire Kum’s daughter’s boyfriend to effectively work as a home health aide for Gray, even though the boyfriend was not qualified to do so, Gray’s children claim. They also mention some sort of “government investigation” that was initiated into the boyfriend’s hiring, but court filings do not provide more details.

Thies claims he has no knowledge of any investigation into this matter, and he cast doubt on how Gray’s kids would know whether one exists. He also says that the employee mentioned in the filing was hired as Gray’s scheduler and performed his job “flawlessly,” denying that Kum exercised any influence in the process of hiring him. (Specifically, the filings allege that Kum directed that her daughter’s boyfriend be hired as scheduler after this unidentified investigation began into the matter.)

The rest of the brief filed by Gray’s children is scathing. They allege that Kum “uses [Gray’s] money to buy him the lowest end, least technologically advanced medical equipment.” Gray’s kids also note that a $1 million federal tax lien was filed against Kum in July 2021, and they say Kum attempted to transfer the title of Gray’s house to herself. When she failed, and a deed confirming Gray’s sole ownership was recorded, Gray’s kids say Kum “caused [Gray], who was weak following his November 2021 stroke, to sign documents allowing her to take $475,000 of the home’s equity through a cash-out refinance.”

They also claim Kum asked Gray for a $90,000 loan in June 2020, and that, in an Oct. 2020 transaction where he took out a $77,500 cash-out refinance on his home, Kum added herself as an owner without Gray’s knowledge. When Gray’s kids notified Gray that Kum had been added to the title of his house, they say he was “upset” and “had no knowledge of the transfer of title to [Kum’s] name.” She later transferred title back to Gray, according to the court filing.

On several occasions, Gray’s kids claim in their filing, they had to call the police to ask for a “wellness check” on their father because they could not contact him; they allege in the documents that Kum blocked their numbers on Gray’s phone and screened their texts and emails.

Thies says these incidents were overblown, with police routinely leaving without taking any action. “Don’t you think if they went to a former mayor and current councilmember’s house and they saw something that was dangerous or unhealthy or just yucky, they would have done something?” he asks.

There are serious political implications to all this to consider as well. Gray’s endorsement of Wendell Felder in the contentious Ward 7 Council primary immediately drew accusations that Thies and Kum masterminded this very consequential bit of politicking. Felder was long seen among politicos as a top contender to receive Gray’s blessing, but the fact that the councilmember could not so much as go on camera to pass the baton and cap his political career aroused plenty of griping and suspicion. Thies has long waved away any such insinuations, but recent assertions in court filings about Gray’s declining health have reignited those questions. For the record, Thies says he consistently advised Gray to remain neutral in the primary (despite entreaties from other candidates to urge his boss to weigh in) and he calls any suggestion otherwise a “conspiracy theory” advanced by other Ward 7 candidates.

“You will find no one in this city, no one in the past decade who has been a more fervent defender of Vince Gray,” Thies says. “I have never, never once betrayed him or taken actions without his consent and I never would.”

By now, Ward 7 residents have endured a serious lack of representation for years, with Gray barely speaking during Council meetings (if he attended them at all). Two more months of missed votes probably won’t be all that detrimental—Gray said in a statement that his “mind is at ease regarding all matters slated to come before the Council between now and the New Year,” which LL is sure will be of great comfort to his constituents. 

But these developments will almost certainly count as a black mark against the people around Gray who allowed things to get so messy. And perhaps it will serve as a helpful example to other long-in-the-tooth politicians in D.C.: There is absolutely no shame in walking away too early rather than waiting until things are too late.

This story has been updated with additional comment from Chuck Thies.

Unlike feminized seeds, cannabis plants you grow from autoflowering cannabis seeds flower automatically, instantly making them a better choice for beginner growers.

Many experienced growers also prefer autoflower cannabis seeds for their high yields and promise of high-potency cannabis plants, so it made perfect sense for us to examine the market looking for the best autoflower strains.

After examining loads of autoflowering seeds available at reputable seed banks, Bruce Banner autoflowering seeds with a high THC level of around 25% and a promise of big yields when focusing on indoor cultivation.

Our selection of the best autoflower seeds also includes five other Indica and Sativa dominant strains that promise equally bountiful yields, so without further ado, let’s examine our top picks.

Best Auto Flower Cannabis Seeds – First Look

• Bruce Banner – Best autoflower cannabis seeds overall (guaranteed germination)
• Granddaddy Purple – Ideal for beginner cannabis cultivators
• White Widow – Promise of multiple harvests a year
• Gorilla Glue #4 – Remarkably high outdoor yields
• DNA Cake – Most authentic genetic and aroma profile
• Wedding Cake – Incredibly fast flowering time

Whether you are interested in discreet outdoor growing or you have a suitable indoor grow space for autoflowering plants, autoflower weed seeds are typically associated with a more hassle-free cultivation adventure simply because they begin flowering on their own, no need to make changes in lightning schedule.

As for the six autoflowering strains we discuss here, they are ranked based on their potency, average flowering time, growing difficulty, expected effects, and their unique and aroma profiles.

1. Bruce Banner – Best Autoflower Cannabis Seeds Overall

Pros:

• Stimulating and energizing effects
• High THC content around 27%
• Earthy flavor with berry notes
• Yields over 600 gr/square meter

Cons:

• Not the easiest strain to cultivate

THC Potency: 4.95/5

Looking at the best autoflower strains, we start with our ultimate winner, Bruce Banner, which is particularly famed for its impressively high THC levels, which can range from 27% to 30%, placing it among the most potent autoflower seeds available on the market.

Growing Difficulty: 4.8/5

Growing autoflowering cannabis from Bruce Banner is generally moderately challenging. Thus, it is recommended for those with some experience in growing cannabis.

The strain demands extra attention to protect Bruce Banner autoflower plants against pests and challenging weather conditions, especially when grown outdoors.

The strain is known for its strong resistance to fungal diseases, but indoor growers need to carefully monitor humidity and temperature to ensure optimal growth.

Taste & Flavor: 4.95/5

The flavor and aroma profile of Bruce Banner is very appealing, characterized by a blend of berry, earthy, grassy, and pleasant pine notes. This unique combination is attributed to the rich presence of Caryophyllene, Limonene, and Myrcene terpenes.

Flowering Time: 4.8/5

Bruce Banner’s flowering period is approximately nine to ten weeks, which may extend depending on a growing medium and overall growing conditions.

With proper indoor growing, the strain can yield around 600 grams per square meter, whereas outdoor plants typically produce about 450 grams per plant.

Effects: 4.9/5

The strain’s super high THC levels contribute to its ability to provide intense euphoria and a major energetic boost, ideal for combating fatigue and lifting spirits during the daytime.

Bruce Banner autoflowering plants are also favored among consumers who are aiming for an ultimate upper as Bruce Banner is one of the most famed Sativa autoflower strains on the market, and for a good reason.

Strain Consumables

For those interested in exploring Bruce Banner through consumables, products like the Diamond CBD 900mg THCP, D8, and HHC Vape Pen – Bruce Banner offers a convenient and potent option.

This vape pen is designed to deliver approximately 200 hits, featuring a blend of Delta 8 THC and HHC, providing a pleasant experience that captures the essence of the Bruce Banner Sativa strain.

Where To Buy

For top-grade Bruce Banner autoflowering seeds, make sure you visit Seed Supreme. The biggest Seed Bank in the United States has over 4,000 autoflower seeds, feminized options, and regular seed varieties that are oftentimes available at a discounted price.

The company’s overall customer rating is 4,45/5 based on almost 8,000 verified customer reviews posted on Reviews.io.

>>Check the best price for Bruce Banner autoflower seeds at Seed Supreme

2. Granddaddy Purple – Ideal for Beginner Cannabis Cultivators

Pros:

• THC percentage around 23%
• Highly resilient to common pests
• Relaxing and soothing Indica effects
• Flowers within ten weeks

Cons:

• Slightly smaller indoor yields

THC Potency: 4.9/5

Discussing potent autoflowering cannabis seeds, we had to include Granddaddy Purple, a remarkable Indica hybrid that is a cross between Skunk, Afghanistan, and Mendo Purps, with THC levels hovering around 23%.

Growing Difficulty: 4.95/5

Growing Granddaddy Purple autoflower plants is relatively straightforward, making it an appealing option for beginners in growing cannabis.

The strain is known for its high resilience to common pests and is generally not prone to mold, so having healthy growth is more likely. To ensure optimal plant’s growth, maintain temperatures between 70–85°F and keep humidity levels at 50% during the vegetative stage.

With appropriate care, growers can expect yields averaging 500 grams per square meter indoors and approximately 600 grams per plant outdoors.

Taste & Flavor: 4.85/5

The flavor profile of Granddaddy Purple is one of its highlight features. More specifically, these remarkable auto flowering plants exhibit pleasant fruity and grape notes with an earthy backdrop.

Flowering Time: 4.75/5

The flowering stage for Granddaddy Purple is on the lengthier side, ranging from seven to ten weeks, depending on the used growing medium and whether optimal growing conditions are ensured or not.

Effects: 4.9/5

Among Indica-dominant strains, Granddaddy Purple is sought after for its overwhelmingly relaxing and mildly euphoric effects, making it an ideal choice for evening use.

This strain has also shown to be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with sleep issues, such as insomnia, as well as those experiencing muscle and joint pain, thanks to its body and mind relaxing properties.

Strain Consumables

For those interested in consumable products derived from one of the best autoflowering strains on the market, options such as the Diamond CBD 50mg Delta 8 + Live Resin Gummies – Granddaddy Purple are available.

These Live Resin gummies offer a potent combination of Live Resin and Delta 8 THC, and the effects are pleasantly soothing and relaxing, as expected from a product based on the Granddaddy Purple strain.

Where To Buy

Top-grade Granddaddy Purple autoflower cannabis seeds are readily available at ILGM. Apart from selling autoflowering, regular, and feminized seeds, ILGM sells top-grade grow kits to help you care for your cannabis plants.

Those who are shopping at ILGM for the first time are entitled to a $10 discount on their first order.

>>Check the best price for Granddaddy Purple autoflower seeds at ILGM

3. White Widow – Promise of Multiple Harvests a Year

Pros:

• THC percentage around 20%
• Flowers between six and eight weeks
• Ruderalis genetic makeup with South Indian Indica
• Suitable for indoor growing

Cons:

• Does not go well outdoors

THC Potency: 4.85/5

Among autoflower cannabis seeds, White Widow stands out for its THC concentration, which ranges between 19% and 25%, making White Widow preferred by both recreational and medicinal users.

Growing Difficulty: 4.9/5

Growing cannabis from White Widow auto seeds is generally beginner-friendly, making it an ideal choice for those growing male or female plants for the first time or those with zero experience with cannabis cultivation.

White Widow autoflowering plants are known for their resilience, particularly when it comes to adapting to environmental changes, but it is a known fact that White Widow grows better in indoor growing conditions.

Key to optimal growth is the management of temperature and humidity levels. Using a well-draining growing medium can also go a long way, while with proper care, these marijuana plants can get yields 450 to 500 grams per square meter and around 550 grams per plant outdoors.

Taste & Flavor: 4.85/5

The White Widow strain has a complex flavor profile characterized by notes of citrus and pine, with subtle floral undertones that add to a greater cannabis adventure.

Flowering Time: 4.95/5

White Widow’s flowering period is relatively short, spanning between six to eight weeks, and the best part, with these autoflower seed varieties, you can get to benefit from multiple harvests a year, which is quite remarkable.

Effects: 4.9/5

The effects of White Widow are generally calming, making it an excellent choice for body and mind relaxation. Its balanced cannabis Ruderalis composition ensures that users experience deep relaxation without the sedative effects that are often associated with Indica seeds.

This being said White Widow autoflowering plants are suitable for managing conditions such as chronic pain, stress, and mood disorders, offering a soothing yet uplifting experience.

Strain Consumables

For those interested in White Widow consumables, the Diamond CBD 1800mg THCP, D8, HHC Vape Pen – White Widow – Hybrid – 2ml may be the best and the most potent option.

This vape pen masterfully combines Delta 8 THC and HHC, promising a powerful and effective consumption method for enjoying overwhelmingly relaxing and soothing effects associated with the White Widow strain.

Where To Buy

White Widow autoflowering seeds with premium genetics are available at Homegrown Cannabis Co. At Homegrown Cannabis Co., you have access to photoperiod strains and autoflowering strains, and more often, they are offered at a discounted price.

Homegrown Cannabis Co. is also known for running frequent BOGO deals and saving up to 50% on featured strains, making this seed bank one of the most affordable places.

>>Check the best price for White Widow autoflower seeds at Homegrown Cannabis Co.

4. Gorilla Glue #4 – Remarkably High Outdoor Yields

Pros:

• THC percentage around 25%
• Yields over 750 gr/plant outdoor
• Well-balanced effects
• Delightful earthy and piney aroma

Cons:

• Slightly longer flowering stage

THC Potency: 4.9/5

Gorilla Glue #4 also deserves a spot among high-quality autoflower seeds. One of the most famed autoflowering strains is known for its high THC levels, averaging between 22% and 25%, making it one of the most potent options on the market.

Growing Difficulty: 4.85/5

Growing autoflowering cannabis from Gorilla Glue #4 autoflowering seeds is relatively easy, thanks to the strain’s resilience against common diseases and pests.

Gorilla Glue #4 autoflowering cannabis seeds thrive in stable environments, free from extreme cold or excessive humidity levels, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced growers.

To ensure optimal growth, keep temperatures around 75°F and humidity around 45%, especially when your autoflowering plants enter the vegetative growth stage. Gorilla Glue #4 autoflowering plants can yield over 750 grams per plant outdoors and around 600 grams per square meter indoors.

Taste & Flavor: 4.8/5

The flavor profile of Gorilla Glue #4 is another remarkable feature besides the promise of staggering yields. With Gorilla Glue #4, users will enjoy a sour, chocolatey taste with pleasant notes of earthiness, pine, and diesel.

Flowering Time: 4.7/5

Under ideal conditions, Gorilla Glue #4 has an average flowering time of ten to twelve weeks.

While the flowering stage takes longer compared to alternative autoflower cannabis seeds, the promise of staggering yields makes Gorilla Glue #4 a wonderful addition to your cannabis garden.

Effects: 4.9/5

The effects of Gorilla Glue #4 are as potent as its high THC content suggests, offering a mix of relaxation and sedation alongside a major cerebral euphoria. This being said Gorilla Glue #4 makes the most sense for consumers aiming for a well-balanced THC experience.

Strain Consumables

Gorilla Glue #4 is available in various consumables, including the Diamond CBD 250mg Delta 8 + Live Resin Gummies – GG4 – Hybrid. These Live Resin gummies are available in packages of 30, 60, and 90 gummies and contain a potent dose of 250mg of Delta 8 per gummy.

To ensure an organic nature, the company in charge used only 100% natural ingredients, including top-grade vegetable and fruit extracts, for a remarkable aroma.

Where To Buy

Gorilla Glue #4 autoflower cannabis seeds are available at Seedsman for a reasonable price. When shopping at Seedsman, you get all the instructions you need to successfully germinate autoflower seeds, but if you fail, the company’s Germination Guarantee is a great backup.

On the Seedsman website, you will find a range of handy resources on growing from autoflower weed seeds to the flowering stage, changing light cycles, and more. With the WELOVESEEDS10 promo code, you qualify for a 10% discount.

>>Check the best price for Gorilla Glue #4 autoflower seeds at Seedsman

5. DNA Cake – Most Authentic Genetic and Aroma Profile

Pros:

• THC levels around 20%
• Flowering time around 9 weeks
• Straightforward cultivation process
• Lava Cake and Gelato Sorbet cross

Cons:

• Relatively smaller yields

THC Potency: 4.85

The next autoflower cannabis seed we want to introduce you to is DNA Cake, which boasts a considerable THC concentration, typically averaging around 20%.

While its potency is slightly lower compared to other autoflowering cannabis plants, DNA Cake has the most authentic genetic and flavor profile, as we will discuss in the later sections.

Growing Difficulty: 4.85/5

Growing cannabis from DNA Cake autoflower weed seeds is a relatively simple process, and this is why DNA Cake is appealing to cultivators of all experience levels.

More specifically, DNA Cake demonstrates a high resistance to common pests, fungi, and common diseases, which reduces the need for extensive maintenance right off the bat.

To ensure optimal growth of your DNA Cake plants, we recommend you employ any of the popular high-stress training methods. You also want to regularly trim your plants and ensure moderate humidity levels, and you can expect yield up to 400 grams per square meter indoor.  

Taste & Flavor: 4.9/5

The flavor profile of DNA Cake is remarkably unique. More specifically, this famed strain is characterized by its sweet and creamy flavor.

DNA Cake also distinguishes itself with pleasant notes of apricot, vanilla, and butter stemming from its flavorful parents, including Lava Cake and gelato Sorbet.

Flowering Time: 4.75/5

DNA Cake autoflowering cannabis seeds are associated with a relatively quick flowering cycle, typically spanning eight to nine weeks, and there is no need to make any changes to your light cycles to see your DNA Cake plants flowering.

Effects: 4.8/5

The main effects of consuming DNA Cake include deep relaxation and mild sedation, often leading to a couch-lock sensation, which many Indica fans strive for.

This makes it an ideal marijuana cultivar for those seeking relaxation and relief in the evenings or before bed. With its pleasant, relaxing, and soothing effects, DNA Cake may easily become a favorite among those dealing with insomnia.

Strain Consumables

While specific consumables for DNA Cake may not be widely available, those interested in similar relaxing experiences might consider alternatives like the 2700mg THCP, D8, HHC Vape Pen – Zkittlez – Indica – 3ml – Chill Plus.

This top-grade vape pen boasts 2,700mg of THCP mixed with a hefty dose of Delta 8 THC and HHC, and the effects are soothing and relaxing, similar to the effects you experience with DNA Cake.

Where To Buy

DNA Cake autoflower cannabis seeds are readily available at DNA Genetics, a reputable seed bank that has been on the market for over two decades.

The renowned seed bank is known for its remarkable selection of feminized and autoflower weed seeds that grow into beautiful and authentic plants, and the first-time shoppers instantly qualify for a 10% discount.

>>Check the best price for DNA Cake autoflower seeds at DNA Genetics

6. Wedding Cake – Incredibly Fast Flowering Time

Pros:

• THC levels around 25%
• Yields around 500 gr/square meter
• Calming Indica effects
• Flowers in around eight weeks

Cons:

• May be too potent for new consumers

THC Potency: 4.85

The last option on our list of the best autoflower weed seeds is Wedding Cake. This strain is known for its high THC levels, which typically hover around 23% but have the potential to reach up to 27% under ideal growing conditions.

Growing Difficulty: 4.85/5

Compared to other autoflowering cannabis strains, Wedding Cake is considered easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for newbies to marijuana cultivation.

Wedding Cake feminized autoflowering plants are resilient and capable of resisting common pests and most diseases that traditional cannabis plants struggle with.

Feminized autoflowering plants in this strain have a bushy form with a slight Sativa influence in their height, requiring good air circulation and higher humidity levels. Wedding Cake yields above 750 grams per plant outdoors and around 500 grams per square meter indoors.

Taste & Flavor: 4.75/5

The taste of Wedding Cake is sweet, reminiscent of the delightful essence of cake, complemented by pleasant spiciness, piney, and herbal notes with a hint of earthy vibes.

Flowering Time: 4.95/5

One of the appealing features of the Wedding Cake male and female plants is their relatively short flowering time. More specifically, most plants from Wedding Cake autoflower cannabis seeds flower in seven to eight weeks.

Effects: 4.8/5

Wedding Cake is highly sought after for its therapeutic effects, particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and pain.

It provides a calming and sometimes sedative effect, which can also aid those struggling with insomnia.

Strain Consumables

Those more interested in experiencing the Wedding Cake strain in a consumable format, the Diamond CBD 150mg Delta 8 + Live Resin Gummies – Wedding Cake – Hybrid are highly recommended.

These Live Resingummies offer a potent combination of Delta 8 THC and Live Resin, while the flavor is sweet and slightly herbal mirroring the aromatic profile of Wedding Cake.

Where To Buy

You can shop for Wedding Cake autoflower marijuana seeds at Herbies. This seed bank houses one of the biggest selections of marijuana seeds in different marijuana cultivars, and customers get one free feminized or autoflower seed for every order that exceeds $21.58.

>>Check the best price for Wedding Cake autoflower seeds at Herbies

What Are Autoflower Seeds?

Autoflower seeds form a distinctive category within the cannabis cultivation world, offering several unique benefits that set them apart from traditional marijuana seeds.

First of all, autoflower seeds came to be as the result of crossbreeding indica or sativa strains with Cannabis ruderalis, a naturally occurring cannabis subtype found in Siberia and Northern Europe.

This unique combination of genes results in having autoflower plants with several advantageous traits. One of the most crucial features of auto seeds is the fact that they enter the flowering stage without making any chances to light cycles.

When dealing with feminized seeds or photoperiod strains, making changes to a light cycle is crucial for plants to move from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage.

From an autoflower seed, you can get both male and female plants, while feminized seeds and photoperiod seeds grow only into female plants. There are more differences between autoflower and feminized seeds in the section below.

Regular vs Autoflowering vs Feminized Seeds: What’s the Difference?

Regular cannabis seeds that grow into female and male plants fall into the category of the most natural marijuana seeds. Feminized or photoperiod seeds came to be through the process of pollination between female and male plants.

When it comes to cultivating regular marijuana seeds, there is a 50/50 chance of getting female and male plants.

As the most natural form of seeds, feminized seeds are particularly favored among cannabis breeders. More specifically, photoperiod strains are known for their genetic purity simply because they have not been treated or modified in any way.

When it comes to autoflower seed varieties, they are truly a game-changer.

More specifically, autoflowering cannabis strains transition to the flowering stage automatically rather than relying on specific changes made in a light cycle, which has to be done when dealing with photoperiod counterparts.

Autoflowering seeds can grow into both female and male plants and they typically produce plants of smaller stature and height, making them suitable for those interested in growing indoors.

At the same time, photoperiod plants from feminized seeds are always female, and they are known for having a bushier form, making them more suitable for outdoor growing.

They are more susceptible to bud rot, so careful maintenance is key to having thriving photoperiod plants.

>>Check the best price for Bruce Banner autoflower seeds at Seed Supreme

What Makes Autoflower Seeds Stand Out?

Below, we examine some of the main factors why you should choose autoflowering seeds over regular and photoperiod cannabis seeds.

Ruderalis Genetics

Autoflower seeds are known to include Ruderalis genetic makeup, which results in auto seeds having qualities not found in traditional Indica or Sativa photoperiod cannabis cultivars.

More specifically, the unique genetic makeup of autoflower seeds is crucial in how fast these types of plants grow, how much light they need to thrive, the expected yields, and the optimal growing conditions.  

Smaller Size and Discrete Growth

Another notable feature of autoflower seeds is their relatively compact stature, making them an ideal choice for growers dealing with a limited indoor space.

The smaller size of autoflower plants means enjoying a more discreet cultivation process, which is a major advantage for cultivators who take care of a low-profile cannabis garden.

Faster Harvests

The Ruderalis genetics of autoflowering seeds plays an important role in the accelerated growth cycle of these types of cannabis plants.

Unlike photoperiod strains or feminized seeds, autoflowering varieties transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage within a short timeframe, typically between seven to ten weeks. This means benefitting from faster harvests.

Less Light Dependency

Another major feature of autoflower seeds is their significantly reduced reliance on a specific light cycle.

While photoperiod strains need a strict light cycle to flower, usually around 18 hours of light a day, autoflowers will bloom no matter how many hours of light they receive.

This alone simplifies the entire cultivation process, particularly for growers struggling to maintain appropriate lighting conditions.

Multiple Harvests in One Season

Unlike photoperiod strains, autoflowers allow you to get multiple harvests in a single growing season.

Due to their unique flowering process that is now affected by how much light they receive, with autoflowers you can get several harvests from the same plant within a year, and the whole seed to harvest process usually goes way smoother than when dealing with feminized seeds.

Suitable for Various Environments

Autoflowering seeds are also famed for their versatility and high resilience, meaning that they can thrive in a variety of growing environments, including areas with warmer and colder climates, provided that you have taken care of other aspects that ensure optimal plant health.

Whether planted indoors or outdoors, autoflowers are generally more adaptable to different environmental conditions compared to regular and feminized seeds.

How to Grow Autoflower Seeds?

As mentioned, autoflowering seeds start flowering on their own, but this does not mean that there are not other important steps to take to eventually have thriving plants, and these steps are briefly discussed below.

Germination Process

The cultivation journey with autoflower seeds starts with the germination process. To germinate, soak your seeds in lukewarm water for between twelve and twenty-four hours.

This process will break down the outer shell and encourages help out during the seedling stage. After soaking, place your seeds between moist paper towels and leave in a warm, dark place.

Check daily to see if there are any sprouting signs, which typically occurs within two to seven days. Once the tiny root appears, place the seedlings into a small pot filled with high-quality soil.

Soil and Nutrient Requirements

Autoflower cannabis seeds typically thrive in light, airy soil with a good draining system. This being said, with autoflower cannabis seeds, it is recommended to use a soil mix designed for cannabis seedlings or a soil mixed with perlite.

Autoflowers require less nutrients to start flowering than feminized seeds, so it is essential to avoid excessive fertilization.

This being said, we recommend you start with milder organic nutrients in a smaller amount and gradually increase the strength once your plants mature. To prevent nutrient burn, monitor your plants through their life cycle.

Light and Watering Schedule

With Autoflowers, you can induce flowering without making any changes in the light cycle, making them simpler to grow.

Unlike feminized seeds, auto flowers perform well under an 18-24 cycle throughout their entire life cycle. However, to optimize the seed-to-harvest process, many growers opt for an 18/6 light cycle, which provides 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness.

As for watering, autoflower plants prefer a light watering approach. Keep in mind that overwatering can lead to bud rot and root issues, so always allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering again, and keep this practice throughout your plants’ entire life cycle.

Pest and Disease Management

Autoflowering plants are generally resilient, but at the same time some cultivars are more susceptible to pests and diseases, and this is the case with all other plants.

As with other plants, regular monitoring of your plants is essential to early detection of pest or disease issues which can hinder the plants growth.

Preventive measures can go a long way during the seed to harvest process, such as maintaining adequate airflow, using neem oil and maintaining beneficial microbes, and keeping the area clean can significantly reduce the risk of pest and disease issues.

Harvesting Tips

Autoflowering plants are typically ready for harvest up to eight weeks from the germination stage.

There are different factors that indicate that your autoflower plants are ready for harvest, including the darkening of plant pistils and unusual cloudiness of the trichome structure.

When it comes to harvesting, you start by cutting the plant at its base and trimming away the leaves. When it comes to drying buds, leave them in a dark and well-ventilated area for about seven days.

>>Check the best price for Bruce Banner autoflower seeds at Seed Supreme

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Autoflower Seeds

Whether you are interested in growing female or male flowers, there are a few important factors to consider when shopping for autoflowering seeds at online or retail seed banks.

Flowering Time

Autoflowering cultivars are known for offering a quick turnaround, making them a favorite among beginner and experienced cultivators.

At the same time, the flowering time can vary significantly between different varieties. This being said, it is essential to select a cultivar whose flowering period aligns with your cultivation goals.

Some strains may flower as quickly as weeks from the germination process, while others might take a bit longer. Either way, learning more about the expected flowering time of cultivars you are interested in is crucial as you hop on this shopping adventure.

Yield Expectations

In addition to average flowering times, the potential yield is another important consideration for most beginner and experienced growers.

Autoflowering strains, while known as fast growers, often produce smaller yields compared to regular and feminized seed varieties.

At the same time, thanks to major advancements in breeding, many famed autoflowering cultivars, including those we discussed in the previous sections, can deliver remarkable yields. As you are working on your cannabis garden, checking the expected yield is a must.

Climate and Growing Conditions

Autoflowering cannabis seeds are known for their resilience and ability to grow in different environments and climates.

However, some autoflower cultivars are better suited to certain environments than alternatives. This being said, it is important to consider the climate of the area you reside in, including average and humidity levels.

Keep in mind that some autoflower weed strains thrive in cooler climates, while others are better suited for warmer conditions. Additionally, consider the growing medium you will be using as well as the growing space you have at your disposal.

THC and CBD Levels

Looking into the cannabinoid profile is another important consideration for both medicinal and recreational cannabis cultivators.

Autoflower cultivars vary widely in their THC and CBD concentrations. If you are growing marijuana for recreational purposes, you may prefer cultivators with a higher THC content.

At the same time, if you are growing marijuana for medicinal reasons, a strain with a higher CBD content and lower THC is probably more suitable for you and your specific needs and preferences.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing

Autoflowering strains can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors, but some cultivars are better suited for growing indoors while others do better when grown outdoors.

You can have more controlled conditions when growing indoors, which may lead to higher yields, but growing indoors also requires more investment in resources and equipment.

Outdoor cultivation typically does not require as many resources and equipment, but growing outdoors means dealing with changing weather conditions. This being said, when shopping for autoflower seeds, make sure you consider the grow space you can provide.

How We Ranked the Best Autoflower Seeds?

This leads us to the main factors we have considered when ranking the best autoflowering seeds on our list.

User Reviews and Ratings

For us, the ranking process started by examining user reviews and ratings from a variety of different sources.

More specifically, we looked for customer reviews on forums, dedicated cannabis cultivation websites, and direct feedback at seed bank websites.

By starting ranking process this day, we were able to gain valuable insights into the overall customer satisfaction with featured strains.

Growing Difficulty

Autoflowering strains are preferred among growers for their simplicity and ease of growth. At the same time, the growing difficulty vary between different cultivars.

This being said, during our ranking process, we considered how easy it was for growers to get big yields.

More specifically, we focused on evaluating the plant’s resilience to different environmental stressors, susceptibility to diseases and pests, and the overall care required. Cultivars that are easier to grow naturally appear higher on the list.

Germination Rates

The germination rate was another important factor during our ranking process. The germination rate refers to the viability of the seeds, and more robust seeds are known to produce better results.

When it comes to assessing germination rates, we compiled verified data from user reports. This being said, autoflower seeds with higher germination rates appear higher on the list as they are known for simplifying the overall growth process.

Seed Quality and Genetics

The genetic makeup of autoflowers also played an important role in determining the plant’s characteristics, such as potency, flavor profile, and ease of growth.

To examine seed genetics and overall quality, we looked into the breeding background and origin of the seeds to ensure that they boast premium and stable genetics.

More specifically, the process included examining the reputation of the seed banks and breeders behind the featured seeds. Seeds with a superior genetic makeup naturally made it to the top of the list.

Yield Potential

Finally, we have taken into account the yield potential. While autoflowers generally grow to be smaller and typically produce less yield compared to their feminized counterparts, certain cultivars are bred to deliver big yields.

This being said, we took the time to examine the average yield per plant, taking into account the space requirements and specific growing conditions. Seeds that promise higher yields under normal growing conditions were favored.

>>Check the best price for Bruce Banner autoflower seeds at Seed Supreme

FAQs

For more information on the best autoflower seeds, please take a moment to check out our FAQs section.

What Is the Highest Yielding Autoflower Seed?

The highest-yielding autoflower seeds is Gorilla Glue #4 available at Seedsman that under optimal outdoor growing conditions yields above 750 grams per plant.

What Breeder Has the Best Autoflowers?

You will find the best autoflowers at Seed Supreme, while ILGM, Homegrown Cannabis Co., Seedsman, and other featured breeders have an equally remarkable selection.

What Is the Fastest Autoflower from Seed to Harvest?

The fastest-growing autoflowering cultivar is Wedding Cake, available at Herbies. With the right amount of care and proper maintenance, Wedding Cake plants flower in six to eight weeks.

What Is the Easiest Autoflower Seed?

The easiest to grow autoflowering cultivar is Granddaddy Purple from ILGM. This strain is highly resilient to common diseases and pests making it a wonderful beginner-friendly option.

How Much Yield Can I Get from Autoflower?

The yield from autoflowering plants depends on the cultivar, the skill of the cultivator, and the growing conditions, but typical indoor yields are between 200 and 300 grams per square meter and around 400 grams per plant outdoor.

Can I Get Seeds from an Autoflower?

Yes, you can get marijuana seeds from autoflowers. To get seeds, you need a male plant for the process of pollination you may use different techniques on female flowers to encourage male flower production, and this process is called rodelization.

Best Autoflower Seeds – Final Thoughts

After looking into a dozen of autoflowers on the market, it is clear that Bruce Banner from Seed Supreme stands out as the top contender due to its exceptional potency, authentic flavor profile, and promise off big yields.

Following closely behind is Granddaddy Purple, available at ILGM, which not only boasts impressive soothing and relaxing properties but also presents an excellent option for those new to marijuana cultivation, thanks to its straightforward growing process.

We invite you to explore the other options we have discussed, as each brings something unique and different to the table.

Whether you are a seasoned cultivator or just starting out, there is a perfect autoflower option for you that will most certainly light up your garden. Happy growing! 

The implications of the papal conclave are fascinating and bizarre. After the death of a pope, cardinals sequester in the Sistine Chapel where they vote on his replacement. Since Catholic dogma says the pope is essentially a conduit for God, there is a spiritual component to a fundamentally political process. What does this mean for those who vote for the wrong man? Is God steering them in the wrong direction? What about those who align with the majority? Is their preference an extension of God’s will? Conclave, the new political thriller about this peculiar election, mostly sidesteps the divine implications and instead focuses on the human drama of warring factions in Catholicism. Strong performances and a tight screenplay make this an absorbing exercise, the kind of film that keeps our attention in the moment, but the impression isn’t lasting.

Director Edward Berger, fresh off his Oscar from his 2022 adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front, mostly dials back his penchant for bombast. These cardinals speak in whispers—the illusion of power and inevitability is lost when everyone knows your carefully guarded strategy. Our guidepost character is Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), the cardinal managing the conclave after the death of a beloved pope. Like any political figurehead, this pope had his share of allies and enemies: We learn through Lawrence and his friend Bellini (Stanley Tucci) that the dead pope was a liberal reformer, and Bellini wants to stop his personal rival—the conservative reactionary Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto)—from getting the papacy. As votes and sequestration get underway, we get a sense of Lawrence’s burden: Many cardinals have a secret, like all powerful men must, and he has no choice but to keep them to himself.

Berger’s direction follows the example of the conclave, keeping the drama hermetically sealed within the walls of the Vatican. There are no cuts to an eager public gathering in St. Peter’s Square, and during the rare shots of characters wandering Rome, the streets are empty. Not only does this imbue Conclave with the trappings of a locked room mystery (pun intended), it further suggests the cardinals are out of touch, uncaring to the public, and more in tune with their own grievances. Our only sense of the wider world is through the speeches the cardinals make: In maybe the film’s most intriguing scene, Lawrence argues the case for doubt and humility, implying that any leader must be humbled by a higher calling. With the exception of Castellitto’s flamboyance, all the performances are understated, though in this moment Fiennes has a depth of feeling that seems to elude his colleagues. This is a scene moment because it makes him a sympathetic hero, a nervous man trying to make sense of an extremely complicated situation.

Screenwriter Peter Straughan shrewdly mixes the sources of those complications. Some are obvious, like an outburst that torpedoes the chances of an early frontrunner, while others are just below the surface of the action. Together with Berger, Straughan keeps some of these secrets in plain view, while other characters—such as Lawrence’s right-hand man (Brían F. O’Byrne)—drop heaps of exposition in lulls between each vote. This mix of melodrama and procedural detail is effective and refreshingly old-fashioned: Berger largely trusts that the intrigue is enough to sustain his audience’s attention, even during long periods that unfold in silence. That said, Berger’s penchant bombast can be found in the score by Volker Bertelmann, a refrain of severe-sounding strings that underline scenes already oozing with tension. Maybe it is because of the frequent silences, but parts of Conclave—even when characters are whispering—seem quite loud.

The application of sound and silence comes to a head during the climax, a shocking moment when the outside world crashes into the proceedings. It is a powerful metaphor for the Church’s broader responsibility, and their slow desire to meet it. Afterward, Conclave shifts subtly from a political to a legal thriller. Once again, Berger’s direction is most effective when he stands back and lets his actors chew the scenery. John Lithgow plays Tremblay, a cardinal whose performative humility hides deep ambition, and his dual nature reveals itself in a scene where finally he explodes. (Lithgow opts for a callow performance that once again demonstrates he is always a good sport.) But as the film winds down, the key performance comes from Carlos Diehz, who plays the mysterious Benitez. An outsider to petty squabbles, Benitez serves as a metaphor for the church’s loftier ideals and Diehz’s calm performance is a welcome contrast to everyone else’s bluster.

Like the Thomas Harris novel it’s based on, Conclave elects a new pope and, in doing so, forces us to reconsider everything that happens in the film, and what it means to serve as God’s conduit. Conclave is an agnostic, secular film; it’s unclear whether Berger and his collaborators are religious, but they are sensitive to the Church’s political influence. That approach may frustrate pious viewers, but small moments and plot threads leave enough wiggle room for deeper spiritual implications. 

We’re left thinking that the papal selection process is a mess because it is run by flawed, powerful men, while women, like the frustrated Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini), must remain on the sidelines. Anything that champions equality, however incremental and unlikely, might just be godlike because entitlement and power alone are no basis for leadership. Lawrence feels that in the beginning of the film, and by the end, so do we.

Conclave opens in theaters on Oct. 25 in area theaters.

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It’s been a busy two months for Muneer Nasser. The trumpeter has played all around town—from D.C. Jazz Festival to Westminster Presbyterian Church—to promote his latest album, Blue House Session. Recorded last summer in Silver Spring, the album “contains some of the purest, most tunefully accessible stuff this side of 1965,” Michael J. West writes in this month’s Swing Beat. 

Indeed, Nasser’s gift and skill as a trumpeter is on full display in the album, which includes a vastly talented band made up of tenor saxophonist Elijah Easton, pianist Allyn Johnson, bassist James King, and drummer John Lamkin III. But perhaps, most importantly, writes West, is that “Blue House Session is one thing that a great deal of contemporary jazz forgets to be: fun.”

As Nasser’s own star rises, he’s making sure the legacy of another isn’t left behind. The trumpeter is the author of Upright Bass: The Musical Life and Legacy of Jamil Nasser, his father. The book is based on interviews with his dad, a bass player from Memphis who moved to New York in 1956 and had a prolific career, especially as an accompanist for modern jazz pianists. 

Nassar’s book “offers a very different perspective on jazz life,” writes West. “Jamil released only one album as a bandleader … otherwise he was known as a sideman. Sidemen don’t usually get a say in the realm of the jazz memoir—which is unfortunate, as Upright Bass demonstrates.”

For a deeper look at Nasser’s dedication to his father’s legacy and insight into his own work as a talented local musician, read this month’s Swing Beat on our website.

—Sarah Marloff (tips? smarloff@washingtoncitypaper.com)

D.C. Rapper Sentenced to More Than 13 Years For His Role in International Drug Conspiracy

Columbian Thomas, aka Cruddy Murda, was sentenced as part of a major drug trafficking conspiracy stretching from L.A. to D.C.

Cops on Trial: D.C. Police Disciplinary Hearing for October

D.C. police Officer H. Thomas is accused of repeatedly leaving his duty assignment and engaging in “inappropriate conduct.”

• D.C. police Officer Joseph Lopez chased, dragged, and ultimately handcuffed 9-year-old Niko Estep in the spring of 2019. The incident caused the boy physical and mental injuries, according to a lawsuit filed by his mother, Autumn Drayton. Three months after the incident, Estep was admitted to an inpatient psychiatric ward after he attempted to take his own life. With the lawsuit, Drayton is seeking to change the way police treat young children. Estep was shot and killed in an unrelated incident last November. [Post]
• Ten of developer Sam Razjooyan‘s properties are up for sale after his ownership entities filed for bankruptcy in May.
• The Marine Corps Marathon is this weekend, which is expected to draw more than 30,000 runners. The race begins at 7:55 a.m. Sunday, but road closures in D.C. and Arlington will begin at 3 a.m. and will end around 6 p.m. Closures include sections of I-395. [Axios]

By City Paper Staff (tips? editor@washingtoncitypaper.com)

AG Brian Schwalb Claims the Well-Connected Menkiti Group Participated in Title Insurance Kickback Scheme

The influential D.C. developer the Menkiti Group participated in a title insurance kickback scheme, according to the D.C. attorney general.

• Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White will now rely on federal public defenders to manage his bribery case instead of high-powered attorney Fred Cooke Jr. White was apparently having trouble affording Cooke’s fees. [X, Post]
• D.C.’s 911 call center remains understaffed, with workers regularly asked to pull 16-hour shifts to cover the gaps, according to testimony at a D.C. Council hearing Tuesday. Heather McGaffin, the head of the Office of Unified Communications, says her goal is to have the troubled agency fully staffed by January. [WUSA9, WJLA]
• There are 54 Advisory Neighborhood Commission races without a single candidate on the ballot this year, equivalent to about 16 percent of all ANC seats citywide. As ever, that means write-in candidates will likely win with just a handful of votes, or the seats will simply remain vacant. [WTOP]

By Alex Koma (tips? akoma@washingtoncitypaper.com)

• &Pizza CEO Mike Burns finally apologized for his restaurant chain’s offensive marketing campaign that mocked Mayor-for-Life Marion Barry’s history of addiction and drug arrest. The statement came after community activists staged a boycott and news conference outside one of the chain’s locations. Ron Moten, one of the organizers, says they still plan to protest outside &Pizza locations this weekend. “We can’t let people just do what he did, and then it’s like, ‘I apologize,’ and that’s it,” Moten says. [Post, WUSA9 Instagram]
• Get a scoop of ice cream, a cupcake, an arepa, a pizza, and more free stuff on your birthday at these eateries in the D.C. area. [City Cast]

By City Paper staff (tips? editor@washingtoncitypaper.com)

Sweet Treats and Diwali Rock Show: City Lights for Oct. 24–30

Where to go, who to see, and what to do this week.

• Montgomery County Public Schools have stopped teaching Pride Puppy and My Rainbow—two books featuring LGBTQIA characters—following an ongoing legal battle over when families can claim religious freedom to restrict their kids from learning about sexuality and gender identity. The two books were taught to elementary school kids as part of a larger effort to include queer and trans families in MCPS’s English Language Arts curriculum. [Post]
• Dave Harris writes hard, shocking plays, including Studio’s current production of his Exception to the Rule and Woolly Mammoth’s world premiere of Incendiary in 2023. Here he explains where his ideas and inspiration come from. [DC Theater Arts]
• Blame it on BookTok: Jamie Fortin is opening a romance bookstore in Alexandria. Friends to Lovers will be the 16th such shop in the U.S. and will feature subgenres including historical romance, small-town love stories, and “romantasy.” Fortin promises “a community space for all women and queer people who love romance books. … You’re not gonna see just white and straight romance.” No shade here, read what you love. [Washingtonian]
• Want to ice-skate but fear the crowds at the Sculpture Garden’s rink? You’re in luck because a new ice-skating rink is opening inside the National Building Museum on Dec. 16. [DC News Now]

By Sarah Marloff (tips? smarloff@washingtoncitypaper.com)

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Attorney General Brian Schwalb might want to start sleeping with one eye open. Just two weeks after filing a lawsuit against one of the city’s biggest (and most well-connected) contractors, he secured a settlement from an influential developer as part of an alleged title insurance kickback scheme.

Schwalb announced Thursday that Universal Title will pay a $500,000 settlement after illegally conspiring with a group of local real estate agents at Keller Williams Capital Properties. The real estate agents would steer clients to the title insurance company, according to Schwalb’s case, which in turn shared some of its profits with those agents. According to a settlement agreement, Universal Title even offered ownership interests at discounted prices to the agents, who are managed by the prominent local development firm the Menkiti Group.

“Universal’s secretive conduct prevented District residents from making fully informed decisions about how to spend their hard-earned money when making one of the most significant investments they’ll ever make—buying a home,” Schwalb writes in a statement to Loose Lips. “Universal’s business plan violated core free market principles—limiting customers’ choices and putting law-abiding competitors at a disadvantage.”

The attorney general’s office previously secured $3.2 million in settlements from four other title insurance companies in August over similar claims, as the industry as a whole faces scrutiny. But this investigation is unique due to the involvement of Bo and Kymber Menkiti, who have emerged as some of the biggest players in the local real estate scene over the past decade. The Menkitis have deep ties in Ward 5, where they’ve taken on several major projects and built a strong relationship with At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (who used to represent Ward 5), and their firm helmed a major city-backed project in Anacostia under Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration.

The Menkiti Group did not respond to LL’s request for comment on the settlement. But Universal Title, which is partly controlled by the Menkiti Group by virtue of the alleged kickback scheme, wrote a lengthy statement to “emphatically deny” any wrongdoing.

“The [attorney general’s office] has cast a very large net, but its allegations have been applied to a categorically different set of facts and circumstances at Universal Title,” the company wrote. “The prohibitive costs and time considerations that come with defending ourselves have driven us to settle.”

Essentially, Schwalb’s office argues that the real estate agents would steer their clients to Universal Title any time they would sell houses in the city. Mortgage lenders typically require homebuyers to purchase this type of insurance to protect against unexpected issues that could arise as they try to secure clear title to the home. If, for instance, they discover an unexpected lien against the home or some sort of inheritance dispute, they can make a claim against their title insurance to cover the costs of resolving these legal issues. Agents can make recommendations about which companies buyers should use, but under D.C. law, they can’t receive compensation for doing so.

The Office of the Attorney General claims that Universal Title did just that, sending Menkiti’s agents a percentage of the profits of any transaction that came as a result of their referral. The company also gave the agents “the exclusive opportunity to purchase a discounted ownership interest” in Universal Title, according to the settlement agreement. Schwalb’s attorneys claim that several Menkiti agents combined to pay $52,500 for a 50 percent ownership stake in the company. (This arrangement is decidedly less spicy than the perks Schwalb described other agents receiving in his last round of settlements, which included Chesapeake Bay yacht parties for agents with many successful referrals.)

Universal Title calls those claims “untrue” in its statement, arguing that “the investing partners collectively raised $235,000 in an initial round of capitalization for a minority share of 25 percent ownership.” It also argued that the AG overstated the agents’ success in steering business to the company.

“Almost a third of our investors never referred a single title or closing order to the operation, and the capture rate of their business was merely 13 percent,” the company wrote. “Universal Title has always been and remains committed to transparency. Our business is a valuable part of the real estate process, and our primary function is to protect the consumer from fraud and needless litigation while ensuring their secure transaction.”

Not everyone agrees with the latter part of that statement. Some experts have increasingly come to believe that these companies add unnecessary up-front costs for homebuyers, and argue that basic liability insurance from title search companies could guard against unexpected issues at closing. President Joe Biden’s administration has even begun piloting programs allowing buyers to waive the insurance in certain circumstances. 

Universal Title claims in its statement that Schwalb’s “allegations that receiving a distribution of profits from a legitimate business are in violation of the law run counter to the legislative intent and subsequent interpretation by the D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking.” The other companies that agreed to settlements in August made similar claims.

With this national pressure in the background, and Schwalb’s newfound emphasis on enforcing D.C. law in this area, it’s not hard for LL to imagine some sort of litigation from the title insurance companies—or perhaps lobbying efforts to urge a change in the law entirely.

The best jazz soloist, they say, is one whose solos “tell a story.” Muneer Nasser has more than one story to tell—but they’re not all his own.

Chances are you’ve heard Nasser on trumpet somewhere around town. In just the past two months, he played the D.C. Jazz Festival, Blues Alley, and Westminster Presbyterian Church, all in service of his new album, Blue House Session. His jazz is straighter than straight-ahead: In fact, he’s a little skeptical of straight-ahead jazz (i.e., the mainstream, or what passes for it given jazz’s commercial position) circa 2024.

“I call it catch-me-if-you-can jazz because it kind of starts and kind of rambles on,” he says over lunch in Rockville. “I like the stuff I grew up on, where the groove is emphasized.”

Whether you share his view of contemporary jazz or not, Nasser puts his money where his mouth is. Blue House Session (recorded in the summer of 2023 at the titular studio in Silver Spring) contains some of the purest, most tunefully accessible stuff this side of 1965. There’s blues in spades—oozing out of every corner, not just in the original track “Nasser’s Blues” or the Miles Davis cover “All Blues.” There’s also a wallop of Afro Caribbean sounds, including two Cuban-spiced numbers, “Cancel Culture” and “Public Eye,” and a reggae pastiche in “Black Disciples.”

It almost can’t help but be a killer record, given the band Nasser puts behind him: Tenor saxophonist Elijah Easton, pianist Allyn Johnson, bassist James King, and drummer John Lamkin III all put in their level best. But Nasser himself is a gifted and well-schooled trumpeter. On “Black Disciples” in particular, he pulls out all the technical stops, with pitch bends, lip trills, and growls in his pithy back-and-forth with Easton. He backs the chops up with concise, coherent statements, often thoughtful, always playful—even on the ballad standard “Polka Dots and Moonbeams.” (That last, by the way, is a gem for the flugel, the larger and darker sibling of the trumpet; Nasser is one of many great trumpeters in D.C., but he might be the best flugelhornist, full stop.) Indeed, Blue House Session is one thing that a great deal of contemporary jazz forgets to be: fun.

Now 57, Nasser has been in D.C. for the better part of four decades, arriving as a student at Howard University. He came up through the District’s jazz ranks like a lot of his peers, working at Lawrence Wheatley’s weekly jam sessions at One Step Down and at churches like Anacostia’s Union Temple Baptist. “There was a sense of camaraderie here,” he recalls. “Everybody knew each other. I don’t think enough credit is given to this environment that was created in D.C.” (Swing Beat wholeheartedly agrees with that sentiment.)

But that environment is not Nasser’s foundation. That’s where his other stories come in.

The trumpeter is the son of Jamil Nasser, a bass player from Memphis (born George Joyner) who moved to New York in 1956 and began a prolific and quite visible career. He was an especially popular accompanist for modern jazz pianists, first making his mark with fellow Memphian Phineas Newborn Jr. before working with Red Garland and Thelonious Monk, as well as Ahmad Jamal, with whom he collaborated for most of the 1960s and into the ’70s.

Muneer, one of Jamil’s three sons, is more than just a musician; he’s the author of Upright Bass: The Musical Life and Legacy of Jamil Nasser. Written in the first person, the book is not a conventional biography, or even an autobiography per se: “Dad asked me to write a memoir,” he says in the preface. He based the book on interviews with his father—conducted before Alzheimer’s disease ravaged the elder Nasser’s memory—and his extensive self-collected archive of photos, flyers, and news clippings.

Upright Bass offers a very different perspective on jazz life. Jamil released only one album as a bandleader (in 1961, when he was still George Joyner), otherwise he was known as a sideman. Sidemen don’t usually get a say in the realm of the jazz memoir—which is unfortunate, as Upright Bass demonstrates. Jamil went everywhere the leaders who employed him did (Muneer does some great detective work on his father’s time with Monk, for example), making him not only a star witness to and participant in history, but one who experienced it within the trenches.

Today, Jamil Nasser is generally thought of as a utility player, a sideman with a name but no strong voice of his own. Upright Bass shows that he was anything but: Jamil is a fearsome personality, a principled activist (often isolated even within the Black community of New York and, later, Hempstead, Long Island, because he was a devout Muslim) who demanded respect and self-possession, and someone who was always ready to give support (not just musically) to musicians and others in need. In the 1980s, he defied the anti-apartheid cultural boycott of South Africa, journeying there as a working musician not for the sake of profit, but to gather information firsthand. This was a man with a lot to tell us. And through his son, he does.

This leaves Muneer Nasser juggling two legacies. He has ensured that his father is not a forgotten sideman, while also making a memorable niche in D.C. jazz for himself. “My father’s field of activity transcended playing great bass lines and solos,” Nasser says. “[He was] an educator, jazz advocate, herbalist, record producer, concert organizer, fiction writer [of Big Willie, an unpublished novel about a Black cowboy], actor [Jamil had a small part in the 1996 movie The Preacher’s Wife, among others], and spiritual counselor.” His primary lesson to his son, Nasser adds, was to “live a balanced life, which encompasses creative, intellectual, spiritual, and economic pursuits. Lift as you climb!”

Blue House Session (Nasser’s second album, after 2019’s A Soldier’s Story) will no doubt land him some more gigs in the near future; while you’re there, buy the book.

One D.C. police officer is scheduled for a disciplinary hearing this month.

Officer H. Thomas is accused of repeatedly leaving his duty assignment and engaging in “inappropriate conduct,” according to the monthly schedule for adverse action hearings posted online. Thomas’ hearing is scheduled for Oct. 29.

The hearing schedules only identify officers by their last names and first initials and describe their alleged misconduct in the vaguest of terms.

Multiple rosters of MPD employees list only one person in the department with the last name Thomas and the a first name that begins with an H: Harold Thomas. A Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson confirmed Thomas’ full name but did not provide more details about the alleged “inappropriate conduct.”

Officer Harold Thomas started working for MPD in 2010, according to employment records available online, and makes $97,380 per year. He was assigned as a patrol officer in the Second District and is currently on non-contact status, according to the department spokesperson.

September’s single adverse action hearing involved Lt. Andre Suber, who has been accused by multiple women in a lawsuit of sexual harassment. The hearing schedule described the allegations against him as “inappropriate workplace conduct,” and it’s unclear if that conduct is related to the accusations in the lawsuit. Suber’s hearing was canceled, and it’s unclear if, or when, it will be rescheduled.

Adverse action hearings are open to the public, but MPD requires attendees to register by emailing drd-hearing.admin@dc.gov at least two business days in advance. The chairperson who oversees these proceedings has the discretion to close “all or portions of the hearing for cause,” according to the DRD’s rules.

The hearings operate like mini trials, where an officer (typically represented by an attorney) has the opportunity to respond to the accusations and present witnesses and evidence. At some point afterward, a panel of MPD brass will make a disciplinary recommendation, which can include a fine, suspension, reduction in rank or pay, and termination, according to MPD’s general orders. The final disciplinary decision rests with the chief of police, but the department generally does not tell the public what sort of punishment it imposes on officers who engage in misconduct.

Correction: This article originally said MPD declined to confirm the officer’s identity. This version has been updated to say that the department identified the officer’s full name.