Apr 30, 2020
Cannabis strains native to the Caribbean
Part three of our series on indigenous cannabis strains takes us to the Caribbean. The emergence of Rastafari culture cemented the culture of cannabis in this region. Rastafari regularly use cannabis spiritually during ceremonies as a meditation aid. Given the history of the Caribbean, it is thought that the native strains can be traced back to some of the original African landrace Sativas which have since flourished in the climate.
The Caribbean is currently at the forefront of global cannabis reforms, developing policies that aim to protect health, reduce harms, are cost-effective and respect human rights. Thanks to this the government is determined to protect the interests of the Rastafari and small farmers.
Strains
Lamb’s Bread
Lamb’s Bread is a bright green and sticky Sativa strain. The effects have been known to give mass amounts of energy and positive introspection. Stress subsides quickly from the Lamb’s Bread buzz, which can help ease depression. The origins of this plant comes from Jamaica and it has been reported that even Bob Marley himself has encountered this slice of cannabis genealogy. It is typically considered to be a go-to Sativa strain for many patients looking to medicate all-day — especially when you are going to be working creatively.
Panama Red
This Sativa landrace cannabis strain is named in part for its fiery red pistils that cover its dark green buds. Providing a mellow, yet energetic high, Panama Red became popular in the late 1960s during the hippy psychedelic era. As cannabis cultivation matured, Panama Red, which has a lengthy flowering time of at least 11 weeks, was left behind for faster growing strains and increased profits.
Jamaican
The Jamaican strain refers to the indigenous varieties of cannabis that grow natively in this region of the world. Although these strains are generally considered to fit the definition of a landrace, cannabis did not actually exist in Jamaica until brought over by Indian indentured servants in the 1840s and 1850s when the British Empire ruled both Jamaica and India. Because of Jamaica’s latitude and climate these varieties tend to be Sativa. This is an energizing daytime strain and beneficial for deep creative thinking. However, horticulturists consider the pure Jamaican landrace to be in danger of falling into obscurity. The 2015 High Times World Cannabis Cup was held in Negril, Jamaica, specifically to encourage the participation of local breeders and to document and preserve pure Jamaican Strains.
In the next, and final, part of our series on ‘cannabis strains native to their continent’ we visit Asia. Where we share some of the most famous landrace strains…
