Drug info - Cannabis Indica, Sativa, Afghanica, & Kafiristanica

[Shampoo]

The colloquial families of Cannabis, Indica and Sativa, are greatly misunderstood and simplified in their translation from genetics to flowers. C. Sativa, more accurately known as C. Indica, is most commonly known for strains such as 'White Widow', 'Super Silver Haze', 'Snow Cap', and 'Blueberry'. These strains tend to be high in THC as compared to CBN/CBD, providing what many describe as a 'cerebral', 'energetic', and sometimes 'euphoric' high. Actual C. Sativa is bred almost exclusively for hemp fiber production. Cannabis Afghanica, which many users/growers refer to as Indica, is noted for such strains as Afghani, and various 'Kush' strains, originating in the Kush mountain range. Cannabis Afghanica strains are commonly high in CBN/CBD and the high is usually described as narcotic, 'stoney', and analgesic. The third variation on cannabinoid genetics, used almost exclusively for recreational and medicinal purposes, is Cannabis Kafiristanica, more commonly known as 'Diesel', or 'Sour Diesel.' These strains are usually very high in THC with little or no CBN/CBD, providing a potent, energetic, giggly, sometimes paranoia inducing high with little or no analgesic/narcotic property.

A little more, though some of this is repetitive I know, it is confusing, especially considering the misuse of colloquial terminology.

From the Canna-wiki (footnotes removed for clarity, see canna-wiki for sources):

The once basic gene pool of Cannabis began with Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Afghanica (originating in Afghanistan and Pakistan), more commonly known as Cannabis Sativa Var. Indica. The lesser bred C. Sativa var. Kafiristanica (modern day 'Diesel'), originating in India, has considerably low levels of CBD but high levels of both CBN and THC. Cannabis Ruderalis shows the lowest (~.09%) levels of THC and is rarely bred for uses other than hemp fiber and oil production. C. Sativa’s traditionally high-levels of THC as compared to natural levels of CBD contrast C. Afghanica’s higher CBD content.The contents of Cannabis traditionally used vary by region, though modern use mainly relies on Sensimilla, the process in which female plants are sequestered from male pollination, thus avoiding seed pods and maximizing resin and flower production (therefore THC production). When C. Afghanica and variations of C. Sativa are bred, phenotypes occur, producing favorable anomalies such as aesthetically pleasing scent and color mutations, shortened growth periods, and most desirable, controlled (high) levels of THC and CBD. From these phenotypes are bred colloquial ‘strains’, selectively reproduced for desired traits.

How big of a role does swiy think these factors play in determining the growth patterns and effects of a specific strain? What traits seem most significant about each family? Which of these traits seems most easily bred into other strains?

What role do strain names play in parts of the globe with little access to accurate analysis? How are strain names employed or abused by medicinal marijuana, illicit dealers, and growers?

I would like to hear answers from both an anecdotal and scientific perspective, users, breeders, growers, and observers alike should be able to comment on this. There is an interesting discussion to be had here if anyone would like to chime in with some knowledge of genetic transcription and breeding or their views on the results of such cross-strain reproduction/mating.

Reputation Comments on this post:

Great Questions and Information!