Varieties of Marijuana

Technically speaking, there is only one species of marijuana, Cannabis sativa. By technically speaking, I mean that all marijuana plants are scientifically and legally classified as Cannabis sativa even though every grower acknowledges that there are three different "varieties" of marijuana within the species.

If that's not confusing enough, there are literally thousands of different genetic strains, each with a different high, flavor, fragrance, THC content, flowering time, and a host of other traits. Nowadays you can search a web site or flip through a catalogue and find hundreds of exotic strains, most of which you could be growing in a matter of weeks.

The two main varieties of marijuana are Indica and Sativa and there are many strains that are crosses of these two varieties. Within each variety, there are a huge number of individual strains, each with a different taste, aroma, and high.

Sativa plants are characterized by spiky leaves and long thin flowers that are light green in color. This variety grows very quickly and can reach heights of twenty feet in a single season. Sativa's higher THC to CBD ratio produces a cerebral, soaring type of high that's more energetic, which can stimulate brain activity and may produce hallucinations.

Sativas originate from equatorial regions such as Colombia, Mexico, Thailand and Southeast Asia, where the growing season is warmer. Because of this, they are not generally used for outdoor cultivation in colder climates, although some hybrids can produce good yields under these conditions.

Once flowering has begun, Sativas can take anywhere from 10 to 16 weeks to fully mature. They contain less chlorophyll and more accessory pigments (protection from excessive sunlight) than Indicas. Because of this, Sativas take longer to grow, mature, and require more light. They tend to grow taller and more gangly than Indicas, which produces a lower, but more potent, yield. In general, pure Sativas are best suited for outdoor growing.

Hard, shiny black/grey stuff. The most widely available cannabis variety in England. Not the nicest smoke in the world, often contaminated by diesel fumes due to the smuggling method. Your bog standard smoke really, usually burned and crumbled into a spliff or a mix. Some people cut up the solid rather than burn and crumble as this preserves the potency. A stronger concentration of the special THC is found is cannabis, but unless smoked through a bong or similar smoking device the tastes can be somewhat harsh. Also an easy substance to crumble into food or hot drinks such as coffee.