Afghan Cow

Afghan Cow is a sativa-leaning strain that may be as potent as it is hard to find. Created by London-based Dr. Krippling Seeds, this bud is crossed from legendary Kali Mist, AK-47 phenotype Kaya 47, and landrace-descended Ash. This strain hits lucky smokers with strong cerebral effects, making it a great accompaniment for a wide range of activities. With a double dose of Afghani in Ash’s background, Afghan Cow also offers a grounding effect with some smooth physical relaxation. This strain’s psychoactivity has been measured at between 18% and 22%.

Afghan Cow is marked by medium to large-sized flowers that adhere in an almost conical shape. Though this is a sativa strain, its pointy buds betray its indica genetics, with a dense, tightly-bound structure. The leaves, curling tightly inward toward their central stems, are a dark olive green and are covered in curly brown and orange hairs — which are actually pistils, structures intended to catch pollen from would-be fertilizing male plants. A sprinkling of cloudy white trichomes covers the nooks and crannies of the curly leaves, giving Afghan Cow a dewy appearance when viewed from afar.

Luckily, those looking to sample Afghan Cow’s buzzy effects don’t have to have to put up with any kind of bovine odor. To the contrary, when they’re properly cured, a sugary-sweet, similar to vanilla icing, wafts up from the flowers. On closer inspection, there’s a slightly sour undercurrent as well. Grinding up Afghan Cow’s dense buds give off notes of spice and hash, passed on from grandparent strain Afghani. When burnt, this strain gives off a smoke that’s as smooth as the flowers’ pleasant aroma. This smoke tastes sweet and just slightly herbal on the exhale.

Like many other sativas, Afghan Cow hits the smoker quickly. Initial effects can be observed as a tingle around the lower forehead and temples (the same constricting sensation for which popular strain Headband is named). This odd feeling gives way to a change in thinking in which ideas and concepts flow through the smoker’s mind in rapid succession, prompting new connections or insights or simply illuminating the everyday. Afghan Cow’s cerebral headspace is an obvious supplement to social situations, where it can prompt talkativeness and camaraderie among like-minded friends. In the right set and setting, this strain is also a great way to accomplish a long to-do list, whether it’s detail and work-related or more mundane, like cleaning. For the more active and athletically-inclined, Afghan Cow’s buzzy energy can be a good way to motivate and enhance exercise — although consumers should always avoid potentially dangerous equipment like freeweights when under the influence. This strain’s physical effects, if they can be discerned at all, manifest as a warmth and tingle, and are unlikely to slow users down. Afghan Cow is recommended for daytime use, as an afternoon energy boost or as a treat to pair with morning coffee. If consumed before bedtime, it’s likely to keep smokers awake and wired.

Afghan Cow’s upbeat effects can have several uses for medical cannabis patients as well. Its long-lasting propensity for concentration can help those with attention deficit disorder to focus on a single task. The bud may also be a good way to temporarily alleviate mild cases of stress and depression. To a lesser degree, physical effects can lessen pain, whether it’s serious and disease-related or common, like a headache. Afghan Cow is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic, as its deeply cerebral “mindrace” can easily veer into paranoid territory.

Dr. Krippling has made seeds of Afghan Cow available online. It can be grown indoors or out, although success outdoors calls for a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. Plants tend to grow short and bushy with strong lateral branches. Growers should regularly trim any oversized fan leaves that can prevent light and air from nourishing any flowering nodes growing on lower branches. Afghan Cow flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in late October when grown outdoors. Under the right conditions, it can offer an incredibly high yield of up to 79 grams (or 2.8 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

Although somewhat difficult to find, Afghan Cow is worth adding to your stable. Its strong landrace roots make it a must-try for sativa lovers.