Central American

Central American can be a catch-all term to describe landrace strains endemic to the isthmus connecting North and South America. Thanks to the tropical climate of the region, tall, branchy cannabis plants can thrive in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. The varieties that are cultivated here tend to be sativa in origin and have nicknames that vary by region, including Creepy, Rasta, Moña, Pito, Puro, Monte, and Mota. Central American sativas confer a buzzy, head-focused high and a robust aroma.

Flowers of Central American strains are generally small to medium in size and have an elongated, spindly formation characteristic of other pure sativas. The flowers have a loose and open structure, with thin leaves that twist apart in different directions. The flowers themselves are a dark shade of green and are shot through with curly orange pistils and covered in glassy white trichomes.

Cured flowers of this landrace strain have a certain earthy, musky scent that’s similar to damp soil. A closer inspection brings out a sharper edge, somewhat like skunk or gasoline. Grinding up the flowers intensifies these funky odors. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Central American bud can be somewhat harsh and may tickle the palate or sinuses. This smoke has an earthy and woody flavor with a creamy mouthfeel on the exhale.

Because of its entirely sativa character, Central American is one strain that takes action almost immediately, sometimes exerting a trippy headrush before consumer have finished exhaling. Some early signs of its action include a sudden lightheadedness and a tingling feeling in the temples and forehead. As these tics subside, smokers are able to focus on the strain’s ability to stimulate the mind. Ideas may seem to take on a new gravity or significance and may inspire you to embark on a rambling monologue that those around you might not totally understand. Additionally, this bud’s high-powered mental effects may lead smokers to find unexpected commonalities between seemingly unrelated concepts or to group their thoughts or ideas into categories. All this cerebral stimulation can allow for extended work on complex, detailed tasks, whether they’re required for work or have to do with personal projects. Similarly, Central American can open up new channels of creative thinking for those engaged in original artistic work or in brainstorming sessions. Those who aren’t feeling quite as ambitious or productive, though, can just go about their day or run errands while Central American keeps their thoughts moving at a steady and entertaining pace. This strain tends not to do much in the way of physical relaxation and even as the high wears on, users are able to keep up their energy levels for any kind of mental motivation or physical activity that they might want to take advantage of. Some may even find the strain’s upbeat high a great complement to jogging or another light exercise. Because it will do more to awaken than to subdue its consumers, Central American is recommended for daytime (and for frequent cannabis consumers, even morning) use.

Central American may also have several benefits for medical cannabis patients. It can aid in focus for those dealing with attention deficit disorders. Its bursts of euphoria may also temporarily lift the clouds brought about by mild to moderate stress and depression. Physically speaking, this strain can relieve pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. The strains anti-inflammatory properties can take care of more everyday discomforts like cramps. Because it can bring about a fairly obsessive, paranoid mindset, Central American is not a good option for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Because the name Central American covers a diffuse range of plant varieties, seeds have not been made widely available for sale. Those looking to grow this landrace should obtain clippings that can be fostered as clones; they should also live in a tropical climate similar to Central America where this strain is found. Plants can be grown indoors or out, although their landrace roots may make them a hardy outdoor grow. Crops can grow tall and branchy and may require occasional trimming. They flower after about 9 to 11 weeks.

Central American strains are a must-try for sativa lovers. Because of their rare regional provenance, they’re also a great option for cannabis nerds.