P-91

Sometimes a strain can bie successfully crossed with itself — although it may sound counterintuitive, the exchange of traits from markedly different phenotypes of a single variety can yield amazing results. P-91 is a great example of this experimental breeding: it is the product of a Northern Lights female crossed with a Northern Lights male, and then back-crossed a third time with the original Northern Lights mother plant. There is also some conjecture that P-91 may in fact be the child of a Skunk #1 female and a Thai landrace male.

Whatever its genetic background, though, cannabis breeders generally agree that this strain originated in Poway, a town in San Diego County, California in 1991 (hence its name). P-91 is a stable and potent strain that shows off all the qualities that made Northern Lights famous: strong and long-lasting indica relaxation alongside a buzzy sativa edge. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 clocks its THC content at an impressive 20%.

Flowers of P-91 appear small to medium in size and hold a dense, indica-typical formation, with particularly wide leaves coiled around their stems. The vibrant green leaves are threaded through with orange to brown pistils. Amber trichomes cover the buds, giving them a slightly yellow tint and an incredibly sticky texture — this is one strain that’s very hard to break up without the use of a grinder. At first, users are struck by the flowers’ bright citrus scent. On closer inspection, there’s also a slightly astringent tang, reminiscent of ammonia cleaning products. Breaking open the buds yields more spicy notes, presumably inherited from grandparent strain Afghani. When combusted, P-91 gives off a harsh, acrid smoke that may sting eyes and sinuses and induce coughing. On the exhale, it tastes sweet and lemony with some traces of damp earth.

P-91 takes effect quickly, beginning as a pressure around the eyes and temples. Smokers may soon perceive external stimuli more intensely than before — certain colors or sounds may take on an entirely new dimension. A while later, after they have adjusted to their altered states, this head buzz melts into a stoney body high. Worries and muscular tension both dissipate as relaxed smokers sink into the closest comfortable surroundings. P-91 still keeps its fans lucid, though, and while it may not be the best strain for productivity and problem-solving, it’s great for creative thinking. It can also be a good way to enhance appreciation of psychedelic music and art. As this high wears on, couchlock may set in, providing the perfect setting for thoughts to wander or for stimulating conversation to flow.

Just as its recreational uses are both mental and physical, P-91 has a wide range of benefits for medical cannabis patients as well. Its feelings of enhanced perception may help those with stress or depression to live more acutely in the moment. Its sustained focus can also be an aid to people with attention deficit disorders. Physiologically speaking, P-91 can soothe aches and pains, whether incidental as caused by injury or chronic, due to conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Finally, in high enough doses, this strain may be able to combat stubborn cases of insomnia.

No breeding operations have released seeds of this elusive strain for commercial sale. Those looking to grow it should obtain clippings from mature plants of P-91 in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” It can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation requires a warm, semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures in the 70-degree Fahrenheit range. It is easily accommodated indoors, though, with its short, bushy plants. Growers should be sure to “top” their plants regularly by pruning away any wide fan leaves that could prevent light and air from reaching the low-growing flowering nodes. Growers will also need to be patient, as P-91 has a long flowering time of 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and early November when grown outdoors.

With solid landrace roots, P-91 is a testament to the advantages of restricted breeding. All the great stoney and spacey qualities of Northern Lights are distilled in this easygoing strain. Its high resin production also makes it very well-suited to the production of hash and other THC concentrates.