Jamaica has been associated with cannabis for a long time, but it’s only recently that its strains have taken the world by storm. The climate is ideal for growing weed in Jamaica, and its place in the island’s culture has helped to make it a fixture for over a hundred years. The sheer variety of weed strains available is a testament to the passion and care that goes into its farming. There’s even a strain known simply as “Jamaican,” which is native to the island.
A few of the most iconic Jamaican strains have gained popularity all around the world. Some of the most well-known strains in Jamaica are Lamb’s Bread, Jamaican Pearl, Jamaican Dream, and Marley’s Collie. The latter is named for one of Jamaica’s most famous weed ambassadors, the legendary reggae star Bob Marley. As Jamaica’s cannabis industry has grown, more and more outstanding strains have been developed on the island. There are many to choose from, but finding the right one for you needn’t be a mystery.
Growing Conditions & Cultivation Techniques
There are a few reasons that Jamaica is such a haven for cannabis weedgrowers. It’s partly cultural, especially with weed playing a sacramental role in the Rastafarian religion. That’s not all, though. For one thing, the tropical climate is ideal for its cultivation. With its rich mineral soils and almost ever-present Jamaican sunshine, the island is the perfect place for cannabis plants to flourish.
Jamaica’s ganja farmers have developed innovative and sustainable cultivation methods to make the most of this environment. Persevering through times of prohibition, natural farming techniques are prioritized – at JACANA, all our cannabis is organically grown using clean, natural inputs. In addition to being better for the environment, this approach also improves the quality of the weed.
Legal Landscape of Cannabis in Jamaica
Given how connected Jamaica and weed are in the popular imagination, it may come as a surprise to learn that cannabis was only decriminalized as recently as 2015. Even then, it’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed. Decriminalization is not the same as legalization. You won’t receive jail time for possession of up to two ounces of cannabis in Jamaica, but there is a stiff fine if caught beyond this amount – unless it’s for medical or therapeutic purposes.
This has led to the opening of dispensaries across the island. You can spend many fruitful hours in dispensaries around the islands, where knowledgeable budtenders can teach you about all the local Jamaican strains. You can find your nearest JACANA branch on our website. Note that although it is legal to purchase weed, smoking in public is still not allowed unless on licensed premises.
The legal relaxation has proven to be a boon to Jamaica’s ganja industry and is starting to become a powerful economic force for the island. In addition to farming and sales, the tourism industry has also come to the party, with cannabis tours all over the island.
The Essence of a Pure Weed Strain
You may be familiar with general strain classifications like Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid, but have you ever really thought about where the cannabis you’re buying comes from? Most cannabis in Jamaica and around the world are hybrids. This means they are not grown from a single pure strain but rather a cultivated blend, usually dominated by either Sativa or Indica. Many cannabis connoisseurs say that pure ganja strains are more potent, although this is more anecdotal than proven fact.
Pure cannabis strains, commonly known as landrace strains, are cannabis strains native to the place where they are grown. That means they evolved naturally rather than being developed by farmers or enthusiasts. Landrace strains are usually the only ones available that are 100% Sativa or Indica instead of a hybrid. These strains have provided the genetic foundation for the development of all other weed strains. Landrace strains are still grown today – why not try some Jamaica’s Lamb’s Bread when you’re on the island?
Preserving Jamaica’s Weed Strains
Like most things in life, diversity promotes a richer experience. Over-hybridization could result in the loss of the original landrace strains. As a result, it’s essential to protect the unique genetics of Jamaican weed strains. Jamaican ganja farmers and cannabis enthusiasts, including the Rastafarian community, are leading the drive to preserve the landrace strains alongside new hybrids.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it’s worth exploring the wonderful world of Jamaica’s cannabis strains. If you want to get the inside scoop on the cannabis industry, consider taking one of our tours. We’ll take you behind the seeds and give you the chance to chat one-on-one with our local ganja farmers.
If that’s not on your agenda, just visit one of our stores and try our curated JACANA strains – labeled according to the effect they produce: “Joy,” “Peace,” and “Passion.” Our commitment to science and research means we’ve dialed in on the right strains for every kind of situation. Speak to our budtenders, and they’ll find the right strain for you.
