Strain of the Month: Black Mamba

This time of year, as days retreat into darkness, it’s easy for our thoughts to drift back to summer and remember the wonderful power of the sun and how it is able to drive everything in the plant kingdom to grow and bloom, including cannabis. While day length, weather conditions and the changing of seasons may mean nothing to indoor growers, they all have an influence on growers who let their plants express their true nature under sunlight. So why, with so much at stake, do some growers gamble on subjecting their valuable crop to the fickle whims of weather? Jake Cowin, general manager of Green Force Pharm, has an answer. “One of my favorite factors of sungrown cannabis is purely aesthetic,” he said. “Cannabis in natural sun maintains its natural hue of green that is more appealing to the eye, which you just don’t get under HPS lights.” He also said that in late flowering stages, when temperatures drop low, the fan leaves and flower naturally turn a deep purple, depending on the strain. Regardless of whether cannabis is grown by the sun via indoor, pests remain a problem and play a huge role in crop management and quality. Jake says that by growing in the sun you can really see how the plant and the environment interact. All of this effort is evident in Green Force Pharm’s Black Mamba. Appearance: Very frosty, mixed with light and dark green hues, highlighted with fine reddish, golden pistils. Almost all leaf has been removed, leaving pressed flowers held together with every surface glazed in translucent trichomes. They appear to be very hard nugs, but are surprisingly still springy. Aroma: Upon opening, the primary scent is a fresh strong lemon balm that could come from both Linalool and Limonene. This is followed by a sweet floral aroma, and finishes with a dry earthy spice from the Caryophellene. Effects: By the second hit, I can feel time slowing as the smooth smoke disperses. The THC comes on quickly, thanks to high levels of the primary terpenes that help overcome any anxiety, along with some sedation while maintaining an active mind and uplifted state. These pleasant effects stayed with me for a four hours and made a nice transition from afternoon to evening. Black Mamba is a good choice to celebrate the rebirth of the sun with the winter solstice later this month.