Sativa
THC: 16% – 22%
You don’t have to be a stoner or medical marijuana patient to recognize the words “Panama Red.” This truly old-school strain rose to prominence in the late 1960s thanks to its alluring name and pure sativa effects (sativa/indica ratio of 100:0). They include a distinctly cerebral high that comes with euphoria, relaxation, happiness, and sociability. This makes Panama Red an effective medication for anxiety, ADHD, migraine headaches, and mood disorders. Though strong by hippie standards, Panama Red no longer ranks in the top tier when it comes to THC: Levels range from 16% to roughly 2% in available tests. And it definitely isn’t known for its CBD content, so it probably shouldn’t be used as the only means of treating seizures or other health conditions that respond to CBD. The buds are light green and dusted with crystals, while the smell and flavor of this strain are pungent, earthy, and woody. Dry eyes, dry mouth, and headaches are the most commonly reported adverse effects of Panama Red, though limited paranoia is also possible. This strain’s popularity isn’t what it once was: It can be found now mostly in Washington, Oregon, and Northern California.
The strain is ideal for daytime use to cope with stress and anxiety, or to alleviate the oppressing effects of depression. The slight body high of Panama Red may help make some mild aches and pains more manageable. They may also help fight eating disorders such as anorexia. It may also be good for relieving users of inflammation and nausea.
Panama Red is a pure landrace Sativa strain named after the country it came from and seeds are now really only available from the original breeder Reeferman. The decline of the strain’s popularity is due to it’s long flowering time that ranges between 11 and 12 weeks and it’s moderate yield with a low THC count. Even so, for many the strain remains a favorite for its ease of growth both indoors and out.
Type of High
Panama Red marijuana strain induces a mellow cerebral high. Boosts energy and creativity, prompts giggles and social behavior. Relieves stress, alleviates depression, relaxes the body, boosts appetite. May cause anxiety and paranoia in some users.
Genetics
Lineage: Panama Landrace strains.
The Rise And Fall Of The Panama Red
Being just above the equator, Panama has a tropical climate with the temperatures hovering around 25 to 30ºC year round. The weather patterns are quite different depending on the coast you are in, but hundreds of islands and coves make Panama a great tourist destination.
Right up until the 70s, Panama was a leading exporter of some of the best cannabis in the world. Most of its product ended up in the US and European markets. Panama Red was grown mostly on the Pacific coast, which has more fertile lands. The cannabis domination lasted until locals realized that cocaine trade was much more profitable and switched their “business model”. Cannabis crops were stripped to make room for labs, camps and hidden landing strips for the cartel planes.
However, some locals continued to grow marijuana, mostly for domestic use. The base of those growers was on a small island group of the south coast of Panama, called the Pearl islands. Nowadays a luxury retreat for wealthy jet-setters, back then the islands were a literal pirate have, where illegal activities could stay undisturbed. The climate was perfect for sativas, as the temperatures, soil and humidity were ideal for their development. Over the course of the years, the genetic pool of the Panama Red strain remained locked in the archipelago of the 200+ islands.
Acquiring Panama Red
Panama Red was one of the most sought after cannabis varieties in the world. Old school stoners still remember it fondly, while newer generations might have a chance to acquire a hybrid. The seeds of Panama Red are said to be available only from its original breeder, Reeferman. For the curious ones, the strain is now mostly found in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California.
Panama Red In Pop Culture
The Adventures of Panama Red was the title of a country rock album released in 1973 by the New Riders of the Purple Sage. We don’t know how close the band was to the weed strain, but the actual Panama Red song is not so bad!
Panama Red Seeds Strain Lineage
The downfall of strains like the Panama Red is also a reflection of how our preferences change throughout the years. Pure landrace strains are high quality, but not really strong by today’s standards. Breeders prefer to mix them and breed highly potent varieties, designed to wow the crowds with their insane amounts of THC.
The high from Panama Red weed is pure Sativa. The take off is instant and very strong. The effects are visual and trippy, setting both the pulse and the mind racing. Although this legendary high is sought by Sativa heads the world over, its intensity means it may be best avoided by those prone to paranoia or anxiety.
Growing Panama Red Seeds
By modern standards, the Panama Red is not at all that potent: It produces about 10-15% of THC, which was great in the 70s, but kinda disappointing nowadays. However, potency is not the reason you should try growing this strain.
Like most Sativas, Panama Red marijuana is a vigorous plant that will grow tall, stretching during both the vegetative and the flowering phases. It will thrive in the grow room but is truly happiest outdoors, although you should only consider this if you live in a tropical or semi-tropical climate.
A typical pure sativa, this plant is rather slow, flowering at about 80 days from seed.
Growing Indoors
It is perfectly feasible to grow this strain in the grow room, however its flowering period will test your patience. Panama Red and its hybrids will flower at about 12 weeks from seed, while the yield is less than impressive.
Growing Outdoors
This plant will thrive outdoors if introduced to a suitable climate, but it will take even more time to flower! Expect to harvest a yield of about 400 gr (16 oz) per plant in late October.
Taste, Smell And Effects
This strain is what you would expect from a plant that comes straight from the hippie era: Mellow and cerebral, with some hints of bodily relaxation. Expect a burst in your creativity levels and a feeling of euphoria. On the downside, this strain is known to cause red eyes and dry mouth. Overall, it is a welcome change from the norm of “dank THC-filled strains”, and a great choice for those who want to experience a slight buzz.
The smell of Panama Red is earthy with fruity undertones. There are also slight hints of citrus there. Taste-wise, the Panama Red is delicious with herbal and spicy tastes overpowering the palate.