Entheogens use in pre-hispanic Mexico
Mexico is home to several Sativa landrace strains thanks to its unique climate, terrain, and high elevations.
Mexico was one of the largest cannabis producers in Latin America and one of the main exporters to the US, which led to cannabis prohibition, resulting in an almost extinction of Mexican cannabis fields and Mexican landraces.
Cannabis became illegal due to several factors but there have been multiple manuscripts and murals that depict the use of sacred substances in the regions of Yucatán, Teotihuacán, and Oaxaca which go back more than 5,000 years.
Cannabis and other hallucinogens like mushrooms, peyote, and salvia (among others) were mainly used and ministered by shamans (who were seen as an intermediary between the earth and the supernatural) in therapeutic and religious rituals.
These entheogens caused a sensation of inner peace and being connected with nature. These effects were used to communicate with the gods although historians suspect they were also used by natives as a recreational substance.
When the Spanish arrived, they were horrified by the use of these substances, believing they were demonic and everyone who used them was trying to seek the devil, so they had to be eliminated.
This led to a prohibition that was not accepted by the natives.
Smuggling of brick weed
Fast forward to the 1900s, these substances were still used to achieve a superior state of mind but Cannabis was somewhat left out of it and was (and still is) used as a recreational drug, which led to its high popularity, and prohibition all over the world.
Known as “brick weed” because of its appearance when it entered the US in the 1970s and 80s, Mexican cannabis was highly coveted by consumers in the US and even in Europe due to its potent effect.
Mexican Sativas were also used by medicinal consumers thanks to the mentally stimulating and mood-elevating effect which was used to combat depression and other disorders.
True Mexican Sativas
In their fresh form, Mexican landraces were typically elongated with bright green leaves, and bright orange hairs, and sometimes presented blue or purple hues due to the cold nighttime in some regions of Mexico.
True Mexican Sativas mature quickly, and Mexican landraces grow tall with thin branching and bright green leaves.
These Sativa-dominant strains were approximately 70/30 Sativa with 12-18% THC and a very intense citric flavor which consisted of a lemony inhale with an earthy exhale, being able to produce up to 1000g per plant outdoors.
Mexican Landraces
Mexican landraces were named after the place they grew in.
There are several popular Mexican landraces such as Oaxacan and Sinoalan. One of the most known Mexican landraces originates from the Southwest mountains of Mexico and was named after the nearest city: Acapulco.
This potent Sativa has been extremely popular since the 1960s.
Mexican Genetics Nowadays
Nowadays you can find photoperiodic genetics that contains Mexican heritage such as Cannalope Haze and Trainwreck, you can even find auto-flowering cannabis seeds such as Mexican Airlines Auto or Orange Sherbet Auto which deliver a similar effect to true Mexican strains.
Even though there’s no major difference in the growing process of autos and photos (other than the time it takes them from seed to harvest) or in the process of how to harvest auto-flowers, it’s extremely rare and hard to find a true pure Mexican Sativa like the ones you could find in the 80s, so it’s essential you buy seeds from a reputable seed bank.