Mazar: The Legendary "Afghan Skunk" Powerhouse
Mazar: The Legendary "Afghan Skunk" Powerhouse
Strain Overview
Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid (80% Indica / 20% Sativa)
Origin: Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan (Afghani Landrace x Skunk #1)
THC Content: 19% – 25%
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene
Key Effects: Deep Relaxation, Sedative, Meditative, Sleep Aid
When you talk about "old school" potency, Mazar (formerly known as Afghan Skunk) is part of the conversation. Named after Mazar-i-Sharif, the legendary cannabis hub in Northern Afghanistan, this strain is a direct descendant of the region's hash-producing landraces.
In the 1990s, Dutch breeders at Dutch Passion took a pure Afghani strain from Mazar-i-Sharif and crossed it with the classic Skunk #1. The result was a plant that produced the massive yields and vigor of Skunk with the devastatingly heavy stone of the Afghan mountains. A multiple Cannabis Cup winner (including the 1999 High Times Cup), Mazar remains one of the best choices for growers and smokers who want pure, unadulterated Indica power.
History and Lineage: The Jewel of the North
The genetics of Mazar are steeped in history. Its backbone comes from the Mazar-i-Sharif region, an area famous for producing some of the world's finest hashish (often called "Shirak-i-Mazar" or "Milk of Mazar").
The Genetic Cross
Afghani (Mazar-i-Sharif Landrace): A short, squat plant evolved to survive harsh mountain winters. It provides the resin production and the deep, narcotic body stone.
Skunk #1: The legendary hybrid used to improve yield and growth vigor. It adds a sweet undertone and makes the plant easier to grow indoors.
Why is Mazar Important? Mazar helped set the standard for modern Indicas. It proved that you could take a wild landrace and "tame" it for indoor cultivation without losing its raw power. It is also the parent to the famous Skywalker (Mazar x Blueberry) and subsequently Skywalker OG.
Terpene Profile: Earth, Hash, and Citrus
Mazar smells exactly like a vintage Dutch coffeeshop. It lacks the candy-sweetness of modern dessert strains, opting instead for a rich, savory, and "hashy" profile.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Sedative King): Dominates the profile, responsible for the musky, herbal scent and the strain’s heavy-handed relaxation.
Caryophyllene (The Spicy Note): Adds a distinct pepper and spice kick that hits the back of the throat, reminiscent of traditional black hash.
Limonene (The Citrus Twist): Thanks to the Skunk #1 parent, there is a subtle but noticeable lemon/citrus zest that brightens the deep earthiness.
Flavor Notes: The smoke is incredibly smooth and thick. On the inhale, expect sweet earth and pine. On the exhale, the flavor turns spicy and woody, leaving a lingering taste of incense and hashish.
Mazar Strain Effects: The Ultimate Nightcap
Mazar is not a strain for productivity. It is a "nightcap" strain designed to end your day.
The "Heavy Blanket" Experience
The high comes on slowly but heavily. It starts with a gentle cerebral fuzziness that quiets the mind, followed by a creeping physical weight. Users often describe it as feeling like a heavy, warm blanket is being wrapped around them.
Common Effects Include:
Deep Sedation: It makes your eyelids heavy and your body feel soft.
Meditative State: Unlike some Indicas that make you "stupid," Mazar often induces a quiet, contemplative mental state.
Sleepiness: One of the most effective strains for combating insomnia.
Couch-Lock: Once you sit down, you likely won't get back up for several hours.
Medical Benefits of Mazar for Pain and Anxiety
Mazar is a favorite among medical cannabis patients because it is physically powerful but mentally gentle. It rarely causes the racing heart or paranoia associated with Sativas.
Top Medical Uses:
Insomnia: Its primary medical use. The high levels of Myrcene act as a natural sedative.
Chronic Pain: The "numbing" body stone is excellent for arthritis, back pain, and muscle soreness.
Anxiety and PTSD: Because it slows down racing thoughts and induces a meditative state, it is very effective for panic disorders.
Appetite Stimulation: Like its Afghani parent, it is known to induce a serious case of the munchies.
Growing Mazar: The Short and Sturdy Soldier
Mazar is famous for being easy to grow. It is a robust, Christmas-tree-shaped plant that can take a beating and still produce heavy yields.
Growth Structure
It stays short (usually under 1 meter indoors) and grows very wide and bushy. The side branches are strong enough to support the heavy buds without much trellising.
Cultivation Tips
Flowering Time: fast and efficient, finishing in 8 to 9 weeks.
Yield: Very High. It is known as an "XXL" yielder.
Resilience: It is highly resistant to pests and spider mites, making it perfect for beginner growers.
Odor: It is pungent during late flowering. Carbon filters are essential.
Training: It responds very well to SOG (Sea of Green) or SCROG setups due to its uniform height.
Grower’s Tip: Mazar is a hungry plant. It can handle high nutrient levels (EC) in the flowering stage, so don't be afraid to feed it well once the buds start forming.
Final Verdict: Is Mazar Right for You?
Mazar is a classic for a reason. It offers a connection to the ancient traditions of Afghan hash-making while delivering the performance of a modern hybrid.
You should choose Mazar if:
You want a pure, "stoned" feeling without anxiety.
You love the taste of old-school hash and earth.
You are a beginner grower looking for a high-yield, low-stress plant.
You need a reliable sleep aid that works every time.