The variety used by Bob Marley in the 1970 years is cloned again by a Rasta expert
During the 50 years at 70, Jamaica was well known for his grass with unique characteristics based on its flower, growth, smell, taste and euphoria. A Jamaican scientist of 35 years, Dr. Machel Emanuel, managed to clone the smoked strain by Bob Marley in the 70 years.
The species has been endangered since the 1980 prohibition. One of the unique features of this landrace was its extreme height. As the international war on drugs intensified, ganja farmers realized that the height of the local plants made it easy for authorities to discover their farms. Over time, this variety was replaced by shorter, more concealable varieties. Within a few years, the locally bred plant had almost disappeared.
In order to revive this unique plant form, Dr Emanuel spent his last years traveling across the Caribbean in search of seeds of landraces of Jamaican history. His research led him to Guadeloupe, Trinidad and Dominica in search of Rastas living in the countryside and still cultivating what remains of these plants. Some of these seeds are said to come from a Rasta man living on a mountain, disconnected from modern civilization for over 40 years.
In his laboratory in the biology department of the University of the West Indies in Kingston, there is a field of cannabis covering several tens of square meters. The biologist has been cultivating cannabis since 2001 and moved to Jamaica in 2007 to continue his education.
According to his Rastafarian beliefs, Dr. Emanuel wants more equitable conditions for producers in developing countries.
He said large companies were already struggling to secure intellectual property rights to indigenous cannabis, but he hoped those companies would adopt “fair trade” practices in their dealings with smaller countries. He wants to make sure that the university and the farmers who saved the seeds get credit for their foresight and hard work.
Jamaica's reputation is based primarily on these plants ... Growing these plants could be of economic benefit. They are more resistant and grow more easily.
His research was done out of love for horticulture, but the scientist also developed a comprehensive marketing plan. It refers to a “pure” and ancient weed, used by Bob Marley, an appealing presentation for cannabis enthusiasts in countries and regions that have legalized its use.
Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailers have consumed this Landrace, assures Dr. Emanuel. The ganja of reggae legends, would not have been as strong as modern cannabis, artificially created and which contains higher levels of THC.
Dr Emanuel believes that cultivating this specific breed of origin could open up new economic opportunities for Jamaica, which could eventually make the island as famous a destination for its cannabis as France for its champagne.
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