Black Afghan (also known as Black Afghani) is a purely indica strain with a solid genetic backbone. This bud is a cross between a landrace Afghan Kush and Sensi Seeds’ colorful Black Domina. It has deep purple hues and the dank, incense-like aroma you’d expect of such a heavy indica. Best suited to a relaxing evening spent indoors, Black Afghan has THC levels measured at between 19% and 24%.
Black Afghan sets itself apart with large, colorful flowers. Surprisingly, these buds adhere in a long, spindly formation more commonly seen in landrace sativas like Thai. The long, wispy leaves twist loosely away from one another, giving these flowers a somewhat ragged appearance. Perhaps most notably, these leaves are more dark purple than green, due to very high concentrations of the pigment anthocyanin, passed on from Black Domina. Bright orange pistils provide visual contrast against these dark leaves while resinous white trichomes make them very sticky to the touch.
When properly cured, Black Afghan’s flowers give off a deep, musky aroma, redolent of damp soil and leaves. A deeper whiff may also pick up on some notes of sour berries. Grinding up or picking apart these feathery flowers, meanwhile, gives off the peppery kick often associated with Afghani.
When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Black Afghan burns with heavy and pungent smoke that’s likely to trigger coughing or watery eyes. On the exhale, this smoke leaves behind lingering flavors of fruit and hash.
As is often the case with pure indicas, Black Afghan’s high may require several minutes before it becomes apparent. Eventually, the strain asserts itself with a headrush and some facial tics like an increased pulse around the temples. As these sensations die down, smokers are immersed in a kind of altered state in which sensory perception is prone to some weird changes. Slight visual and auditory hallucinations are possible, as is a trippy sense of time passing more slowly. Users who enjoy these psychedelic vibes can amplify them with some moody music or an atmospheric movie. For some, Black Afghan can inspire chattiness, setting the stage for a mellow hang session with some like-minded friends. In the right set and setting, this surreal head high can even be a serious aphrodisiac.
As Black Afghan’s palpable high continues, its physical effects may start to settle in. A tingle that begins at the base of the neck may roll down the spine and out through the extremities. Although this progressive body stone can undo any prior motivation or efforts at productivity, it’s just the thing for winding down after a long, demanding day. If the dosage is increased, this relaxation is likely to pin smokers in place; as such, Black Afghan’s later stages are best enjoyed in the comforts of home. Because of its dreamy, sedative qualities, this strain is recommended for nighttime consumption -- or at least during a day that’s free of any commitments or responsibilities.
Black Afghan’s pervasive, full-bodied relaxation can also have many benefits for medical cannabis patients. Its soothing euphoria can counteract the symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Physically speaking, it can soothe aches and pains, whether temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or arthritis. Anti-inflammatory properties can take the sting out of mild discomforts like nausea and cramps. Black Afghan’s tendency to induce hunger can be a great appetite enhancement for those with digestive issues, while its sedative comedown can be a viable treatment for insomnia. Because it comes with relatively little risk of paranoia or obsessive thinking, Black Afghan is a good option for patients who are prone to panic.
Unfortunately for home growers, seeds of Black Afghan are not readily available for online purchase. Instead, those looking to cultivate their own should seek out a reputable source from which to obtain clippings of mature plants of the strain. These can be propagated as genetically identical “clones” and may thrive indoors or out; although outdoor cultivation typically calls for a hot, humid climate, Black Afghan’s sturdy landrace genes may make it a resilient grow in adverse conditions. Plants have the short, bushy stature characteristic of pure indicas. They reach maturity within a short 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors.
Black Afghan is a luxurious indica that’s best reserved for a lazy, laidback smoke session. Its Afghani provenance also makes the strain worth seeking out by landrace connoisseurs.