Colombian

Mexican was all right for hippies who wanted to see God. There's nothing wrong with saying hello to God once in a while, and I think Mexican still has that and so do a few other good dopes at good moments. But more important is day-to-day survival. And Colombian offers that potential.

— "The Dope Taster" in High Times

Colombia is currently the largest supplier of marijuana in the world. The climate and soil conditions in the Andes and on the lowland plains are well suited to growing potent cannabis; the long season and humid air are perfect for the plants, while the country's extended and irregular coastline makes life less anxious for smugglers. It is estimated that ten thousand farmers in Colombia grow marijuana and that the marketing provides a livelihood for five times that many, with people needed as packers, truckers, and even armed guards to protect the shipments. Marijuana is now the largest industry in Colombia, larger even than coffee. Although the Colombian farmer may receive only 1 percent of the final price of his crop, marijuana is still several times more lucrative for him to plant than coffee, cotton, or corn.[11]
    Most Colombian marijuana that reaches America is known as "regular" or "commercial." It is usually dark brown, tends to be strong and heavy, and generally has a pungent, earthy flavor when relatively fresh. It may be as much as 60 percent seeds by weight. Consumers find it a reliable way of getting high, although some complain that it is harsh on the throat and makes them tired.
    The finer varieties of Colombian can be divided into lights, darks, and reds. The lights include the highly respected Colombian golds, but not all grass that glitters is what it appears. Often, the color is produced by bleaching the marijuana in the sun, or even by an artificial agent. Connoisseurs say that the real test for gold is in the buds or clumps, which should reveal a "furriness"—that is, pollen clinging to the flowers and seed bracts. The golds tend to be stronger, sweeter, and less sleep-inducing than the browns.
    The darks, or browns, are grown in the lowland plains, and their freshness can make the difference between commercial and connoisseur smoke. The most famous of the dark Colombians is Wacky Weed, a legendary variety said to make everything seem absurd. According to those who have smoked it, Wacky Weed is marijuana that has produced so much resin that it has stifled itself and died, which accounts for its occasional black color. Wacky Weed is no longer seen in the United States, but sophisticated smokers see a replacement in a similar if less potent variety known as Manizales Black.
    Finally, there are the reds, the best known of which is Punta Roia ("red tip"). Almost tasteless but very high in THC, Punta Roja has a brownish-red flare on the tops of the leaves and red highlights on the buds. The reds have a reputation for being more spiritual or religious in their effect.