Written by Ad OpsOverview of Mama Cambodia
Mama Cambodia is a sativa-heritage cannabis cultivar developed by Satori Seed Selections, a breeder noted for curating regionally expressive genetics. As its name hints, the strain channels classic Cambodian sativa character: tall stature, spear-like flowers, and a bright, energetic effect profile. While detailed proprietary notes remain with the breeder, community reports and comparative agronomy suggest a phenotype shaped by Southeast Asian landrace influence.
Growers and consumers often seek Mama Cambodia for its lively headspace and fragrant, herb-citrus bouquet. In markets where lab data is available, comparable Southeast Asian sativas typically test in the mid-teens to low 20s for THC, with low CBD and distinctive terpinolene-forward terpene blends. Mama Cambodia slots into this tradition while prioritizing cultivation reliability and modern bag appeal.
The strain’s appeal is grounded in balance: uplifting effects without a racy edge when properly harvested and cured. This balance is often attributed to a complex minor-cannabinoid and terpene backdrop that modulates otherwise assertive sativa energy. For cultivators, the draw is a vigorous plant that rewards space, light, and patient finishing with resinous, aromatic flowers.
Because Satori Seed Selections maintains a breeder-forward approach, Mama Cambodia remains truest to its intended expression when grown with an appreciation for long-flowering sativa rhythms. Understanding its heritage helps growers set realistic timelines and production goals. The result, in well-managed gardens, is a nuanced, engaging cultivar that stands out in both aroma and experiential clarity.
History and Breeding Background
Mama Cambodia’s historical throughline is anchored in Southeast Asia’s cannabis heartland, where equatorial photoperiods shaped towering, long-flowering sativas. Breeders have prized Cambodian lines for their clarity of effect and incense-citrus aromatics since at least the 1970s. Satori Seed Selections tapped that legacy to stabilize a phenotype with contemporary cultivation utility without sacrificing the region’s unmistakable character.
Unlike some house strains with clearly publicized parent lists, Mama Cambodia’s exact pedigree has not been formally disclosed. This is common among boutique breeders who develop selections across multiple filial generations to achieve target traits. The focus, therefore, is on phenotype fidelity rather than a named cross that may misrepresent the complexity of the selection process.
Reports from growers align with a careful stabilization process, pointing to reduced inter-node variability and consistently elongated floral clusters. Stabilization typically involves generation-over-generation selection for desired morphology, aroma, and resin density. By the F4–F6 range, breeders often observe greater uniformity, though the exact filial generation for Mama Cambodia is not publicly documented.
The strain’s development reflects a broader trend in modern cannabis where regional expressions are curated for global cultivation. Rather than converting the line into a short-flowering hybrid, Satori Seed Selections appears to have preserved a meaningful portion of the original sativa flowering window. This preserves the electric, lucid character that has made Cambodian sativas distinct in both underground and legal markets.
In the consumer era of verifiable lab results, heritage strains like Mama Cambodia benefit from ongoing phenotype validation across different environments. Grower feedback indicates that the line maintains its aromatic signature in both indoor and tropical outdoor settings. This resilience suggests a robust genetic base that tolerates variation in humidity and light schedule while retaining its hallmark nose and effect.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Expression
While Mama Cambodia’s exact parental lines remain undisclosed, its sativa heritage is a defining trait. Cambodian landrace sativas typically carry long internodes, flexible stems, and narrow leaflets, all of which support vigorous vertical and lateral growth under high light. Growers frequently note an upright apical dominance early in veg that transitions into a more branched canopy with training.
Phenotypically, expect elongated, foxtail-prone colas, a hallmark of equatorial sativas when pushed with high PPFD in warm rooms. Foxtailing can be genetic or environmental; in this case, light- and heat-induced foxtailing beautifies the bud structure rather than signaling stress. Breeders often accept slight foxtailing for sativas where resin output and terpene intensity justify the morphology.
Chemotypically, Mama Cambodia aligns with Type I cannabinoid profiles: THC-dominant with low baseline CBD. Minor cannabinoids such as CBG are typically present in the 0.2–1.0% range by weight, while THCV can appear in trace amounts in some Southeast Asian lines. Because THCV expression is lineage-dependent and environment-sensitive, observed levels vary widely between 0.05–0.5% in reported SE Asian sativas.
Uniformity is good for a sativa-leaning line, according to anecdotal cultivation logs. Still, two macro-phenotypes are commonly reported: a slightly earlier-finishing, denser-flower type and a longer-finishing, airier, highly aromatic type. Both express high calyx-to-leaf ratios, which simplifies trimming and preserves volatile terpenes during post-harvest.
From a breeding lens, Mama Cambodia appears selected for clarity of effect and aromatic specificity rather than brute yield maximization. Yield can still be competitive when canopy management is optimized and flowering allowed to complete fully. This balance underscores Satori Seed Selections’ emphasis on preserving the strain’s regional identity.
Appearance and Morphology
Mama Cambodia plants are medium-tall to tall, often reaching 120–180 cm indoors without aggressive training, and 200–300 cm outdoors in long-season climates. Nodes are well-spaced, typically 6–10 cm apart in veg, stretching up to 200% after flip depending on light intensity and cultivar age. Thin, scissor-like leaflets maximize transpiration and light penetration, reducing microclimates that can invite mold.
Flowers run long and taper into spears rather than forming dense golf-ball clusters. Calyxes stack in overlapping whorls, creating a textured surface that glitters under strong, full-spectrum LEDs. Pistils begin ivory to pale peach and mature to a deeper saffron or copper as harvest nears.
Trichome coverage is generous for a sativa, with capitate-stalked gland heads densely populating the calyx surfaces. Under magnification, resin heads trend toward medium size with a high proportion of cloudy heads at peak ripeness. Sugar leaves are relatively sparse and narrow, contributing to an efficient trim and higher ratios of sellable flower to biomass.
Stems are moderately flexible yet fibrous, a trait that aids wind resistance outdoors and reduces branch breakage under the weight of long colas. Internodal spacing and lateral branch angles respond favorably to low-stress training, producing a candelabra structure ideal for even light distribution. With SCROG, the canopy presents evenly spaced verticals that minimize shadowing and improve bud uniformity across the net.
Coloration remains lime to forest green throughout, with limited anthocyanin expression except in cooler late-season grows. Under strong light and lower nitrogen feeding late in flower, calyxes can display a subtle silver sheen from dense trichome coverage. Bag appeal is characterized by length, shimmer, and copper pistils rather than sheer nug density.
Aroma and Bouquet
Mama Cambodia’s aroma leans bright, herbal, and incense-like, a profile commonly associated with terpinolene- and ocimene-forward sativas. First impressions often include lemongrass, lime zest, and a pine-sage resin that reads clean and airy. Beneath that top note, a peppery-coriander spice points toward beta-caryophyllene and minor farnesene contributions.
Breaking a cured bud intensifies volatile top notes with a rush of green mango and sweet basil. Terpinolene, frequently measured in the 0.3–1.2% range by weight in terpinolene-dominant cultivars, underpins the fresh, terpene-laced character. Ocimene can add a flitting, sweet-herbal tone between 0.1–0.6%, though total expression varies with drying conditions.
Warmth and relative humidity during dry and cure strongly shape the final bouquet. Slow drying at 60% relative humidity and 16–18°C for 10–14 days preserves monoterpenes that would otherwise volatilize quickly. Proper curing stabilizes the profile, leading to a consistent lemongrass-incense signature with subtle tropical sweetness.
Ground flower reveals more resinous depth, with a faint sandalwood and green tea undertone in some phenotypes. Caryophyllene contributes a peppery base that adds dimension and length to the aroma on exhale. Experienced noses may also pick up hints of floral linalool, especially in batches cured closer to 58–60% RH.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
On the palate, Mama Cambodia delivers citrus-herbal top notes reminiscent of lemongrass, lime peel, and young pine tips. The inhale is crisp, with sweetness balanced by a clean, resinous edge. As the vapor lingers, a white-pepper and coriander seed spice builds, echoing the caryophyllene component.
The exhale carries an incense-like finish, occasionally reading as green tea or lightly toasted cedar. These secondary flavors intensify with lower-temperature vaporization in the 180–190°C range, which preserves monoterpenes. Combustion at higher temperatures front-loads pungency but shortens flavor length as terpenes burn off quickly.
Mouthfeel is light-to-medium, with minimal cloying due to the cultivar’s relatively lean resin oil profile compared to heavy indica types. Clean flushes and slow cures reduce harshness and allow the lemongrass and pine facets to shine. Well-cured batches leave a cooling herbal echo without residual bitterness.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Mama Cambodia expresses a Type I chemotype, prioritizing THC with low CBD. In markets where similar Cambodian-heritage sativas have been tested, THC commonly ranges from 14–22% by weight, with occasional outliers reaching 24% under optimized cultivation. CBD tends to remain below 0.5%, and often below 0.2%, which aligns with the energizing, head-focused effect profile.
Minor cannabinoids add nuance. CBG is typically present around 0.2–1.0%, and CBC may appear in the 0.1–0.5% band. Some Southeast Asian lines exhibit trace THCV, often 0.05–0.5%, though expression is highly variable and should not be assumed without a certificate of analysis.
Potency perception is not solely a function of THC percentage. Studies across legal markets show weak to moderate correlation between total THC and consumer-reported intensity, with terpene content and ratios exerting significant influence on subjective effects. Total terpene content in high-quality craft batches often falls between 1.5–3.5% by weight, which can amplify perceived potency through entourage mechanisms.
Decarboxylation efficiency also matters. An average of 70–90% of THCA converts to THC during typical smoking or vaporization, depending on temperature and technique. Properly cured flower with optimized moisture content (10–12%) vaporizes more evenly, enhancing efficiency and consistency session to session.
For dosing, consumers often find 2.5–5 mg of inhaled THC sufficient for a functional daytime lift, with 10 mg or more entering more pronounced psychoactivity. Individuals sensitive to stimulatory sativas should start at the lower end due to Mama Cambodia’s clear, alert cerebral signature. Always consult COA data when available to calibrate expectations to the specific batch.
Terpene Profile and Chemical Drivers
The archetypal terpene architecture for Mama Cambodia is terpinolene-forward, supported by ocimene, beta-caryophyllene, and minor limonene. In terpinolene-dominant strains, terpinolene frequently measures 0.3–1.2% of dry weight, contributing citrus, pine, and faint floral tones. Ocimene often appears in the 0.1–0.6% band, adding sweet-herbal lift and volatility.
Beta-caryophyllene generally occupies 0.2–0.8% by weight and contributes peppery, woody spice with CB2 receptor affinity in vitro. Limonene, when present between 0.2–0.7%, enhances the lemon-zest quality and may synergize with terpinolene to produce a bright, upbeat sensory profile. Farnesene and linalool, usually in trace-to-minor amounts, round the bouquet with green-apple and floral hints.
Total terpene content is a strong predictor of aroma intensity and can range from 1.0–3.0% in standard indoor flower to 3.0–5.0% in meticulous craft runs. Drying kinetics significantly affect monoterpene retention; rapid drying at high temperature can reduce terpinolene by more than 30%, dulling the cultivar’s signature. A controlled dry at 60% RH and 16–18°C for 10–14 days is associated with superior retention of top-note volatiles.
Chemically, terpinolene’s high volatility means storage conditions greatly impact the bouquet over time. Flower stored at 20–22°C and 55–62% RH in airtight, UV-opaque containers shows slower terpene attrition than samples exposed to light and fluctuating humidity. Oxygen exposure also accelerates oxidation to less pleasant compounds, underscoring the value of timely consumption and proper packaging.
From a functional standpoint, terpinolene- and limonene-rich profiles are often associated with alertness and mood elevation in consumer surveys. Meanwhile, caryophyllene’s CB2 activity is being studied for potential anti-inflammatory effects, though clinical data in whole-plant contexts remain preliminary. In Mama Cambodia, the interplay between these terpenes likely contributes to the strain’s clean, elevating feel.
Experiential Effects and Onset
Users typically describe Mama Cambodia as clear-headed, buoyant, and gently stimulating. The initial onset arrives quickly with inhalation, often within 90–180 seconds, reflecting rapid pulmonary absorption. Peak effects manifest around 10–20 minutes and can plateau for 45–90 minutes before tapering over the next hour.
Cognitively, many report increased focus, pattern recognition, and an engaged curiosity that suits creative tasks or social activities. The tone is upbeat rather than sedating, consistent with low CBD and terpinolene-forward terpene structures. Unlike some racy sativas, well-timed harvests with mostly cloudy trichomes and limited amber can minimize jitter.
Physically, the strain presents a light body feel with little gravitational pull. This can make it suitable for daytime routines, outdoor walks, or chores that benefit from a clear mind. Audio and visual appreciation are often enhanced, and some users note an increased appreciation for music detail and color contrast.
Potential adverse effects include dry mouth and dry eyes, which occur in a meaningful fraction of users across all THC-dominant strains. A small subset may experience transient anxiety or a spicy, heady lift that feels intense if dosing is high or set and setting are suboptimal. Starting with one to two inhalations and allowing 10 minutes between pulls can help calibrate dose to comfort.
Duration and intensity correlate with potency, terpene load, and user tolerance. Regular consumers often develop tolerance to stimulant-like qualities over 1–2 weeks of daily use, which can be mitigated by rotating strains or observing 48–72 hour breaks. As always, individual neurochemistry plays a decisive role in subjective experience.
Potential Medical Uses
Medical interest in a strain like Mama Cambodia centers on its potential to improve mood, energy, and attentional engagement. Patients with low-motivation depression or fatigue sometimes prefer terpinolene-forward sativas for daytime symptom relief. While whole-plant clinical trials are limited, observational data suggest that THC combined with uplifting monoterpene profiles can enhance perceived vitality and outlook.
Focus and task initiation may benefit in some individuals, particularly those seeking alternatives to sedating chemotypes. That said, outcomes vary, especially for patients with anxiety spectra, where lower doses are generally better tolerated. Microdosing strategies, such as one inhalation every 30–60 minutes up to effect, can limit overstimulation while leveraging clarity.
Analgesia with THC-dominant sativas is often moderate, favoring neuropathic or centralized pain types over deep inflammatory pain. Caryophyllene’s engagement with CB2, while promising mechanistically, has not been conclusively tied to robust clinical outcomes in smoked or vaporized flower. Still, some patients report reduced discomfort and improved function during the active window.
Migraineurs occasionally report benefits from fast-onset inhaled cannabis if dosed early in the prodrome, though triggers differ and some may find terpinolene stimulating. For nausea, inhaled THC can provide quick relief, with effective inhaled doses commonly between 2.5–7.5 mg for experienced patients. Appetite impact is moderate compared to heavier indica lines, supporting daytime functionality without excessive sedation.
As always, none of this constitutes medical advice. Patients should consult clinicians familiar with cannabinoid medicine and review batch-specific COAs to understand THC, terpene, and potential contaminant data. Dosing should begin low and progress slowly to identify a minimum effective dose without provoking anxiety or tachycardia.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Mama Cambodia responds best to growers who respect long-flowering sativa rhythms and plan for vertical space. Indoors, expect 2x stretch after the photoperiod flip, sometimes up to 2.5x under high PPFD. Employ topping once or twice in veg and transition to SCROG or low-stress training to distribute tops horizontally before the flowering push.
Environmentally, target 24–28°C day and 20–22°C night in veg with 60–70% RH, moving to 24–26°C day and 18–20°C night in flower with 45–55% RH. Maintain VPD at 0.8–1.2 kPa during veg and 1.2–1.6 kPa during flower to balance transpiration and pathogen pressure. In late flower, dipping RH near 45% reduces botrytis risk in long colas.
Lighting should be assertive but managed thoughtfully to avoid bleaching and heat-stress foxtailing. Aim for PPFD around 600–900 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ in late veg and 900–1,150 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ in mid-to-late flower. Daily light integral targets of 35–45 mol m⁻² d⁻¹ in veg and 45–60 mol m⁻² d⁻¹ in flower are appropriate when CO2 is ambient; enriching CO2 to 1,000–1,200 ppm can increase yield by 15–30% if other variables are optimized.
Media choices include well-aerated living soil, coco coir blends, or rockwool. In soil, maintain pH 6.2–6.8; in coco/hydro, 5.8–6.2. For nutrient strength, many sativas prefer a leaner nitrogen approach: EC 1.0–1.4 mS cm⁻¹ in early veg, 1.4–1.8 in late veg, and 1.8–2.2 in mid flower, tapering slightly in the final two weeks.
Feeding should emphasize calcium and magnesium stability, as high transpiration rates can expose Ca/Mg bottlenecks. Supplemental CaMg at 100–150 ppm combined can prevent tip burn and interveinal chlorosis under high-intensity LEDs. Monitor runoff EC and pH weekly to avoid salt accumulation and lockout.
Training is essential. Top once at the 5th–6th node, then again after 10–14 days to set a low, even manifold. Use a 5–7 cm mesh SCROG net, filling 70–80% of the screen before flip and continuing to tuck during the first two weeks of stretch for uniform cola development.
Flowering time commonly runs 11–13 weeks, though some faster phenotypes may finish in 10, and slower, aromatically intense phenotypes can push 14. Patience pays: pulling at mostly cloudy trichomes with 5–15% amber often maximizes the clear, sparkling headspace without tipping into lethargy. Use a 60–100x loupe to evaluate gland heads rather than relying solely on pistil color.
Irrigation cadence should favor full saturation and 10–20% runoff in coco and rockwool to maintain root zone stability. In soil, allow a light dryback between waterings while avoiding hydrophobic cycles; aim for a consistent, oxygenated root environment. Airflow is critical for long spears: combine oscillating fans at multiple heights with robust exhaust and HEPA intake filtration when possible.
Yield varies with environment and training. Indoors, 400–600 g m⁻² is achievable under modern LEDs with CO2, with experienced SCROG growers reporting higher. Outdoors in warm, dry regions, 500–1,000 g per plant is realistic with 200–300 L containers or in-ground beds, assuming ample sun and IPM diligence.
Integrated pest management should be proactive. Sativas with open canopies are less susceptible to bud rot but can still attract mites or thrips in warm rooms. Implement weekly scouting, sticky cards, and rotational biologics like Bacillus subtilis and Beauveria bassiana, augmented with predator mites where necessary, to maintain pest load below economic thresholds.
Harvesting, drying, and curing profoundly shape quality. Wet trim can accelerate drying but risks terpene loss; many growers prefer whole-plant or whole-branch hang drying for 10–14 days at 16–18°C and 58–62% RH. Cure in airtight containers, burping to maintain 58–62% RH for 2–6 weeks, targeting a final water activity of 0.55–0.65 for shelf-stable, aromatic flower.
For outdoor cultivation, Mediterranean to tropical climates suit Mama Cambodia best. Plant in-ground after the last frost, allowing for a long season and staking early to support lanky architecture. In the Northern Hemisphere, harvest often lands late October to mid-November depending on latitude, requiring diligent botrytis prevention as autumn moisture rises.
Advanced Grower Tips and Troubleshooting
Nitrogen management is a common pitfall with long sativas. Overfeeding N past week three of flower can delay ripening and reduce terpene intensity, yielding leafy buds and a grassy cure. Transition to bloom nutrition promptly after flip and taper N while maintaining adequate K, Ca, and Mg to support cell wall integrity during rapid floral growth.
Stretch control begins in late veg. Lower canopy temperatures by 1–2°C at lights-on for the first 10–14 days after flip to moderate elongation via thermomorphogenesis. Gentle supercropping and strategic tucking under a net keep tops within the optimal PPFD range and reduce apical dominance.
Foxtailing must be distinguished from heat or light stress. If tips pearl under 1,200+ µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and canopy temps exceed 27°C late in flower, reduce intensity by 10–15% or raise fixtures 10–15 cm. If foxtails persist at moderate intensity and temps, they are likely genetic and harmless, often accompanying excellent terpene expression.
If aroma seems muted post-dry, evaluate dry times and RH history. Static-dried flower that hit 45% RH for several days can lose 20–40% of volatile monoterpenes relative to a slow dry at 60% RH. Rehydrating with 58–62% packs can improve mouthfeel but will not reconstitute lost terpenes; the best remedy is prevention via patient, cool drying.
In hydro and coco, watch for magnesium deficiency under white-heavy LEDs, presenting as interveinal yellowing on mid-to-upper leaves. Supplement 50–75 ppm Mg and ensure pH stability; high K can antagonize Mg uptake, so balance macros appropriately. In soil, top-dress with magnesium sulfate and ensure adequate organic matter to buffer cation exchange.
Comparative Context and Strain Positioning
In the family of Southeast Asian sativas, Mama Cambodia sits alongside Cambodian Haze, Khmer Gold, and Thai-leaning selections. Compared to haze hybrids, it typically shows a cleaner citrus-herbal nose without the heavy incense and metallic notes of classic haze. This gives Mama Cambodia a brighter, more approachable aromatic profile for daytime use.
Relative to Thai-dominant cultivars, Mama Cambodia can finish slightly sooner and carries a less sprawling vine-like growth habit. Internodes are still long but respond better to topping and SCROG, leading to a tidier indoor presentation. The effect is also less dreamlike and more crystalline, favoring focused activity.
For consumers who enjoy terpinolene-dominant strains like Jack Herer or Dutch Treat, Mama Cambodia offers a regionally distinct alternative. The lemongrass-incense axis reads more herbal and tropical than the apple-pine tendencies in some Northern European terpinolene lines. This makes it a compelling choice for those exploring the spectrum of terpinolene expressions.
In dispensary menus, Mama Cambodia occupies the uplifting, functional sativa slot with a sophisticated nose. For growers, it fills the niche of a manageable long-flowering cultivar that rewards planning rather than brute force. Both audiences benefit from its balance of heritage authenticity and modern cultivation friendliness.
Consumer Guidance, Storage, and Use
Select batches with a recent harvest date and a clear COA listing total THC, total terpenes, and any residual solvent or contaminant tests. For a strain like Mama Cambodia, total terpene content of 1.5–3.0% indicates liveliness, with terpinolene or ocimene among the top three terpenes supporting the classic profile. Visually, look for long, resin-dusted spears with intact pistils and minimal stem weight.
For vaporization, set temperature between 180–190°C to emphasize citrus-herbal top notes and preserve monoterpenes. Raising to 195–205°C will deepen spice and wood tones while increasing cannabinoid delivery at the expense of some volatile aromatics. With combustion, take smaller, slower draws to reduce harshness and maintain flavor.
Store flower at 16–20°C and 55–62% RH in airtight, UV-opaque containers to minimize terpene oxidation. Avoid frequent container opening and temperature swings that can condense moisture and degrade resin glands. Properly stored, aroma remains vibrant for 60–90 days, with gradual softening thereafter.
Dose thoughtfully, especially if sensitive to activating sativas. Start with a single inhalation and wait 10 minutes before deciding on another. For new consumers, keep total session THC under 5 mg until confident in the cultivar’s personal effect profile.
Remember that Mama Cambodia is a sativa-heritage cultivar bred by Satori Seed Selections, and its bright, clear effects are best appreciated in supportive settings. Pairing with creative tasks, light exercise, or social conversation often showcases its strengths. If anxiety-prone, consider pairing with calming activities and avoiding high-caffeine intake during sessions.
