Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Background
Mazar takes its name from Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan, a region synonymous with traditional hashish production and broad-leaf indica landraces. The modern seed-market Mazar is not a single uniform clone, but a family of closely related selections that pair Afghan heirloom resin factories with a skunky European backbone. Divine Seeds maintains a Mazar line that is mostly indica, preserving the squat architecture, dense flowers, and heavy resin many growers expect from Afghan genetics. This Divine Seeds expression sits squarely within the classic Mazar story while offering its own selection priorities and stability.
Multiple reputable catalogs trace Mazar to a Skunk #1 × Afghani cross, a pairing celebrated for reliability and vigor. CannaConnection describes Mazar as extremely resinous and vigorous, and emphasizes this hybrid composition. Dutch Passion popularized a closely related Mazar selection in the 1990s, and their descriptions highlight a soft taste and THC figures that can reach around 20%. The enduring appeal of Mazar is reinforced by its use in modern hybrids and autoflower derivatives, underscoring its status as a building-block cultivar.
Autoflowering versions—built by crossing Mazar-type photoperiods with robust ruderalis donors—have further expanded its footprint. Dutch Passion’s Auto Mazar is cited as particularly easy to grow, with a seed-to-harvest window near 75 days indoors. These auto lines retain the resin-rich identity of Mazar while simplifying the lighting regime, expanding accessibility for beginners and commercial cultivators alike. The combination of fast turnaround, resilience, and thick trichome coverage keeps Mazar relevant across markets.
Today you’ll find Mazar from several breeders, each with small genetic and phenotypic nuances but unified by Afghan resin traits and skunk-driven productivity. Divine Seeds’ Mazar, the focus here, leans mostly indica and is selected for dependable structure and thick, hash-ready trichomes. Despite minor differences across seed houses, most Mazar lines converge on similar cultivation dynamics, sensory notes, and effect profiles. This continuity is why growers often treat Mazar as a dependable benchmark for indica-forward performance.
Genetic Lineage and Classification
The core Mazar blueprint pairs Afghani landrace genetics with Skunk #1, creating a hybrid that is nonetheless mostly indica in growth habit and effects. Divine Seeds’ Mazar adheres to this template, offering the heavy resin and compact stature typical of Afghan-bred lines, supported by Skunk’s hybrid vigor and yield consistency. The result is a genotype that typically expresses broad leaves, short internodes, and stout stems, all hallmarks of indica-dominant ancestry. In practice, the phenotype range tends to be tight, with occasional skunk-leaning outliers showing a touch more stretch.
From a taxonomic standpoint, Mazar sits within Cannabis sativa L., but it expresses a chemotypic and morphological profile aligned with indica-dominant drug-type cannabis. Most seed vendors and grow diaries describe it as 70–90% indica by trait expression, though exact percentages vary by breeder. Importantly, the Afghani side contributes dense bract development and copious trichome coverage, while Skunk #1 adds robustness, faster rooting, and improved calyx-to-leaf ratios. This is a time-tested genetic dance that has anchored countless successful hybrids.
Autoflowering Mazars introduce ruderalis genes for photoperiod independence but aim to preserve the same terpene composition and cannabinoid balance. Because autos finish by age rather than light cycle, the profile sometimes tilts slightly toward earlier-maturing chemotypes. Nevertheless, modern auto lines have tightened their expression, and Auto Mazar is frequently noted as matching the traditional Mazar’s quality, just faster and more forgiving. This makes Mazar genetics accessible to a broader spectrum of environments and skill levels.
Breeding programs also demonstrate Mazar’s utility as a parent in new creations. Dutch Passion has used Mazar’s backbone in various releases, and Blue Auto Mazar appears in contemporary crosses, showing how its resin and structure continue to be prized. Even outside direct branding, hybrids like Northern Lights × Mazar exemplify how these indica pillars complement one another in Sea of Green (SOG) formats. Across these iterations, the consistent throughline is thick resin, earthy-skunky aromatics, and a calming, body-forward effect.
Appearance and Plant Morphology
Mazar typically grows compact, with a stout main stem and thick lateral branching that rarely overextends. Indoors under moderate intensity (e.g., 700–900 µmol/m²/s PPFD), plants often settle between 70–120 cm tall in soil with minimal training. Internodes are short, commonly 2–5 cm, producing a stacked, conical canopy well-suited to SOG or tightly managed SCROG. Leaves are broad and dark, with pronounced serration and a heavy petiole, reflecting the Afghani influence.
As flowers develop, Mazar displays dense, golf-ball to egg-shaped colas with high bract density and a relatively favorable bract-to-leaf ratio. Buds are often olive to forest green, accented by rusty to bright orange pistils that darken as harvest nears. In cooler nights late in bloom, some phenotypes pull faint purples along the sugar leaves, though deep coloration is not a defining trait. Resin production is obvious early, with large-headed capitate-stalked trichomes giving a frosted, sticky look by mid-flower.
Stem strength is above average, which helps the strain carry weight without excessive support when grown with adequate calcium and potassium. Still, trellising or simple bamboo stakes can protect against late-flower lean due to dense apical colas. The calyxes swell substantially in the final 10–14 days, often increasing visual density by 10–20% in that window. Growers who control humidity will see tighter resin heads and reduced leaf-to-calyx fluff.
Trim quality is typically high thanks to the compact floral structure and comparatively low volume of protruding sugar leaves. Hand-trim reveals thick trichome coverage over the calyxes, which contributes to heavy kief yield during dry trimming. On average, dried flowers from optimized grows exhibit a firm, resinous feel with minimal air pockets, aligning with the strain’s reputation as a hash-maker’s favorite. The visual package matches the old-world Afghan aesthetic updated by modern hybrid vigor.
Aroma and Bouquet
Aromatically, Mazar leans earthy, hashy, and skunky, with secondary notes of pine, incense, and pepper. The Afghani side contributes a classic charas-like depth, reminiscent of sandalwood and dried herbs. Skunk #1 injects a sharper top note that becomes more pronounced when the flowers are ground, yielding a pungent, almost acrid skunk snap. Together they form a profile that many describe as old-school and unmistakably resin-forward.
Across phenotypes, myrcene-driven musk is common, often joined by beta-caryophyllene’s warm spice and humulene’s woody bitterness. A light floral twist can appear late in cure, hinting at linalool or nerolidol, especially in cooler, slower drying conditions. Piney alpha- and beta-pinene can brighten the bouquet, particularly in plants that receive ample light intensity and balanced sulfur and magnesium nutrition. This blend gives Mazar a confident, room-filling presence without veering into candy-sweet territory.
Terpene intensity scales with cultural practices: careful drying at 60–65°F (15.5–18°C) and 58–62% RH preserves the volatile top notes. Over-drying below 50% RH can flatten the incense and herbal layers, while excessive heat degrades monoterpenes quickly. Properly cured Mazar retains bright skunk and pine on the grind for months, with base notes deepening into cocoa, leather, and resin as the cure extends. Vacuum-sealed, cool storage slows oxidation and preserves the complex bouquet.
Growers often note that Mazar’s pre-harvest aroma is slightly subtler on the plant than in the jar, then blooms dramatically post-cure. This shift reflects terpene evolution and chlorophyll breakdown over 2–6 weeks of curing. The result is a bouquet that balances rugged Afghan hash shop aromas with a modern skunk lift. It’s a timeless nose that signals potency and resin before the first draw.
Flavor and Consumption Experience
The flavor follows the nose closely, delivering earthy hash, pine, and pepper over a smooth, rounded base. Dutch Passion and other catalogs describe Mazar’s taste as soft, a quality often attributed to the Afghani backbone and dense resin that cushions harsher notes. On the inhale, expect warm spice and incense; the exhale often lingers with skunky musk and a touch of cedar. A gentle sweetness can surface in well-cured samples, especially when moisture content stabilizes near 10–12%.
Vaporization conveys nuance particularly well. At 175–185°C, monoterpenes like myrcene and pinene come forward with a soft herbal lift, while caryophyllene’s spice remains balanced. Raising temperature to 195–205°C brings fuller cannabinoid delivery and deeper hash tones without excessive harshness. Above 210°C, the flavor darkens toward roasted resin and pepper as heavier sesquiterpenes dominate.
Edibles and infusions made from Mazar often carry an herbaceous, slightly peppery profile that pairs well with chocolate, coffee, or savory fats. Given its robust resin, decarboxylation efficiency matters; THCA converts to THC at an ideal balance near 110–120°C over 30–45 minutes, accounting for an average mass loss of about 12–13%. With a flower testing 18% total THC, a 0.5 g dose offers roughly 90 mg total THC prior to decarb; post-decarb yield typically lands near 75–80 mg depending on process efficiency. This potency makes careful portioning essential for consistent edible experiences.
Combustion remains friendly due to the cultivar’s smoothness when properly flushed and cured. White to light-grey ash and a clean burn are common quality markers with Mazar. The lingering aftertaste leans resinous and woody, evoking classic Afghan charas. Overall, the palate is mature, warming, and deeply satisfying for fans of traditional flavors.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Mazar is considered a potent indica-leaning hybrid, with most seed vendors and lab-adjacent reports placing THC between 15–20%. SeedSupreme, for example, lists Mazar as high THC (15–20%) with low CBD (0–1%), which aligns with independent grow reports and breeder claims. Dutch Passion’s Mazar literature also references THC figures around 20% for standout phenotypes. In practical terms, that translates to 150–200 mg THC per gram of dried flower.
CBD is generally low, typically below 1%, and often closer to 0.1–0.5% in skunk-influenced Afghan hybrids. Minor cannabinoids like CBG may register in the 0.1–0.5% range, with trace CBC and THCV appearing sporadically. Total cannabinoid content usually spans 18–24% when summing THC and minors in optimized grows. Autos can show similar profiles, though some runs trend a few percentage points lower depending on environment and maturity timing.
Potency is environment-sensitive, with light intensity, nutrition, and harvest timing shaping outcomes. A 10–20% swing in measured THC is not unusual across hobby grow diaries when comparing suboptimal to optimized environments. For example, pushing flower under 900–1200 µmol/m²/s PPFD with stable VPD and adequate potassium often increases resin density and total THC. Conversely, excessive heat above 30°C or prolonged drought stress can depress cannabinoid synthesis and volatilize key terpenes.
For dosing context, a typical inhalation session of 50 mg of flower at 18% THC delivers about 9 mg of THC before combustion losses. Assuming 30–50% loss due to combustion and sidestream inefficiencies, delivered THC may land near 4.5–6.3 mg. Consumers should calibrate slowly, especially with Mazar’s mostly indica character that can feel heavier than THC percentage alone suggests. Novices often find that 1–2 inhalations are sufficient to gauge effects before proceeding.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Mazar commonly expresses a terpene hierarchy led by myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, humulene, and pinene, with linalool occasionally detectable. Total terpene content in well-grown flowers often falls in the 1.0–2.5% range by weight, though standout runs can exceed 3.0% under ideal conditions. Myrcene lends the musky, earthy base and may contribute to the strain’s heavy, relaxing feel. Beta-caryophyllene supplies pepper and warmth, binding to CB2 receptors and offering a potential anti-inflammatory pathway.
Humulene reinforces woody, herbaceous notes and, together with caryophyllene, rounds the spice spectrum. Pinene—both alpha and beta—adds crisp pine and can contrast with the heavier base, sometimes enhancing perceived mental clarity at lighter doses. Linalool, while not always dominant in Mazar, appears periodically and is well-known in indica-rich cultivars for its calming and sedative associations. Leafly’s discussions on linalool note its prevalence in indica-leaning strains such as Mazar-i-Sharif, and Mazar occasionally shows this floral terpene in lab profiles.
From a practical perspective, terpene preservation hinges on post-harvest handling. Monoterpenes like myrcene and pinene are volatile and can degrade rapidly above 25°C or in low humidity conditions, leading to muted aroma. Slow drying around 60–65°F (15.5–18°C) and 58–62% RH, followed by 2–6 weeks of curing with minimal oxygen exchange, retains the upper register while allowing deeper incense tones to unfurl. Glass or stainless steel containers with headspace control are particularly effective for maintaining the full bouquet.
Understanding this terpene ensemble also helps explain Mazar’s effects. Myrcene has been studied for potential sedative and analgesic properties, while caryophyllene’s CB2 activity aligns with anti-inflammatory actions observed in preclinical research. Pinene may counterbalance some memory-associated side effects of high-THC strains, offering a clearer mental frame at lower doses. Together, these dynamics make Mazar feel grounded, soothing, and sensorially rich.
Experiential Effects
Expect a calming, body-centered effect that arrives with steady confidence rather than jittery intensity. Many users report a warm, weighted relaxation spreading across the shoulders and lower back within minutes of inhalation. A mellow euphoria follows, smoothing edges without pushing into racy territory. Mental chatter dims, but functional focus can persist at modest doses, making Mazar versatile for evening wind-downs.
At higher doses, the strain’s mostly indica character becomes more pronounced. Couchlock is possible, particularly when consumed late in the day or paired with high-calorie meals that prolong absorption. Appetite stimulation is common, a feature some seek for late dinners or recovery nutrition. The overall arc often runs 2–4 hours for inhaled routes, with residual drowsiness that can be helpful before bed.
Side effects are typical of THC-rich indicas: dry mouth and eyes, occasional orthostatic lightheadedness, and, in sensitive users, transient anxiety if overconsumed. Hydration and paced dosing mitigate most unwanted effects. Because Mazar’s terpene profile trends toward soothing, many users find it less likely to provoke racing thoughts than sharper citrus-forward sativas. Nonetheless, personal neurochemistry varies, so starting low and waiting 10–15 minutes between puffs remains wise.
Compared to other indica pillars, Mazar feels rooted and traditional—closer to Afghan hashish than to ultra-sweet modern desserts. It shines in low-stimulus environments: quiet music, a favorite film, or stretching before sleep. For creative work, microdoses can loosen rigid thinking without overwhelming working memory. Larger doses are best reserved for pain relief, deep relaxation, or nights without morning obligations.
Potential Medical Uses
Mazar’s profile aligns well with symptom sets involving pain, sleep disruption, and stress-related tension. The National Academies’ 2017 review concluded there is substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults, with high-THC, myrcene- and caryophyllene-rich cultivars frequently favored anecdotally for musculoskeletal discomfort. Mazar’s warming body effect and CB2-active caryophyllene may support these outcomes. Users often report reduced soreness and easier transitions from activity to rest.
Sleep is a second major domain. Indica-leaning chemovars high in myrcene and occasionally linalool are frequently chosen by patients with insomnia, sleep latency, or nocturnal awakenings. Mazar’s heavier body feel and gentle mental quieting can shorten time-to-sleep for some, particularly when taken 60–90 minutes before bed. Consistent sleep hygiene and low, controlled doses often enhance benefits while avoiding next-day grogginess.
Anxiety and mood can respond variably, but many find Mazar reduces stress and agitation at modest doses. The presence of pinene may preserve some mental clarity, while linalool—when present—correlates with calming effects in several aromatherapy and preclinical studies. For those prone to THC-induced anxiety, balancing Mazar with CBD products or limiting dose size can be useful. As with all cannabis, individual differences are significant and warrant careful titration.
Other reported applications include appetite stimulation during recovery or medical treatments and relief from menstrual cramps due to muscle-relaxing properties. Inflammatory conditions may benefit indirectly via caryophyllene’s CB2 signaling, though evidence is strongest in preclinical models at this stage. Patients should coordinate with healthcare providers, especially when combining cannabis with sedatives, antidepressants, or blood thinners. Start low, go slow, and consider journaling dose, timing, and symptom response for data-driven adjustments.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Legal note: Cultivation laws vary widely by jurisdiction. Always verify and follow local regulations before germinating seeds or growing plants. The following information is provided for legal, educational horticultural contexts.
Seeds and Phenotypes: Divine Seeds’ Mazar expresses a mostly indica architecture with modest phenotype variance. Expect consistent internode lengths, strong apical dominance, and relatively uniform flowering times. Autoflower variants (e.g., Auto Mazar lines) reach maturity in roughly 70–80 days from seed, with Dutch Passion citing about 75 days indoors under good conditions. Photoperiod plants typically finish flowering in 8–9 weeks after the flip to 12/12.
Environment: Mazar thrives in a 22–26°C day temperature and 18–22°C night range during veg, dropping to 20–24°C day and 17–20°C night in late flower to protect terpenes. Target VPD near 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in flowering for optimal stomatal conductance and resin output. Relative humidity around 60–70% in early veg, 50–55% in early flower, and 45–50% by late flower balances growth and mold prevention. Air exchange of 20–30 complete room volumes per hour with oscillating airflow reduces microclimates within the canopy.
Light: Mazar responds well to moderate-high intensity light. In veg, 400–700 µmol/m²/s PPFD is sufficient; in flower, 900–1200 µmol/m²/s maximizes resin without undue stress when CO2 is ambient. If supplementing CO2 (e.g., 1000–1200 ppm), PPFD can climb to 1200–1400 µmol/m²/s with careful thermal management. Aim for a daily light integral (DLI) of 35–45 mol/m²/day in flower for robust bud density.
Medium and Nutrition: In soil, maintain pH at 6.2–6.8; in hydro/coco, keep 5.8–6.2. Veg EC can sit around 1.2–1.6 mS/cm, increasing to 1.8–2.2 mS/cm in mid-flower depending on cultivar response and water quality. Indica-heavy Mazar appreciates abundant calcium and magnesium to support thick stems and lush green leaves; supplement Ca:Mg in a ~2:1 ratio. Potassium (K) demand rises in flower—gradually elevate K to fortify turgor and resin output, and avoid excessive nitrogen after week 3–4 of bloom.
Plant Training: Due to natural compactness, Mazar performs well in Sea of Green (SOG) with minimal veg, particularly from rooted clones at high plant density. A Northern Lights × Mazar autoflower is often recommended for SOG, and the same logic applies to Mazar-like architecture. For larger plants, topping once at the 4th–5th node, followed by low-stress training, creates an even canopy that resists bud rot by improving airflow. SCROG nets can lock in an efficient light footprint over 1–2 square meters.
Irrigation: Keep a wet-dry cycle that encourages root expansion without severe drought stress. In coco and hydro, frequent smaller irrigations (2–6 per light cycle) maintain optimal root-zone oxygenation and EC stability. In soil, water to 10–20% runoff and allow the top 2–3 cm to dry before the next event. Over-watering invites fungal pressure; under-watering can reduce terpene retention and cannabinoid synthesis.
Pest and Disease Management: Auto Mazar lines are often described as resistant to pests and diseases, and the photoperiod Mazar inherits some of this toughness. That said, high-density indica canopies can trap humidity, so defoliation around weeks 3–5 of flower reduces botrytis risk. Maintain IPM with yellow sticky cards, beneficial mites (e.g., Amblyseius swirskii), and occasional foliar sprays in veg with neem or essential-oil-based products—avoid foliar treatments past week 2 of flower. Keep incoming air filtered and quarantine new clones for at least 10–14 days.
Flowering Timeline: Photoperiod Mazar usually shows pistils within 7–10 days of 12/12 and builds mass steadily through weeks 3–7. Calyx swelling intensifies in weeks 7–9, with many cuts ready between days 56–63 of flower. Autos grown under 18–20 hours of light daily reach harvest about 70–80 days from seed, with Dutch Passion’s Auto Mazar often wrapping around day 75. Monitor trichomes—cloudy with 10–20% amber often yields a strong, sedative-leaning effect profile.
Yields: With optimized conditions, indoor photoperiod Mazar commonly reaches 400–500 g/m² in SOG or even-canopy SCROG. Skilled growers with CO2 and high-intensity LED/HID setups can exceed these figures in dialed environments. Outdoors, single-plant yields of 500–800 g are achievable in long, warm seasons with ample root volume and full sun. Auto Mazar plants often produce 60–150 g per plant indoors depending on pot size, light intensity, and feeding consistency.
Harvest and Flush: Many Mazar growers prefer a 7–10 day water-only finish to remove excess mobile nutrients, though the necessity of flushing remains debated. Focus on maintaining stable substrate pH and avoiding late salt spikes that can harshen smoke. Harvest during the coolest dark hours to preserve volatile terpenes, ideally when room temps are below 22°C. Handle colas gently to protect trichome heads and reduce mechanical bruising.
Drying and Curing: Aim for the “60/60” baseline—60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH—for 10–14 days, adjusting airflow to keep stems from drying too quickly. Once small stems snap and larger ones bend, move to curing jars or totes at 58–62% RH, burping minimally and monitoring with hygrometers. Curing for 2–6 weeks smooths the inhale and deepens incense notes, with continued improvements up to 8–10 weeks. Well-cured Mazar retains terpene complexity for months when stored cool, dark, and oxygen-limited.
Quality Control: Track EC/ppm in runoff or drain to manage salt buildup and nutrient balance. Watch for calcium deficiency signs (marginal necrosis, weak stems) and adjust Ca/Mg supplementation as needed. Keep leaf surface temperatures (LST) within 1–2°C of ambient to avoid hidden heat stress under high-intensity LEDs. Tissue tests or sap analysis can add precision for commercial grows, ensuring balanced K:Ca:Mg ratios.
Autoflower-Specific Notes: For Auto Mazar or auto-leaning lines, avoid heavy topping; opt for gentle LST to preserve momentum. Provide 18–20 hours of light daily from seed to finish and ensure root space (11–20 L pots) for full-size autos. Autos are time-bound—transplant shock or major training can shave 10–20% off yield. Keep EC slightly lower early on (0.8–1.2 mS/cm) and ramp carefully to reduce stall risk.
Post-Processing: Mazar’s resin lends itself to hash-making. Dry sift and ice water extraction often return strong yields due to large-headed trichomes and tight, clean calyx coverage. Cold-cured rosin from Mazar flowers or 45–90 µm hash fractions captures its incense, pine, and pepper notes vividly. Store extracts at low temperature to slow terpene loss and preserve that archetypal Afghan-skunk character.
