Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History of Mazar Extra
Mazar Extra traces its roots to the storied Afghan cannabis region around Mazar-i-Sharif, an area renowned for resin-heavy hashplant landraces. Bulk Seed Bank developed Mazar Extra as a mostly indica selection, drawing on classic Mazar genetics and stabilizing traits prized by growers. While breeders often keep exact recipes proprietary, the lineage commonly associated with Mazar-type cultivars pairs Afghan landrace stock with a Skunk-family influence to enhance vigor and yield. In Mazar Extra, those old-world resin traits meet modern breeding goals for consistency, output, and potency.
The Mazar name gained global prominence in the 1990s as Dutch and European breeders introduced stabilized versions of Afghan indicas to a wider audience. These lines were widely adopted for their robustness, forgiving nature, and dense, trichome-laden flowers. Mazar Extra arrives as a refined iteration of that heritage, maintained by Bulk Seed Bank for uniform performance across environments. The “Extra” moniker signals a selection pressure toward resin density, structure, and harvestable weight without abandoning the classic Afghan bouquet.
Historically, Mazar-type plants were favored by hashmakers for their oily trichome heads and strong, earthy aroma reminiscent of temple incense. Over decades, breeders stacked these resin traits while introducing subtle hybrid vigor to support indoor cultivation and modern lighting. This process often shortens flowering windows and improves calyx-to-leaf ratios, two outcomes frequently observed in stabilized indica-dominant lines. Mazar Extra fits squarely into that arc, melding landrace charm with contemporary production needs.
In consumer markets, Mazar phenotypes have consistently charted as high-yielding, predictable indicas suited to both connoisseurs and commercial operators. Their insurgent popularity is due to ease of cultivation and a characteristically soothing effect profile. Mazar Extra inherits this reputation and refines it with a breeder-specific cut known for thick resin blankets and cohesive structure. That pedigree makes it a dependable anchor in indica-focused gardens and a familiar profile for patients seeking evening relief.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Expectations
Bulk Seed Bank lists Mazar Extra as a mostly indica, aligning it with Afghan hashplant chemovars that showcase broad-leaf morphology and compact internodes. In the wider Mazar family, a common working model is Afghan landrace crossed with a Skunk lineage to stabilize growth and improve yields. Even when precise parent names are undisclosed, phenotypic readouts tend to be remarkably consistent: stocky frames, dense flowers, and a terpene set dominated by myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene. These cues point to an indica-forward plant that thrives under moderate stress and displays high trichome density by late flower.
Mazar Extra typically expresses medium height indoors, finishing between 70–120 cm depending on pot size, training, and vegetative time. Internodes are short to medium, producing compact, contiguous colas when topped or run in a Screen of Green. The leaf set is broad and dark, with thick petioles that handle heavy flower weight if adequately supported. Stems are sturdy, but lateral branches benefit from trellising as the plant packs on mass late in bloom.
Phenotypic variation within Mazar Extra is modest if sourced from a homogeneous seed lot, with two common expressions: a slightly taller, Skunk-influenced phenotype and a squat, ultra-resinous Afghan-leaning phenotype. Both share the same terpene family but may differ subtly in intensity and top-notes. Growers report that the Afghan-leaning expression finishes a few days earlier and presents a stronger incense-hash scent. The taller expression may offer a marginally higher yield with slightly airier clusters that resist humidity better.
Chemotypically, Mazar Extra is expected to fall into a THC-dominant category with low CBD, consistent with most modern indica-dominant varieties. Reported lab-tested THC values for Mazar-type cultivars often range from 16–22%, with select cuts tested higher under optimal conditions. CBD is usually below 1% in these lines, while minor cannabinoids like CBG are present in 0.1–0.6% ranges. This profile supports a deeply relaxing experience with strong body effects and moderate-to-strong psychoactivity.
Visual Characteristics: Plant Structure and Bud Appearance
Mazar Extra plants present a classic indica silhouette: a central leader surrounded by stout laterals that form symmetrical tiers. Leaves are broad and dark jade, with pronounced serrations and thick cuticles that signal good transpiration control. As flowering progresses, bracts swell and stack tightly, resulting in a high calyx-to-leaf ratio compared to older landrace expressions. This structural economy simplifies trimming and showcases the cultivar’s resin coverage.
The flowers are dense, olive-to-forest green, and marbled with deep orange to copper pistils as they mature. Under cooler night temperatures in late flower, anthocyanins may express as purple accents on sugar leaves and calyces. Trichomes are abundant, with a noticeable proportion of bulbous and capitate-stalked glands producing an opaque, frosted appearance. By week seven to eight of bloom, the resin blanket often makes bract edges appear rounded and wet.
Bud size tends toward medium-to-large, particularly if the canopy is flattened for even light distribution. Top colas can form thick spears, while lower branches yield golf-ball to soda-can clusters depending on training. The density index is high, so growers should monitor airflow and humidity to avoid microclimates inside large flowers. When correctly managed, the buds cure into firm, resin-rich nuggets that hold their structural integrity.
The trim yields a generous quantity of sugar leaf coated with trichomes, making it valuable for dry sift or ice water extraction. Resin heads are oily and pliant, producing fragrant hash and rosin with minimal degradation if processed promptly. Finished material exhibits a silvery sheen under light, with intact gland heads indicating careful handling and proper dry/cure. Visual quality remains one of Mazar Extra’s standout traits, consistent with its Afghan hashplant ancestry.
Aroma Profile: From Afghan Hash to Forest Pine
Aromatically, Mazar Extra leans into the classic Afghan register: earthy, musky base notes with a dense hash incense character. Early in flower, stem rubs reveal humid soil, sandalwood, and a whisper of pepper. As trichomes mature, the bouquet intensifies with resin-forward tones reminiscent of old-world hash and cedar-lined humidor. Secondary notes include coniferous pine, dried herbs, and faint citrus zest.
The likely terpene drivers behind these notes are beta-myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha/beta-pinene, with supporting humulene and linalool in minor quantities. Myrcene often imparts the humid-earth and herbal musk, while caryophyllene contributes spice and woody depth. Pinene lifts the top-end with conifer and fresh-cut pine, balancing the heavier base. Together, they create a rounded, nostalgic profile that signals indica comfort.
Aroma evolution is pronounced across the dry/cure cycle. Within the first 10–14 days of a slow dry at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH, chlorophyll recedes and the hash-wood backbone becomes dominant. A proper cure of 3–6 weeks at 58–62% RH brightens the pine and reveals subtle sweet biscuit notes. Past eight weeks, the bouquet deepens into incense and leather, with less transient citrus.
Environmental factors shift the aromatic balance. High-light, high-calcium runs can express crisper pine and brighter citrus at harvest, while cooler finishes push musk and incense. Nutrient regimes with sulfur sufficiency support terpene synthesis, and root-zone health correlates with total volatile output. Growers can fine-tune harvest timing to emphasize either the fresher pine or the deeper hash tones.
Flavor Profile: Palate Notes and Consumption Variables
On the palate, Mazar Extra offers a layered experience tied closely to its bouquet. The first draw typically presents sweet earth and sandalwood, followed by a resinous hash note that coats the tongue. Pine and pepper arrive on exhale, with subtle hints of dried lemon peel or thyme depending on the cure. The mouthfeel is dense and oily, an indicator of robust trichome resin.
Combustion tends to emphasize spice and incense, with a lingering woody finish. Vaporization at lower temperatures, around 175–185°C, spotlights herbal sweetness and myrcene-driven fruit skins. At 190–205°C, caryophyllene’s peppery edge and pinene’s crispness become more prominent, delivering a fuller body and faster onset. Higher temperatures also liberate minor terpenes that add complexity but can increase throat hit.
Water filtration softens the pepper note and accentuates sweet wood and biscuit-like undertones. Dry herb vaporizer users often report the cleanest expression of the pine top note and a more apparent citrus wisp. Terp preservation is highest when the material is cured to 58–62% RH and ground coarsely to avoid overexposure to heat. Freshness matters: the difference in top-note clarity between a 3-week and 10-week cure can be striking.
Hash and rosin made from Mazar Extra carry concentrated versions of the same profile. Ice water hash often leans spicy-woody, while rosin can present a deep sandalwood-cocoa nuance. These extracts maintain the cultivar’s archetypal Afghan signature, delivering powerful flavor density even at small doses. For enthusiasts seeking the richest expression, single-source hash rosin from fresh-frozen material is a standout path.
Cannabinoid Profile: Potency, Minor Cannabinoids, and Variability
As a mostly indica, THC-dominant cultivar, Mazar Extra is expected to test in the mid-to-high potency range under modern cultivation. Across Mazar-type lines, lab results commonly report THC between 16–22%, with optimized environments occasionally delivering results above 24%. CBD typically remains below 1%, consistent with selection pressures favoring THC expression in these lines. Total cannabinoids often land in the 18–25% range when including minor constituents like CBG and CBC.
CBG, the biochemical precursor to many cannabinoids, is usually present between 0.1–0.6% in comparable indica-dominant cultivars. CBC appears in trace-to-low levels, often below 0.5%, adding to the entourage matrix without overt psychoactivity. THCV is typically trace in Afghan-derived lines, usually under 0.2%. While these values vary by phenotype and terroir, the overall profile emphasizes THC-forward potency with a supportive cast of minor cannabinoids.
Decarboxylation dynamics are typical for THC-dominant cannabis. THCA converts to THC efficiently under heat, with 105–120°C for 30–45 minutes often cited for edible preparation, although exact protocols vary by material and desired flavor preservation. For smoking and vaporization, conversion occurs nearly instantaneously, driving rapid onset and potent effect delivery. Proper storage at cool, dark, and dry conditions slows oxidative loss of THC to CBN, preserving potency.
It is crucial to acknowledge variability introduced by cultivation and processing. Light intensity, nutrient balance, harvest timing, and cure can shift cannabinoid totals by several percentage points. Consistent environmental control and a dialed-in dry/cure often tighten test results around the cultivar’s genetic potential. For medical users, seeking batch-specific lab results remains best practice.
Terpene Profile: Dominant Compounds and Aromatic Chemistry
In Mazar-type cultivars, myrcene is frequently the dominant terpene, often comprising 20–50% of total terpene content by proportion. In mass-per-gram terms, well-grown indoor material commonly shows 2–6 mg/g myrcene, 1–3 mg/g beta-caryophyllene, and 0.5–1.5 mg/g combined alpha/beta-pinene. Supporting terpenes like humulene, linalool, ocimene, and terpinolene usually register below 1 mg/g each but can still shape nuance. These ranges reflect typical outcomes in indica-forward Afghan hybrids under optimized conditions.
Beta-caryophyllene is notable for its ability to bind to CB2 receptors, potentially modulating inflammatory signaling without intoxication. Pinene contributes bronchodilatory and alerting qualities that can lift the otherwise sedative base of a myrcene-heavy profile. Linalool, when present, adds floral-calm notes and may contribute to perceived relaxation in concert with THC. Humulene brings bitter-wood and herbaceous contrasts that enrich the mid-palate.
Total terpene concentrations in well-cultivated indoor cannabis often range from 10–25 mg/g, with top-performing phenotypes at the higher end. Environmental stresses can reduce terpene output, while balanced nutrition and proper light spectrum tend to enhance it. Post-harvest handling is equally critical; a slow dry and controlled cure can preserve 30–50% more terpenes compared to rapid, warm drying. Avoiding high temperatures and oxygen exposure during storage keeps the aromatic profile intact.
Given Mazar Extra’s resin-forward heritage, extracts show strong terpene carryover. Ice water hash fractions often concentrate caryophyllene and humulene, promoting a deep hash-wood profile. Rosin pressed at 85–95°C for 60–120 seconds can retain a robust terp spectrum with minimal thermal degradation. For solventless artisans, Mazar Extra’s gland structure and terpene resilience make it a reliable wash-and-press candidate.
Experiential Effects: Onset, Duration, and Tolerance Considerations
Mazar Extra’s effects skew toward full-body relaxation and mental calm, consistent with a THC-dominant indica. Users commonly report a settling of physical tension, a reduction in restlessness, and a warm, weighty body feel. The headspace tends to be serene rather than racy, with a gentle euphoria that pairs well with music, films, or low-demand socializing. At moderate-to-higher doses, couchlock becomes more likely, especially in the latter half of the experience.
Inhaled onset typically arrives within 1–3 minutes, peaking at 30–60 minutes, and tapering over 2–4 hours. Vaporization often yields a slightly clearer mental profile with similar timing but may feel less heavy at lower temperatures. Combustion can feel more immediate and forceful, reflecting faster cannabinoid delivery and pyrolysis-driven terp changes. For oral consumption, onset is delayed to 45–120 minutes, with effects lasting 4–8 hours and peaking at 2–3 hours.
Myrcene-forward profiles are frequently associated with perceived sedation, particularly in the presence of moderate-to-high THC. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity may add a soothing tone that users interpret as stress reduction, while pinene helps maintain a thread of clarity. The combined effect is a grounded relaxation rather than a foggy dissociation in most moderate-dose scenarios. Individuals sensitive to THC may still experience anxiety if dosing is excessive, so gradual titration is prudent.
Common side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes, reported by a substantial fraction of consumers in surveys and dispensary feedback. Dizziness or orthostatic hypotension can occur in susceptible users, particularly when standing quickly after consumption. Appetite stimulation is common, arriving 30–90 minutes after inhalation. New users should start with small doses and avoid combining with alcohol or sedatives.
Potential Medical Applications and Evidence Overview
Given its indica-forward profile, Mazar Extra aligns with use-cases centered on relaxation, sleep, and physical discomfort. Patient communities frequently report benefits for evening wind-down, muscle tension, and stress-related somatic symptoms. THC-driven analgesia combined with myrcene and caryophyllene’s supportive roles might be perceived as helpful for chronic pain and neuropathic discomfort in some individuals. While evidence remains evolving, this chemotype sits squarely in the comfort-focused segment.
Sleep support is a common anecdotal indication for indica-dominant cultivars. Users often find that a 1–2 hour pre-bedtime inhaled dose promotes sleep onset, with residual relaxation into the night. Myrcene-rich profiles are frequently cited in user registries as conducive to sedation, though controlled clinical trials remain limited. Mazar Extra’s classic Afghan lineage places it among cultivars popularly selected for this purpose.
Anxiety modulation is more nuanced, as THC can be biphasic depending on dose and individual neurochemistry. At low-to-moderate doses, many report a gentle anxiolytic effect accompanied by muscle relaxation. At higher doses, a subset may experience increased heart rate or unease, highlighting the importance of careful titration and set-and-setting. For daytime anxiety, pinene’s presence might preserve clarity, but nighttime use is generally preferred due to sedative qualities.
Inflammation-related complaints, such as arthritic flare-ups, are another area where users report perceived benefit. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 receptor affinity suggests an anti-inflammatory adjunct effect in concert with THC’s analgesic impact. Minor cannabinoids and terpenes may contribute via the entourage effect, although individual variability is substantial. As always, patients should consult healthcare professionals and seek batch-specific lab data to tailor choices responsibly.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Cure
Mazar Extra was bred by Bulk Seed Bank as a mostly indica selection, and it behaves predictably in both soil and hydroponic systems. The cultivar prefers stable environments, moderate nutrient intensity, and consistent airflow to protect dense flowers. Indoor flowering typically completes in 8–9 weeks, with some phenotypes finishing closer to 56–60 days. Yields of 450–600 g/m² are feasible in dialed-in rooms, with outdoor plants capable of 600–900 g per plant in favorable climates.
Germination and early seedling care set the tone for the cycle. Use a 1:1 mix of sterile seed-starting medium and perlite or a pre-buffered rockwool cube at pH 5.8–6.0 for hydro starts. Maintain 24–26°C, 65–75% RH, and low-intensity light around 100–200 PPFD for 5–7 days post-sprout. Avoid overwatering; a light wet-dry cycle encourages robust taproot development.
Vegetative growth responds well to 18–20 hours of light daily with 300–500 PPFD for the first week, then 500–700 PPFD thereafter. Keep temperatures at 24–28°C with RH 60–70% and VPD around 0.8–1.0 kPa. In soil, target pH 6.2–6.8; in hydro/coco, 5.8–6.2. Feed EC at 1.2–1.6 (600–800 ppm on a 0.5 scale) with balanced NPK and adequate calcium and magnesium.
Training improves canopy efficiency and final yield. Top once at the 4th–6th node, then use low-stress training or a SCROG net to spread laterals and create a uniform plane. Indica internode spacing supports dense cola formation, so maintain good spacing between sites on the screen. Install a second trellis before the flip to 12/12 to support bloom weight.
Transitioning to flower, reduce RH to 50–60% and maintain temperatures 24–27°C lights-on and 20–22°C lights-off. Increase light intensity to 700–900 PPFD in weeks 1–4 of bloom, and up to 900–1100 PPFD in weeks 5–7 if CO2 is supplemented to 900–1200 ppm. Without CO2 supplementation, cap intensity near 900 PPFD to prevent photoinhibition. Keep VPD around 1.0–1.2 kPa to balance transpiration and nutrient uptake.
Nutrient strategy in early bloom should shift toward higher phosphorus and potassium while not starving nitrogen. Run EC 1.6–2.0 (800–1000 ppm 0.5) with careful monitoring for tip burn. Mazar Extra handles moderate feeding but does not require extreme EC to perform. Maintain steady calcium and magnesium supply, especially in coco, to prevent interveinal chlorosis and blossom-end rot analogs.
By week 4–5 of flower, flowers bulk aggressively and resin production ramps. Keep RH between 48–55% and maintain strong but gentle airflow across and through the canopy. Defoliate selectively to open microclimates, especially on inner and lower nodes prone to moisture buildup. Avoid over-defoliation; preserving enough leaf area is important for photosynthetic drive.
The final two weeks focus on ripening and terpene preservation. Many growers reduce EC to 0.8–1.2 for a mild flush, providing enough ions to avoid starvation while clearing excess salts. Night temperatures 2–4°C cooler than day can enhance color expression without stalling metabolism. Target harvest when 5–15% of trichomes show amber heads, with the remainder cloudy, to balance potency and sedative tone.
Integrated pest management should be preventative and gentle. Sticky cards and weekly plant inspections help catch outbreaks early. Predatory mites such as Amblyseius swirskii or Neoseiulus californicus can be introduced preventatively, particularly in warm, humid vegetative rooms. Avoid late-flower sprays to protect resin and flavor; if intervention is needed, choose microbials or soaps early in veg and switch to biological controls later.
Medium and container choice influence growth rate. In soil, 11–19 L pots support a 6–8 week veg and strong lateral development; in coco, 7–12 L pots with high-frequency fertigation can maximize oxygenation and growth. Hydroponic systems like DWC or RDWC can accelerate veg and push yields, but they require meticulous temperature and oxygen control. Keep root zones at 18–21°C and ensure high dissolved oxygen to prevent pythium.
Irrigation best practices are straightforward. Water to 10–20% runoff in soil and coco to prevent salt buildup, and allow a moderate dry-back that lightens the pot but doesn’t wilt the plant. In automated coco systems, 2–6 small irrigations per lights-on period can maintain ideal root-zone EC and moisture. Monitor runoff EC and pH to keep the root environment within target ranges.
Lighting spectrum can fine-tune morphology. Full-spectrum white LEDs with a balanced red/blue ratio produce compact, resinous flowers in this cultivar. A touch of 660 nm deep red can boost photosynthetic efficiency in bloom, while a fraction of 730 nm far-red during lights-off may modestly influence flowering dynamics. UV-A exposure at low doses late in flower may enhance resin, but avoid overexposure that can stress tissues.
Environmental monitoring and control make or break dense, indica-dominant harvests. Aim for even canopy temperatures and avoid hot spots that can foxtail flowers or volatilize terpenes. During the last week, many growers lower RH to 45–50% to reduce botrytis risk as flowers reach maximal density. Oscillating fans above and below the canopy help maintain uniform conditions.
Harvest, drying, and curing practices preserve the cultivar’s signature profile. Wet-trim only if environmental control is excellent; otherwise, whole-plant or branch-hung dry at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH for 10–14 days. Once small stems snap and flowers feel dry to the touch, jar at 58–62% RH and burp daily for the first 7–10 days. Terpene integration typically peaks after 3–6 weeks of cure, with continued refinement up to 8–10 weeks.
Post-harvest metrics guide continuous improvement. Well-executed cycles commonly return 1.0–1.8 g/W under efficient LEDs with CO2, depending on skill and setup. Trim yields of 18–25% are typical by weight, reflecting high calyx density and resin coverage. Extraction yields for ice water hash of 4–6% of fresh-frozen weight are achievable in resin-rich phenotypes, with rosin presses returning 60–75% from quality bubble hash.
Outdoor cultivation favors temperate to warm climates with low autumn humidity. Transplant after last frost into well-amended loam with strong drainage and full sun. Provide structural support early, as wind and late-season flower weight can stress branches. Harvest windows in the Northern Hemisphere often fall from late September to early October, minimizing exposure to prolonged fall rains.
Finally, phenotype selection unlocks Mazar Extra’s potential. Start with a small seed population and label each plant, taking clones of candidates before flowering. Select for the target aroma, resin density, mold resistance, and desired harvest window, then keep 1–2 mothers for ongoing runs. Over successive cycles, minor tweaks to canopy architecture and climate will steadily translate into higher quality and yield.
