Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Mazar Widow is a mostly indica cultivar released by Author Seeds, a breeder known for combining classic resin-heavy genetics with dependable garden performance. The strain name telegraphs its parentage, marrying the Afghan hash plant tradition of Mazar with the 1990s Dutch legend White Widow. Author Seeds positioned Mazar Widow to deliver old-world resin density with modern yield and vigor, making it appealing to both personal growers and small-scale producers.
The goal behind the cross is straightforward but ambitious: stabilize the bulletproof structure and hashy depth of Mazar while retaining the crystalline frost and uplifting clarity that made White Widow a global staple. In practice, this means selecting for compact, broadleaf plants that finish on time, maintain good internodal spacing, and resist common indoor stressors. Breeders also sought loud, layered aromatics that go beyond pure earth and incense, pulling in citrus, pine, and pepper accents from the Widow side.
Although release dates and proprietary selection details remain in-house, the cultivar behaves like a dialed-in indica-leaning hybrid rather than a loose experimental F1. Across gardens, phenotypes trend consistent in height, stretch, and resin output, suggesting deliberate selection for uniformity. Growers routinely note that 70 to 80 percent of plants present the preferred indica structure, with minority phenotypes leaning slightly taller and brighter in terpene tone.
Within a few seasons of circulation, Mazar Widow picked up a reputation as a reliable jar-filler, especially for fans of hash-forward profiles. Its old-school roots and modern bag appeal made it attractive to traditional consumers and newer markets alike. Today, it is commonly positioned as a nighttime or end-of-day strain that does not sacrifice flavor complexity or visual impact.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
As the name implies, Mazar Widow descends from Mazar and White Widow, a pairing that blends Afghan landrace indica influence with a balanced hybrid classic. Mazar takes its name from the Mazar-i-Sharif region, where broadleaf, short-stature hash plants were cultivated for centuries for sieved resin production. These plants are prized for dense buds, heavy trichome coverage, and an earthy, incense-like aroma that survives drying and curing.
White Widow provides the other half of the genetic equation, historically noted as a Brazilian sativa crossed with a South Indian indica. This parent is famous for its frosty appearance and a bright, peppered citrus bouquet, often delivering clear-headed uplift at lower doses. Combining these lines creates the opportunity for stacked resin glands, stout branching, and a terpene spectrum that spans incense to lemon-pine.
In phenotypic terms, Mazar Widow generally expresses as mostly indica, with inheritance often landing in the 70 to 80 percent indica range. The plants tend to be compact and controllable, stretching approximately 1.25 to 1.5 times after the flip to flower, which helps in tents and small rooms. Leaf morphology skews broad with deep green tones, and internodal spacing often sits around 2.5 to 4 centimeters under adequate light.
Chemotypically, the cross often expresses a myrcene-caryophyllene dominant profile with notable pinene and limonene secondary contributions. This places the strain within a common indica-leaning terp family, but with enough limonene and pinene to keep the nose lively. As expected from its lineage, trichome density is high and gland heads tend toward good separation in mechanical sieving and ice water extraction.
Appearance and Bud Structure
Mazar Widow presents dense, golf ball to egg-shaped buds with a distinctly indica calyx-to-leaf ratio. Mature flowers display deep forest greens that can develop subtle charcoal or violet tones in cooler night temperatures. Fiery orange to rust-colored pistils twist through a thick blanket of bulbous trichomes that lend the buds a frosted, almost sugared appearance.
On closer inspection, the calyxes stack tightly with minimal foxtailing under controlled environmental conditions. The trichome layer is substantial, with visibly fat capitate-stalked glands that fracture easily in dry sift, a hallmark of hash-friendly genetics. Bud surfaces feel tacky even at 58 to 62 percent relative humidity in jars, a sign of persistent resin production.
Growers report that well-grown flowers can reach a firmness indicative of high calyx density, providing weighty yields despite the compact footprint. Trim quality is forgiving because sugar leaves are short and heavily resinous, making hand-trimming efficient and machine trimming plausible. When broken apart, the inner bud reveals a bright green core with a shimmer of trichome heads that resist smearing.
Under bright light, the bag appeal is striking, with the resin sparkle reminiscent of classic White Widow while the structure remains more Mazar-like. In macro images, the gland heads are numerous and uniform, which correlates with favorable hash yields. After a proper cure, buds maintain their shape and do not collapse or over-dry if stored around 60 percent humidity.
Aroma Profile
At first crack of a jar, Mazar Widow broadcasts a layered bouquet that begins with earthy hash and sandalwood incense. Secondary notes of pine and crushed black pepper rise quickly, followed by a sweet, zesty citrus peel from the White Widow influence. The total impression is both old-world and modern, balancing a classic Afghani depth with bright top notes that cut through the base.
Grinding the flower intensifies the nose, with pine needles, lemon oil, and a faint herbal sweetness blooming as volatile monoterpenes are released. Caryophyllene’s peppery snap becomes more pronounced in the grind, especially in phenotypes that present a spicier profile. A faint suggestion of dried herbs and warm nutmeg may appear as the material acclimates to room air.
During the cure, the profile matures and knits together, with the citrus merging into a rounded, almost tea-like fragrance. At 58 to 62 percent RH, the base layers of earth and incense remain steady while the mids settle from sharp pine to a woodsy resin tone. Many users describe the jar note as robust and persistent, with aroma intensity that stays high for weeks when stored properly.
Compared to its parents, Mazar Widow is less sharp than some White Widow cuts and more aromatically complex than many straight Afghan indicas. The overall aromatic persistence is strong, and scent clings to grinders and jars, a sign of healthy terpene content. For sensitive noses, the pepper-pine pop can be noticeable even in a sealed room for several minutes after grinding.
Flavor Profile
The flavor tracks the aroma closely, leading with a classic hashish earthiness that coats the tongue. Early puffs reveal sandalwood and pepper, quickly complemented by a brisk lemon-pine flicker that lifts the palette. Exhales tend to be smooth and creamy when the flower is properly flushed and cured, leaving a lingering resinous sweetness.
When vaporized at lower temperatures around 175 to 185 degrees Celsius, the citrus and pine tones dominate and feel brighter. Raising the temperature to 190 to 200 degrees Celsius introduces more of the woody, peppered base and a fuller mouthfeel. Combustion blunts the citrus slightly but enhances the incense character, which many old-school enthusiasts find nostalgic.
The aftertaste is long-lived, often persisting for five to eight minutes with a subtle pepper tickle attributed to caryophyllene. Myrcene’s influence is less about taste and more about feel, imparting a soft, enveloping quality to the smoke or vapor. In phenotypes with higher limonene, a sweet lemon candy edge can appear on the finish.
With proper drying and a slow cure, harshness is minimal and the draw remains comfortable even in dense hits. The strain pairs well with beverages that have acidity or tannin, such as green tea or citrus water, which accentuate the pine-citrus spectrum. In concentrates, the flavor condenses toward resin, pine, and pepper, with citrus appearing more as a top-note accent.
Cannabinoid Profile
Across grow reports and lab snapshots, Mazar Widow typically tests in the mid to high-teen THC range, with many batches landing between 18 and 22 percent THC by dry weight. Exceptional runs under high light intensity and optimal nutrition can touch 23 to 24 percent, though this is not guaranteed. CBD is usually minimal, often below 0.3 percent, placing the cultivar squarely in the THC-dominant category.
Minor cannabinoids are present in trace to low amounts, with CBG often in the 0.5 to 1.2 percent range and CBC around 0.05 to 0.2 percent. The presence of CBG at these levels can marginally influence the subjective smoothness and may complement the overall effect profile. THCV is typically negligible in indica-leaning lines of this pedigree.
From a practical dosing standpoint, 1 gram of flower at 20 percent THC contains approximately 200 milligrams of THC. After decarboxylation, efficiency commonly ranges from 80 to 90 percent in home ovens, yielding about 160 to 180 milligrams of active THC for use in edibles or tinctures. These numbers help guide infusion planning, especially when aiming for precise per-serving potencies.
Variability in cannabinoid outcomes should be expected based on environment, feeding, and post-harvest handling. Poor drying or excessive heat exposure can degrade THC to CBN, slightly altering effects toward sedation. For consistency, harvest at similar maturity each run, maintain storage at 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, and keep relative humidity stable around 58 to 62 percent.
Terpene Profile and Aroma Chemistry
Mazar Widow commonly presents a myrcene-forward terpene profile with caryophyllene and limonene or pinene following closely. Typical total terpene content lands around 1.5 to 3.0 percent by dry weight in well-grown specimens. Myrcene often occupies 0.6 to 1.2 percent, caryophyllene 0.2 to 0.5 percent, limonene 0.2 to 0.45 percent, alpha and beta pinene combined at 0.15 to 0.35 percent, and humulene 0.1 to 0.25 percent, with linalool sometimes appearing at 0.05 to 0.15 percent.
Myrcene correlates with the earthy, musky base and is frequently associated with body relaxation and a smooth mouthfeel. Beta-caryophyllene lends pepper and spice while acting as a dietary cannabinoid at the CB2 receptor, which may contribute to perceived anti-inflammatory qualities. Limonene and pinene account for citrus brightness and pine snap, with pinene occasionally giving a crisp, forest-like freshness.
The balance of sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes in this chemovar helps explain its nose that is both grounded and lively. Sesquiterpenes like caryophyllene and humulene persist through drying and curing, stabilizing the base aroma, while monoterpenes like limonene are more volatile, leading to a pop upon grinding. This volatility is why the aroma can seem to bloom dramatically at the moment of preparation.
Under heat, terpenes undergo partial transformation, which can subtly shift perceived flavor. Lower-temperature vaporization preserves limonene and pinene, emphasizing citrus and pine, whereas higher temperatures accentuate caryophyllene and humulene, deepening spice and wood. This thermal sensitivity is why precise temperature control can meaningfully alter the tasting experience.
Experiential Effects
As a mostly indica cultivar, Mazar Widow delivers a grounded, body-forward effect profile suited to evening use. The onset with inhalation is typically felt within 3 to 7 minutes, beginning with a soft facial relaxation and shoulder drop. Mental effects are calm and steady rather than racy, with a clear throughline at low doses that can feel contemplative.
As the session deepens, body heaviness grows, and a comfortable couch anchor often appears between 25 and 45 minutes. The headspace tends to remain coherent, but motivation can dip as muscles loosen, making it a good choice for unwinding rather than active tasks. Duration commonly stretches 2 to 3 hours for inhaled routes, tapering gently without an abrupt snap.
At higher doses, sedation increases and users often report enhanced sleep pressure, particularly when harvest occurred with a modest percentage of amber trichomes. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most common side effects, while anxious spikes are less frequently reported compared to sharper, limonene-dominant sativas. Hydration and dose pacing mitigate most discomforts for the majority of users.
Compared to its parents, Mazar Widow sits closer to the Mazar side in body feel while retaining a glassy clarity reminiscent of age-old White Widow experiences. Music and slow activities pair well, and the strain can encourage quiet focus on tactile or sensory pleasures. For daytime, microdosing can provide steady calm without overwhelming sedation, though individual tolerance varies.
Potential Medical Uses
Patients and caregivers often gravitate toward Mazar Widow for evening symptom management due to its relaxing, indica-leaning profile. Anecdotal use cases include support for sleep onset difficulties, muscle tension, and general stress relief. The presence of beta-caryophyllene and myrcene aligns with reports of reduced body discomfort and a calmer baseline.
For pain, many users dose at low to moderate THC levels to avoid oversedation while still accessing analgesic potential. Inhaled microdoses every 2 to 3 hours can provide steadier coverage for neuropathic or musculoskeletal pain, while a single higher dose later in the day may help with sleep maintenance. CBG in the 0.5 to 1.2 percent range may add a subtle layer of perceived comfort without prominent psychoactivity.
Anxiety-prone individuals sometimes report better outcomes with indica-leaning strains that have caryophyllene and linalool support. Mazar Widow’s aromatic balance often translates to a calming tone, though dose is the key variable, and starting low is prudent. For appetite stimulation, evening use can coincide with dinner to reduce daytime lethargy.
For newcomers, a starting edible dose of 2.5 to 5 milligrams THC is reasonable, with titration upward by 2.5 to 5 milligrams every few sessions. For inhalation, one or two small puffs, reassessing after 10 minutes, helps gauge sensitivity. This information is educational and not medical advice; patients should consult a clinician, especially if taking medications that interact with the endocannabinoid system.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Mazar Widow was bred by Author Seeds to be a grower-friendly, mostly indica cultivar with predictable structure and high resin output. Indoors, flowering typically completes in 56 to 63 days from the flip, with most phenotypes ready near day 60. Under optimized conditions, indoor yields commonly reach 450 to 550 grams per square meter, while outdoor plants can produce 600 to 1000 grams per plant depending on season length and training.
Plants are medium in height with a stretch of 1.25 to 1.5 times, which suits tents and short rooms. Internodal spacing is compact, generally 2.5 to 4 centimeters, and side branching is sturdy enough for topping and low-stress training. The structure supports a Screen of Green approach, with a trellis set 30 to 45 centimeters above the medium to spread eight to twelve main colas.
For germination, maintain 24 to 26 degrees Celsius and high humidity around 80 percent until cotyledons open. Seeds soaked for 12 to 18 hours and then placed in a moist starter plug often sprout within 24 to 72 hours. For clones, a mild rooting hormone at 0.3 to 0.6 percent IBA, 22 to 24 degrees Celsius root zone, and 75 to 85 percent humidity typically yields roots in 7 to 12 days.
In vegetative growth, target 20 to 24 degrees Celsius and 60 to 65 percent RH with a VPD around 0.9 to 1.1 kPa. Provide 400 to 600 PPFD for young plants and 600 to 900 PPFD as they mature, reaching a DLI of 25 to 40 mol per square meter per day. A nutrient solution EC of 1.2 to 1.6 and pH ranges of 5.8 to 6.2 in hydro or 6.2 to 6.8 in soil-based media keep growth steady.
Training is straightforward. Top once at the fourth to fifth node, then use LST to pull branches outward for a flatter canopy. Defoliate lightly at week three of flower to increase airflow, and lollipop lower growth that will not reach strong light to minimize larf.
During flowering, day temperatures of 24 to 26 degrees Celsius and nights of 19 to 21 degrees Celsius reduce stress and maintain terpene quality. Drop RH to 45 to 50 percent in early flower and 40 to 45 percent in late flower for botrytis prevention, maintaining a VPD of 1.1 to 1.3 kPa. Increase PPFD to 900 to 1200 for weeks two through six of flower, with CO2 supplementation at 800 to 1000 ppm to support higher photosynthetic activity if sealed conditions allow.
Nutrition shifts toward higher potassium and phosphorus after transition. In a typical schedule, aim for EC 1.7 to 2.1 from weeks two to six of flower, with adequate calcium and magnesium to prevent tip burn and interveinal chlorosis. Supplemental magnesium at 40 to 60 ppm as Mg and calcium at 120 to 150 ppm stabilize cell walls and prevent late-flower deficiencies, especially under intense lighting.
Mazar Widow generally shows moderate resistance to mites and thrips, but vigilance is key. Implement an IPM rotation from day one, such as releasing Amblyseius swirskii at 25 predators per square meter and Hypoaspis miles for soil-dwelling pests. Neem alternatives like cold-pressed karanja or biologicals such as Bacillus subtilis can be used in early veg, discontinuing foliar applications by week two of flower to protect trichomes and flavor.
In soil, frequent light irrigations to 10 to 15 percent runoff help maintain root health, while in coco or hydro, multiple smaller feeds per day stabilize EC and pH. Ensure robust airflow with 0.5 to 1.0 meters per second over the canopy and avoid direct, unbuffered fans on colas to prevent windburn. Silica at 50 to 100 ppm can improve structural resilience and tolerance to abiotic stress.
Outdoors, Mazar Widow performs best in temperate to warm climates that mirror Mediterranean seasons. Its Afghan heritage tolerates cool nights, dipping to 10 degrees Celsius without major stress late in the season, but prolonged cold and wet conditions increase botrytis risk. In the northern hemisphere between 42 and 45 degrees latitude, expect harvest from late September to early October, with earlier finishers in protected microclimates.
Expect two main phenotype tendencies. One leans Mazar, with chunkier colas, deeper earth-incense aromatics, and slightly quicker finish by two to three days. The other leans Widow, standing a bit taller with brighter citrus-pine notes and sometimes marginally lower density but more sparkle.
In the final two weeks, watch trichomes closely. For a balanced effect with both clarity and body, harvest when 5 to 10 percent of trichomes show amber, with the majority cloudy. For heavier sedation and a more syrupy mouthfeel, let amber rise to 15 to 25 percent, noting a slight tradeoff in brightness of taste.
Flush strategies depend on media. In inert media, a seven to ten day reduction to an EC of 0.4 to 0.6 with a balanced, low-N finishing product can improve burn and ash quality. In living soil, maintain consistent biology and allow the plant to fade naturally, avoiding sudden starvation that can reduce terpene intensity.
Drying and curing are decisive for flavor. Hang whole plants or large branches for 10 to 14 days at 15 to 18 degrees Celsius and 58 to 62 percent RH, then trim and jar at 62 percent RH. Burp and condition for at least three to four weeks, with many growers reporting peak aroma at six to eight weeks and target water activity between 0.55 and 0.62.
Extraction performance is a strong suit. Dry sift returns of 15 to 22 percent from quality trim are common, while ice water hash from fresh frozen material can produce 3 to 6 percent of fresh weight depending on micron cut. Flower rosin yields often land between 18 and 25 percent, and hash rosin can surpass 65 to 75 percent depending on cultivar selection and process.
Common pitfalls include over-vegetation leading to overcrowded colas, high late-flower humidity inviting mold, and overfeeding potassium which can mute aromatics. Keep canopy leaf area balanced and avoid overzealous defoliation that can reduce carbohydrate reserves, especially in the last three weeks. With disciplined environmental control and steady nutrition, Mazar Widow reliably fills jars with dense, resin-rich flowers.
In summary, the Author Seeds take on this classic pairing offers the accessible cultivation traits many growers want. With a 56 to 63 day finish, 450 to 550 grams per square meter potential, and a resin-forward profile, it bridges tradition and modern expectations. Dialing in light intensity, airflow, and careful curing unlocks its full sensory expression and long-term shelf appeal.
