Abstract

In the 1960s, the Caribbean region gained international reputation for cultivating and supplying ‘ganja’ to global illicit markets of Europe and North America. The production of equatorial landrace and heirloom cultivars had genetic influences from South Asia, Central and South America. These Caribbean heirloom cultivars displayed physiological, morphological and phyto- chemical characteristics consistent with narrow-leaf drug types. In the 1990s, Caribbean territories came under heavy eradication efforts and incarceration of farmers. The introduction of cannabis genetics from Europe began to enter the region in particular Jamaica. Local farmers saw practical reasons for growing these temperate cultivars. Broad leaf drug types gown in an equatorial climate remains short in stature and completes its life cycle in eight to ten weeks, thereby making cultivation more inconspicuous for law enforcement. With the advent of decimalization and legalization of cannabis in the region, the perception and aesthetics of marketable cannabis is dominated by European and North American hybrid varieties. The development of cannabis genetics suited for production in humid and dry Tropics, with organoleptic qualities for the modern-day palate will contribute to the reduction in carbon footprint and sustainability. The retention of genetic traits from Caribbean heirlooms could add to the nostalgic value of marketing and branding of Caribbean cannabis and value-added products.