The Kalamata region of Greece is popularly associated in the U.S. with its spectacular olives -- but did you know that Kalamata is also the source of some top-notch cannabis? Kalamata is an exceptional sativa that testifies to Greece’s potential to turn out some quality bud. With possible origins in sativa strains from Asia and Africa, Kalamata offers buzzy, head-focused effects.

Flowers of Kalamata are unmistakable sativa in terms of their physical structure. These buds tend to be medium to large in size and have a long, spindly formation more often associated with heirloom landrace varieties like Thaistick than with other modern varieties of commercially-cultivated cannabis. The strain’s thin leaves twist outward from their central stems and seem to have an almost fluffy texture. These leaves are a mossy dark green and are occasionally twisted through with pistils that range in color from orange to red.

Kalamata’s flowers give off a pleasant aroma of lemon and pine when they are properly cured. Also present is a refreshing hint of mint, somewhat reminiscent of staple sativa strain Haze. Meanwhile, grinding up or picking apart these flowers gives off an earthy musk. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Kalamata burns with a smooth and easily palatable smoke. This smoke tastes citrusy and woodsy on the exhale, leaving the overall impression of an artificially-scented home cleaning product.

Kalamata hits the smoker quickly with a sudden pressure in the forehead and around the temples. If they attempt to stand up after toking on this region sativa, some users make experience slight dizziness or disorientation. What follows is a trippy distortion of visual perception. Certain sounds and colors can take on a new intensity. In some cases, consumers have described an oddly cinematic quality to their vision. If smokers are so inclined, they can amplify Kalamata’s trippy visual sensations with media like atmospheric music or visually-engaging films. Those who are feeling more productive than psychedelic, though, can take advantage of this bud’s cerebral mindset. Mentally stimulated consumers may indeed find themselves inordinately focused on any ideas or projects in front of them, making them uniquely predisposed to work on complex or demanding tasks on their agenda. Alternatively, Kalamata can lend itself to more freewheeling, open-ended jobs like sketching or brainstorming. This strain is not widely known for its physical properties and, as such, those toking on Kalamata in order to feel relief from physical pain or tension may be disappointed. Instead, enjoy this Mediterranean gem during daylight hours as a way to enhance your thoughts or to make your chores a bit more tolerable.

Kalamata’s energetic properties can also have several benefits for medical cannabis patients. Its ever-present feeling of focus can be a boon to those with attention deficit disorders, helping them to concentrate on a single task. Furthermore, that same imminent feeling of mental engagement can temporarily take the edge off of mild to moderate cases of stress and depression. Physiologically speaking, Kalamata’s anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritations like headaches and nausea. Those who are prone to panic or anxiety should consume this bud with caution, as the “mindrace” associated with its onset can prove overwhelming under unfavorable conditions.

Seeds of this legendary strain do not seem to have been produced for commercial sale. As such, prospective growers should obtain clippings of mature plants of the strain from a trusted source. While there’s little information available on specific best practices for this rare strain, we know that it can be grown indoors or out -- although successful outdoor cultivation calls from a hot and semi-humid climate, similar to that of Kalamata’s native Greece. We also know that these plants can reach a towering 15 feet tall if left unchecked; as such, indoor growers should pune back their crops early on in the vegetative stage.

Very difficult to come by (in part due to the Greek government’s restrictive policies regarding cannabis), Kalamata makes a great treat for any pure sativa lover. Toke on this bud and think about the meaning of life, just like Aristotle and Plato may have done centuries ago.