Scientist’s quest to grow lost ganja smoked by Bob Marley
- Scientist's specialty is landrace cannabis, which grew naturally in Jamaica before it disappeared as a result of human intervention
- Claims to have been given precious seed by Rasta man living on a mountain, virtually isolated from civilization
A supreme ganja, smoked by Rastas and even Bob Marley himself in the 1970s? This pipe dream of every self-respecting ganja aficionado is becoming reality again thanks to the horticultural talents of a scientist in Jamaica.
Amid mangos, lychees and other jackfruit, Dr Machel Emanuel has planted a field of cannabis plants measuring dozens of square meters - cannabis cultivated in the open, in greenhouses or in his lab in the botanical garden of the Biology Department at the University of the West Indies in Kingston.
His specialty: landrace cannabis, which grew naturally in Jamaica before it disappeared as a result of human intervention.
“In the 50s, 60s, 70s, Jamaica was known for its landrace cultivar which definitely gave Jamaica that international reputation,” the rasta doctor explained, dreadlocks hanging down his back.
The plant is adapted to its environment and with “unique growing characteristics based on its flower, on the smell, on the flavour, even on the euphoria” it delivers to those who consume it, he said.
Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailers - founding members of the celebrated reggae group The Wailers - used landrace cannabis, he assures, amid the soothing, tropical ambience of his little garden of Eden - or Jah, the Rastafarian word for God.
