About Panama Red
Panama Red was considered by many the most potent of the Latin American sativas. Its buds were said to have reddish hairs and a distinct spicy-citrus aroma. The high was intensely cerebral and psychedelic — often described as 'trippy' even by 1960s standards. The strain grew in the tropical lowlands and higher elevations of Panama, where traditional farming practices and ideal climate produced cannabis known for its clarity of effect and distinctive red coloration. It was a staple of the 1960s-70s cannabis culture and remains a holy grail for landrace enthusiasts.
Flavor Profile
History
Panama Red entered the US market primarily through maritime imports. Its reputation for quality made it a preferred strain among the counterculture elite. The strain was celebrated in songs and folklore, with Grateful Dead shows often being associated with Panama Red imports. True Panama Red became scarce after the 1970s due to changing trade patterns and eradication efforts in Central America. Modern seed companies offer reproductions, but the authenticity of these is debated among landrace collectors.
Notable breeders: Sacred Seeds, Ace Seeds, The Real Seed Company
Genetic Background
Panamanian sativa landrace
Phenotypes & Cultivars
Panama Red is available in the following phenotypes and cultivars:
Terpene Profile
Panama Red is dominated by Myrcene, Pinene, Limonene. These compounds shape the strain's aroma, flavor, and reported effects.
Genetic Families
Panama Red is part of the following genetic families:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panama Red indica or sativa?
Panama Red is a sativa cannabis strain.
What are the genetics of Panama Red?
Panama Red has a genetic lineage of Landrace — no known cross. Panamanian sativa landrace
What is the lineage of Panama Red?
Panama Red descends from Landrace — no known cross. Panamanian sativa landrace It belongs to the Landrace Sativa genetic family.
What is the THC content of Panama Red?
Panama Red typically tests at 14-20% THC.
What does Panama Red smell and taste like?
Panama Red has a Spicy, citrus, floral, earthy, incense aroma profile, with flavors described as Spice, citrus, tropical fruit, earth.
What are the effects of Panama Red?
Users report Powerfully psychedelic, cerebral, energetic, creative, euphoric, long-lasting. As a sativa-dominant strain, it is known for uplifting cerebral effects.
What are the phenotypes of Panama Red?
Panama Red is known in several phenotypes and cultivars, including Panama Red, Panamanian. Each phenotype expresses the same genetics slightly differently — varying in aroma, bud color, growth habit, and effects.
Where can I buy Panama Red seeds?
Panama Red seeds are offered by landrace-focused seed banks and preservation projects. Authenticity varies by source, so look for breeders who document region-sourced genetics and provenance. Notable sources include Sacred Seeds, Ace Seeds, The Real Seed Company.
What is the history of Panama Red?
Panama Red entered the US market primarily through maritime imports. Its reputation for quality made it a preferred strain among the counterculture elite. The strain was celebrated in songs and folklore, with Grateful Dead shows often being associated with Panama Red imports. True Panama Red became scarce after the 1970s due to changing trade patterns and eradication efforts in Central America. Modern seed companies offer reproductions, but the authenticity of these is debated among landrace collectors.
How long does Panama Red take to flower?
Panama Red has a flowering time of approximately 13-16 weeks. Plants grow to a very tall height.
Further Reading
Learn more about Panama Red's genetic family and history:
Medical Applications
Panama Red is commonly associated with: