Marihuanilla (Leonurus sibiricus) - 20 seeds
In South America and Mexico, Leonurus sibiricus is known as 'marihuanilla' ('little marijuana') and has traditionally been used there as a herb when cannabis isn't available. The plant belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is related to the better-known motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) in Europe; the genus Leonurus has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Note that the cannabis-like effects claimed by herbal sellers are based on anecdotal reports and marketing claims rather than scientific research on this specific species, so temper your expectations accordingly.
Sowing and growing
Sow the seeds in a nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix and barely cover them: a few millimetres of soil, or no covering at all, usually works best, since the seed benefits from light during germination. Keep the soil evenly moist and the temperature around 18-25°C; germination usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. Give young plants a bright spot and, once there's enough room, plant them outside roughly 40 by 40 cm apart. The plant typically grows as an annual to around a metre tall, with upright stems and small pink to purple flowers that appear in summer.
Using the herb
After flowering, you can harvest the upper stems with their leaves and flowers and leave them to dry in a ventilated, dark spot. The dried herb is traditionally smoked or brewed as a tea, similar to how other herbal blends in our range are used. Don't combine it with alcohol or other substances, and experiment gently with small amounts to see how it feels for you.
Storage
Keep the seeds in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight until you sow them. Dried herb stays good longest in a sealed, light-proof container, also stored cool and dry.
Frequently asked questions
Is marihuanilla the same as cannabis?
No, it's a different plant species (Leonurus sibiricus) from a different plant family; the comparison to cannabis comes from its traditional use as a substitute herb in South America and Mexico, not from any botanical relation or proven similar effect.
How long do the seeds take to germinate?
In moist soil at 18-25°C, most seeds germinate within 1 to 3 weeks.
At Dutch-Smart you'll find more exotic growing seeds in the same category for anyone who enjoys growing their own herbs.
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