[KnowBudz]

I first learned of Mandala Seed's strains from Ed Rosenthal's "Big Bud Books". Being a sativa-lover, I was immediately impressed by the descriptions. I ordered the catalog and have been looking over the info and have come up with a few questions which I am asking here so others may benefit.
I haven't seen much in the way of smoke reports on the sativa strains. Have I not looked in the right place or are they just not there? At least from the catalog descriptions, it appears that all of Mandala's sativa-dominant strains offer above average yields. Since I haven't had acces to any of the finished product, it would be nice to find more info to help in choosing a strain.
How about some recommendations of seed dealers that will supply the states? To-date, the Ontario Seedbank is the only Canadian supplier I've seen. I haven't found a seed dealer with a decent rating in Greenman's that services the states. Any help out there?
Obviously, a good deal of time has been spent in supplying grow info on this site. I appreciate that and look forward to learning more. Choosing a few strains from among all that's offered is a daunting task with profound implications. Other than sampling actual finished goods (which is difficult, at best) we, as potential growers, must rely on what we read online. I look for help wherever I can find it!

[MandalaMike]

Hi KnowBudz,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your questions/feedback.

Originally Posted by KnowBudz

I haven't seen much in the way of smoke reports on the sativa strains. Have I not looked in the right place or are they just not there?

There are plenty of smoke reports... but they are not just in English - many are in German, others in Spanish, Italian, Czech, etc. Here you will find a great smoke report by Resinryder and friends on KALICHAKRA. Take a look at his strain report here and the link to the smoke report should be at the end of the diary to the appropriate forum thread.
We translated two German growers diaries on SATORI with smoke report here under Satori. Coco vs Soil: https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=10707
This includes terrific photos!

Also, I would like to point out that nearly all growers who try our strains unanimously agree with our catalog description of the high and potency. Of course, everybody has their own way of expressing it, but the basic descriptions are in sync with how we described it.

Originally Posted by KnowBudz

At least from the catalog descriptions, it appears that all of Mandala's sativa-dominant strains offer above average yields.

This is by now a well known attribute of nearly all of our strains. We specifically breed for high yielding strains among other valuable traits. You will find quite a few reports on this in English. Check the above examples on Kalichakra and Satori. Plus we got plenty of feedback on bumper yields from Hashberry and Sadhu (for Hashberry check the forum at DrChronic).

Originally Posted by KnowBudz

How about some recommendations of seed dealers that will supply the states?

There are only online seed dealers at the moment.

Originally Posted by KnowBudz

Since I haven't had acces to any of the finished product, it would be nice to find more info to help in choosing a strain.

Well, what exactly are you looking for?

Mike

[KnowBudz]

Thanks, Mike, you answered several questions, some I hadn't even thought of yet. I did get a PM from Resinryder and have checked out his info on the Kalichakra. Also found the Satori posts helpful.
I'd be interested in hearing about folks' experiences in obtaining seed. The one Canadian online dealer I've found isn't rated in Greenman's....I'd just like some source recommendations.
While my current situation isn't favorable to growing cannabis, I am working towards obtaining equipment and expanding my knowledge base. I grew for many years but always guerilla-style outdoors. Right now, I want to use a legit-crop grow to gain experience. Ultimately, I'm working toward a 2m x 2m grow space. I plan to purchase a 400w HPS light to start and another in the future. As a supplement (and for cuttings/seedlings) I'd also like some T5 flouro fixtures. While I am interested in hydro, I plan on using soil mixtures and am leaning towards the Biobizz nutes.
Other than my existing knowledge/experience, I have several grow books, grow issues of the major magazines, and, most importantly, sevral friends who grow and are willing to help me. I have absolutely no commercial intentions, my only goal is the best quality I can obtain. Until I am able to expend 100% effort to the project, I won't consider starting out.
Prior to the internet, none of this would have been feasible. Those who are willing to share their knowledge are greatly appreciated! I've found Rosenthal's "Big Bud Book" to be extremely helpful in choosing a strain. Smoke reports, when they can be found, lack uniformity and one has to read a lot of them to get a sense of a given strains effects.