The landrace strains are the oldest cannabis strains and are considered the ancestors of the cannabis family. What today is typically referred to as “Sativa” and “Indica” strains, are actually better described as sativa-dominant and indica-dominant strains since they are often found as hybrids. Only the pure genetic sativa and indica strains that are cultivated in their natural environment and have never been crossbred are called landrace strains.  

The Origin Of Landrace Strains

Landrace strains were originally found and grew in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, around India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, from where they traveled to the eastern coast of Africa, and all the way South and North America. These plants are rich in raisin content and are known for producing high-quality hash. They are usually named after their country or place of origin such as Hindu Kush (Afghanistan & Pakistan), Afghani (Afghanistan), Durban Poison (Durban, South Africa), Thai (Thailand), Columbian Gold (Colombia), Acapulco Gold (Acapulco, Mexico), etc. These wild and pure landrace varieties were used to make everything from ropes and clothes to medicines and were used for spiritual practices.

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Are Landrace Strains More Potent Than Regular Strains?

True landrace strains are likely to be less potent than modern hybrid strains. Modern cannabis strains have evolved from the original landrace strains after selective crossbreeding to get desired characteristics and eliminate unwanted ones. They are extensively bred to amplify specific traits and genetic features which makes them more potent. 

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Why Are Landrace Strains So Rare?

Landrace strains are native to certain regions and they best grow in their natural habitat. However, over time they have been consistently cultivated and crossbred in different environments for large-scale production. Growing outside their native environment, the original DNA of these strains diluted and lost its unique characteristics. These strains developed new characteristics to adapt to a new place and such strains are called “Heirloom Strains”. Heirloom strains reach genetic stability in their new growing environment and carry the genetics of landrace strains but lack the original terroir.  

Some Of The Best Known Landrace Strains

Hindu Kush (Afghanistan & Pakistan):

Hindu Kush is a 100% pure indica strain originating from the Hindu Kush Mountain range in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The strain is believed to have made its way to America during the 1960s and 1970s. It is dark-green in color with broad leaves and thick buds. This strain has a subtle sweet and earthy flavor with notes of pine, lemon, and citrus. High levels of THC (20%) with little or no CBD are found in the plant which induces calming and therapeutic effects and can give relief from pain, nausea, stress, and anxiety.

Thai Landraces (Thailand):

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Thai landrace strain is a 100% pure sativa strain originating from Thailand. They are also called “Thai Sticks” because of the way it was dried and tied into long sticks and was brought into America around the 1970s. The strain is light-green in color with a lot longer and wispy leaves. It has a rich herbaceous, earthy and woody aroma with chocolate and citrus notes. A high percentage of THC (16-22%) with little or no CBD is found in the plant which induces an energizing and clear-headed effect and a euphoric high. 

Durban Poison  (South Africa):

Durban Poison strain is a 100% pure sativa strain originating from Durban, a port city in South Africa. The strain was first noticed in the late 1970s by one of America’s first International strain hunters, Ed Rosenthal. It has sugar-coated leaves, bright green buds with an icy look and orange pistils. The strain has a sweet, spicy and earthy aroma with notes of candied lemon and anise. High levels of THC (17-26%) with 1% or less CBD are found in the plant which induces energetic effects and boosts creativity.

Acapulco Gold (Mexico):

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Acapulco Gold is a sativa-dominant strain originating in Acapulco, Mexico. The strain has been around since the 1960s and is known as one of the most luxurious cannabis strains. It has beautiful golden color buds with brown-greenish hues with lots of resin. The strain has burnt toffee, coffee, and an earthy aroma with pine and citrus notes. A high percentage of THC (15-23%) with 1% or less CBD induces a strong cerebral high and uplighting mood and can be used for loss of appetite, nausea, anxiety or depression. 

Colombian Gold (Colombia):

Colombian Gold strain is a sativa-dominant strain originating from the mountains of Santa Marta in Colombia. The strain was very popular back in the 1960s and was used to create the famous Skunk #1 hybrid, a dominant strain used in cannabis breeding. It grows tall and bushy producing fluffy, crystal-covered and green-orange buds. The strain has a pungent skunky earth aroma with notes of fresh lemon and lime. A high percentage of THC (14-20%) with little or no CBD is found in the plant which induces uplifting and focused effects, gives relief from pain, stress, or anxiety, and can also be used for depression and ADHD.

Article by Aanchal Sharma, Beverage Trade Network

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