What are landrace cannabis strains, and why are they so special?
We’ve come a long way from the days when flower and hash were your only options when it came to cannabis. Now, in addition to the countless flower strains and centuries-old classics like hash, there are so many different ways you can consume cannabis. You can choose from concentrates, oils, tinctures, topicals, beverages, edibles, and even cannabis products for your pets!
Ever wonder where all of these diverse cannabis-derived products come from? The fact is, most of the cannabis products you see on the market today come from an original landrace parent plant.
It’s sort of like having a pure-bred pug while knowing that it’s a long way from the original canine wolf breed!
Cannabis use can be traced back as far as the Neolithic period in history. We knew it was called the “Stone Age” for a reason!
Over the many years since the ancient discovery of cannabis’ properties, humans have expanded on the many uses of the cannabis plant to include medicines, pain relief, textiles, and even fuel. Oh, and recreational usage, of course!
Landrace strains are an essential part of cannabis history. Still, they are often overshadowed by the latest innovations in the cannabis industry, and many people have never even heard of landrace strains! In this article, we’ll dig into the exciting and little-known history of Landrace Cannabis Strains.
What Are Landrace Strains?
Landrace Strains are identified as genetically pure strains that are not cross-bred, meaning landrace strains have less diluted DNA than other cannabis strains.
Genetic testing can trace the lineage of cannabis strains back to a few of these landrace strains originating from Afghanistan and Pakistan within the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. Every strain that exists today traces back to these original landrace strains, making them the real OG Kush!
Simply put, Landrace Strains are the original, wild cannabis plants than the strains we usually come across in the market.
There are a few geographical regions where popular landrace strains are indigenous. It’s interesting to think that the modern hybrid you’re smoking may have ancestors from one of these locations:
- Pakistan and Afghanistan – Home to the Hindu Kush mountains, the arid and fertile climate of the region is known as the motherland of cannabis plants.
- Jamaica – Jamaicans don’t just enjoy the Ganja; they practically invented it. Keep reading to find out which landrace cannabis strains are rasta-approved.
- Mexico and Central America – The tropical climates south of the American border are a popular location for wild cannabis strains with pure DNA and little dilution from botanical blending.
- South Africa – Looking for pure sativas? The African port city of Durban is home to one of the originals.
As these original strains spread to other parts of the world, breeding of new strains occurred. Botanists and amateur growers have worked down from these Kush origins to create the thousands of popular strains we know and love!
Why are Landrace Cannabis Strains so Special?
Now that we know a brief history of cannabis plants, landrace strains, and where they originated from— let’s explore what makes landrace strains so special, rare, and unique.
The Effects of Landrace Strains
Modern hybrids and cannabis strains are designed to deliver more precise effects. For example, if you’re looking for pain relief you might try Do-Si Cookies, and if you want an anxiety-free high, you could consider an indica dominant hybrid such as High Octane or CBD Tinctures.
On the other hand, Landrace Strains are much less specific in their effects as they weren’t bred with particular uses in mind. In fact, they weren’t bred at all as they grew wild without any human interference!
It’s important to know that landrace strains aren’t more potent than modern strains. So what makes landrace cannabis special? To answer that, we might think about why these pure strains are so unique.
Are Landrace Strains Rare and Unique?
Over time, landrace strains have been transplanted from their indigenous locations to other parts of the world, causing changes in their botanical properties. Centuries of selective crossbreeding and cultivating have altered the characteristics of the original Hindu Kush.
Because of scientific advancements in cannabis products and breeding, pure landrace strains are grown less frequently than other popular hybrid strains – making them “extremely rare.”
Rare doesn’t always mean better! In fact, there are FAR more modern hybrid strains (and good ones, at that) than pure DNA strains thriving in their indigenous locations. So, maybe think twice before you invest in a backpack and plane ticket to trek the Himalayas in search of the world’s first cannabis plant.
What are the Top Landrace Strains?
Although the ancient mountain cannabis is far from reach, the 1960s and 70s saw a massive market for pure sativa breeds. This purity boom was before a lot of genetic breeding of plants took place!
If you’re wondering if a particular strain is a landrace, a big tip-off is that they often contain their regional area in the name! For example, Hindu Kush, Afghani, and Durban Poison are all named after their native homes!
Here are some of the top landrace cannabis strains that you might see at your dispensary:
Hindu Kush (Indica)
- Origin: Pakistan / Afghanistan
- THC Level: 15% – 20%
This primary landrace strain hails from the motherland of cannabis plants: the mountain ranges of Pakistan and Afghanistan. This classic, pure indica strain was used for ancient medicinal purposes such as pain relief, stress, and anxiety. Hindu Kush induces a sense of calm. You’ll be feeling like a Himalayan monk in no time. Both the Hindu Kush and the Afghani are parent strains in an overwhelming amount of indica hybrids. Just think – where would we be without the kush?!
Afghani (Indica)
- Origin: Afghanistan
- THC Level: 17% – 20%
Also known as Afghan Kush, this strain is one of the most ancient cannabis strains on the planet. It is often used for making hash because of its thick coating of trichomes. This strain is indigenous to the high-humidity climate of Afghanistan. Afghan Kush still grows wild in the mountains of its native region. This ancient strain offers a sense of calm and tranquility like no other.
Acapulco Gold (Sativa)
- Origin: Acapulco, Mexico
- THC Level: 20% – 24%
From the sunny location of Mexico comes this cannabis strain high in THC. Acapulco Gold is a rare sativa strain. Although this Mexican strain originating from the Acapulco region is known for being one of the world’s best strains – it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get your hands on.
Durban Poison (Sativa)
- Origin: South Africa
- THC Level: 16% – 20%
Known as one of the best landrace strains, this sativa from Durban, Africa, offers an energetic and stimulating cerebral high. It’s a serious mood-boost! Durban Poison is a sativa strain that is somewhat easier to find than some other strains on this list.
Lamb’s Bread (Sativa)
- Origin: Jamaica
- THC Level: 25 %
Also known as Lamb’s Breath, this Bob Marley-endorsed strain comes from Jamaica. The effects of this popular Jamaican landrace strain are uplifting feelings of clarity and introspection. Time to get philosophical! You can also expect a boost of creative energy, perfect for a jam session with the buds.
Panama Red (Sativa)
- Origin: Panama
- THC Level: 19%
Does Panama Red still exist? This old-school pure sativa strain originates from Panama and offers intense, almost psychedelic effects. It’s no surprise that this groovy strain was popular in the 1960s and ‘70s. Although not “extinct”, Panama Red has a long flowering time and was abandoned mainly by growers for faster strains.
Thai (Sativa)
- Origin: Thailand
- THC Level: 14% – 24%
This strain has a unique terpene profile and offers a higher-than-average potency. It also has a smooth, energetic and cerebral high. Thai is known for its effects of relaxing focus. Thai, the strain also known as Thai Stick, is used as a popular parent plant to many hybrid strains such as Haze, Northern Lights, Blueberry, and Trainwreck.
Is Northern Lights a Landrace Strain?
Here’s another popular cannabis strain that sneaks in just under the bar. Many marijuana connoisseurs may think that Northern Lights falls into the category of landrace strains.
Surprise! It’s not.
Well, not exactly. Although a pure indica strain, Northern Lights is bred from two parent landraces (Afghani and Thai). These landrace strains created some pretty sweet offspring. Northern Lights is an iconic strain that offers a short, cerebral rush.
How Do I Get Landrace Strains in Canada?
Why are landrace cannabis strains harder to find than other cannabis strains?
As we’ve learned, landrace strains are identified by their connection to their native land. Unfortunately, Canada and the US aren’t home to any indigenous cannabis plants. Luckily, what Mother Nature neglected to offer us, our ancestors were quick to address.
Canadian and Indigenous communities have prominently used cannabis for centuries. With recent legalization – it’s even more accessible and safer than ever before. Using modern technologies for growing and cultivating, you can purchase sativa, indica, and hybrid strains bred specifically for certain effects!
Conclusion
That’s a lot of history for one little bud! Still wondering if you should try landrace strains? If you’re looking for a specific effect, you might be better off with botanically crafted hybrid. Check out Budmail’s extensive inventory of cannabis flowers, oils, and concentrates to suit any need or desired effect!
As for landrace cannabis strains – we still have to thank these pure cannabis plants! As a gift from their individual regions, landrace strains are the foundation for all of the strains we’ve seen come up over the past forty years. Even today, landrace strains remain the standard for quality of cannabis potency and characteristics.
Although some dispensaries such as Budmail occasionally carry these pure strains, they can often be trickier to access than other cannabis strains.
Have you tried any of these landrace cannabis strains? How would you compare these OG strains to modern hybrids? Tell us what you think in the comments!
Sources Cited
Honest Marijuana: Landrace Strains.
Leafly: What Is Cannabis Landrace Strain.
Leafly: Did Indigenouss Canadians Use Cannabis?.
Clear Choice: Best Landrace Strains.
10 Buds: Best Cannabis Seeds Landrace.
