Variety really is the spice of life when it comes to cannabis — and with over 779 different strains world-wide — there is a perfect one for seemingly every occasion. But were you aware that every single strain can be traced back to a small handful of strains? These original plant types are better referred to as landrace strains.
That’s right. Botanists can trace original landrace strains back to one strain located in the Hindu Kush region.
But what exactly is a landrace strain, and what is it about them that makes them so special? This article will answer all your burning questions and tell you everything you need to know about the coveted landrace strains.
What is a Landrace Strain?
Generally speaking, landraces are pure cannabis strains that have never been crossbred with any other strains, and are cultivated in its native environment. Since landrace strains were grown in the wild year after year — virtually no variations exist, which makes for a remarkably consistent product. Since these strains are so pure in origin, you’ll never find a true landrace strain that is a hybrid. It will either be 100% Sativa or Indica.
In fact, many believe that landrace strains are some of the best strains of all time. Another neat fact is these strains are almost always named after their region or country of origin. For instance, Panama Red and Acapulco Gold are landrace strains that hail from South America and Mexico respectively; Pure Afghan and Hindu Kush are from the Pakistan/Afghanistan region.
What are Landrace Strains Used for?
In today’s cannabis market, so many consumers are on the constant lookout for new strains — requiring breeders to continually cross and re-cross strains trying to find the next big thing. Some of the more popular strains included in the list of all landrace strains include Durban Poison, Colombian Gold and Northern Lights – one of the most well known strains in the cannabis community that was originally bred between Afghani and Thai landrace strains.
However, there is a small group of cultivators that are going back to basics, and putting cannabis in touch with its roots once again.
Since Landraces are so pure, the effects and flavors are different from any newer or hybrid strains out there today because they’ve maintained their distinct and original characteristics.
That being said, don’t assume all Landrace strains are created equal. Just because it’s genetically an “original” strain, doesn’t mean it will be the pinnacle of quality. If it’s poorly grown and cared for, it will be a poor-quality product. A landrace is just the designation to define its indigenous upbringing and genetic purity.
Another interesting fact about these strains is that they are reflective of the environment they are raised in; adopting the qualities to make it better suited to grow and thrive. While this doesn’t make them superior, it does make them unique and helpful in cultivating our understanding of the history of cannabis and its genetic origins.
Where do They Come From?
As we mentioned above, Landrace strains are named from their place of origin. But where do they all come from? Based on the lore, these strains can trace their “roots” back to the Pakistan and Afghanistan regions — that were then spread throughout South America, Africa, Asia, and even Russia.
If you’re on the hunt for a landrace strain because you’re looking for something more “pure”, or different — you’ll find that they have become increasingly hard to find. One reason is that they have to try getting used to being grown in a different environment under a set of new growing conditions.
The plant’s response is to take on new characteristics, which will take several generations to stabilize. Once it does, it no longer resembles or maintains any of the original strains characteristics. When this happens, it’s no longer considered a landrace strain, but a phenotype. This is why they can’t be grown just anywhere. They have to be grown on their native soil to be considered Landrace strains.
Having said that, there are many Western cannabis connoisseurs that make the trek through the famed “Hippie Trail” in their quest to gather and return home with the seeds of their favorite landrace strains. The most popular of the landrace strains today include Hindu Kush, Panama Red, Durban Poison, Lamb’s Bread, Pure Afghan, and Malawi.
Concluding Thoughts on Landrace Strains
As the progenitors to modern-day cannabis strains and still popular enough to capture a wide range of the cannabis flower market today, landrace strains aren’t going anywhere any time soon. Landrace strains such as Afghani and Thai varieties are still being grown, smoked and crossbred with other strains to continually create new varieties that push the limits of the plant and what it can achieve.
Chance are you’ve smoked some weed that has some landrace genetics in it without you even noticing. As ubiquitous as they may appear to be, the best way to experience landrace strains in their full splendour and glory is to embark on a pilgrimage through the famed Hippie Trail where these unique strains reign supreme.
We hope this write-up has helped shed some light on these forefathers of modern-day cannabis and has inspired you to try a landrace strain the next time you light up.
Happy trails!
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