What Are Landrace Strains?

Landrace strains are the origins of the cannabis hybrids we know and love today. These plants are 100% sativa or indica, growing natively in specific regions around the world. 

This article will teach you all about landrace cannabis strains, including:

• The History of Landrace Strains
• Where Do Landrace Strains Come From?
• Top 5 Famous Landrace Strains
• Can You Still Buy Landrace Strains?
  
  

The history of landrace strains dates back thousands of years. The first written record of cannabis was in 2,900 B.C. in a plant medicine encyclopedia,¹ and cannabis genetics can be traced back to a single plant species from the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan. This native cannabis cultivar was used for rope, clothes, and medicine, and migrated from its original region to Ancient Greece and Rome. The Ottomans brought it to Africa, while in the 16th century, Europeans brought it to the Caribbean and Central Americas.

Landrace strains are the original, unhybridized pure sativa and indica cannabis plants, often named for where they’re from. These strains developed in isolation in various parts of the world, adapting to their local environment. Each strain’s natural evolution allowed it to develop unique traits suited to the specific climates and growing conditions. These days, most cannabis strains are created via hybridization, and that’s why there are thousands of strains to choose from at your local dispensary.²

Here are some regions known for their distinctive landrace strains:

Middle East & Central Asia: The Middle East and Central Asia are home to some of the most famous landrace cannabis strains, such as Hindu Kush and Afghan Kush. These regions’ rugged mountains and harsh climates have produced purely indica landrace strains. 

Thailand: Thai landrace strains originated in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Because of the region’s tropical climate, these cannabis plants are purely sativa and known for their tall, lanky structures. 

Latin America: Landrace cannabis plants that grow in Latin America, particularly Mexico and Colombia, are characterized by a 100% sativa chemical phenotype and vibrant green and gold streaked leaves. 

Africa: Africa’s diverse climates have produced a variety of landrace marijuana strains, with Durban Poison being one of the most famous. These African landrace strains are 100% sativa dominant and typically have neon green leaves with bright orange trichomes.

Several landrace strains have achieved legendary status in the cannabis community. Here are five of the most famous sativa vs indica landrace strains:

Sativa 

Acapulco Gold is a rare landrace strain from Mexico. It’s 100% sativa and known for its golden-brown nugget and orange hairs. The strain contains 18% THC and has a spicy, honey, coffee, and herbal flavor. Expect a delicious burnt toffee smell that complements the honey coffee taste.³

Sativa

Thai, also called Thai Stick, is a classic sativa landrace from Thailand. The name of the strain comes from the unique way cannabis enthusiasts have historically smoked Thai Sticks: by skewering the cannabis buds on sticks of bamboo. With an average 15-20% THC level, Thai Stick has a sweet tropical taste with hints of woodiness and a fruity, floral aroma that’s skunky sweet.⁴ This strain is also one of the parents of the ever-popular Haze.

Indica

Hindu Kush is a pure indica landrace strain from the mountain ranges of central Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is pretty potent, with a THC level that ranges from a moderate 22% to a high 32%. Cannabis connoisseurs report that the strain has a spicy lemon taste with touches of herbaceous woodiness and a sweet yet earthy aroma.⁵ Hindu Kush, one of the original landrace cannabis strains, has fathered many famous strains, such as OG Kush, Purple Kush, and Bubba Kush.

Sativa

Durban Poison, a 100% sativa landrace strain, hails from Durban, South Africa. A fan-favorite, Durban Poison has a 24% THC content. The strain has a sweet, piney aroma similar to anise and a lovely, citrusy, herbal taste.⁶

Indica

Afghan Kush, or Afghan OG, is a pure indica landrace strain from the Hindu Kush mountain region. The strain has an average THC level of 21% and a CBD level of 6%. Expect a fruity taste that’s part herbal and woody, while the aroma profile is florally, earthy, and intense.⁷ 

While modern hybrid marijuana strains dominate the market, it is still possible to find pure landrace strains. However, landrace cannabis is rare because it isn’t always easy to grow these strains outside their natural environments. On a technical note, these plants, called heirloom strains, have similar genetics to the original landrace strains but have some phenotypic differences.⁸

While landrace strains are rare, finding these original 100% indica or sativa strains isn’t impossible. Exploring landrace cannabis can deepen your appreciation for this remarkable plant, so ask your favorite budtender if the dispensary has any landrace strains available and in stock. 

Sources:

1. “What Is Landrace Cannabis?” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/landrace-cannabis 

2. “Learn Cannabis: What Are Landrace Strains?” Wikileaf The Stash, November 19, 2018, https://www.wikileaf.com/thestash/landrace-strains/  

3. “Acapulco Gold,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/strains/acapulco-gold  

4. “Thai Stick Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa/thai-stick 

5. “Hindu Kush Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica/hindu-kush 

6. “Durban Poison Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa/durban-poison 

7. “Afghan Kush Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica/afghan-kush 

8. “5 classic weed strains from the ‘60s you can still find today,” Leafly, September 15, 2022, https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/what-is-marijuana-landrace-strain