What Are Landrace Strains?

In one way or another, cannabis has been used for thousands of years. For most of this time, people relied on the strains they found in nature. But nowadays, growers are creating and breeding new variations and strains of cannabis every day. Who’s up for some Purple Monkey Balls!?

Nevertheless, not all strains that you see at your local dispensary are the result of crossbreeding. Some are strains that have naturally existed in nature for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. These are called landrace strains. 

What Is a Landrace Strain?

A landrace strain is an original cannabis strain that has not been genetically crossed with any other strain. The genetics of these strains are considered to be more ‘pure’ because they have not been mixed with anything else. In fact, many of these strains are named after the regions they originated from (Acapulco Gold, Afghan Kush, Durban Poison, etc.). 

It wasn’t until the 1970’s that breeders really got to work crossbreeding sativa and indica landrace strains to create many of the modern strain varieties that you see today. All modern cannabis strains around today have been derived from the crossing of landrace strains. One of the biggest differences between the cannabis we smoke today and the cannabis people smoked in the ‘60s/’70s is the difference in strains that are/were available. 

Sativa landrace strains originated in Asia and Northern Africa but really come from all over. The popularity of the silk road resulted in the strains being brought west throughout the 1700s and later. Other landrace sativas come from places closer to the equator like Mexico (Acapulco Gold) and Central America (Panama Red). 

The Indica landrace varieties can be traced back to the mountains of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. This variety of cannabis didn’t really make its way west until the hippie culture movement of the ’60s and ’70s. 

The last, and certainly the weirdest, variety of landrace strain is Ruderalis. This variety has had to adapt to the cold mountain climates it originated from (Siberia/Asia) and as a result, is a small plant with a short flowering time and a low THC content. Nowadays, ruderalis strains are typically used for breeding purposes in order to create auto-flowering strains. 

What Are Some Popular Landrace Strains?

Here are just a few of the most popular landrace strains that you’re likely to find on dispensary shelves. 

Durban Poison

A pure sativa strain originating from Northern Africa. Durban Poison produces an energizing, euphoric, and uplifting buzz that makes it a favorite among those looking to alleviate depression or anxiety. Features THC levels that can hit as high as 25% and an earthy sweet smell. 

Hindu Kush

Originating from the Kush mountain range between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Hindu Kush is a pure indica known for its powerfully relaxing and sedating effects. This strain features long-lasting whole-body effects that ease both the body and the mind. 

Colombian Gold

Originating in the Santa Marta mountains of Colombia, this landrace sativa eventually made its way north becoming really popular in the US in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Colombian Gold has classic sativa uplifting and energizing effects that make it perfect for daytime use. Known for growing tall and having thick, fat, resinous buds. 

Afghani

Afghani, also known as Afghan Kush and Afghan OG, is a pure indica strain originating from the Afghani side of the Hindu Kush mountain range. Like its close relative Hindu Kush, this strain produces sedating whole-body effects that make it perfect for treating pain, depression, and insomnia.