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Last Updated on April 27, 2023 by Team Spinfuel
Cannabis comes in numerous varieties, but each one is descended from a handful of natural cannabis plants identified and grown in mountainous places worldwide. These original plants produce “landrace strains,” which are considered the cream of the crop by cannabis lovers. Here’s all you require to know about landrace strains.
Understanding landrace strains
Landrace strains are unique, pure marijuana strains that have not been bred with any other strain and have been cultivated in their natural setting. While these landrace strains originated in Africa and Asia, their popularity for recreational purposes quickly expanded worldwide. Landrace cannabis strains are usually named after the region or location from where they originated. The landrace strains have changed over thousands of years to adapt to the settings in which they are produced, but the cannabis forebears are the closest thing to the initial wild marijuana species.
What are modern-day landrace cannabis strains?
These landrace strains are becoming more difficult to get since they are pure types of Sativa and Indica strains. The majority of modern marijuana strains are mixtures of these landrace strains. Because initial landrace strains were often less powerful, cannabis breeders employed selective breeding procedures to generate new cannabis strains with the best characteristics of the landrace strains. Growers cross-pollinate strains to boost potency, decrease blooming durations, and breed for medicinal and recreational benefits.
What makes landrace marijuana strains unique?
Landrace strains are distinct because they are genetically comparable to the earliest cannabis plants grown for consumption or usage. They are pure Sativa or Indica but aren’t that different from other cannabis on the market, like the Obama Runtz strain. Some enthusiasts claim that landrace strains generate more resin and are more powerful. This is difficult to establish because there are several cannabis strains on the market currently, and comparing their potency and resin content to a landrace is challenging.
The different types of landrace strains
All landrace cannabis strains are either pure Indica or 100% Sativa. The landrace Indica cannabis strains grew in severe weather and rough alpine regions. Landrace Indica strains seem shorter with bushier foliage and produce more resin than landrace Sativa. Because of the cooler temperatures, the blooming cycle is shorter for landrace Indica strains. Conversely, landrace Sativa strains thrive in warmer climes near the equator. Landrace Sativa strains are tall and delicate, with a lengthy flowering time. Remember that landrace strains may be slightly different today than they were previously since their different surroundings may have led to new features like terpenes and cannabinoid profiles.
Four popular landrace strains available
Since landrace strains were the first to be discovered, there are significantly fewer of them than hybrids available in seed banks today. Here are four common landrace strains:
Afghani
The Afghani landrace strain was developed in Afghanistan and is also known as Afghan or Afghanistan among cannabis lovers. Afghani is an Indica strain that has 19% THC. The myrcene terpene in this Asian cannabis strain gives Afghani an earthy and sweet scent. When smoking the Afghani landrace strain, cannabis consumers will get a tranquil and relaxing effect. This Indica landrace strain is best utilized in the evening with its soothing properties. Afghani plants are distinguished by their thick buds, intense resin production, orange hairs, and huge leaves. When the Afghani landrace strain is cured, consumers experience a citrus and pine scent.
Hindu Kush
The Hindu Kush landrace Indica strain, or Hindi Kush, was identified between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the Hindu Kush Mountain in Central Asia. This pure Indica strain has a THC concentration of 19% on average. The limonene terpene is responsible for the tastes and scents created when smoking Hindu Kush, which emits earthy, woody, spicy, and lemony aromas.
This specific landrace cannabis strain arrived in the United States in the 1960s and has become famous among marijuana fans. Hindu Kush provides cannabis consumers with tranquility and allows them to fall asleep. Its abundant amber-colored trichomes and lush green hue may identify a Hindu Kush landrace strain.
Durban Poison
This Sativa landrace strain originated in the South African coastal city of Durban. Durban Poison is a prominent landrace strain with a high THC concentration of approximately 20%. Because of the terpene terpinolene, this African landrace strain has scents of anise, sweetness, and spiciness and a well-balanced taste of spices, citrus, and vanilla. Cannabis users like this stimulating and uplifting strain that improves creativity and productivity. The Durban Poison landrace strain was introduced to the US in the 1970s and is notable for its rounded flowers, huge buds, and plenty of trichomes, making this landrace Sativa strain perfect for extracting concentrates.
Thai
This unique landrace strain, often known as Thai Stick because of its drying and curing method, originated in Asia. Thai Sativa is well-known for its high THC content of 19%. Caryophyllene, a terpene, offers the plant peppery and herbal aromas of citrus. Thai has a fruity scent with a dash of diesel. This pure Sativa landrace strain was imported to the United States in the 70s and has since been used for breeding well-known Kush strains seeds. Thai strains generate uplifting, soothing, refreshing effects and give consumers a cerebral high.
Landrace strains aren’t just about genetics
It should be noted that real landrace strains can be difficult to find. Just because a cannabis strain possesses landrace genetics doesn’t make it a true landrace. Assume an Afghani seed is taken back from its native site in Afghanistan and grows in Northern California. Because of the differences in temperature, height, and growing circumstances in Northern California, you can expect different flavors, aromas, and effects than you would receive from a real Afghani cultivated in its native habitat.
Further Reading:
50 States, So Where is Cannabis Legal in the United States?
Is Growing Cannabis In Ohio Legal?
How Is Good Commercial Cannabis Grown?
