What Does Landrace Mean?
When describing cannabis, the term landrace refers to types of marijuana strains that developed in their own natural environment over the course of many centuries without human interference.
As a result, landrace strains have adapted through natural selection and hardiness in order to thrive in their various distinctive, native locations. Each of the original landrace cannabis strains, whether it be a sativa or indica, have evolved to maximize their unique climate advantages and disadvantages. Each of these cultivars developed specific traits which allowed them to remain hardy and survive regions that would be a challenge for other plants.
Where Do Landrace Strains Originate?
Currently, experts have identified about 100 different landrace strains which have been classified from various parts of the world. Often they originate in places that are tough to access or inaccessible which allowed them to grow undisturbed for many generations. These cannabis plants have been found in Afghanistan, Africa, India, Jamaica, Pakistan, Mexico, Central America and the Hindu Kush region of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
What Are Examples of Landrace Strains?
Sativa Landrace Strains
- Acapulco Gold
- Lamb’s Bread
- Durban Poison
- Kilimanjaro
- Panama Red
- Colombian Gold
- Thai and Chocolate Thai
Indica Landrace Strains
- Afghani (Pure Afghan)
- Hindu Kush
- Tashkurgan
- Sheberghan
- Pakistani Chitral Kush
- Puna Buddaz
- Moloka’i Purpz
Can You Still Buy Landrace Strains?
Yes, you can certainly still find landrace strains to buy as we’ve run into several while doing our product reviews. However in recent decades hybrid strains have take over in popularity because they offer greater variety. Although I like classic landrace flowers, I know many people who find their flavour and aroma unappealing (not fans of the herbal/earthy). So it really comes down to individual preference and what types of cannabis you normally enjoy.
References and Additional Reading
- “The Cannabis Breeder’s Bible” by Greg Green
- “The Landrace Strains of Cannabis” by High Times
- “Landrace Strains: A Guide to Cannabis Genetics” by Leafly
- “Landrace Strains: Understanding the Building Blocks of Cannabis” by Culture Magazine
- “Landrace Strains: A Look at the Origins of Cannabis” by Herb
- “The Importance of Landrace Strains in the World of Cannabis” by Royal Queen Seeds
- “The History and Significance of Landrace Strains in the Cannabis Industry” by Medical Marijuana, Inc.
These resources can provide information about the history, genetics, and unique characteristics of landrace cannabis strains, and can be helpful for those who want to learn more about this topic.