*By signing up, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. California residents, see our CA Privacy Notice.
The word landrace originates from the Danish language and simply means “origin.” Landrace strains are the oldest known strains in the cannabis world.
They traveled from the Himalayan and Hindu Kush mountains all over the world and have become the parent strains to many well-known hybrids we use today.
The majority of modern strains in cannabis culture are hybrid, meaning they were selectively produced for desirable genetic qualities such as terpene production, cannabinoid preferences, and THC potency.
For decades, people illegally smuggled the cannabis plant into North America from outside countries in previous generations.
Landrace Sativa strains came from regions such as Thailand, South Africa, and Mexico, while landrace Indica strains originated from Afghanistan and India. Many classic and rare landrace strains got their names from the area of their origin.
Cannabis strains are considered to be a pure or hybrid genetic variation of the plant Genus Cannabis. There are three species: Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. Ruderalis is not as popularly known; however, it is a derivative of cannabis with the lowest THC levels. Although they are popular among the cannabis community, hybrids are not considered a species as they are made of Sativa and Indica, with typically one or the other dominating the gene pool.
For marketing and medical marijuana purposes, cultivators will develop a cannabis strain to highlight specific desired characteristics, such as:
Color
Density
Flavor profile
Aroma
Medicinal benefits
Psychoactive effects
Cannabinoid percentages
THC vs. CBD
Those within the cannabis community report that there are close to eight hundred unique weed strains worldwide, but that number has increased steadily throughout the years. It's important to remember that all of them originated from Thai, Mexican, and African landrace strains that were imported at some point in history. Different strains are created yearly as botanists experiment with crossing classic marijuana strains with hybrids to change their genetic qualities.
Cannabis Indica is commonly found growing in the dryer climates of the Middle East. They are short and bushy with large, dark green leaves. The buds tend to be much denser in Indica versus Sativa.
Indica strains have higher CBD content than Sativa. Most Indica landrace strains exist with almost even amount of CBD and THC levels. Since Indica tends to be relaxing, they’re best for nighttime use due to the intense body high.
There are several reasons people may smoke Indica cannabis flower, including:
Relieving intense body and muscle pain
Reducing nausea and increasing appetite
Easing insomnia and promoting healthy sleep
Reducing anxiety symptoms
Heirloom cannabis strains are cultivated in a specific geographical location from where they originated and have genetics preserved over an extended period, often for many generations.
Cannabis Sativa does well in warmer regions of the Earth and can thrive with high humidity levels. The typical locations where Sativa strains are grown are Central America, South America, and Southeast Asia. Sativa is tall and slender with thin, light green leaves.
Many people report that smoking a landrace Sativa strain makes them feel energized, creative and focused. These psychological effects make Sativa strains best for daytime use because using them at night may cause insomnia due to the higher THC levels.
There are many reasons people use Sativa cannabis strains, including:
Easing depression symptoms
Headache and Pain relief
Decreasing Nausea
Fighting appetite loss
Better Focus
Head High over Body High
A hybrid is a combination of Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa. The amounts can vary depending on the strain, but there are ones that balance evenly, and on the flip side, there are Indica and Sativa dominant hybrid strains. The amount of each, along with cannabinoid presence, will determine the effects you will experience.
Terpenes are organic chemical compounds found in some herbs, most popularly known in connection to the cannabis plant. Terps can provide desired characteristics like flavor profile, aroma, and color. They can be added to cannabis flowers, tinctures, topicals, and edibles to increase psychoactive effects.
Although terpenoids do not affect cannabinoid potency, they can work with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to enhance health benefits. They have been linked to reducing the symptoms of certain mental and mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. Two popular terpenes are linalool (found in Lavender) and a-Pinene (found in rosemary) are known to assist with reducing anxiety and increasing mental clarity.
The two Haze brothers, simply known as R. Haze and J. Haze, are cannabis connoisseurs who were said to have created the original Haze strain in the 1970s in Santa Cruz, California. They were said to have bred a Mexican landrace strain with Columbian original landrace strains to create the Original Haze breed of cannabis plants. It has since been cross-bred with a Thai landrace strain to create many classic cannabis strains.
The characteristics of a Haze strain are earthy, citrus, and spicy with a cerebral high that energizes its’ user, making it a perfect daytime strain. There are now hundreds of classic cannabis strains that come from this West Coast legendary strain; many of them claim the title of cannabis cup winner.
In modern days, cannabis is legal in many states. Since it is somewhat regulated, a lot of it is cultivated in U.S facilities with top-notch resources and plenty of funding. Not only has quality and availability significantly improved, but the buds themselves have become more potent.
For classic landrace strains, THC levels rarely got above ten percent in the past. Today, we have legendary strains and hybrids made from them with THC content above 28 percent and every flavor imaginable.
Cannabis strains are generally classified into three main types, each with distinct characteristics and effects:
Cannabis plants contain a variety of chemical compounds called cannabinoids and terpenes that contribute to the strain's effects, flavors, and aromas:
Selecting the right cannabis strain depends on individual preferences and desired effects. Consider the following factors when choosing a strain:
Cannabis affects everyone differently, so it's important to consume responsibly and start with a low dose, gradually increasing as needed to find your ideal experience. Be mindful of the method of consumption (e.g., smoking, vaping, edibles) as it can impact the onset and duration of effects.
Familiarize yourself with local cannabis laws and regulations regarding marijuana use, possession, and purchase. Laws vary by location, and it's important to ensure compliance.
Remember, the information provided in this section is intended to serve as a general guide. Consult with a cannabis healthcare professional for specific medical concerns, and always verify the legality of cannabis in your location.
