What are the Different Types of Cannabis Landrace Strains?

Last Updated on April 19, 2023

Cannabis which was present back in the 60s, can’t be compared to cannabis now present on the market. Nowadays, the market is flooded with different hybrids bred in the laboratory, crossing two or more strains. 

Back in the day, people didn’t smoke hybrids. They usually smoked just one specific type of cannabis – sativa. Indica came to the spotlight in the 70s, but the original cannabis plant which people smoked was, in 99% of cases, a Sativa. Even though these plants originated in India, they quickly moved to the rest of the globe, especially to the US. 

In Europe, people do smoke cannabis, but in the US, they adore it. And naturally, that is where the most significant concentration of cannabis at that time was.

Today, we have a number of new strains called landrace strains.

 Let us discuss this in detail!

What is a Landrace Strain?

Landrace strain is the original, pure cannabis strain that has not been bred with any other marijuana strain that makes you more focused and was grown in their native environment. These strains are highly sought after for their recreational benefits and have been spread globally from their origins in Asia and Africa.

What are Cannabis Landrace Strains in Genetics?

Marijuana Landrace strains are varieties of cannabis that have been cultivated in a particular region for many years, adapting to the local environment and becoming genetically distinct from other plant varieties. These strains are often named after the regions where they originated, such as Afghan Kush, Thai Stick, or Malawi Gold.

Because they have been grown in their natural habitat for a long time, landrace strains are typically well-adapted to their local climate, soil, and pests and can be quite hardy. They also tend to have unique characteristics, such as aroma, flavour, and potency, that make them popular among cannabis enthusiasts.

How Many Landrace Weed Strains Are There?

There are three main landrace strains: ruderalis, sativa, and indica. You have to choose your own strain according to your preferences. Let’s look at each of them and some of the most famous original landrace strains within each category.

1. Landrace Ruderalis Strains

Ruderalis is a type of cannabis that is often referred to as “wild hemp.” These strains are typically short and bushy and are known for their auto-flowering properties, meaning they do not require a change in a light cycle to start flowering. 

Some of the most famous original landrace ruderalis strains include:

a): Cannabis Ruderalis

This is the original ruderalis strain, native to central and eastern Europe. It is known for its short stature and low THC content. While unsuitable for recreational use, it has proven useful in breeding programs producing hybrid strains. 

Its auto-flowering properties make it an attractive option for breeders looking to create strains that can be grown in a variety of conditions without the need for specific light cycles.

b): Mexican Ruderalis

Discovered in Mexico, this strain is hardy and has a short flowering time. It is highly adaptable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for outdoor cultivation.

Mexican Ruderalis has been used in breeding programs to create hybrid strains that can grow in various conditions. Its auto-flowering properties make it an attractive option for breeders looking to create strains that are easy to grow and maintain.

2. Landrace Sativa Strains

Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energetic effects. These strains are typically tall and thin with long, narrow leaves. 

Some of the most famous original landrace sativa strains include:

a): Thai

This strain is native to Thailand and is known for its powerful effects and sweet, spicy flavour. It is a Sativa-dominant strain that is highly sought after for its energising and uplifting effects. Thai strains are also known for their high levels of THC, which can reach up to 20%.

b): Jamaica

This strain is native to Jamaica and is known for its citrusy flavour and uplifting effects. It is a Sativa-dominant strain that is highly prized for its mood-boosting properties. 

Jamaican strains are often described as having a “happy” high, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety as marijuana strains do. 

c): Colombians

This strain is native to Colombia and is known for its sweet, floral aroma and energetic effects. It is a Sativa-dominant strain that is highly prized for its cerebral effects, which can provide a burst of creativity and focus. 

Colombian strains are also known for their high levels of CBD, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain.

3. Landrace Indica Strains

Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative effects. These strains are typically shorter and bushier than sativa strains with broader leaves.

Some of the most famous original landrace Indica strains include:

a): Hindu Kush

This strain is native to the Hindu Kush mountain range in Afghanistan and is known for its heavy body effects and earthy flavour. Hindu Kush strains are typically high in THC and can produce powerful sedative effects that are perfect for unwinding after a long day. 

Its earthy flavour is often described as a combination of sandalwood and pine, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a classic cannabis taste.

b): Afghani

This strain is native to Afghanistan and is known for its powerful body effects and sweet, spicy flavour. Afghani strains are often used for pain relief and relaxation and can produce a calming, sleepy high that is perfect for nighttime use. 

Its sweet, spicy flavour is often described as reminiscent of cinnamon or clove, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a warm and comforting taste.

c): Pink Kush

 This strain is believed to be a descendant of Hindu Kush and is known for its potent body effects and sweet, floral flavour. Pink Kush strains are typically high in THC and can produce a deeply relaxing and euphoric high that is perfect for unwinding at the end of the day. Its sweet, floral flavour is often described as reminiscent of vanilla or berries, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more delicate cannabis taste.

Pink Kush is also known for its strong aroma, which can be described as a combination of sweet vanilla and earthy spices.

d): Pakistani

This strain is native to Pakistan and is known for its relaxing effects and fruity aroma. Pakistani strains are often used to relieve stress and anxiety and can produce a mellow, calming high that is perfect for unwinding after a long day. 

Its fruity aroma is often described as a combination of mango and citrus, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a sweet and refreshing taste.

Can You Still Find Cannabis Landrace Strains?

The 70s came, and so did the hybrids. Humans, curious beings, wanted to try something new. So they started mixing these two original landrace strains – Sativa and Indica and created a whole new branch of cannabis plants, hybrids. 

Nowadays, it is believed that over 90% of cannabis strains worldwide fall under the hybrid category. It is considered a hybrid if the strain has even 10% of Indica and 90% of Sativa. It doesn’t have to be 50:50. As long as it’s not 100% pure, you’re looking at a hybrid. 

Why did they do this?

There are many explanations, but the one mentioned the most is that they wanted to take the best of both worlds. Back then, people realised that Indica and Sativa strains had different characteristics and effects on the consumer. They also discovered that some strains had a side-effect profile. 

So, How to Overcome This? 

Well, simply mix two strains and take what you need. For example, if one Sativa strain has uplifting and euphoric effects and the Indica has relaxation effects, mixing the two will combine these effects. 

This way, you will also kind of “bypass” the side effects from Sativa since Indica will provide you with pure relaxation.

Are Landrace Strains More Potent Than Hybrids?

Well, it depends mainly on the type of strain and the combined mixture. But, generally speaking, if you get your hands on a pure landrace strain that was present back in the 60s, it will probably be less potent than today’s hybrid, primarily because modern cannabis strains are created so that they are very potent.

People just like to get high a lot, and compared to the strength of the weed back in the old days, hybrids are far superior.

How Hard is it to Find Landrace Strains Nowadays?

It’s pretty hard. Simply put, people nowadays like smoking something different from the original cannabis strains. Unfortunately, this means that there is simply no market for such strains. Some cannabis enthusiasts would surely buy them, but most users just stick to the proven hybrids that are popular today. 

But this doesn’t mean that you can’t find OG landrace strains. If you look hard enough, they are out there. Most online dispensaries don’t have these strains in their catalogue, but Cannalyft indeed does. 

The Bottom Line

Landrace strains are the OG of the cannabis world. They are the first strains that came to the market, and your mom or dad probably smoked them if they were hippies back in the day. Jokes aside, Sativa and Indica landrace strains are something every cannabis lover should try at least once in their life. Not because they are outstanding but because they are pillars of the modern cannabis world and because you should respect them. Chances are you will stick to the hybrids even after trying landrace strains, but we think you should give it a go just so you can tell your kids about it afterwards.

Also, we know that it’s often hard to find these strains, especially if you live in a country with strict cannabis laws. But if you are in the US or Canada, online dispensaries such as Cannalyft should be your go-to place for landrace strains and anything cannabis-related. You won’t regret it!