What is a Landrace Strain?

A landrace strain refers to a “local” strain of cannabis that’s adapted to the environment in its geographic location. They’re typically named after their native region, which is the reason we’ve got stains like Hindu Kush, Panama Red, Durban Poison, Acapulco Gold, and more.

Landrace strains have adopted to their environment over time, finding the optimal balance to thrive. Climate, weather, soil, and other environmental factors in certain areas are what make up the ideal conditions for cannabis to adopt to its environment. It is the landrace strains that have withstood the test of time, becoming the foundation of the variety of strains we see today.

Landrace strains are the true OGs of cannabis. As an example, Hindu Kush originated in the Hindu Kush, a rugged mountain range that stretches from Afghanistan to Pakistan, making it a landrace strain to Afghanistan/Pakistan.

Hybridization has left us with countless strains of cannabis, but fewer original genetics. Coming across a pure landrace strain is rare, with most of today’s popular cannabis strains crossbred with two or more strains.

Landrace strains have withstood the test of time. They are the seeds that were smuggled from their native regions by some of the first cannabis crusaders. Landrace strains have given us the wide variety of weed we’re so familiar with today, each with their own history and geographical home.