What is Landrace Cannabis?  – Seedsman Blog

Whenever you see the term Landrace Cannabis, it refers to specific strains of the cannabis plant that have grown in the wild for centuries. These cannabis strains are indigenous to particular areas of the world, each with its own unique climate.  

Landrace cannabis has grown and flourished in these climates over prolonged periods. When you buy seeds of a Landrace strain, these are typically best grown in an environment similar to the strain’s origin. These varieties are also useful for breeding due to their specific survival traits. 

A Brief History of Cannabis 

We knew the cannabis plant had been around for a long time, but recently, we learned just how long. Relatively new research involving pollen fossils told us that cannabis originated in the wild of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau around twenty-eight million years ago. However, the recorded use of the plant is far more recent (although still a long time ago). Records suggest that the earliest proponents of cannabis were the ancient Chinese. As far back as 2800 BC, Emperor Shen Nung, regarded as the father of Chinese medicine, had listed the cannabis plant as a medicine in his writings.  

Throughout history, writings are littered with references to the cannabis plant and its uses. Many ancient communities, from the Indian Hindus to the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Assyrians, have written about the use of cannabis to treat medical ailments. Elsewhere, cannabis had a place in ancient rituals and rites and was even used as an offering to deities in some religions. 

These original cultivars adapted to their local environments and would be influenced by local factors such as soil type and water availability. They are referred to as Landrace cannabis strains. After centuries of use, we would use the original Landrace cultivars as the launchpad for the modern cannabis strains now available worldwide. 

What Makes a Landrace Strain? 

Nowadays, most of the strains you can buy are selectively bred, mixing two or more strains to filter out the less desirable traits of the plant and keep the more favorable characteristics. For example, a breeder may like the THC content and terpene profile of a particular cannabis strain but find that yields are low. By introducing a high-yielding plant via crossbreeding, the low yield potential of the crop can be replaced with the much higher yielding abilities of the second plant while retaining the higher THC content of the first, and so on.  

You’ll also find that, where a hybrid strain may be indica-dominant or sativa-dominant as a result of the crossbreeding process, Landrace strains are pure indica or pure sativa.  

What you get is a plant that certainly has qualities but shortcomings compared to many modern-day cannabis strains bolstered via selective breeding programs. What makes this interesting is that many modern hybrid strains have Landrace cannabis as one of their parent strains. Durban Poison and Afghani, in particular, are popular choices for breeders looking to craft new strains, and you will find one or the other at the root of countless modern varieties. 

You can often tell if you’re dealing with a Landrace cannabis strain by its name. Many Landrace cannabis strains are named for their place of origin, where they were first discovered growing in the wild historically. For example, Durban Poison, Afghani, Hindu Kush, and Acapulco Gold are all classic Landrace cannabis strains named after the location where they were first discovered. It should be noted, however, that names are not always a guarantee of Landrace origins, but those with a strong heritage to the Landraces tend to have names that reflect that.  

As to the potency of Landrace cannabis strains, there is still curiosity and debate in conversations about how the old strains were the best, the most potent and so on. A Landrace cannabis strain will tend to be noticeably less potent than its modern counterparts. This is chiefly due to the crossbreeding that takes place to achieve modern cannabis, with many breeders actively seeking to elevate the potency of their plants via this process. Everything from the terpene profiles, which determine the aroma and taste of cannabis, to bud size, and potency, are generally improved upon via the crossbreeding process. Landrace strains are a case of ‘as it is, whereas modern strains are more a case of ‘how do you want it?’ 

What’s the Difference Between a Landrace and an Heirloom Strain? 

Landrace and Heirloom cannabis are terms often used interchangeably to describe any dated strains, but the two terms refer to different things. Landrace cannabis is wild cannabis, indigenous to a specific geographic region, that successfully adapted to the unique challenges presented by its native climate. Landraces are the original cannabis strains, traditionally underwent no deliberate modification (until relatively recent times, at least), and are the oldest found in nature. Many of these cultivars still grow wild in those locations to this day. 

Heirloom cannabis strains, however, are not as intrinsically connected to a geographic location and will likely have undergone seed sharing, transportation, and some degree of modification. Heirloom strains can be boiled down to strains that have stood the test of time without being classifiable as historically ancient. Due to some degree of genetic modification, heirloom strains are less likely to adapt and survive regardless of the environment than Landrace varieties. 

Can You Still Buy Landrace Cannabis Strains? 

The good news is you can still get your hands on Landrace cannabis strains, with most seed banks offering a few varieties of original cultivars. The main caveat is that most of these are not authentic originals but a version or a modern take on original Landrace strains. As such, the genetics of the Landrace varieties may have been diluted somewhat or, in some cases, improved upon slightly.  

This is the best way to go if you’re looking for the Landrace experience. If you follow good cultivation practices from germination to harvest, you’ll undoubtedly end up with a good approximation of the Landrace cannabis experience and some exceptionally fine plants. 

Landrace Cannabis Seeds for Sale on Seedsman  

We offer a diverse and exciting range of Landrace cannabis genetics. Here are a few of our recommendations if you want to experience some of the finest Landraces the market offers. 

Durban Poison

Durban Poison left South Africa in the 1970s, when the pure sativa made its way to Holland, introducing coffee shop cannaseurs to the authentic taste of South African landrace cannabis.

During that time, as the strain adapted to the outdoor conditions of Europe, some indica genetics combined with Durban Poison. This is evident in the broader leaves visible during the early growing stages, but by the time flowering is complete, she’s unmistakeably sativa. Durban Poison tops out at around 3 metres in height! Flowering takes 8-9 weeks, after which you can experience the heavenly flavours of aniseed, liquorice and clove.

This classic South African landrace grows well indoors and out and is known for its high level of pest resistance. This is a high-yielding strain, and in true sativa style, the effects are cerebral and uplifting. Expect an energetic buzz from Durban Poison.

Add a classic to your seed collection here

Mazar

With her indica lineage, Mazar is an ideal choice for beginners or experts to grow. You’ll find Mazar to be a short, sturdy plant that can handle cold temperatures and harsh environments thanks to its Afghani heritage. Mazar has been crossed with a potent Skunk strain, which has improved it slightly and increased yield potential.

Mazar has a flowering time of around 8-9 weeks and will be good to harvest in November. The taste of Mazar is an exotic one of sweet fruits, pine and citrus, making it a rich-flavoured variety. This indica strain offers a serious narcotic effect to the body, and 19.5% THC makes couch-lock a strong likelihood. Indoor cultivators should make use of carbon filters for this highly aromatic strain.

Get your hands on a best-seller. Mazar is available on Seedsman.com

Original Afghani #1

If you’re looking for a fast-flowering landrace, you’ll have a hard job beating Seedsman’s Original Afghani #1. Its flowering time of just 7 weeks ensures a quick turnaround of dense, potent buds packed with true indica quality in abundance.

Like Durban Poison, Original Afghani became widely available in the 1970s, thanks to our friends at Sacred Seeds. The lineage and quality of this indica are so pure and assured that it became a staple in many breeding programmes and provides a genetic backbone for some of your favourite strains of today.

Original Afghani #1 carries a refreshing flavour profile, including crisp, light fruity notes, and delivers a heavy, narcotic effect. It’s an ideal strain for evenings and can help with relaxation after a long and busy day.

Original Afghani#1 feminized seeds can be yours today

Pakistani Chitral Kush

Don’t confuse it with Critical Kush – Pakistani Chitral Kush takes its name from its origin in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan – part of the Himalayan region.

This pure indica landrace is known for its beautiful purple and red hues displayed during flowering. It’s a rare strain that can survive damper conditions without succumbing to mould, making it an ideal choice for Northern Hemisphere growers. Outdoors, she flowers in 9 weeks and will be ready to reap around late September.

PCK is packed with a unique and unbelievable taste profile, including sumptuous caramel, strawberry, and blackberry. You’ll want more, but beware – this is pure indica at its finest and carries a heavy body effect.

Add Pakistani Chitral Kush to your seed collection here

Power Plant

If enormous yields are your thing, the aptly-named power plant could be just the strain you’re looking for. This South African, mostly-sativa landrace is a high output strain, delivering as much as 600 gm/m2 from an indoor grow! Flowering time is around 8 weeks, making it a reasonably fast finisher. Power Plant is a versatile strain, comfortable growing indoors, outdoors, or in a greenhouse.

Power Plant weighs in at around 20% THC and boasts medicinal properties that may help fight stress and depression and assist with pain relief. Go easy, though – the more you consume, the heavier the effect.

The taste of Power Plant is sweet and mellow, sure to please fans of aniseed or liquorice flavours. 

Power Plant feminized seeds are available from Seedsman.com

Kalat

Kalat is an heirloom landrace strain, originating in Balochistan. Its natural environment is a high altitude, low desert region, but it grows well in both subtropical highland and temperate regions.

This is an easy to grow strain with excellent resistance to drought conditions. Plants are medium-sized indicas, which need only minimal feeding and can survive harsh conditions with little water.

The flavour of Kalat is rich and creamy, with a high-roast coffee bean quality. Kalat’s effect is a long-lasting, balanced and social high.

Get the stunning Kalat genetics by Landrace Warden at Seedsman.com

Quetta City

Quetta City is a hardy heirloom landrace indica with great insect resistance and excellent tolerance to arid conditions.

Yields are medium-high, with 300-500gm/plant of large, dense buds easily achievable from this variety. Quetta City is best grown outdoors, where it can thrive happily in cold, dry climates.

Quetta City boasts a rich, smooth, and nutty flavour, which gives way to a calming mental effect and a strong, physical couchlock sensation.

Quetta City regular seeds are at Seedsman now

Hindu Kush

With origins in Pakistan’s Tirah Valley, Hindu Kush comes from the source of some top-quality Hashish. These plants are easy to grow, with a great degree of resistance to pests and disease,

Hindu Kush has impressive yield potential, with as much as 1000gm/plant available when grown outdoors with the right attention.

The taste profile of Hindu Kush is truly unique, with offerings of zesty citrus, spice and bananas to the fore. The effect is stunning, with feelings of floating, weightless relaxation soon followed by intense hunger.

Visit Seedsman to buy Hindu Kush regular seeds

Dasht Desert

Landrace Warden presents Dasht Desert, an heirloom Landrace indica variety with origins in Pakistan.

This strain requires little attention, and has a good resistance to drought-like conditions, but benefits from good drainage as it likes to stretch its roots. You’ll find Dasht Desert flowers in 9-11 weeks, yielding between 350-600gm/plant, even with its low reliance on nutrients.

This strain has a strong psychoactive effect, which is uplifting following an initial head rush. Dasht Desert has good resin production, excellent for making hashish.

Landrace Warden’s Dasht Desert regular seeds are available from Seedsman.com