What are landraces in the world of marijuana?

All modern cannabis hybrids that you see in pharmacies in legalized countries are the ancestors of the original Landrace varieties. This introduction of crossbreeding of old varieties really began in the 1970s.

What are Landrace strains?

Landrace strains are those original, pure cannabis strains that have not been crossed with any other strain of marijuana and grown in a natural environment. Although these local varieties originated in Asia and Africa, they quickly spread around the world due to their high recreational appeal.

Landrace cannabis varieties are often named after the region or place where they originated. Over the millennia, as they have evolved, local varieties have adapted to the environment in which they were grown, but the ancestors of cannabis are still closest to the original wild marijuana species.

Modern landrace strains

Today these varieties are harder to find as they are pure forms of sativa and indica. Modern marijuana is mostly hybrids of these landraces. The reason for this is that these original strains tended to be less potent, so cannabis breeders used breeding techniques to produce new cannabis strains with better landrace characteristics. Producers combine strains to increase potency, shorten flowering time, and select for medicinal and recreational effects.

Landrace Indica VS Strains Landrace Sativa

The only variety of landrace marijuana is indica and sativa. After all, all Landrace marijuana strains are either pure indica or sativa. Indica strains grew in harsh, mountainous conditions with cold climates. The appearance of indica strains tends to have denser foliage, producing more resin than sativa strains. The flowering cycle of landrace indica varieties is shorter due to the cooler temperatures. On the other hand, sativa varieties thrive in warmer climates near the equator. Landrace sativa varieties grow tall and quite tender, with a long flowering period.

Landrace strains today may be slightly different from what they once were, as their unique environment may have contributed to new characteristics, including terpene and cannabinoid profiles. The most authentic strains of landraces will be found where they originated.

Today, the list of the most popular varieties of landrace marijuana looks like this:

1. Acapulco Gold. This ancient variety comes from Acapulco (Mexico), and has the same name. With a relatively high THC content (18%), this Landrace sativa is excellent at energizing and motivating consumers. Acapulco Gold is a rare variety that was introduced to the US in the 1960s. A prominent terpene, myrcene, lends the overall flavor and aroma to this pure sativa strain—coffee, burnt toffee, honey, woody, and unusual cheese.

Acapulco Gold has a beautiful appearance - with golden, green and brown flowers, orange hairs and resinous buds. It enjoys a good reputation among cannabis lovers in legalized countries. This Mexican variety is great for uplifting those suffering from depression, stress, and anxiety.

2. Afghani. The Afghan local variety originated in Afghanistan, and is also referred to by cannabis enthusiasts as Afghan. A unique indica strain with a THC content of 19%. It contains myrcene terpene, which gives Afghani an earthy and sweet flavor.

In medicine, Afghani is used to treat insomnia, stress, and pain. The appearance of the Afghan variety is known for its dense buds, abundant resin production, orange hairs and large leaves.

3. Colombian Gold. Found in South America, Colombian Gold is a pure Sativa. Named after the Santa Marta Mountains in Colombia, this marijuana variety is sometimes also referred to as Santa Marta Columbian Gold or Santa Marta. This Colombian Landrace has a high THC content of 20%.

The main terpene, limonene, gives the variety the aroma and taste of lemon and lime, and at the same time produces sharp unpleasant aromas that may not be to everyone's liking.