Before the popularization of strains like Runtz, Headband, and Blue Dream, what were the original cannabis strains that influenced today's varieties? At Starbird, a Salem dispensary, we take a journey back to the roots of cannabis, exploring the original matriarchs of all the weed we smoke today.

What Are Landrace Strains?

Landrace strains, the wild weed that naturally grows in various pockets of the globe, are distinguished by their unique adaptations to local geography over thousands of years. What differentiates sativas and indicas in their natural forms? Sativas are known for their lanky structure and dainty blooming flowers, while indicas tend to be stocky with dense, tightly packed buds. These days, however, it's rare to find a strain that's 100% one subspecies due to extensive crossbreeding.

Why Are Landrace Strains Rare Today?

While landrace strains are a rarity without being bred with other strains, this intermingling is generally seen as beneficial. Many of these original strains had low yields and THC content due to their wild, undomesticated nature. Despite this, cannabis has been enjoyed worldwide for thousands of years, with ancient farmers enhancing the yield and potency of their crops. This initial interbreeding upon arriving in the United States was crucial to strengthen their genetics.

Celebrating the Impact of Landrace Strains

What are some notable landrace strains, and how have they impacted modern cannabis culture? Here are a few key examples that illustrate the rich history and ongoing influence of these foundational strains:

Acapulco Gold

Often celebrated as “the best weed in the world” the Acapulco Gold has a marvelous appeal in looks and in experience. Cultivated in the Guerrero Mountains and carried through the 1960s counterculture movement, this weed has a history of being well loved by some of the first modern weed smokers. The name comes from the ginger pistils and the light chartreuse color of the bud, making a slice look like a bunch of gold nuggets. The head rush from Acapulco Gold is elevating and lasting, perfect psychedelic euphoria for an outdoor concert. Makes sense why so many hippies were toking on it and swear it's the finest crop of all!

Colombian Gold

The origins of this specimen come from the Santa Marta mountainrange, where this tough sativa grew tall despite pressure from harsh wind and heavy rain. Possibly the second most impactful landrace strain to grace marijuana’s history, Colombian Gold, along with Acapulco Gold and Afghani, are the foundation for the famous Skunk #1,where Sam the Skunkman gets his nickname. This wild strain is energizing yet dreamy and was another easy pairing with rock and roll. It bears a similar name to its northern cousin with its bright, white gold hues and a sweet, pungent citrus aroma.

South African Durban Poison

A famed candidate as one of the world’s best Sativas, Durban Poison is unique in taste and experience. A tangy, sweet pine profile makes for a memorable smoke and a trichome stuffed plant provides an impactful and racy high. The fat resin glands give great yields from this potent strain, and drew in many concentrate enthusiasts to make it into hash. 

Although hailing from the tip of Africa, Durban Poison became popular in Amsterdam.It was brought to America in the 1970s by the cannabis activist Ed Rosenthal. He was intrigued when the Dutch locals in a coffee shop informed him of a cannabis variety with a 60 day flowering cycle, which was much faster than other Sativa strains that took closer to 100 days. At the time, Rosenthal was living with another cannabis activist and writer, Mel Frank. The seeds of Durban Poison eventually found their way from Frank to Sammy the Skunkman. The strain suffered a lot of intersex issues, however was naturally very resistant to mold. After breeding Durban Poison for five seasons, Sam brought the seeds back to Amsterdam. Durban Poison lives on as a legendary parent to strains like Girl Scout Cookies, as it gives a great trippy kick to anything it's paired with.

Hindu Kush

The history of Hindu Kush is one of the most rich. Travelers came across the seeds along the famous mid 20th century “Hippie Trail”, a term for the route taken by consumers all the way from Europe through southern Asia, scaling all the way from the British Isles to Bangkok. This created a network of cannabis breeders and seed bankers that strengthened both genetic lineage, illegal trade routes, and international cannabis knowledge. Once the seeds arrived in Amsterdam, they were completely accessible to the hundreds of Western travelers enhancing the cannabis market.

We should really call her mother. No, seriously. This strain is so impactful that many consumers refer to weed simply as kush. She should be a proud matriarch as well, birthing strains such as OG Kush, Skywalker OG and Northern Lights. Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India hold some of the most ancient cannabis breeding in the world and are also the birthplace of our beloved hashish. Asia is known for being the birthplace of all indicas, and this stubborn crop fought back against the harsh climate of the mountaintange. Hindu Kush is respected for providing a long lasting and powerful body high. The distinctive musky odor and sweet sandalwood exhale was ideal for balancing the citrusy sativa varieties that popped up everywhere else. The breeding of this strain with the others across the world created the backbone for all modern hybrids that we now enjoy.

Thai

Thai, often referred to as Thai Sticks, is another species with an interesting story. Seeds were brought back to America by soldiers during the Vietnam War. Thai doesn’t refer just to Thailand, moreso the area of southeast Asia. The hot, tropical climate adapted the Thai into a unique cannabis strain. The overlap of soldiers and hippies cultivated this strain and enjoyed it in the states. Although having high potency yields, this southeast Asian variety of cannabis took about 100 days to flower and grew to be very tall. The strong fruity smell and cerebral effects were ideal for smokers who desired a sensory and uplifting high.

Unfortunately, Thai strains are rarer these days and you have to search to find them. However, Thai was used to birth Blueberry, a classic strain. Even further, Blueberry was crossed with Haze to create the famous Blue Dream we all recognize. Many of us enjoy the ripples of this landrace without even realizing. The government in Thailand has recently decriminalized cannabis and promotes its medical benefits, so anticipate seeing more Thai genetics on the market again!

Hawaiian

Being a remote group of islands, it might be hard to imagine that marijuana is native to Hawaii. However, the first writing about the plant was published back in 1842. Many natives referred to it as pakalolo, “numbing tobacco”. Nobody knows exactly how the plant arrived in Hawaii, but it definitely fared well in the tropical climate and volcanic soil. Since Hawaii is a group of 137 islands, the genetics of the cannabis changed depending on location. The Hawaiian Sativa, nicknamed “banana pot” because of the long bushels of bud it produces, has a unique spicy pineapple taste and aroma. Puna Buddaz is a 100% indica strain, named for the extremely rainy district it originates from. The syrupy sweet and pungent gassy notes of the strain have been compared to overripe fruit, and the high is an impactful body high with a strangely hazy buzz.

FAQs About Cannabis Strains

What defines a landrace strain? A landrace strain refers to cannabis that has evolved in its natural environment without crossbreeding, maintaining unique characteristics adapted to its specific geographic area.

Why are hybrid strains more common than landrace strains? Hybrid strains are more common due to selective breeding practices that enhance desirable traits such as potency, yield, and resilience, often combining the best characteristics of sativas and indicas.

How can understanding the history of cannabis enhance your dispensary experience? Understanding the history of cannabis can deepen your appreciation for each strain's unique background and characteristics, adding a layer of enjoyment and respect to your consumption.

What should you ask about when selecting a strain at a dispensary? Inquire about the strain's genetic background, effects, and recommended uses to ensure it matches your desired experience, whether for recreational enjoyment or medicinal benefits.

In Conclusion: Celebrating Cannabis Culture at Starbird

At Starbird, a Salem dispensary, we celebrate the legacy of landrace strains and their profound impact on today's cannabis varieties. By understanding and appreciating these original strains, we connect deeper with the history and culture of cannabis, enhancing our community's experience and knowledge.