Landrace strains grew for generations in one region before breeders crossed them. They are the roots of much of the cannabis grown today.
What a landrace is
A landrace is a plant variety that adapted to a particular place over a long time, shaped by its climate, soil and the farmers who kept its seed. In cannabis, landraces are the original regional strains, before modern breeding mixed them together.
Where they came from
Well-known landraces grew in parts of Central and South Asia, Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Many carry the name of their region or a mountain range, and they were often described by their look and effects rather than by a lab number.
How they differ
- Afghan and Hindu Kush types. Short, dense, resinous plants, associated with hash and a heavy, relaxing effect.
- Thai types. Tall, slow-growing plants with a bright, energetic reputation.
- Colombian and Mexican types. Warm-climate strains that reached breeders through travel and trade.
- South African types. Some varieties that later played a part in modern hybrids.
Why they mattered to Amsterdam
Visitors and importers brought landrace seed to the Netherlands from the 1970s onwards. Dutch breeders crossed them and improved them for indoor growing, which laid the ground for the strains sold in coffeeshops today.
Why they still matter
Landraces hold genetic variety that modern strains have lost. Breeders and collectors value them for unusual aromas and traits, and seed banks try to keep original lines alive.
Landraces today
Pure landraces are rare and are prized for their history. Many have been lost or mixed with other genetics. When a menu lists a landrace, it is often a preserved or re-created line, so treat the name as a description rather than a guarantee.
Continue the story with the first landrace hybrids, or browse strains on Dam Guide.