Best Landrace Strains: 4 Strains You Need to Try Before You Die

Today it seems just about every strain of cannabis is some kind of hybrid or crossbreed. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with hybridization and crossbreeding. Innovative breeding techniques have yielded some of the most amazing strains we could ever imagine. However, the innovative crossbreeding techniques we know today are a relatively new phenomenon. For millennia, tracing back to biblical days, cannabis grew wild in native habitats. Whether a strain was an Indica or Sativa was dependent on what part of the world it came from. And, that's where we get the best landrace strains.

Having grown indigenously for so many years, landrace strains didn’t experience many variations from plant to plant and maintained an incredible consistency. Many cannabis connoisseurs are nostalgic for the days when landrace strains dominated the market, and who can blame them? Given their history, they developed unique and distinctive “personalities.” Today, most (but not all) are hard to come by in many dispensaries, so if you’re ever given a chance to try a landrace strain, don’t pass on the opportunity.

Below is a list of four landrace strains -- two Sativas and two Indicas -- that you absolutely need to try before you die!

BEST LANDRACE STRAINS: SATIVA

Durban Poison

As you may have deduced by its name, Durban Poison -- clearly one of the best landrace strains -- originated in South Africa in the port city of Durban. Widely regarded as one of the best -- if not the best -- all-around Sativas, it's no surprise that it consistently ranks as the most popular landrace strain and may just be the most popular Sativa strain of all time.

Unlike many landrace strains that are rare and hard to come by, Durban Poison is much more widely available. You can thank Ed Rosenthal for that. Back in the 1970s, Ed Rosenthal was on a mission to find new genetics and discovered this wunder-strain. After he brought it back to the U.S., its popularity exploded here and in Amsterdam.

While most dispensaries don’t carry Durban all the time, many do get it on a consistent basis. Given its unique psychotropic effects and popularity, it often sells out quickly so you may want to find out when and how often your shop has it.

The High:

Characteristic of a Sativa, Durban Poison -- the “espresso of weed” -- produces a stimulating, uplifting, mood and creativity-boosting cerebral high. However, most Durban fans report that the high is profoundly unique and it’s one strain that is unmistakable. Most people can’t put their finger on what makes it so unique; they just know it when they experience it. It could be that it makes most users feel incredibly happy and content after using it, and you can be incredibly cogent and productive on it.

Despite Durban Poison’s high potency, most people find it doesn’t alter them in the same way other strains with similar potency do. In fact, many fans claim they stay totally cogent while experiencing a big bounce in productivity and creativity.

Aroma & Flavors

Expect earthy, piney, and sweet aromas and flavors.

Cannabinoid & Terpene Profile

Durban Poison has a super high THC content, never testing lower than 16%, and generally testing in the mid-20s.

While Durban Poison has only trace amounts of CBD (>0.2%), it does have a robust cannabinoid and terpene profile. CBG (0.6 - 1.4%), THCV (0.2% - 1.8%), Myrcene (up to 0.5%), and D-Limonene (up to 1.2%)

Colombian Gold

The South American country of Colombia has a well-deserved reputation of having some of the best cannabis in the world. Warm and tropical with a heavy rainy season from May through November, Colombia’s equatorial climate provides ideal growing conditions for cannabis, particularly Sativas.

Another one of the best landrace strains, Colombian Gold originated in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, an isolated mountain range in the Andes with a unique tropical mountain climate. There, it can rain 160 inches per year and temperatures range between freezing and 80°F.

With its signature citrus and skunk flavors and aroma and an incredibly uplifting high free of paranoia, Colombia Gold is this nation’s most popular landrace strain, loved and sought after throughout the cannabis-loving world. Colombian Gold is also known for producing its famous offspring, Skunk #1, arguably the most prominent strain in hybrid breeding.

The High

The high from Colombian Gold is described as happy, focused, relaxed, euphoric and tingly, free of anxiety or paranoia. It's great for days when you want to focus, get things done, or experience a boost in creativity. It’s a versatile strain that quiets negative thoughts and elevates the mood, making it popular with both medical marijuana and recreational users. Prepare yourself for an experience that seems like it came straight from heaven’s garden (or at least Mother Nature’s most treasured earthy garden).

Aroma & Flavors

Colombian Gold is known for its pungent, woody, citrusy, skunky, and piney aromas and flavors.

Cannabinoid & Terpene Profile

THC content in Colombian Gold usually ranges between 15% and 20%, while only possessing trace amounts of CBD.

BEST LANDRACE STRAINS: INDICA

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is one Indica you absolutely cannot leave this earth without trying. Northern Lights is so iconic, it has created the standard by which Indicas are measured against. In fact, Northern Lights spawned the indoor grow revolution after being bred as a cross between Afghani and Thai landrace strains.

Technically, it’s not really a landrace since it was crossbred, but it’s generally lumped in with landrace strains because it’s a pure Indica borne of two landraces and it’s been incredibly influential in the cannabis community. Also, it is the very first strain bred specifically to be grown under grow lights.

From a cultivation perspective, there are few other strains that can compare. It performs consistently and reliably indoor like no other strain while producing incredibly large yields over an indoor flowering time of 45 to 50 days.

Effects

After you toke, expect to feel a burst of a cerebral rush. But the head high doesn’t last long. Shortly thereafter, you’ll feel relaxed, wanting to curl up on the couch, binge on Netflix, and chill.

Aroma & Flavors

Northern Lights is known for its rich and musky kush aroma and earthy flavor.

THC Content

THC content is 21% average while testing as high as 33%.

Afghan Kush

One of the most ancient cannabis strains in the world, Afghan Kush has survived invasions, wars, droughts, and tribal conflicts. This central Asian landrace originated in the Hindu Kush mountain region close to Pakistan and northern Afghanistan near the borders of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. For centuries, it’s been growing wild throughout the region.

Master growers from the region masterfully developed this iconic and historic landrace over centuries to have high levels of resin so they could produce handmade hash, called charas, that villagers smoke in their hookahs.

Afghan Kush has a distinctive scent that smells like hash dipped in Pinesol. The aroma is better than it sounds and many pot-lovers enjoy its sweet taste.

The High:

Afghan Kush has a large and loyal following among cannabis users, but not everyone is a fan. You’ll either love it or hate. For its fans, an Afghan Kush high provides them with an incredible sense of calm and tranquility unlike anything else they’ve tried. Others claim it gives them an overwhelming lethargic feeling that makes them not want to do anything except stay locked to their couch.

Whether you’ll be in the former or latter camp will be largely determined by your unique physiology, i.e. how your body reacts. If you’re partial to Sativas, this strain may not be for you. But if you’re a fan of Indicas and you have the opportunity to try it, go for it!

Aroma & Flavors

Afghan Kush features earthy, woody, sweet, and hashy flavors and aromas.

Cannabinoid & Terpene Profile

THC levels usually range between 13.5% to 17%.

Rick Pfrommer, Director of Education at the famous Harborside Health Center, has made a point to ensure that in the fast-paced, ever-changing world in which we live, we don’t lose sight of our heritage and the place landrace strains will always occupy:

“Original landrace and other heirloom strains are often lost in today’s hyperkinetic world of breeding. Our constant desire for new strains leads breeders to continually cross and re-cross existing strains looking for the next big thing. There is, however, a small but growing contingent of cultivators who are returning to our cannabis roots and propagating old landrace and heirloom strains.”

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to read: What Are Landrace Strains and Why Are Some So Rare?

If you haven’t tried these great strains, make sure you make it a point to do so sooner rather than later. You can easily check which landrace strains we have on our Tacoma Menu or Bremerton Menu, or simply ask one of our helpful budtenders.

For the latest Clear Choice promotions, visit our Deals Page. Want recommendations on landrace strains? Visit Clear Choice in Tacoma or Bremerton.

Top 4 Cannabis Strains for Enhancing Your Hiking Experience

There are few experiences in the world better than sitting on top of a large hill overlooking a vast expanse of nature while blazed on your favorite bud. For many people, marijuana is an essential component of any outdoor excursion, and choosing the right strain to bring along can be vital in maximizing the enjoyment of your hike.

In general, you want to stick with strains that give you a heady buzz but don’t put you out of commission. You want energy for the hike, but you also want to stay safe and in relative control of your faculties. Sativas are ideal for outdoor adventures, and it’s advisable to stay away from potent Indica-dominant strains that can be a real buzzkill for less experienced smokers.

The 4 Best Strains for Hiking

Blue Dream

You really can’t go wrong with Blue Dream. This sativa-dominant is known for its unique blueberry-ish flavor and smooth smoke, meaning it won’t be too harsh on your lungs when you’re already out of breath. Blue Dream is certainly potent, but not as much as some other strains, making it perfect for an active day in nature. The lightheaded, uplifting sensations you’ll feel soon after you inhale can create an atmosphere of fun and excitement that your friends will want to share, so try to bring enough for everyone if you hike with friends.

Fruit Spirit

Fruit Spirit is a deeply spiritual sativa-dominant hybrid that will help you connect with the world around you. There is a sizable indica component to this strain (up to 40%), but taking a small dose won’t be enough to knock you out. We recommend you enjoy the earthy, fruity flavor of this magical little kush right before taking a prolonged period of rest, perhaps at the destination of your hike, and then heading back after you come down. Not long after smoking, you will be transported into a mindset of deep contemplation and oneness with your surroundings, and this is an ideal strain for sharing intense moments in the beauty of nature with a significant other or another intimate companion.

Durban Poison

Hailing from South Africa, this is an ideal sativa for taking outdoors with you as it will give you just the imaginative buzz you need to light up your surroundings with excitement. Its mind-bending effects seem to seep into your head immediately, putting you in the proper headspace to connect with the world around you. Durban Poison is known to lift your mood substantially as well, but don’t smoke too much if you’re too far from home, as this bud is absolutely loaded with trichomes that lend it a potency you have to smoke to believe.

Alaskan Thunder Fuck

One of the more creatively named strains, this sativa-dominant lives up to its nomenclature, giving you a zap of energy that will have you running through nature without a care in the world. Its aroma is considered to be one of the stronger ones among sativas of this variety, and its pungent, piney scent will give you a hunger to be among the trees. Eventually, the extra energy settles into a pleasant euphoric glow that fills your entire body, leaving you time to relax at your destination in an easy haze where you can experience your surroundings in perfect harmony.

What Are the Best Cannabis Strains for Introverts?

Introverts tend to draw energy by spending time alone; they prefer focusing on internal feelings over seeking stimulation from external sources. They’re more often thinkers — rather than talkers. Predictably, many artists and writers are introverts, while politicians and entertainers — here’s looking at you, President Trump! — tend to be extroverts.

Rather than going out to a party on a Friday night, introverts are more likely to be found in the comfort of their home reading a book or binging on a Netflix series. For many introverts, cannabis can enhance new experiences or quell some of their social anxiety. They may even feel more extroverted — or break out of their shell, so to speak.

Keep in mind some strains work better than others. Introverts may find particular strains exacerbate introversion, while other strains make them more social.

What are some of the best cannabis strains for introverts? Let's dive in!

Cannabis Strains for Introverts

Cannatonic - Hybrid

Introverts who have anxiety will love this strain. Cannatonic is a high CBD hybrid that typically has a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio, meaning that it has enough CBD to counteract anxiety that THC sometimes induces. It also has high levels of the terpene myrcene which will boost feelings of relaxation.

Blue Dream - Hybrid

Among cannabis enthusiasts across North America, Blue Dream is one of the most popular strains. Whether you’re looking to boost creativity, fight anxiety, or lift your mood, this strain has it all. It produces a sedative and euphoric feeling making it a versatile strain to have at the ready.

Durban Poison - Sativa

Durban Poison, a popular landrace strain hailing from South Africa, is known for its ability to energize even the most lackadaisical of people. If you are frustrated with your introversion keeping you from getting out, or you need to get something done, give this strain a whirl. It’s the espresso of cannabis, with many users reporting Durban as uplifting, energizing, and a creativity booster. A word of caution: Durban Poison's high THC and practically non-existent CBD content can produce anxiety in some consumers.

AC/DC - Hybrid

AC/DC is a rocking strain for anyone who wishes to have minimal psychoactive effects when smoking weed but still wants some of its benefits. Though the cannabinoid profile varies, AC/DC can contain up to 20 times more CBD than THC. The high CBD content allows the user to stay focused and relaxed and avoid any “wait, what did you say?” moments.

Cabbage Patch - Hybrid

Cabbage Patch combines Cherry Pie and the previously mentioned Durban Poison making it an epic strain for socializing. This sweet-tasting strain delivers uplifting effects that spark creativity and (sometimes uncontrollable) laughter.

Pineapple Express - Hybrid

You may have heard of this strain from the eponymously named comedy film starring Seth Rogan. Pineapple Express is the perfect match for the introvert who wants to explore their creative side. It provides a long-lasting and energizing mind buzz that is likely to spur ideas you haven’t thought of in the past.

Introverts Unite!

Whether introverted, extroverted or somewhere in between, cannabis has the potential to be beneficial for all different types of people in a multitude of settings. Finding the strain that works for you and the optimal dosage isn’t the same for everyone, so educate yourself, ask our budtenders, and experiment! It’s a journey that could lead to a life changing practice.

Strain Review: Durban Poison

Offering an uplifting, clear function effect that stimulates creativity, social ability and your mood in general, Durban Poison is a popular strain for daytime activities. Energetic & racy, yet toned down as to not overdo it. A few of Durban Poison's most notable benefits include an increase in energy, focus, migraine relief and anti-nausea.

Durban Poison: A Brief History

Originating in the port city of Durban, South Africa, this epic landrace strain has been consistently been gaining notoriety across the world since the late 1970s. According to legend, High Times columnist and prominent cannabis activist Ed Rosenthal first discovered Durban Poison. Rosenthal was in South Africa seeking new cannabis genetics and found some local seeds in Durban that had a FAST flowering time -- about 60 days.

Durban Poison: Strain Genetics

Being an original “landrace strain” is what REALLY makes Durban Poison stand out. (A landrace strain simply means it doesn’t have a complicated history of cross-breeding and mixing and matching with other strains.) Durban Poison is special because its genetics stretch back in time where strains were closer to nature and had little human tampering. The more growers are cross-breeding, the less of our original strains we’ll have left. Let's hope there’s a master grower out there who are looking into the future and has secured, in a safe facility, as many original seed strains as one can reasonably acquire.

Durban is sweet to the smell with an earthy undertone with a touch of pine. This smell is produced by the dominant aroma and taste producing terpene D-Limonene. Limonene is a terpene that is commonly found in citrus fruits, which is what causes the dominant sweeter smells. A "pure" Sativa, Durban Poison's THC content averages between 16-25%. CBD content, however, is notably low, rarely exceeding 0.02%. Durban Poison is also one of the most popular strains for crossbreeding and creating new strains.

Durban Poison: Effects & High

A practical nickname could accurately label Durban Poison as the "Productive Poison." Once the near instant effects kick in, your mind “clicks” into overdrive causing your body to TRIGGER into useful action. Your mind clears, you WAKE up with bright energy and you’re ready to intelligently navigate your day with LIVELY ease. Having a brain full of this Sativa, Durban Poison fans report this strain uplifts their mood, makes them happy, euphoric and focused.

"One of the rare unadulterated sativas on the market, Durban Poison provides a big energy boost, which makes it a go-to strain for daytime." - Sohum Shah, The Cannabist

Also known as the “coffee” of cannabis, this particular strain is one of the “raciest” Sativas on the market. It produces a stimulating and crystal clear head-high without causing a blurry stoney brain fog. Nothing but sweet uplifting vibrations giving you TONS of energy to make SEIZING THE DAY an easy breeze.

Long story short. If you have important things to do & you ALSO want to get stoned, Durban Poison makes the most practical sense. Have a productive day while using your mind to do smart stuff or your body to do hard physical labor. Nothing wakes you up and puts you in the zone quite like a bowl of Durban Poison.

Many loyal Durban Poison users claim the strain offers relief from stress, depression, pain, fatigue, and headaches. The most commonly reported side effects are generally mild, including dry mouth, dry eyes, and anxiousness. Some find Durban Poison users claim the strain alleviates headaches, while others have reported experiencing a headache. Of course, everyone reacts differently, and moderation is the key to finding the appropriate balance.