Indian Landrace Strains And Why You Should Grow Them

Landraces are pure strains, their flavor and effects are unique and distinct from newer hybrid strains. These special plants maintain consistent and distinct characteristics. Landrace marijuana strains are the original cannabis strains – the ancestors of the massive variety of hybrids that we enjoy smoking today.

Landrace strains are highly important because of their genetics. Growing wild for centuries, these strains develop unique features and change their color, leaf size, and variations in phytochemical production in order to adapt to their habitat. While experiencing a resurgence in consumer interest, true landrace strains have become increasingly difficult to find.

The strains that were created using landrace strains are called Heirloom cannabis strains and are the base of most hybrid cannabis strains we know and love today. Though pure landrace strains are uncommon, they can still be purchased and found growing in their home regions even now. Landrace cannabis strains ultimately evolved and developed naturally based on their habitat, rather than as a result of artificial/selective breeding. They are the only strains which can be considered 100% sativa or indica, rather than the hybrids that we typically smoke today.

Although landrace strains are becoming increasingly rare, there are a few that are still available today. We, at Mountain Top Seed Bank, feel it is our duty to preserve cannabis landraces for the future of scientific and medical research, and for the basic human right to use a plant that has been used for millennia. Landraces are also needed to breed and create new strains of cannabis, with new flavors and new effects, which are enjoyed by mankind for medicinal as well as recreational and religious purposes.

India is home to many unique landraces. With such a diversity of climates, terrains and traditions, no wonder India is the birth place of a staggering number of cannabis landraces and heirloom varieties! Some are assumed to be completely extinct, but most of them are available from seed banks online. Some of the most popular and recognizable landrace cannabis strains from India are Manala, Parvati, Kumaoni, Nanda Devi, Idduki Gold, Nepalese, Sillong Kush, Sheelawti, etc.

Breeders value these types of species because they contain unique and characteristic genetic traits. For this reason, landrace strains are highly valued in the cannabis market. Despite the growing threat of hybridization, there is hope for the Indian landraces. Indeed, some locals are beginning to understand the incredible genetic potential of the Indian strains. For that reason, they have come together to help preserve this natural heritage. Groups of passionate strain hunters such as the Collectors Collectives Genes collect seeds from local farmers in various locations in order to help save the Indian Landraces.

So if you are looking for a truly natural cannabis experience, you should definitely try a landrace marijuana strain. And if you are a grower, why not choose a landrace for your next crop and help to keep the origins of cannabis alive? All in all, heirloom and landrace strains need to be protected. We need to preserve and continue to cultivate landraces if we hope to keep them around for the future.