Landrace (Mexican heritage)

**Mexican Landrace** refers to the indigenous, naturally occurring cannabis strains that evolved over centuries in Mexico's diverse climates, from the Sierra Madre mountains to the coastal regions. These are not the product of a modern breeder or seed bank, but rather the original, wild or traditionally cultivated populations that form the genetic bedrock of modern cannabis. **History & Significance:** Cannabis was likely introduced to Mexico by Spanish colonists in the 16th century for hemp. Over hundreds of years, these plants acclimatized and evolved in isolation, developing distinct characteristics. Mexican landraces, particularly those from states like Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Michoacán, became world-famous in the 1960s and 70s as the source of much of the imported "Acapulco Gold," "Oaxacan," and "Michoacán" sativa. This high-quality, psychedelic, and energetic herb defined a generation's cannabis experience and was critically used by pioneering breeders in California and the Netherlands to create the first hybrid strains, injecting pure, long-flowering sativa genetics into the gene pool. **Genetic Contributions & Philosophy:** The philosophy of the Mexican landrace is one of natural selection and traditional, often clandestine, cultivation. These strains are pure sativas, characterized by: * **Extremely long flowering times** (14-16+ weeks). * **Tall, lanky growth structure** with airy, spear-shaped buds. * **Clear, cerebral, energetic, and psychedelic effects.** * **Distinctive aromas** ranging from earthy, woody, and incense-like to sweet, lime, and spice. Their primary contribution is as foundational **IBL (Inbred Line)** genetics. They provided the raw, untamed sativa power that breeders like **David Watson (Sam the Skunkman)** used to create classics like **Skunk #1** (using Afghani, Colombian, and Mexican genetics). They are the direct ancestors of countless modern sativa-leaning hybrids. Preserving these genetics is a mission for conservationists, as they risk genetic erosion due to hybridization, eradication campaigns, and socio-political changes in their native regions.