Landrace (Naturally occurring)

**Landrace cannabis** refers to naturally occurring, geographically isolated, and genetically stable cannabis populations that have evolved over centuries or millennia without human-directed breeding. These are the original genetic foundations of all modern cultivars. ### Key Characteristics: - **Pure genetic reservoirs** – Unhybridized, stable genotypes adapted to specific regions - **Regional adaptation** – Evolved unique traits (morphology, flowering time, cannabinoid profiles) for local climates and conditions - **Historical significance** – Direct descendants of ancient cannabis populations, some tracing back thousands of years ### Major Geographic Regions & Examples: - **Afghanistan/Kush region** – Indica-dominant, resinous, short flowering (e.g., Afghan, Hindu Kush) - **Central/South Asia** – Balanced hybrids (e.g., Pakistani, Nepalese) - **Africa** – Sativa-dominant, drought-resistant (e.g., Durban Poison, Malawi Gold) - **Southeast Asia** – Tall, late-flowering sativas (e.g., Thai, Vietnamese) - **Central/South America** – Sativa-dominant, adapted to tropical climates (e.g., Colombian, Acapulco Gold) - **Caribbean** – Sativa-dominant (e.g., Jamaican Lambsbread) ### Modern Importance: Landrace strains are prized by breeders for: - Introducing novel terpene profiles and cannabinoid ratios - Enhancing hardiness, pest resistance, and climate adaptation - Providing genetic diversity to combat cultivar bottlenecking - Preserving historical cannabis genetics before potential extinction ### Conservation Status: Many true landraces are endangered due to: - Globalization and hybridization - Eradication efforts and changing agricultural practices - Climate change and habitat loss *Note: True landraces are increasingly rare in pure form, with most "landrace" offerings today being stabilized reproductions or early hybrids.*