Welcome to the final post, in our four part series, on cannabis strains native to their continent. Check back on Europe, Africa and the Caribbean through these links. The final leg takes us to Asia. Cannabis may have originated high on the Tibetan Plateau, according to an analysis of fossil pollen. While cannabis was long thought to have first evolved in Asia, scientists were hazy on the precise location. That’s because there isn’t much evidence of ancient cannabis in fossil impressions. There are two main regions in Asia to discover landrace cannabis strains — Central and Southeast;
Central Asia
This area is located around the Hindu Kush mountains, which famously birthed many indica strains. The Hindu Kush mountains are on the border of today’s Afghanistan, Pakistan, northmost India and Tajikistan. Hindu Kush, Afghani, and Mazar I Sharif are just some of the most popular landrace strains that come from this area.
Southeast Asia
The southernmost part of India, Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam are all known for their Sativa landrace strains. Strains such as Aceh, Luang Prabang and Thai are native to this area.
Strains
Hindu Kush
Hindu Kush is named after the mountain range stretching 500 miles between Pakistan and Afghanistan where it originated. This 100% Indica grows in the harsh climates of its homeland which has conditioned this strain to express a thick, protective coat of crystal trichomes favoured by hash makers worldwide. Hindu Kush produces very consistent plants and is a perfect variety for uniform cultivation straight from seed. The aroma and the taste of the Hindu Kush is very earthy and spicy. The effect is both physically and mentally relaxing. It possesses high CBD levels, making it suitable as a medical strain for spasms. It also induces a deep sense of calm that helps bring relief to those suffering pain, nausea and stress disorders.
Afghani
Afghani landrace cannabis genetics were smuggled out of the region in the 1970’s prior to the Soviet invasion. It was discovered around the Hindu Kush mountains which straddle the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Classic Cannabis indica like the Afghani is resurging in popularity, as it has tremendous potential for extracts due to its resin. Afghani smells rich and earthy with hints of pine and citrus. It is a heavy indica with no sativa lineage, so it is definitely better to consume in the evening as it will not give you the uplift that you find with Sativa strains. THC levels can reach 20%+. This stain offers effective pain relief and helps treating a variety of illness from insomnia to chronic pain and it is a great appetite stimulator.
Mazar I Sharif
Mazar I Sharif is named from the region in Northern Afghanistan from which it originates. The original strain of Mazar I Sharif and many others from this region are considered to be pure landrace indicas. Being highly resinous, Mazar I Sharif is traditionally cultivated for the production of hash. It is customary for the Afghan farmers to allow their crops of Mazar I Sharif to get overly-ripe in the interest of maximizing resin production. The Mazar I Sharif plant thrives in extremely cold environments. Such resilience has made it both adaptable and practical for regional application virtually anywhere on the globe. From a medicinal perspective, this potent Indica strain has sedative effects and is often relied upon in the evening for pain relief.
Aceh
From the hills of Aceh, an Indonesian province, this is a rare, pure sativa landrace strain. It boasts sweet and tropical aromas that are inherent in its exotic genetics. Aceh can help combat mood disorders because of its euphoric, cerebral high. The average THC levels of this strain might be lower than some of the African Sativa strains (around 10% THC), but the high is described as powerful and energetic. Like most landrace strains, Aceh shares a common attribute of resilience. With plants that have adapted to the hot and humid climate of this region.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a pure Sativa landrace strain originating in northern Laos. This strain is a tall and thin with a pale colour and a long flowering period. As a pure Sativa of southeast Asia, Luang Prabang shares features with the Thai landrace strains, including aroma, high, and growth characteristics. However, unlike Thai varieties, Laos landrace cannabis has been preserved from external influences, conserving the genetics and authenticity of indigenous varieties. Luang Prabang creates a feeling of euphoria and calm.
Thai
The Thai landrace strain is a pure Sativa. It gives an energetic, cerebral high and is often consumed in the morning. The effects are often uplifting and creative so it can keep you productive throughout the day. The indigenous Thai strains have sweet, aromatic flowers, low CBD levels, and high levels of THC (14% to 24%). For medicinal uses, patients prefer Thai strains for depression, stress, and headaches.
I hope you enjoyed our series on ‘cannabis strains native to their continent’. There is so much more to be discovered when looking into the history of the plant and it’s great to see further research as we exit the dark ages of prohibition.
