It’s believed that the Central Asian landrace strains are some of the earliest strains ever to be cultivated. But what makes them so special? And what strains should you look for if you want to experience a Central Asian landrace? In this guide, we’ll share all those answers, including: 

• What is the History of Central Asian Landrace Strains? 
• What’s the Difference Between These and Other Strains? 
• What are the Central Asian Landrace Strains to Know? 

Central Asian landraces are prized because they’re believed to be the most OG strains on the planet; that is, the strains from which all other strains originated. In Central Asia - which includes countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan - cannabis is even mentioned in religious histories of the Hindu people. They believe that Shiva’s favorite food was bhang, which contains cannabis. In Central Asia, cannabis has been used for religious rites and medicinal properties for thousands of years by the indigenous populations of the regions. From there, cannabis was spread to other parts of the world for other uses, including its psychoactive effects. 

Did you know there are Mexican landrace strains too? Check out our guide to learn all about them.

There are many differences between the Central Asian marijuana landraces and other strains, but probably the biggest difference is that Central Asian landrace strains are most popular for their high resin content. It’s because of their abundance of resin that they are commonly used to craft hash and other concentrates. In addition to this unique property, Central Asian landraces are also some of the most bred strains in the world, creating many of the hybrids you likely know and love. 

Central Asian landrace strains are pure indica from such countries as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, although they’re popular among cannabis enthusiasts across the globe. Here are some of the three most popular strains to know:

Harvested in the Himalayas, this pure indica Hindu Kush strain has survived countless years in a harsh climate. Perhaps it’s because of this that it has such a thick coating of protective trichomes that are prized by cannabis connoisseurs and hash makers. Hindu Kush has a sweet sandalwood flavor and aroma, and moderately high THC levels at about 19%.

This Afghani landrace strain hails from the same mountainous region as Hindu Kush, and it’s been a prime source for hash throughout the centuries. As much as cannabis consumers love Afghan Kush, growers love it too for its large buds and high yields. Afghan Kush is moderate in THC (15%) and has a woodsy flavor and aroma.

This strain is unique for many reasons, but one of the biggest is that it’s a “selected landrace.” This means that it is carefully inbred to amplify some of its most unique characteristics. It’s named after a town in Pakistan called Chitral. There, its resin is cultivated to produce concentrates like hash. Cannabis connoisseurs love this strain for its caramel-meets-berry aroma and its THC levels (18%). 

As is the case with many landrace strains, if you’re able to find them in your local dispensary, be sure to pick them up.

Because of their popularity, Central Asian landrace strains tend to be more easy to find than other landraces. If you’re wondering if your favorite local dispensary carries any of these strains, be sure to check the product menu online or ask a budtender.