The Roots of Reefer
Exploring the world of Landrace Cannabis with Rogue Botanicals
Ever heard someone reminiscing about the “weed back in my day…” and wondered what the fuss was all about, considering how absolutely dank and potent the weed available now is?
It’s highly likely they were smoking some type of Landrace strain, the ancient and by all accounts legendary ancestors of the modern strains we have today.
We’ve all had moments of nostalgia, when something you maybe saw, smelt or tasted took you back to another time or place. It’s a powerful sensation that connects us to our past, to history, and to each other, and Cannabis is no exception to this phenomenon.
This month, we partnered up with the fine folks at Rogue Botanicals - experts in the craft of landrace strains - to bring you some of that OG cannabis DNA, and take you back to the roots of our modern cannabis industry.
So what exactly does landrace mean and what's it got to do with weed?
The word itself refers to a plant or animal that has distinctive characteristics based on the environment in which it originated. For cannabis this means the cultivars (or strains as we tend to call them) that have been growing in various parts of the world long before humans began crossing their genetics.
In fact, unless a strain is a landrace, all the strains on the market today are technically hybrids in the truest sense of the word, and like a family tree, have a lineage of all the different genetics that have been crossed throughout the years to create that strain. This is also how it is possible to have a strain that is a “100% Sativa Hybrid”, and it’s what makes Landrace strains in a way “purebred” weed.
The crossing of cannabis genetics is a relatively new phenomenon within the scope of the history of the plant.
The use of landrace cannabis dates back thousands of years and in a plethora of ways, from the psychoactive properties to textiles, medicine, ceremony and beyond.
Preserving these strains is one way to help keep the history and culture of cannabis alive, and makes it possible for people to further connect with, celebrate, and explore their own heritage and culture through cannabis.
“Historically, the plant was used in cultural ceremonies in various regions of the world where the original Landrace strains trace their roots back to, inclusive of the Middle East, Asia, South America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the southern part of North America (Mexico).”
A key aspect in the concept of landrace strains is in how the environment has shaped them over time.
For example, in a landscape like the Hindu Mountains of India, the cannabis plant grew more dense and compact to protect itself from the harsh mountain life. Whereas in the more tropical and humid regions of Thailand, the plants grew taller and more slender, allowing for more airflow and lowering the risk for disease and mildew.
Because of the unique environmental aspect that have shaped Landrace strains for millenia, the guys at Rogue do their best to emulate similar growing conditions, including using the most tried and true light source available, the sun.
John Fayed and Matt Tkachyk, Founders of Rogue Botanicals
Hailing from our prairie neighbors to the East, John Fayed and Matt Tkachyk are the founders of Rogue Botanicals.
Both grew up on grain farms in Manitoba, and their shared passion for growing plants led them to team up with the Legacy Master Grower, Grant Wittevrongel.
Together they decided to focus on some of the absolute classics, the real OG’s of weed. Their lineup is exclusively landrace cultivars: Acapulco Gold, Cambodian, Afghani, Kona, Thai, and Hindu Kush.
With the help of Grant's extensive legacy connections they have been able to bring these legends to the legal market. Each one was brought back from their country of origin at some point, most in the 80’s, by legacy growers from Canada including right here in Saskatchewan.
We’re stoked to have partnered up with Rogue to bring you their landrace line up to Regina, with a special St. Patricks Day weekend sale!
Currently on our shelves is their Cambodian flower coming in 4g for $28.95 and their Acapulco Gold, Thai, Cambodian, and Afghan 4x0.5g packs of pre rolls for $16.95!
All in the spirit of sharing the amazing history and culture of the green.
Check out a couple of their strain cards below!
Here are our personal testimonials:
“The Thai is a pure sativa high with a creative effect, and surprisingly hard hitting for coming in at 20%”
“The high on the Acapulco Gold is so nice an uplighting, its like getting a good nights sleep instead of drinking too much coffee. ”
Enjoying Landrace cannabis today is akin to taking a step back in time, with some consumers who have been lighting up for decades likely to experience that oh so familiar high of nostalgia.
They hold the literal DNA that has shaped virtually all the modern strains we know and love today, making them a must try for anyone who considers themselves a cannabis connoisseur.
As stewards of the craft and the culture and leaders in the landrace game, we are truly stoked to be working with Rogue Botanicals to bring you their line up. Their dedication to the craft shows through in the quality of their product, plus they are all around great guys which makes us all the happier to be working with them.
If you click their logo below, it will take you to their collection in our online store where they will be on sale this St. Patty’s weekend!
