It may seem commonplace today to walk into a store and buy marijuana, but it used to be very different—and so was marijuana.

The marijuana market doesn’t have a company offering rewards programs and signature merchandise—it’s a sketchy dude called “8-Ball” or “Yo-Yo.” If you’re lucky, he has two options. Mexico might have something cheaper, Colombia might have something better.

Almost all cannabis has some kind of seed and stem, and it’s not a disaster. That’s how it came about. It’s not even in grams – you probably bought lids, quarter pouches, or “finger” pouches (two fingers, three fingers, etc.)

Strains from that era were also likely crosses, but they were from the ground. Landrace strains are those found in the wild and grown without human invasion. Plants have been pollinating in the wild, so they reproduced for centuries before they were discovered.

Essentially, landrace strains are the cornerstone of growing cannabis today—and there are countless more to be discovered in the wild.

Gone are many of the great music of the 1960s and 1970s, but some still exist in various forms.

Essentially, if you’re considering growing landraces or even some classic hybrids, there are four things to keep in mind.

How are seeds produced?

There are many differences in the seed world, especially between older landraces. Do some serious research at this stage.

Most importantly, you must know where the seeds come from. Are they original seeds from actual plants? Are they good clones? Or do they just reverse engineer the effect and come up with something close to the original – then call it whatever you want. The latter happens more than you might think – which is fine, as long as the vendor is clear about where it comes from.

More reputable dealers of such old-fashioned seeds are usually open to how they get them.

Direct cloning of original seeds or actual plants is the ideal method.

Where does the strain originate?

understand the origin of a tension Essential for capturing the desired effect. For example, a strain that grows well in Afghanistan may not find ideal conditions in Washington state.

Eybna is a technology company and terpene manufacturer with a range of formulations specifically designed to replicate the classic terpene profile from some of these strains. The company manufactures a variety of terpene solutions that can be applied to plants or manufactured products such as inhalables, digestibles and topicals. Their Enhancer terpene formula was created based on genetic research on the original phytochemical makeup of three traditional strains. “Diesel”, “Skunk” and “Kush” terpene formulas bring a more classic feel to your existing buds or distilled products by capturing some of the effects that have been lost or diluted in the past.

Nadav Eyal, co-founder and CEO of Eybna, has been working on classic strains for years.

“If you want to retain the original taste, smell and effect of the original wild plants, you have to pay attention to the climate,” Eyal said in a recent interview Cannabis and Technology Today. “Being able to match a strain to its original climate is critical to properly rebuilding the bud.”

He stressed that if you want to really experience a strain like Acapulco Gold, you need to find a way to recreate the environment in which it was originally grown. Pay attention to your temperature, humidity, and try to match your photoperiod to that of the entire natural growing process.

“Because of where they grow, they are able to develop and compound on their own,” Eyal said. “And they vary from place to place.”

Timers, fans, quality lights, and even a humidifier can handle most of the work. Of course, you can spend as much money as you want.

Outdoor planting is probably best

While most landraces can thrive in an indoor grow room, it’s not necessarily the best practice.

An anonymous representative from the Old School Breeders Association has studied many classic strains.

“Growers may want to maximize these strains. For example, only a few large plants per lamp, especially those grown from seeds,” said the OSBA representative. “Cloning of landrace cannabis genes may be done faster and more tightly than their seed parent — so choose the phenotype that fits your growing space for the best results.”

He also stressed that the opposition is just growing and forgetting. If something gets great, you’ll want to go back to it.

“While you may choose a favorite that best suits your modern growing style, it may be worth keeping other people’s clones and planting them occasionally,” an OSBA representative said. “You might find some that have natural resistance to common crop problems that modern cannabis genetics don’t.”

Buy from a reputable dealer

There are many seed banks and pharmacies in this world. While most are honest, hardworking cannabis lovers, some are not so honest. Do some research before ordering and see what other customers think about their past orders.

Essentially, there is no way to tell what strain a seed is from by looking at it. As a result, it comes down almost entirely to trusting the seller. Sellers with legitimate landrace strains are usually very excited about them and happy to tell you everything you need to know.

“Aside from having the variety you want, the surest way to qualify a seed supplier is the number of years they’ve been supplying seed to customers,” said the Old School Breeders Association representative. “Countless seed companies have come and gone for a variety of reasons. If a company has been around for more than a decade, it’s a safe bet that they have the ability and intent to exist at least longer.”

However, he was quick to remind everyone that everyone has to start somewhere. He also recommends searching social media to see if growers who buy their products are satisfied.

“Another quick and effective way to weed out fraud is to pick up the phone and call them,” they say. “Will they answer right away? Will they be able to answer your questions? Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or Send an email. People do it every day, and it’s the best way to make sure you’re happy with your purchase.”

where are they now?

Acapulco Gold

origin: Acapulco Region, Mexico

S/H/I: Alfalfa

Effect: happy, upbeat, energetic

From: Barney’s Farm

Durban Poison

origin: Durban, South Africa

S/H/I: Alfalfa

Effect: Vitality, Excitement, Creativity

From: Dutch Passion

Afghani

origin: Afghanistan

S/H/I: Express

Effect: relaxed, euphoric, sleepy

From: Sensi Seeds

Thailand

origin: Thailand

S/H/I: Alfalfa

Effect: happy, focused, energetic

From: The Real Seed Company has a variety of rare seeds from Thailand, but it is widely believed that the original Thai seeds are gone forever. However, since there are many endemic varieties in the area, this is your best chance to get close.

Panama Red

origin: Panama

S/H/I: Alfalfa

Effect: happy, uplifting, chatty

From: Ace Seeds sells feminine versions suitable for modern growing environments. They also have an approximate replica made from a blend of three similar sativas from Panama.

Primal Haze

origin: Santa Cruz, California

S/H/I: Alfalfa

Effect: happy, upbeat, energetic

From: flying dutch

and kush

origin: California

S/H/I: Express

Effect: happy, relaxed, hungry

From: Old School Breeders Association

Malawi / Malawi Gold

origin: southeast africa

S/H/I: Alfalfa

Effect: Energetic, inspiring and creative

From: Out of stock in many places, but the Old School Breeders Association has a Malawi Gold x Thai hybrid that is highly regarded.

Mazar-e Sharif

origin: northern afghanistan

S/H/I: Express

Effect: very relaxing, euphoric

From: real seed company

skunk

origin: Most likely considered a Bay Area breeder in the late 1970s

S/H/I: hybrid

Effect: happy, euphoric, hungry

From: Skunk #1 is probably the closest. Available from Sacred Seed Co., this is a cross of several classic genetics (Afghanistan, Acapulco Gold, Colombian Gold) and is probably the closest to today’s original skunk.

*The above information on classic strains includes some estimates. As much as possible can be verified, but very little documentation or “evidence” is available. Special thanks to the teams at the Old School Breeders Association and Eybna for their help in compiling the information.

This feature first appeared in the Fall 2021 issue Cannabis and Technology Today. Read the full issue here.