Just like the fruits and vegetables we eat, cannabis genetics have changed over time with selective breeding. Many strains native to Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia are now endangered thanks to conflict, genetic mixing, and hybridization. Further, many of the old school strains we enjoyed in the 60s through the 80s have long since disappeared. Replaced by modern, domestic cannabis with soaring THC levels, the cannabis scene has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. In hopes of sparking interest in some oldies but goodies, here are the 10 rarest weed strains on earth right now.
1. Molokai Frost
This strain was popular back in the hippie era, but hasn’t been seen around for a while. It’s a bit of a shame, too. Molokai Frost has a pleasant tropical skunk flavor and gives a nice cerebral high.
2. Roadkill Skunk
Roadkill is an indica-dominant hybrid that tends to produce a moderate to high THC content (12-18%). Though, don’t expect to find it from your typical access point. Though some argue that you can’t find any real Roadkill anymore, varieties like Reserva Privada RKS and Canada’s BC Roadkill pay homage to this classic strain.
3. Angola Roja
Once the Portuguese colonized Angola, Angolan cannabis was cultivated and exported to other parts of the world. In fact, there are some hypothesis that the red strains of Central and South America descended from Angola Roja. Now, however, cannabis is illegal in the region and little herb gets into or out of the country. Angola Roja is a slightly more popular variety
4. Lebanese
Certain heritage seed companies like The Real Seed Company are attempting to preserve lineage from this region, but you’re unlikely to see Lebanese strains in your local dispensary.
5. Colombian Red
6. Parvati
Parvati is just one of the indigenous landrace strains preserved by The Real Seed Company, though these ancient strains are often sold out and difficult to get your hands on. Obviously, this plant is excellent for hash lovers out there. Though, the THC and CBD contents are unknown.
7. Thai Stick
Though Thai strains are quite common in dispensaries and among seed companies nowadays, the original Thai heritage is thought to be polluted or long gone. Heritage breeder ACE Seeds has revived some Thai genetics and now sells Thai Stick seeds. They are 100% pure Thai landrace sativa.
8. Black African Magic
Those who have heard about this fabled bud know that it is supposed to be incredibly potent with intense cerebral effects. Back in 2005, DJ Short wrote that Black Magic was the strongest strain that he had ever tried. But, good luck finding seeds. Let’s hope they still exist.
9. Greek Kalamata
This strain has old lineages. It is sativa-dominant and possibly has roots in East Asian strains from 1,100 A.D. and some African genetics. Kalamata has a high-THC content and produces intense, racy effects. It can grow up to 15 feet tall with a citrus, woody aroma.
10. Oaxacan Highland
Hailing from the Oaxacan region of Mexico, this strain was popular in the U.S. back in the 60s and 70s. A 12-foot tall sativa-dominant strain, it was known for its potent psychedelic effects and sweet and spicy aroma.
Unfortunately, this strain has pretty much disappeared from international markets due to both hybridization and rising levels of violence in the region. This means that it’s now quite endangered. Though, offshoots like Eldorado do contain some of the original highland genetics.
These 10 rarest weed strains are just a small portion of the rare old school and landrace strains in existence. Unfortunately, cannabis plants are disappearing just like many other heirloom plants out there.
Though large seed banks and biologists work hard to preserve ancient genetics from our fruits and vegetables, it’s up to dedicated and savvy breeders to preserve some of the last unhybridized cannabis cultivars on the planet. May their efforts be fruitful.
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