The 10 rarest cannabis strains in the world

The breeding modern technology has created an infinite number of new cannabis varieties. But many varieties from Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia are now on the verge of extinction due to genetic mixing or hybridization.

Many old varieties from the 60s and 80s have already disappeared. Evolved, some would say. For new plants that develop higher yields, more flexibility and THC, If it was better before for you too, here are the 10 rarest varieties of cannabis today.

Oaxacan Highland

Native to the Mexican state of Oaxaca, this variety was popular in the United States in the 60s and 70s. A predominantly sativa variety growing to almost 4m, the Oaxacan Highland was known for its strong psychedelic effects and spicy aromas.

This variety has virtually disappeared from international markets due to hybridization and violent conflicts in the region. Some of its genetics can be found in varieties such as Eldorado.

Angola Roja

L’Angola Roja is a landrace variety little-known African plant. The history of this old sativa goes back to before the Portuguese occupation of the country, which began in 1575.

When the Portuguese colonized Angola, cannabis was cultivated and exported worldwide. There is some speculation that the red strains of Central and South America are direct descendants of Angola Roja.

Today, cannabis is illegal in Angola and little weed enters or leaves the country.

Lebanese

The hashish from Lebanon is one of the best in the world. On the other hand, good Lebanese indica varieties are hard to find.

Lebanese hash comes in two varieties: yellow and red. Red hash is said to contain more than CBN, a non-intoxicating cannbinoid, and is made from mature plants. Yellow hash is rarer. It contains more THC and is made from younger plants.

Some seed banks, such as The Real Seed Company, are trying to preserve these endemic lines. But you're unlikely to come across them in Amsterdam or Spain.

Colombian Red

The Colombian Gold is now quite widespread. But what about Colombian Red? In the 1970s, this variety was one of the most popular 40 best High Times varieties. It has since virtually disappeared from circulation.

Some seed companies like Cannabiogen are trying to bring this wild sativa back to life by stabilizing its genetics. But it's very difficult to cultivate a true landrace, often prone to hermaphroditism.

Roadkill Skunk

Roadkill is known for being one of the smelliest varieties (and a bad one at that) and one of the most popular. Skunk the spiciest. Although this variety had fallen into oblivion, it is now making a joyful comeback.

The Roadkill Skunk is an indica-dominant hybrid that tends to produce moderate THC levels (12 to 18%). And while it will be hard to find true Roadkill, some strains like Canada's BC Roadkill pay tribute to it.

Molokai Frost

This variety may not be as rare as the others, but it is hard to find. The Molokai Frost is a Hawaiian variety, a sativa landra with THC levels of up to 22%.

This variety was very popular during the hippie era. It has a skunk-like aroma and pleasant cerebral effects.

Greek Kalamata

And we're not talking about olives. Greece has a strong tradition of Cannabis cultivation, but due to national drug policies, this is now limited and restricted.

This variety is very old, predominantly sativa, and may have origins in East Asia and Africa. The Greek Kalamata produces intense, pungent effects, with woody, lemony aromas.

Thai Stick

There is some debate as to whether the Thai Stick refers only to dried cannabis buds around a bamboo plant (and sometimes dipped in opium) or a variety of Cannabis. Already featured in the 1977 High Times Top 40. And since then? No more.

Varieties Thai are fairly common in coffeeshops and seed banks, but remain modern varieties. Old landraces are rarer, and breeders like ACE Seeds have revived Thai Stick, 100% sativa.

Black African Magic

Another common variety in the 70s and 80s. There's a lot of speculation about this weed, notably as to whether it's a true variety, or whether its black color is a phenotype expressed under certain conditions.

The Black African Magic is supposed to be very powerful, with intense effects. In 2005, DJ Short, the creator of Blueberry and Flo, wrote about CannabisCulture that it was strongest cannabis strain he'd tried.

Parvati

The Parvati is a landrace from the Parvati Valley in the Indian Himalayas. This tapering variety is particularly resinous, and is used in particular to make charas.

A few seed banks, such as The Real Seed Company, have preserved the variety and sell seeds, often out of stock.

These 10 varieties are just a slice of the varieties that are hard to find today. More and more seed banks and biologists are working to preserve these ancient, pure genetics, the basis of all modern varieties.