As more states, municipalities, and even nations legalize cannabis, travel and tourism industries are poised to take advantage of the buzz surrounding the plant. Nevada and Massachusetts medical marijuana dispensaries ramped up production this year as recreational markets opened in July of 2017 and 2018 respectively. In spite of these efforts, tourists and patrons flooded Nevada dispensaries, creating a weed shortage that prompted a statement of emergency by the governor.
The demand for exciting cannabis destinations is on the rise, and so is demand for rare strains of cannabis. Before you book a trip to a legal cannabis state, like Colorado or California, consider learning a bit about cannabis’ origins, and check out these international destinations, and the weed strains that share their names.
The first cannabis plants grew alongside the high, dry, Hindu Kush Mountain range in India. Today, strains descended from these plants are called “hindu kush”
Landrace cannabis strains are highly sought after by cannabis connoisseurs and cultivators alike. “Landrace” refers to naturally occuring cannabis strains that evolved and adapted in the geographic region where they were discovered by human beings.
For example, most cannabis strains that end in the name “kush” derive from the original hindu kush cannabis plants found growing alongside the Indian Hindu Kush mountain range. These resilient plants subsisted in high, dry regions, and soon spread their seed the world over through cannabis’ popularity as a commodity for trade.
You can thank the harsh environment of the Hindu Kush mountain range for the strain’s signature effects. Due to the cold climate, hindu kush plants create a thick layer of trichomes which protect the plant. Important cannabis chemicals, like THC and CBD, exist inside these trichomes, thus creating hindu kush’s signature calming, pain relieving effects.
If you’re a cannabis purist, making a pilgrimage to the Hindu Kush mountains and indulging in some of the oldest cannabis in the world may be a necessity.
Columbia Gold originated in the Santa Marta mountain range in Columbia
Landrace strains are the grandparents of all modern day pot. Since they were the first cannabis plants, landrace strains were used to cross breed and diversify cannabis across the world. Many of the most famous cannabis strains of today descend directly from older, landrace strains. Columbia Gold, a landrace strain indigenous to the Columbian Santa Marta mountain range, has fathered plenty famous sativa strains found in legal cannabis markets across the globe.
Columbia Gold adapted to the hot, wet South American climate near the Santa Marta mountain range. In order to be tough against the heavy sun, dry air, and cool winds the high altitude provided, Columbia Gold grew large buds to protect against the conditions. When smoked, these buds produce an invigorating, energetic high that sativa strains are best known for.
If you go for a visit to the Santa Marta mountain range you will be sure to find some wild Columbia Gold landrace.
Durban Poison originated in the South African port city Durban
Durban Poison originated in a sunny port town on South Africa’s coast called Durban. Durban’s location on the coast offered the plant a lot of sun and nutrient rich soil, creating very potent, sticky cannabis buds. This incredible stickiness is the result of oversized resin glands that formed due to Durban’s conditions. Durban Poison has uplifting effects, and is known for its fruity smell.
Durban Poison’s oversized resin glands make this landrace an excellent strain for producing cannabis concentrates, and Durban Poison has fathered popular cannabis strains like Girl Scout Cookies.
Landrace cannabis strains offer destinations as incredible as the cannabis they produce, so don’t hesitate to get out there and explore!
About the Author
Chris Matich is a professional writer, journalist, and editor living in Pittsburgh, PA. Chris blogs for Schenley.net. His writing interests include LGBT+ people/issues, sports writing, and blogging. Chris currently writes about web optimization, blogging practices, medical cannabis, and cannabis lifestyle. He writes fiction and creative nonfiction in his spare time. Linkedin, Twitter
