Back to the Roots: Our Global Lineup of Landrace Sativas

What are landrace strains?

Landrace strains are varieties that developed in a specific geographic region over many generations without human crossbreeding or intensive cultivation. They adapted to the local climate, soil, and environmental conditions, resulting in unique characteristics like aroma, flavor, cannabinoid profile, and growth habits.

We’re admittedly pretty biased, but landrace strains are special. Think of them as a living history of cannabis, mapping origins across the globe and showcasing how these unique environments and growing conditions shaped the plants’ distinct characteristics.

Each landrace developed traits to thrive in its natural environment, emerging as the victor in what can be unusual or challenging growth conditions. For example, Afghan strains evolved as short, resinous plants for harsh mountain conditions. Conversely, Thai strains grew tall with airy buds suited to humid tropics.

You may be thinking, “Okay, landrace strains are historically significant, but why should I care about them now?” Well, they’re essentially the genetic ancestors of modern cannabis, acting as the wild roots from which today’s thousands of hybrids were born. Respect your elders!

When landrace strains were eventually crossbred, their diverse genetic traits allowed modern breeders to mix and match for desired flavors, effects, yields, and growth characteristics. Without landraces, there would be no modern hybrids like the immensely popular Blue Dream, OG Kush, or Girl Scout Cookies.

Have a favorite strain? You can probably trace it back to a landrace origin!

The Ethos approach to cultivating our new landrace sativas

Our new cannabis strains were sourced via seed from a reputable collector of landrace genetics. While our standard strain production normally has a nine-week flowering window, for our landrace sativas, there’s no limitation on how long we allow them to flower. Instead, we carefully observe and harvest at peak ripeness, whether that’s nine weeks or fourteen weeks.

We dedicate a small area of our grow facility to this practice, ensuring that consumers have access to rare genetics with unique medical properties, with none of the typical commercial limitations that prevent the growth of these types of genetics.

Why landrace sativas?

We have a passion for all types of cannabis and are aware that the biggest gap in access for consumers is landrace sativa genetics.

Unfortunately, landrace sativas are often deprioritized for the following reasons:

• Long flower times, resulting in fewer crop turns per year, which means a lower profit potential
• Lower THCa levels aren’t as commercially popular. The market is driven by high THC, so purposefully growing low-THCa strains at scale isn’t an easy way to break even with profitability

At Ethos, we believe there are a myriad of unique benefits locked in these diverse genetics. Accessing and preserving landrace sativas is important, as modern breeding has become somewhat of a bottleneck of Cookies-style genetics that fit a narrow criterion (high trichome density, high THCa, low leaf content, high bag appeal).

The diversity of cannabis is one of its most beautiful aspects, and we hope that our commitment to showcasing its distinction is apparent in these remarkable new landrace sativas.

Appearance and effects of landrace sativas

You can typically expect looser flower structures (fluffier buds) and lower trichome density in our landrace sativas compared to modern hybrids. While it’s difficult to predict effects, we anticipate effects that may be more focused in the head than the body, as well as an overall less intoxicating feel (although there may be a potential for increased anxiousness).

Meet the latest lineup of Ethos landrace sativas

Now that you understand the additional time and care that growing landrace sativas require, we hope you appreciate the end result. Meet Swazi x Burmese, Yeshe 18, and Colombian Red x Thai OG! These strains represent the vast corners of the world, pulling in genetics from Southeast Asia, Southern Africa, the Middle East, Central America, and the United States.

Discover these exclusive strains as they debut over the coming weeks, each crafted to showcase the diversity and depth of the cannabis experience.

Swazi x Burmese

Breeder: Coastal Seed Co

Origins: Swazi comes from Southern Africa (specifically Eswantini, formerly known as Swaziland), while Burmese has roots in Southeast Asia (specifically Myanmar, formerly known as Burma)

Swazi x Burmese is a rare Africa and Asia pairing. Both regions have deep cannabis traditions and history—Swazi was historically grown at high altitudes by tribal farmers, while Burmese was passed down through general farming families.

This low-THC, high-CBDa strain may offer a gentle, less intoxicating therapeutic profile. The elevated CBDa content is particularly noteworthy, as this acidic precursor to CBD may retain potent anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and anti-anxiety properties without psychotropic effects.

The strain’s profile may suggest value for people seeking symptom relief while maintaining full cognitive clarity. Supported conditions may include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Pediatric or geriatric persons requiring low-THC options

Swazi x Burmese’s Beta-myrcene content may contribute to mild relaxation and pain relief, while ocimene may add subtle anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects, working synergistically with CBDa/CBGa to potentially promote both calm and physical balance. This natural harmony between cannabinoids and terpenes may enhance wellness without sedation or impairment.

More possible supported conditions may include:

• Chronic pain
• Nausea or appetite loss
• Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions

Overall, Swazi x Burmese is an excellent strain for those sensitive to THC or seeking a functional daytime option. Its high CBDa concentration makes it rare and medically versatile, potentially offering anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and anti-anxiety benefits. When paired with Beta-myrcene and ocimene, the result may provide gentle full-body relief suitable for consistent, clear-headed symptom control.

Yeshe 18

(Red Lebanese x Panama Red x Burmese)

Breeder: Coastal Seed Co

Origins: Red Lebanese comes from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, Panama Red originates from the Panama coast in Central America, and Burmese hails from Southeast Asia (specifically Myanmar, formerly known as Burma)

Yeshe 18 is a strain offering low-to-moderate THCa alongside a terpene profile rich in Beta-myrcene, known for its potential calming, pain-relief, and muscle-relaxing effects. Its blend of Beta-myrcene and ocimene may support both anti-inflammatory and respiratory benefits, while the moderate potency makes it suitable for daytime or early evening use.

Supported conditions may include:

• Chronic pain and muscle tension
• Inflammatory disorders (IBS, IBD, Crohn’s)
• Arthritis

The addition of pinene may enhance cognitive clarity and alertness while complementing Beta-myrcene’s sedative effects, potentially creating a balanced state of relaxation without drowsiness.

This terpene synergy may allow Yeshe 18 to ease tension while maintaining mental focus and energy for those experiencing:

• Anxiety
• Fatigue and mental fog
• Attention-related disorders

Overall, Yeshe 18 may deliver a balanced therapeutic profile that bridges calm and clarity. The interaction between Beta-myrcene’s potential body relaxation and pinene’s potential mental stimulation may provide a smooth, functional experience that potentially supports pain relief without heavy sedation. Its moderate THCa content and well-rounded terpene balance make it potentially ideal for those seeking steady symptom management, particularly for inflammation, stress, and fatigue-related discomfort.