Cannabis strains whose seeds or genetics have been preserved and passed down for generations. Heirloom strains differ from landraces in that they have been brought from their place of origin and cultivated by humans in a new environment.
“I prefer the genetics of an old school heirloom strain to a modern hybrid any day.”
What is an heirloom strain?
An heirloom strain is a cannabis strain that is cultivated in a geographically distinct location from where it originated, and has genetics that have been preserved over an extended period of time, often for generations or longer.
Heirloom strains have not been crossbred and usually display characteristics of pure indica or sativa plants rather than a hybrid of both. Heirloom strains have not been genetically manipulated and are meant to be pollinated openly without direct human interference.
Are heirloom and landrace strains the same?
No; landraces are wild cannabis strains that grow throughout the world free of contact with humans, so they retain their genetics and characteristics specific to that environment. Heirloom strains have not been genetically crossed or pollinated in a specific way, but have been brought from their place of origin and cultivated by humans in a new environment, which may alter it. Heirlooms are landraces grown in a non-native enviroment.