After soaking in the terpene-rich atmosphere of The Madrones—a weed and wine resort in Mendocino County known for its curated landrace varietals from The Bohemian Chemist—I was inspired to bring that rare, heritage vibe back with me to Los Angeles.
Why landrace strains matter
Landrace cannabis strains are the untamed ancestors of today’s hybrid-dominated market. Native to regions like South Africa, Afghanistan, Thailand, and Colombia, they’ve evolved unique characteristics shaped by their environments. These original genetics are prized for their purity, resilience, and unadulterated highs—but are increasingly rare in dispensaries today.
The hunt for heritage in LA
Fueled by curiosity (and a lingering afterglow from the Bohemian Chemist’s offerings), I turned to the Leafly app to track down a landrace icon: Durban Poison, a South African sativa beloved for its energetic buzz and sweet, earthy aroma.
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Bingo. I found it at The Artist Tree Lounge in West Hollywood, right in the heart of the city’s budding Emerald Village—a dynamic new consumption zone where legacy and luxury intertwine.
Sampling vintage vibes at The Artist Tree
The lounge offered a standout from Heirbloom, a specialty line by Cannabiotix focused on rare and vintage genetics. I picked up:
- Durban Poison (Heirbloom) – A zippy, clear-headed sativa true to its African roots, with hints of anise and citrus.
- Master Kush (Heirbloom) – A nostalgic indica made by backcrossing two Hindu Kush landrace strains, delivering relaxing, body-heavy vibes and a spicy, earthy aroma.
Both cultivars offered a clean, powerful experience—a reminder of what cannabis once was, and what it can still be.
Budtender-Backed Bonus Picks
While there, I got some intel on popular current-gen strains from the Artist Tree team:
- Connected Cannabis Co. – Known for designer strains and exotic flavor profiles.
- A Golden State – Crisp and potent California-grown flower.
- Miss Grass – Feminist-forward and terpene-focused, offering thoughtful highs for modern consumers.
