Synonyms: 4000 Islands, Si Pan Don, Don Det
Genetics: Lao-Isan (Mekhong) Landrace
Type: Landrace, Hybrid, IBL
Style: Ganja, Seeded Flower
Farmer: Various
Sourcing: Eloise & Iza (2025)
District: Khong
Province: Champasak
Area: Southern Lao Mekong
Region: Southern Laos
Appellation: 4000 Islands
Country: Laos
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Cultivation Details:
Regional Planting: July - September
Regional Harvest: January - March
Height: 2-3 metres
Classification: NLD type Landrace IBL
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Description:
4000 Islands, also known as Mekong Gold, Si Pan Don or Don Det, is a deeply endangered landrace from Southern Laos, where the Mekong River fragments into thousands of islands. This variety once thrived amidst fertile alluvial soils, nurtured by local farmers whose traditional agricultural practices have shaped its genetic lineage for generations.
This NLD (Narrow Leaf Drug) type landrace grows to a height of 2-3 metres with a tall, lanky structure typical of true tropical sativas. It produces long, airy colas with seeded flowers, reflecting its unaltered, heirloom genetics. However, the once-distinctive traits of this strain are under severe threat due to the introduction of foreign genetics, drastically impacting its purity and identity.
The aroma profile is complex yet subtle, with earthy spices mingling with tropical sweetness. Its flavor reflects the terroir of the Mekong and the banks on which it grows.
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Context:
Historically, cannabis was interwoven into the daily lives of Lao and Khmer communities in the 4000 Islands area. It was grown in home gardens as a medicinal herb and culinary ingredient. By the Vietnam War era, cannabis cultivation became widespread as displaced groups moved southward, fleeing American military campaigns in northern Thailand and Laos. These communities expanded cultivation along the Mekong, supplying markets in Thailand, Cambodia, and local tourism hubs.
Mekong Gold, named after its beautiful colour once properly cured was the most famous name to stick around in memory from the landraces of the area to make it out into the world.
However, the current reality is starkly different. Political alignments with China have led to aggressive crackdowns on cannabis cultivation. Traditional practices have largely disappeared, with most home gardens eradicated. If any large fields still exist, they are hidden and scarce. The local market is now dominated by Thai cannabis, signaling the rapid decline of the region's native varieties.
The 4000 Islands landrace is nearing extinction. The genetic contamination from imported Thai strains is pervasive, and without active preservation efforts, this ancient lineage may be lost forever.
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Accession and Selection Details:
Mekong Gold 'Papa Mon' Selection (2024)
Notes: Purchased by Eloise & Isabella from 'Papa Mon'
Type: Unknown, domesticate landrace
Altitude: Unknown
Mekong Gold 'Khun Wath' Selection #1 (2025)
Notes: Purchased by Eloise & Isabella from 'Khun Wath'
Type: Selected domesticate landrace
Altitude: 50m
Mekong Gold 'Khun Wath' Selection #2 (2025)
Notes: Purchased by Eloise & Isabella from 'Khun Wath'
Type: Selected domesticate landrace
Altitude: 50m
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Current Status:
No seeds of Mekong Gold are available at this time. The very limited amount collected represents some of the last remnants of a landrace on the brink of extinction. These seeds are being carefully preserved and will be used for controlled open-pollination in an effort to restore and stabilize the genetic lineage.
The reproductions, once available, will reflect the closest approximation to the original 4000 Islands landrace.
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Mekong Gold
According to the Single Convention on Narcotic drugs signed in Vienna in 1961, the possession, importation and traffic of hemp seeds are not subject to regulation. This treaty expressly excludes cannabis seeds from the list of narcotic substances that are subject to international oversight. However, while the possession of hemp seeds is not a criminal offense in France, the cultivation of cannabis can result in administrative and penal sanctions as stipulated by Article 222-35 of the Penal Code. Zomia Collective S.A.R.L. carries no responsibility for the misuse of any products sold to users. Zomia Cannabis Collective store, and its domains, remain compliant with French law.
