Synonyms:
Genetics: Highland Lao Landrace
Type: Point of origin, unknown
Style: Ganja, seeded flowers
Farmer: Unknown
Sourcing: Eloise (2023)
Village(s): Nong Khiaw
District: Ngoy
Province: Luang Prabang
Area: Nam Ou Highlands
Region: Northern Laos
Appellation: Unknown
Country: Laos
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Cultivation Details:
Regional Planting: July-September
Regional Harvest: January-March
Height: 2-3m
Classification: NLD type landrace accession
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Description:
This accession from Nong Khiaw, a remote mountain town in the Nam Ou Highlands, represents one of the most striking expressions of the Highland Lao landrace. The plants display soft lime-green flowers, exuding a potent, complex aroma dominated by floral, citrus, and incense-like notes.
The psychoactive effects of this accession are not for the uninitiated—it delivers a powerful, high-energy experience, marked by racing thoughts, heightened sensory perception, and potential paranoia for those unfamiliar with traditional Southeast Asian landraces.
This landrace thrives in rich, humid valleys surrounded by limestone karst formations, where traditional subsistence farming is still practiced. While cultivation is far less common than in the past, scattered patches of cannabis are still grown, primarily for local consumption and traditional uses.
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Context:
Nong Khiaw, located along the Nam Ou River, has long been a gateway between the remote highlands of Northern Laos and the Mekong trade routes. Historically, cannabis cultivation in this area was commonplace, particularly among ethnic groups that integrated it into traditional medicine, food, and spiritual practices.
The region’s rugged terrain and relative isolation protected its native cannabis varieties for generations. However, increased government restrictions, economic development, and shifting market demands have greatly reduced the scale of traditional cultivation. Today, while some plants are still grown, there are no large-scale fields or significant commercial operations in the area.
Despite its rarity, Nong Khiaw remains an important cultural and ecological zone where the last vestiges of traditional Highland Lao cannabis may still be found.
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Accession and Selection Details:
Nong Khiaw General Population (2023)
Notes: Collected by Eloise and Josh
Type: General population, domesticate landrace
Altitude: 300-400m
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Current Status:
Traditional cannabis cultivation in Nong Khiaw appears to be highly limited, with no widespread or organized fields remaining. Any plants still grown are likely small-scale, scattered across individual farms or wild patches.
The long-term survival of this landrace is uncertain, but its powerful effects and unique terpene profile make it a valuable candidate for preservation efforts. Future exploration in the surrounding highlands may uncover additional populations, but for now, Nong Khiaw remains a rare and elusive accession.
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