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Thai refers to a cannabis variety that grows natively in Thailand and was brought to the U.S. in the 70s and 80s. This pure sativa landrace is sometimes called “Thai Sticks” because of the way its buds are traditionally dried and tied into long sticks. This original Thai variety has given rise to many strains we commonly see on the market today, including Voodoo, Juicy Fruit, and the classic Haze. Thai induces powerful but comfortable effects and has a distinct fruity, citrus aroma. This strain is a challenge for growers outside tropical climates, but greenhouse gardens make this grow possible for experts patient enough for Thai’s long growth cycle and slow flowering.

THAI: AN ICONIC LANDRACE STRAIN

Thai, also referred to as ‘Thai Sticks’, is an example of a landrace strain, meaning she has evolved in her natural environment away from the hands of man. Nature has cultivated this strain within Thailand for a long time, and the result is a 100% pure sativa variety.

Pioneers within the cannabis industry discovered this variety and brought it over to the US in the 1970s. These pristine landrace genetics were used to set the foundations for many iconic strains such as Northern Lights, AK-47, original Haze, Grapefruit, Chocolope and many more.

The buds of Thai weed are fluffy and contain a THC % of around 20%. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on Thai, she offers a clear headed high defined by cerebral, uplifting and euphoric sensations. Thai flowers give off pleasant smells and flavors of earthiness, woody and chocolate with a citrus/fuel aftertaste.

Growing Thai weed is not an easy thing to do. Thai is best suited to outdoor growth within tropical climates, although expert growers may be able to obtain good results in greenhouses. As often with pure sativas the flowering period of Thai can take forever. 14-16 weeks is quite common for these tropical gifts of nature, but even flowering times up to 20 weeks have been reported.

You also have to take her size in consideration; a fully mature Thai landrace strain is more a tree than a plant.

Sativa
THC: 20% – 24%
Also known as Thai Stick or Thailand. The term “Thai” refers less to a specific strain than it does to a group of strains descending from a sativa landrace in Thailand. Thai strains are pure sativa, with a 100:0 sativa/indica ratio and a typically potent cerebral high that adds pep to a busy day. Also known as “Thai Sticks” because Thai marijuana farmers traditionally lash harvested buds into sticks for drying. The original Thai strains have given rise to a host of popular hybrids, including Haze, Voodoo, and Juicy Fruit. The head high is focused and energizing, powerful but calming, with strong euphoria and clear-headed effects. It’s an upbeat strain, good for combatting fatigue, ADHD, and anxiety. Thai has a distinct lemon scent and flavor, with additional notes of wood and spice present in the aroma. The THC levels vary by location, breeder, and crop, but they can top 23% in some plants. CBD levels, on the other hand, are very low, typical for a sativa. There are few reports of negative effects, though dry mouth is always possible. Thai is most popular in the Pacific Northwest, and can also be found in California. Elsewhere, like most pure strains, it’s scarce.

About Thai

Thai is a pure sativa landrace native to the tropical jungles of Thailand. With a potency earned through centuries of isolated breeding, this strain has a famous pungency and an intense cerebral high. Also called Thai stick for its traditional preparation of leaves twisted around the plant’s spindly branches, Thai is said to have been brought to the U.S. from Southeast Asia following the Vietnam War. THC content varies but can be as high as 22%.

Cured Thai flowers look less like buds or nugs, instead forming wispy, fluffy clusters of leaves. They are pale green to brown and very resinous. The smell is primarily fruit and citrus with a distinct diesel undertone. Broken open or burned, the buds have a more bitter odor. The smoke has an acrid taste and is harsher than most sativas – coughing and lung expansion are common. When exhaled, smoke has light herbal and floral notes.

As with potent Jamaican landraces across the Pacific, Thai has a speedy head high. Users describe a euphoria that comes on quickly and lasts longer than average. Physical effects tend to manifest more as an increase in energy that can border on a jumpy caffeine buzz for some. The clearheaded and motivating high from this strain is well-suited to daytime productivity. However, because of its high THC content, the cerebral effects may make less experienced users edgy or paranoid.

Because it is endemic to a tropical climate, Thai is difficult to cultivate outdoors in more temperate environments. Indoor growing can also be a challenge, as plants can reach almost 15 feet at maturity. Commercial growers have had success with large-scale indoor greenhouse operations. Thai has an extremely long flowering time – buds are ready for harvest in December if grown outdoors and after four and half months indoors.

Thai’s strong Sativa effects and its appealing flavor profile have made it a valuable strain for commercial growing and crossbreeding. Thai has been used to produce popular hybrids like Haze and AK-47.

Yes, Thai Weed Comes From Thailand

Cannabis named after its place of origin, like Afghani or Thai, are usually landrace strains. Notice they don’t have colorful monikers like “Purple Punch” or “Alaskan Thunderfuck.” This is because, as far as we know, landraces are native to their respective regions. 

Landrace strains are never, ever the product of a clever plant breeder. 

When a plant like cannabis grows in a specific environment for thousands of years, each successive generation becomes better adapted to that environment. If no other weed strains cross-contaminate the landrace’s genetics, it begins evolving characteristics that distinguish it from other cultivars found around the world. And, with time, its sturdiest genes remain solidly in place, reliably passing on to any future crosses bred from the landrace.

When someone finds a landrace with unique heady effects, incredibly complex aromas, or intriguingly rich flavors, they’ve basically found a Holy Grail of Pure Weed Genetics. Nature designed this weed plant, not a human. 

While pretty much all pot-shop weed these days are hybrids, the terms “indica” and “sativa” accurately describe landraces. In fact, every landrace is entirely a sativa or an indica; by definition, landraces cannot be hybrids.

On top of that, Thailand stands as one of the most weed-friendly nations on the planet. The government openly embraces medical cannabis, especially. Recently, the Thai Prime Minister hit a weed vape pen during a live press conference, and the government gives out free weed oil to its older citizens. Thailand is also the first Asian nation to develop its own strain, based on Thai landrace genetics: Issara 01.