9 of the Rarest Cannabis Strains You Never Knew Existed

The cannabis industry has exploded in recent years, generating over $17.9 billion in sales in 2020. Even with America’s renewed interest in cannabis, some strains are still elusive. Whether it’s due to foreign embargos or just a lack of demand, some cannabis strains are hard to get your hands on.

In this article, we’re going to tell you all about 9 of the rarest cannabis strains in the world. If you manage to get your hands on any of these strains, you’re in for a real treat. Read on to learn more!

The Rarest Cannabis Strains Known to Man

These strains are rare, but not always expensive! Many of these plants are pure Indica or Sativa and have fallen out of fashion due to the recent demand for hybrids. However, as CBD and hemp oil become more popular, maybe these strains will make a comeback. 

If you want to learn more about the health benefits of CBD and hemp oil, check out this link: https://learningcbdoil.com/blog/hemp-oil-vs-cbd-oil

Now, let’s learn about some rare strains!

1. Lamb’s Breath

Also known as Lamb’s Bread, this strain is a high Sativa that packs a punch. It usually contains about 22% THC, but gives you an energetic boost.

While some of the strains on this list have almost mythical status, Lamb’s Breath is actually pretty common in other parts of the world. It figures heavily into Rastafarianism and grows plentifully in Jamaica.

However, due to difficulty transporting Lamb’s Breath into the United States, it’s hard to find here. If you get to puff on this buzzy strain, count yourself lucky!

2. Black African Magic

Most cannabis is green. This strain is not. African black magic is a stunning plant, with deep purple leaves and endless trichomes.

Black African magic grows in the republic of Congo, deep within the Ituri forest. It is difficult to propagate, so it has stayed rare all its life. This strain is a Sativa with an incredibly high THC percentage, so it will give you one heck of a buzz.

3. Hindu Kush

Hindu Kush used to be a really popular strain in the 60s and 70s. It’s a classic strain from which many hybrids are born! But that’s exactly the problem: it’s only being used to create hybrids.

Hindu Kush is a 100% Indica strain that originated between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This is fantastic if you’re battling insomnia or chronic pain, but makes for a bad daytime smoke. People have been demanding more and more hybrids, and Hindu Kush has gotten lost in the fold!

If you want a deep, effective body high, seek out some Hindu Kush. It can still be found in devoted dispensaries and head shops.

4. Malawi Gold

If you’re looking for a well-known strain with almost mythical status, hunt down some Malawi Gold. Though most cannabis strains are easy to grow, Malawi is a little more finicky.  The plant’s grow time is long—over 120 days—and the attention required turns off some growers.

As the plant grows and the weather turns colder, Malawi Gold’s leaves display a brilliant yellow tone. But the plant needs to be trimmed fast: too-cold temperatures can reap a lot of damage on Malwai. However, a THC content of 26% makes the process worth it!

5. Chronic

When you hear “chronic”, you probably think Dr. Dre. The rapper was particularly fond of this strain, and so “chronic” has become synonymous with any kind of weed. However, the strain itself is a buzzy hybrid that comes from Northern Lights, Skunk, and AK-47.

It’s rare because, well, people haven’t been buying it. Chronic is a victim of supply and demand, even though it’s an energizing hybrid that should be all the rage. Bring this vintage trend back by asking around at your local dispensary.

6. Angola Roja

Angola Roja is one of the rarest and oldest cannabis strains on Earth. Its roots (pun intended) go back to the 1500s. It only grows in Angola, but likely fathered many of the popular North American hybrids we know and love today.

Because cannabis has been criminalized in Angola, this strain is in danger of dying out. Customs make it nearly impossible to export seeds or clippings of this rare strain.

7. Sweet Tooth

If you’ve ever had a strain that tasted like berries or candy, it was likely grandfathered by this one. Sweet tooth is an Indica strain that has a high THC percentage and tastes sweet and fruity.

Sweet tooth is hard to find because it’s been looked over in favor of flashier sweet strains, like Blueberry Pie or Girl Scout Cookies. It provides a subtler, middle-of-the-road high that helps with chronic pain and anxious thoughts. But that subtlety has caused it to be overlooked by many customers!

8. Panama Red

This was a hugely popular strain in the 60s and 70s. The leaves on this strain turn a bright red as the plant matures, contrasting against the orange trichomes that bud from the plant. Panama Red is a pure Sativa, giving you an old-school head high.

Panama Red has been left behind by modern smokers because it has a long growth time. In order to get that pure red hue, the plant has a long time to grow before it’s ready for harvest. But the mildly psychedelic effects are worth the wait.

9. Puna Budder

If you were around in the 70s, you’ve probably heard of Puna Budder. This strain came from Afghanistan over to Hawaii, then from Hawaii to the USA. It’s buzzy and energetic, tastes like a fresh breeze off the Hawaiian sea, and is fantastic for chronic pain.

So why is it rare? The War on Drugs. No, seriously.

The crackdown on marijuana in the 70s and 80s resulted in the near-eradication of this strain. Seeds and clippings are still difficult to find, but enthusiasts are trying to create it again for modern smokers.

Try the Newest in the Industry

Now you know what cannabis strains to buy up the moment you see them. If some African black magic crosses your path, you’ll know exactly how special that is! Enjoy your journey to becoming a cannabis connoisseur with this knowledge.

For more cannabis guides and tips, look through our blog. We’re a team of high-minded professionals who love to keep up with the world of cannabis. Check out our past articles for more!