Synonyms:
Genetics: Western Himalayan Landrace
Type: Point of Origin, Open Pollinated
Style: Charas
Farmer: Various, Feral Plants
Sourcing:
District: Various
Province: Uttarakhand
Area: Garhwal
Region: Western Himalayas
Appellation: Various
Country: India
 
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Cultivation Details:
 
Regional Planting: February - April
Regional Harvest: September - November
Height: 1.5-5m
Classification: NLD type landrace population
 
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Description:
 
The Garhwal landrace represents one of the most ancient and resilient charas-producing cannabis populations of the Western Himalayas. Found across the rugged, high-altitude terrain of Uttarakhand, this landrace thrives in steep, terraced fields and wild-growing pockets of remote valleys, where it has evolved to withstand intense seasonal fluctuations, monsoon rains, and cold Himalayan winters.
 
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Context:
 
The Garhwal region has been historically linked to cannabis cultivation for centuries, with charas production being an integral part of local economies and cultural traditions. Farmers in highland villages have long practiced natural farming techniques, growing cannabis in hidden mountain plots and wild-foraging feral populations to make hand-rubbed hashish.
 
Unlike the more commercialized charas-producing regions of Parvati or Malana, Garhwal’s landraces have remained relatively isolated, preserving ancient genetic traits and regional variations. The charas produced from Garhwal landraces has been highly valued for its distinct resin quality and long-lasting effects, often finding its way to local markets and spiritual communities.
 
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Accession Details:
 
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Current Status:
 
Traditional cannabis cultivation in Garhwal is rapidly disappearing, with increasingly fewer villages maintaining their historic charas-making practices. While feral populations still exist, the number of actively farmed plants has declined significantly, making conservation efforts urgently necessary.
 
A return expedition is needed to assess the current cultivation landscape, document existing landraces, and secure genetic preservation efforts before these populations are lost.
 
Join us on Patreon to support the preservation of Garhwal’s last remaining landraces!
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