Ravon Williams 

In the golden haze of nostalgia, legacy smokers often reminisce about the “weed from back in the day,” claiming it possessed a certain je ne sais quoi that today’s dispensary weed seems to lack. Is this perceived difference coming from rose-colored glasses, or is it real? It’s a little bit of both, depending on how intentionally you shop. 

There have been huge changes in the cannabis world for consumers since weed became recreationally legal, rooted in new cultivation practices, genetic selection, and the commercial pressures of the burgeoning industry. 

Originally, cannabis cultivation was largely an artisanal practice, with growers nurturing small batches, paying close attention to the nuances of each plant. These conditions allowed for a diverse range of phenotypes, even within the same strain. 

However, when recreational legalization went into effect, we saw a major shift in the culture. Weed turned corporate, leading to large-scale growing operations that prioritize uniformity, yield, and THC content, sometimes overlooking the complex medley of cannabinoids and terpenes that define a strain’s unique character. 

This is where craft cannabis makes its mark. By focusing on that medley of cannabinoids and terpenes, cultivators are able to grow weed reminiscent of that “weed from back in the day”. But in today’s market where most consumers are just looking to get the best bang for their buck when buying weed, they often miss out on craft cannabis that would give them the nostalgia they’re looking for.

Recommendations: Find Strains That Echo the Past

For those legacy smokers that are seeking an experience reminiscent of the “weed from back in the day,” exploring strains that are either landrace or have a strong genetic lineage to these ancient varieties is a good start.

Landrace strains, the original strains that evolved in specific regions around the world, are the ancestors of today’s hybrids. These strains adapted over centuries to their local environments, developing unique characteristics. These are the absolute OG’s of cannabis, as close to “back in the day” as possible. Here are a couple that have large traces in today’s cannabis:

Afghani – A pure landrace strain from the mountains of Afghanistan. This OG indica is very hard to find in the same form as it was in its hay day, but is the parent to a plethora of strains, including Granddaddy Purple, Cherry Pie, Purple punch, and many, many more.

Durban Poison – This pure sativa from South Africa is celebrated for its energizing and uplifting effects. Durban Poison has a distinct sweet and spicy aroma and delivers a clear-headed high, making it a favorite among those who miss the invigorating strains of the past. Strains with similar effects are Sour Diesel, Headband, and GSC. 

Embracing Heritage in Modern Cultivation

It’s not impossible to reach that feeling people got from the “weed from back in the day”, but it’s not just going to fall into their lap either. It’s just hard to fight against the stigma when people who smoked Sour Diesel 20 years ago think they’re going to smoke the exact same Sour Diesel from a dispensary today. It’s just not practical. 

These legacy consumers just need to be open minded, try new strains, and learn to appreciate the evolution of cultivation. It’s going to take some time to find the nostalgia they’ve been looking for. But once they do, that’s where the real fun begins. 

If you resonate with this group of legacy smokers, take the time to educate yourself on the weed you like and find out why you like it. From there, you can become a much smarter shopper and begin trying strains that are children of a strain you like, strains with terpene profiles that satisfy you, and strains from cultivators you like. If you try enough of them, you’ll definitely find something that hits the same or even harder than that old school weed!