The term Eastern European refers less to a specific strain and more to any strain that is native to the Eastern European region of the world. Typically this points to landrace indicas, however, there are the occasional hybrids and/or sativas that pop up here and there. For Eastern European strains, the variances in breeders, strengths, and specifics are so vast it is hard to narrow it down to just one strain to feature.

The THC and CBD levels range widely because of the sheer volume of specific breeds, but it is more common for the indica buds to have a much higher CBD level than their pure sativa counterparts. Eastern European buds fall into the color spectrum anywhere from light minty green to deep olive and are typically covered in orange hairs that can be translucent or rich in color. The nugs are traditionally medium to large with super lumpy, breakable pieces that smell of earthiness and pine with hints of spice and sugar. Tiny white trichomes and sticky resin give the nugs a sugary sweet flavor that is accented by woodiness and spice.

Despite the large variety of choices, Eastern European landrace highs are predominantly indica based and lean toward a stereotypical indica high. Quite sleepy and relaxed, they are sedated by nature and uplifting in mood. You’ll feel their effects in your head first with tingles that spread through your limbs, eventually resting in your core and warming your body from the inside out. These are long-lasting, sometimes slow building highs that can give you the munchies, overwhelming sleepiness, and almost definite couch lock.

Based on the likely grow cycle of indica-dominant strains and the natural environmental region that these plants grow in, it is safe to assume that they thrive in tepid to cool weather and have a short flowering period. Common in colder countries in Europe, the beginning of the cultivation season is mid-May and wraps up around 8 weeks later. The yields in perfect conditions will usually be fairly massive.

When you think of European strains often times people immediately go straight to the Netherlands. If you’ve ever had one of these landraces, though, you’ll understand why that would be a narrow viewpoint. If you love indicas and strong CBD strains, you’ll love Eastern Europeans. After just a few hits, most of these varieties will have you feeling tingly and relaxed all the way to the bone.