Key Takeaways
  • Cambodian is a pure landrace Sativa strain originating from Cambodia.
  • Lab tests place its THC content at approximately 14-20%.
  • Its lineage runs through Landrace — no known cross, making it a key reference point for breeders.
  • 2 documented strains descend from Cambodian, including modern market favourites.
  • Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Linalool — driving its signature aroma and effects.

About Cambodian

Cambodian cannabis thrived in the tropical climate of Southeast Asia, particularly in the remote Cardamom Mountains region where traditional farming communities cultivated sativa for generations. Pre-war Cambodian weed was legendary among the 1960s-70s generation of travelers along the Hippie Trail — often ranked alongside Thai and Vietnamese as the finest Southeast Asian cannabis. The plant grows extremely tall and requires a very long flowering time (14-18 weeks). The buds are typically loose and spear-shaped with a distinct floral, spicy, and slightly fermented aroma. The effects are intensely psychedelic and long-lasting — a soaring, energetic high that can last 3-4 hours.

Flavor Profile

Old School
SweetTropicalSpicyFloralIncense
Modern
Z / CandyExotic / ZPeppery / GassyFloral / PerfumeySpicy / Woody

The Story & Lineage Origin

Cambodia was a major stop on the Hippie Trail, and pre-1975 Cambodian cannabis was considered among the best in Southeast Asia. The Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) nearly destroyed the country's cannabis cultivation tradition — farmers were forced to grow rice instead, and many seed stock was lost.

After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, cannabis cultivation slowly resumed but the country became better known for other exports. In the 2000s and 2010s, seed preservationists traveled to Cambodia to recover surviving landrace genetics from remote villages.

Cambodian is now considered one of the most important 'preservation priority' landraces due to its near-total loss during the war era.

Notable breeders & preservers: Zomia Seeds, The Real Seed Company, Ace Seeds

Seeds & Availability

Cambodian is preserved by landrace-focused seed banks and preservation projects — notable sources include Zomia Seeds, The Real Seed Company, Ace Seeds. Look for verified landrace packs rather than renamed hybrids trading on the Cambodian name; true landrace seed lines vary by collection region and generation.

Genetic Background

Southeast Asian sativa landrace

Phenotypes & Cultivars

Cambodian is available in the following phenotypes and cultivars:

Cambodian Sativa Kampuchea

Terpene Profile

Cambodian is dominated by Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, along with 1 other minor terpenes. These compounds shape the strain's aroma, flavor, and reported effects.

Browse the full terpene reference →

Genetic Families

Cambodian is part of the following genetic families:

Known Offspring

Strains that descend from Cambodian:

Cambodian Haze Mango Cambodian

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the THC percentage of Cambodian?

Cambodian typically tests at 14-20% THC content in lab results, though actual potency varies by phenotype, growing conditions, and harvest. As a sativa-leaning strain, the THC delivers an uplifting cerebral experience.

Is Cambodian a sativa or indica?

Cambodian is a sativa cannabis strain (Sativa). Bred from Landrace — no known cross, its effects lean toward an uplifting, cerebral sativa experience. Users report: Intensely psychedelic, soaring, energetic, creative, euphoric, extremely long-lasting.

Cambodian strain review — what to expect

Cambodian is known for Intensely psychedelic, soaring, energetic, creative, euphoric, extremely long-lasting. A legendary Southeast Asian sativa that was nearly lost during the Khmer Rouge era. Cambodian cannabis is known for its soaring, long-lasting psychedelic high and distinct floral-spicy aroma. It is considered one of the finest tropical sativas by connoisseurs. The aroma profile features floral, spicy, sweet, sandalwood, tropical fruit. Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Linalool.

What are the phenotypes of Cambodian?

Cambodian expresses several phenotypes and cuts, including Cambodian Sativa, Kampuchea. The dominant phenotypes often show subtle differences in structure, flowering time, color expression, and terpene balance while sharing the same core genetics.

What is Cambodian crossed from?

Cambodian was bred from Landrace — no known cross. Detailed ancestry: Southeast Asian sativa landrace. This cross produces the strain's characteristic effects, terpene profile, and growth pattern.

What terpenes are in Cambodian?

Cambodian is dominated by Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, with 1 additional minor terpenes. These aromatic compounds shape the strain's signature flavor, aroma, and contribute to its reported effects through the entourage effect.

How much does Cambodian yield and how long does it flower?

Cambodian has a flowering time of 14-18 weeks and produces low to moderate yields. Plants reach very tall (4-7m) height, making it better suited for larger grow spaces with vertical room.

What is Cambodian and where does it come from?

Cambodian is a sativa cannabis strain that originates from Cambodia. It belongs to the pre-1970s era of cannabis genetics. A legendary Southeast Asian sativa that was nearly lost during the Khmer Rouge era. Cambodian cannabis is known for its soaring, long-lasting psychedelic high and distinct floral-spicy aroma. It is considered one of the finest tropical sativas by connoisseurs.

What is the genetic background of Cambodian?

Cambodian has the following ancestry: Southeast Asian sativa landrace.

Is Cambodian indica or sativa?

Cambodian is a sativa cannabis strain. Learn how in indica vs sativa classification differs in our strain guide.

What does Cambodian smell and taste like?

Cambodian has a Floral, spicy, sweet, sandalwood, tropical fruit aroma, with flavors described as Spice, floral, sweet, tropical fruit, tea. Its dominant terpenes are Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Linalool.

What are the effects of Cambodian?

Users report Intensely psychedelic, soaring, energetic, creative, euphoric, extremely long-lasting. As a sativa-dominant strain, it leans toward uplifting cerebral effects.

Deepen your understanding of Cambodian's genetics and history with our editorial research:

Medical Applications

Cambodian is commonly associated with: