Strain Heritage Series: Strains of Africa

While folks often mistake the continent of Africa as a monolith, lumping all of the continent's 54 countries, thousands of still-spoken languages, and more than 1 billion people into a single basket. In reality, however, the continent of Africa is one of the most culturally rich places on the whole planet. Not only did the so-called "Cradle of Humanity" give birth to modern humans, but it's a thriving hub of culture worldwide today.
What many might not know, however, is that cultures throughout the African continent have long been associated with cannabis as well! It's easy for folks and outsiders to make that mistake since, according to academic Chris S. Duvall in his book The African Roots of Marijuana, "Africa has been neglected in popular and scholarly histories of cannabis. If you know nothing about cannabis except that it can be smoked as a drug, your knowledge traces to Africa." 

As part of our continuing strain heritage series, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some top-notch African landrace strains to highlight what this great continent has given to the cannabis culture. We'll give you a comprehensive history of African marijuana strains and the culture surrounding them, then deep-dive into some of the most potent, enjoyable, and widespread African weed strains available for consumers today! Think of this article as your one-stop guide for anything and everything weed related from Africa.

The History of Cannabis in Africa

Unsplash

Thought to have been introduced to the African continent as early as 1230 AD, cannabis has been in the hands and crops of Africans for thousands of years now. Originally brought from India via travelers to Egypt in the form of hashish, the modern-day version of smoking the dried leaves of the flower only gained popularity as the colonial takeover of the continent introduced tobacco, industrial hemp production, and eventually full-on THC-rich cannabis plants being grown for recreational and commercial use. 

That early introduction and massive adoption allowed the farmers and cannabis growers to get creative with their plant's genetics. By the late 1500s, sophisticated and intricate management of cannabis plant genetics via selective breeding was the norm, leading to the creation of the early versions of some of the strains we'll highlight here in this piece.

Like almost every other nation or place on Earth, however, restrictions were soon placed on cannabis and its use. Africans were innovators in that regard, with bans being documented in some places as early as the 1300s.

After colonial rule took over the continent, those bans expanded rapidly. As of 1870, for example, South African weed use was outlawed completely thanks to the Coolie Law, which prohibited " the smoking, use, or possession by and the sale, barter, or gift to, any Coolies [Indian indentured workers] whatsoever, of any portion of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa)..." 

Today, however, Africans have a much different stance on cannabis. Despite the laws on the books in many places discouraging cannabis use, the cannabis culture in Africa is thriving. According to a 2007 UN Office on Drugs and Crime document, the potential for a thriving and incredibly lucrative legal cannabis culture in Africa outshines even the United States. 

Per that document, Africa not only has the highest level of cannabis production on the planet but more than 38 million African adults, or about 7.7 percent of the continent's population, consume cannabis yearly. From some perspective, that far outpaces the estimated 3.8 percent of the world population aged 15 to 64 who identify as recreational cannabis users. 

Simply put, due to outdated laws and regulations, the African continent is missing out on the profits of a cultural export they could be making billions. And after we highlight some of these top-notch strains, it will be apparent that cannabis culture is thriving on the continent!

Top African Cannabis Strains

Africa has a lot to offer in terms of well-developed, top-notch landrace strains. Here are some of the best of the best. Whether you're looking for African sativa strains, African indica strains, or something somewhere in between, we've got a little bit of something for you to pick up at the dispensary or grow on your own at home! 

Durban Poison

 Originating from the South African port city of Durban, where it gets its legendary namesake, this strain is one of the most well-known and loved African cannabis offerings. Originally brought to the U.S. cannabis market by activist Ed Rosenthal, thousands of pounds of this top-notch cannabis have left the Durban ports to other worldwide cannabis hubs.
Known for its distinctive large, robust cannabis buds and average 17 percent THC, this strain packs a mighty punch for users looking for a top-notch African sativa strain. Look no further than this top-notch African strain if you're looking for a strain that will leave you feeling energized to the max, focused, and uplifted. 

Ethiopian

If you're looking for a lovely sativa strain that will leave you feeling energized, active, and highly friendly, it's hard to go wrong with this entry on our list. As its name would suggest, this strain originated in Ethiopia, where growers spent multiple generations crafting this tall, bushy landrace strain with the ability to grow and be harvested rapidly and have a natural resistance to mold. Simply put, this strain is a testament to what quality genetics can do to elevate a cannabis plant. 

Usually measuring between 6 to 10 percent THC levels, this strain is perfect for an afternoon session where you're looking to be still productive and not have your socks knocked off. Known for its sophisticated aromas and flavors of musky cannabis, wood chips, and a slight floral note, this is a great cannabis choice for the user looking to kick back, relax, and take the edge off but still be productive and not couch-locked.  

Kwazulu

The first hybrid offering on our list of African landrace strains, this top-notch cannabis is perfect for smoking, dabbing, or any other form of consumption. With between 13-16 percent THC, a little bit of CBD thrown into the mix for the entourage effect to pick in, and an exciting flavor profile thanks to terpenes like borneol, linalool, and caryophyllene, this strain has a little bit of something for everyone.
Great for those dealing with MS, chronic pain, PTSD, Alzheimer's, and lack of appetite, this strain leaves users with a tingly high body and a focused, happy, sedated, and talkative mood. Thanks to its diverse terpene profile, this strain also tastes and smells of lavender, pine and fruit trees, and violets while leaving users with a flavor similar to plums.
No matter how you slice it, this sativa-dominant South African hybrid is an excellent option for everyone!  

Malawi

Hailing from the southern African nation of the same name, this strain is its primary (yet still illegal) export and most significant accomplishment in the cannabis space. Often known as Malawi Gold, this strain is known for its complex flavor profile and cannabinoid-powered solid punch of a high. And with a THC potency level that can climb as high as 24 percent, this strain certainly lives up to its lofty expectation. 

Its wispy, lengthy mossy green buds and high concentration of trichomes make this strain stand out from the crowd, even after it's ground up since its sticky flower can often be a challenge to grind correctly.
Typically leaving users feeling focused, sleepy, and energized, this pure sativa strain is only suggested for experienced cannabis users. When paired with the massive dose of THC that helps users deal with issues like depression, migraines, and chronic pain, this strain can kick in the pants for those who aren't adequately prepared. 

We highly recommend this strain to experienced tokers looking to experience one of the best quality landrace strains on the market today. When you see this one on dispensary menus, pick some up! 

Swazi Gold

Last but certainly not least on our list, we have another top-notch sativa offering from the African continent. This lovely landrace strain grown in the mountainous regions of Southern Africa is highly sought after for its focusing, relaxing, and socially lubricating effects and aesthetics. 

As its name suggests, this strain is like a golden nugget of between 18 to as much as 27 percent THC, meaning that this gold nug is made to be broken up and consumed! With that hefty dose of THC, this strain is perfect for those dealing with issues like depression, migraines, and pain, all while leaving users feeling giggly and energized thanks to its sativa nature. 

With earthy tobacco and spice flavors, this strain has the flavor profile to match its sky-high THC levels. While this one might be hard to come by on the typical dispensary menu, we highly recommend grabbing it whenever and wherever you have the chance to do so. This thing truly is a diamond in the rough.