Welcome to part two of our series on cannabis strains native to their continent. Here we find ourselves in Africa. The equator runs directly through Sub-Saharan Africa giving it an ideal climate for cannabis to thrive. Due to the noticeable differences we have split this continent between Southern and Northern Africa.
Southern Africa
Strains that are native to this area have recently gained in popularity. It is possible that some of these genetics have been brought over to the Caribbean area during the colonization period. When looking at Southern African landrace strains, we see uniform characteristics including medium height, elongated shape, sturdy central stems, and potent, widely-spaced buds. Known for their truly medicinal benefits, African landrace strains are sought for their energetic and uplifting high and are primarily Sativas. In fact, African landrace strains contain the highest level of the THCV cannabinoid.
Northern Africa
Cannabis has been a part of the culture in North Africa for centuries. This area is known for being the only area outside of Asia in which Indica landrace strains grow natively. Plants grown here are often used for kief extraction in order to make hash. Although technically part of Africa, the northern African landrace strains more closely resemble their Middle Eastern cousins, with strains tending to be resinous Indicas rather than the famous Sativas of Southern Africa.
Strains
Durban Poison –
Durban Poison (the espresso of weed) is a South African landrace cannabis strain from the port city of Durban dating to the 14th-century, when it was cultivated by indigenous tribes. Unlike many landrace strains that are rare and hard to come by, Durban Poison is much more widely available. With a sweet, fruity flavor, and producing a stimulating, uplifting, and creativity-boosting high, Durban Poison is known for potency combined with clarity as a result of high THC levels (never testing lower than 16%), low CBD levels, and a robust cannabinoid and terpene profile.
Kilimanjaro –
This early-flowering African Sativa is a landrace cannabis strain from the Tanzanian slopes of Kilimanjaro, cultivated originally for use in hunting, religious practices, and ceremonies. Referred to by natives as “elephant stomper” for its hyper and energizing effects, this plant grows vigorously and with many branches. Buds are resinous, have a lemon and fruity aroma, and contain a high THC level at around 18% that provides an intense and sometimes overwhelming psychedelic, cerebral high. It is often used in order to treat chronic and severe medical conditions such as depression and stress.
Malawi –
Southern African nation Malawi is one of the most prolific growers of cannabis in its region. The Malawi landrace strain, often referred to as “Malawi Gold,” is a pure Sativa from the Salima region. It is prized internationally for its complex flavor profile and its strong, intensely cerebral high. These slender plants have a long flowering time, a sturdy central stem, dark green leaves with thin, serrated leaflets and highly psychoactive buds. Malawi can inspire creativity, giving users the energy to work on innovative projects. This high is long-lasting and is best enjoyed during the day.
Moroccan –
Moroccan landrace cannabis strains come from North Africa’s Rif Mountains, a region in northeast Morocco and in the plateau adjacent to the city of Ketama. There, cannabis growing dates back to the 15th century. These cannabis plants produce resinous buds used primarily for hash. They grow similarly to Hindu Kush landrace cannabis, with little branching, strong central colas and they are relatively short, at one to two meters. The Moroccan high is relaxing and lifting with a sedative effect. In combination with its moderate 10–15% average THC level, these effects make Moroccan perfect for treating those suffering from conditions such as insomnia, chronic pain, depression and stress.
Checkout my other posts for more information on landrace Cannabis strains indigenous to their continent.
