Cannabis in Africa
Explore the Landscape of Cannabis Production in Africa (2023)
- Last Update: March 2023
- By: WeGROW Team
Uncovering the hidden world of African cannabis cultivation, culture and business opportunities. In the following guide we will give you a unique angle at the trends and current landscape of cannabis in Africa in 2023. Let's GO!
The global market for cannabis and hemp is booming, and African nations play a vital role in the supply chain. The African Cannabis Report estimates that by 2026, sales of cannabis and cannabis-related products will equal $102 billion worldwide.
Although Africa is still in the early stages of overcoming the various legal, political, and social challenges necessary to become a significant player in the industry, the country is a promising contender due to its favorable climate, laxening laws, viable farming land, and prior experience in agriculture and hemp production.
Because countries all over the world are starting to legalize its usage for ailments including Alzheimer’s and chronic pain, the medicinal cannabis business is especially promising in the continent.
African Cannabis Seeds
The cultivation of cannabis in Africa has been heavily impacted by colonialism and the war on drugs. Many African countries have strict laws against cannabis cultivation and possession, and this has led to a limited understanding of the potential benefits of the plant.
However, as the global conversation around cannabis and its uses evolves, more and more people are beginning to recognize the benefits and advantages of African cannabis seeds.
One of the key advantages of African cannabis seeds is their genetic diversity. Due to Africa’s unique climate and soil conditions, the plant has developed a wide range of genetic variations that can adapt to different environments. This makes African cannabis seeds well-suited for a variety of climates, including tropical and subtropical regions.
Another advantage of African cannabis seeds is their high THC content. African strains are known to have higher levels of THC than their counterparts from other regions, which makes them particularly sought after by recreational users.
In addition, African cannabis seeds also have medicinal benefits. For example, the CBD content of African strains is known to be beneficial for treating pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Explore also the differences between craft cannabis and mass-produced cannabis seeds and learn about the benefits of crafting in Africa.
African cannabis seeds also have a great potential for the production of hemp, which is an environmentally friendly and sustainable crop. It could be an alternative for many crops and industries such as textiles, paper, construction, and biofuels.
Does cannabis grow in Africa?
Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, is a plant that is native to Central Asia and is widely cultivated for its psychoactive properties. But does cannabis grow in Africa? The answer is yes, but not in the same way that it is grown in other parts of the world.
Cannabis is not native to Africa, and it is not widely cultivated for commercial or recreational use on the continent. However, it is grown in some parts of Africa, particularly in the countries of Morocco, Lesotho, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. These countries have a long history of cannabis cultivation, dating back to the colonial era, when it was grown as a cash crop for export.
In Morocco, cannabis is grown in the Rif Mountains, where the ideal climate and soil conditions allow for the cultivation of high-quality cannabis. The cannabis grown in this region is known for its strong aroma and high THC content, and now first type of legislation will start in the country making also available for export of cannabis. Read more about it here.
In Lesotho, cannabis is grown by professional cultivators like WeGROW for export purposes and for sale in the European and other markets. The government of Lesotho has legalized the cultivation of cannabis for medical and research purposes, after extended survey done by UNESCO in 1999.
Today the country is now positioning itself as a major player in the global cannabis industry.
In South Africa, cannabis is grown by small farmers and is used for personal use and for sale in the local market. The country has recently decriminalized the possession and use of cannabis, and it is expected that this will lead to a growth in the cannabis industry. Learn more about cannabis in South Africa in the Wiki page.
SAHPRA, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, is an entity of the National Department of Health created by the South African government. Its main purpose is to ensure that the health and well-being of both humans and animals is at the core of the healthcare system in South Africa. SAHPRA is responsible for regulating the registration, evaluation, and monitoring of all health products, including medicines, medical devices, and complementary medicines. It also plays a key role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of these products before a cannabis off-take happens, as well as promoting access to essential medicines. Learn more about SAHPRA’s approach regarding THC and CBD in South Africa here.
In Zimbabwe, cannabis is grown by small farmers for personal use and for sale in the local market. The government of Zimbabwe has recently legalized the cultivation of cannabis for medical and research purposes, and the country is now positioning itself as a potential player in the global cannabis industry reported by Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN).
In summary, cannabis does grow in Africa, but it is not as widely cultivated as it is in other parts of the world. However, countries like Morocco, Lesotho, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are positioning themselves as major players in the global cannabis industry and are expected to see growth in the coming years.
What is the African name for cannabis?
In some parts of Southern Africa, cannabis is referred to as “dagga.” The word, which dates back to the 1660s, is derived from the Khoekhoe word dacha, which was used to refer to both the plant and numerous Leonotis species. Locally known as “wild dagga,” Leonotis leonurus is a species of plant with leaves that closely resemble those of the cannabis plant. Daggha, dacha, dacka, dagha, tagga, dachka, and daga are just a few examples of the many different ways the word has been spelled over the years as diverse groups of people have started using the name.
What is the best weed in Africa?
When it comes to cannabis, or weed as most people call it, Africa is not typically the first region that comes to mind. However, the continent is home to some of the highest quality and most sought-after landrace strains of cannabis in the world.
One of the best-known strains of weed from Africa is called “Lamb’s Bread“, also known as “Lamb’s Breath”. This strain is native to Jamaica, but it is highly sought-after in Africa and is known for its high THC content and uplifting, energizing effects. It is a Sativa-dominant strain and it’s known for its unique sweet and fruity aroma, and its buds are covered in a thick layer of trichomes.
Another popular strain of weed from Africa is called “Durban Poison“. This strain is native to the city of Durban in South Africa and is known for its strong, sweet aroma and high THC content. It is a pure Sativa strain and it’s known for its energizing and uplifting effects. It is known for its high yield, fast flowering and resistance to pests, making it a favorite among farmers.
Another strain that is highly sought after in Africa is “Malawi Gold“. This strain is native to the country of Malawi and is known for its high THC content and relaxing, sedating effects. It is a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain, and it’s known for its unique aroma, which is a combination of earthy and sweet.
Export Cannabis from Africa
Cannabis exports from Africa to Europe are on the rise. As the demand for medical cannabis products continues to grow and more cannabis distributors in Europe are looking to import cannabis to Europe. Lesotho is one of the few African countries to have legalized cannabis for medical and scientific purposes, and has been able to capitalize on this by becoming a leading exporter of medical cannabis products to Europe.
The cannabis products exported from Lesotho are high in quality and are in high demand in Europe. The products are exported to a number of different countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Israel and Switzerland. The exports are helping to create jobs and boost the economy in Lesotho, and the country is quickly becoming a leading player in the global cannabis market.
The cannabis industry is still in its early stages, and there is a lot of potential for growth. Lesotho is well positioned to take advantage of this growth, and is expected to see continued growth in the export of medical cannabis products to Europe.
Meet WeGROW in Lesotho
‘WeGROW’ has both its cultivation and processing facilities based 1,600 meters above sea-level in the mountains of Lesotho. Where clean air and peaceful environment ensure the growth of high quality cannabis plants according to strict EU-GMP Principles for cultivation, extraction and the processing of cannabis for the medicinal and pharmaceutical markets. Mainly exporting medical cannabis to Germany and other global cannabis markets.
The 60,000 square meter cannabis facility in Lesotho has 30,000 square meter of production space in a unique hybrid greenhouse environment and employs >100 members of the surrounding communities.
The greenhouse is built to harness the power of the sun and improve the quality of the cannabis flower. The unique greenhouse design utilizes the power of the sun to increase terpenes and resin development throughout the life cycle of the plant. This unique growing technique, paired with innovative processing techniques, allows for a finely cured and polished product that consumer across Germany enjoy.
WeGROW’s products are reliable because each variety contains a consistent amount of cannabinoids and terpenes. They are also free of contaminants such as microbes, pesticides and heavy metals. These qualities make WeGROW cannabis products reliable and safe for patients, while ensuring distributors a safe route to import cannabis from Africa.
Energy Efficient
WeGROW is producing at highest quality in a facility that sets the gold standard for the cannabis industry. Our greenhouses are powered by sunlight to provide optimal growing conditions.
Accessible
Compassionate pricing is a game-changer that not only subscribes to our values of accessibility for all, but makes us highly competitive as a supplier to international markets.
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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about The cannabis production landscape in Africa
What is the current status of cannabis production in Africa?
Cannabis production in Africa is growing rapidly, with several countries legalizing its use for medicinal or industrial purposes. As of September 2021, at least six countries in Africa have legalized cannabis in some form, including Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Uganda, Malawi, and Zambia. Lesotho was the first African country to legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes in 2017, and since then, several other countries have followed suit. This legalization has led to an increase in cannabis production and investment in the industry.
What are some of the challenges facing cannabis production in Africa?
Despite the growth of the cannabis industry in Africa, there are still several challenges facing its production. One of the main challenges is the lack of regulation and infrastructure, which can make it difficult for companies to operate and for the government to regulate the industry. Another challenge is the stigma associated with cannabis, which can make it difficult for companies to attract investment or find customers. Additionally, the lack of access to funding and technical expertise can be a barrier for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs who want to enter the industry.
How is the cannabis industry in Africa impacting local economies?
The cannabis industry in Africa has the potential to create jobs and generate revenue for local economies. For example, in Lesotho, where cannabis is legal for medicinal and research purposes, the industry has created thousands of jobs and generated millions of dollars in revenue. Similarly, in Zimbabwe, the government has licensed several companies to grow cannabis for export, which has led to job creation and increased revenue for the country.
What is the potential for cannabis production in Africa to benefit the global market?
Answer: Africa has the potential to become a major player in the global cannabis market, as the continent has ideal growing conditions for the crop and a large, untapped market for cannabis-based products. Additionally, because the cost of production is often lower in Africa compared to other parts of the world, companies can produce cannabis at a lower cost and potentially sell it at a lower price, making it more accessible to consumers.
What is the outlook for the future of cannabis production in Africa?
The future of cannabis production in Africa looks bright, as more countries are legalizing the crop for medicinal and industrial purposes. Additionally, there is growing interest from international investors in the African cannabis market, which could lead to increased funding and technical expertise for the industry. However, it is important for governments to establish clear regulations and infrastructure to ensure the industry can grow sustainably and responsibly.