Discover the countries that, surprisingly, have some of the best weed in the world.
March 8, 2023. Melissa Jaramillo.
When people talk about the best cannabis-producing countries, they usually think of the most well-known and recognized places around the world. Places like the United States, Morocco, Canada, or Mexico probably come to mind. However, there are many countries that are not automatically associated with the production of quality weed but actually have a long tradition of cannabis production and cultivation.
In many countries, it is illegal to do so, but that doesn’t stop them from growing some of the best weed in the world. See below for more information about 5 lesser-known countries growing the best weed on the planet.
Lesotho
Lesotho is a small country located in southern Africa, completely surrounded by South Africa.
Despite its size, it is one of the largest producers of cannabis on the entire continent. Its warm, dry climate is ideal for growing the plant and, thanks to its geographical location, its weed is not as exposed to contamination from pesticides and chemicals that can affect quality.
Some companies have even managed to legally export seeds to parts of Europe.
Georgia
We’re not talking about the famous city in the state of Atlanta. Georgia is also a country located in the Caucasus region, between Europe and Asia. Despite having very strict laws against drug use, Georgia is known for the quality of its weed and for having a long tradition in the cultivation of cannabis.
Cannabis in Georgia is known as “ganja” and is used primarily for recreational and religious purposes. The consumption of ganja in Georgia is legal, but possession, cultivation, and sale of the herb are illegal and subject to harsh penalties.
Despite the prohibition, cannabis cultivation in Georgia is very common, especially in the mountainous regions of the country, where the climate is ideal for growing the herb. Ganja production in Georgia is primarily small-scale, and weed is grown mainly on small plots of land in rural areas.
The herb produced in Georgia is known for its high quality and distinctive flavor. Georgian ganja has a strong, earthy flavor and produces a relaxing and euphoric effect.
Malawi
Malawi is a small country located in southeastern Africa, known for being one of the leading tobacco producers in the world. However, Malawi also has a long tradition of cannabis production, and its weed is known for being high quality and having a distinctive flavor.
Malawian law prohibits the cultivation of cannabis or hemp. Despite this, grow-ops are prevalent and cannabis is the main illegal drug crop in the country.
This is because Malawi has ideal characteristics for its cultivation. The Great Rift Valley, as well as the higher latitudes surrounding it, have a hot, humid climate that makes the soil fertile for cultivation.
In fact, there is a quite popular weed variety named after this country.
Lebanon
Lebanon is a country located in the Middle East and is known for the quality of its hashish, a concentrated form of cannabis.
Lebanese hashish is considered one of the best in the world for its distinctive flavor and the quality of the herb used in its production.
Cannabis is illegal in Lebanon, despite the country’s reputation for producing high-quality hashish. However, in 2018, the government announced that it planned to move forward with the legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes, but as of today, there is still nothing definitive.
Despite the ban on hashish cultivation and production in Lebanon, it is still very common, and the herb is highly valued for its quality and distinctive flavor. Lebanese hashish is known for its smooth texture and pungent taste, making it popular with cannabis users around the world.
Nepal
Nepal is a country located in the Himalayas, between India and China. Nepal is known for its culture of the sadhus, the holy men who smoke cannabis in their religious rituals.
Cannabis in Nepal is very important and the herb is known to have a very relaxing and calming effect. Nepal’s weed is highly prized around the world and although the cultivation and consumption of cannabis are banned in the country, it is still very common.
Before 1973, it was legal to possess and consume cannabis. It was consumed throughout the country and there were even licensed dealers selling hashish in Kathmandu.
All this changed in 1973. As a result of pressure from the US government, the Nepalese government banned the sale and purchase of cannabis.
Nepalese cannabis strains tend to be Sativa, with buds and effects similar to those of Indica strains. They tend to be resinous, with few branches and dense buds.