Cannabis plants grew wildly in various African countries before the onset of colonialism. The fertile soils found in the highlands and river banks, plus favorable climates, made it possible for East African landrace sativas to thrive.
Here’s an overview of cannabis growing in East Africa.
Origin Of Cannabis Seeds In East Africa
It’s widely believed that cannabis seeds from Arabia and India arrived on the East African coastline around the 15th century. The Monsoon winds made it possible for traders to sail from Asia to Africa and this led to the exchange of cannabis seeds. It’s also not a coincidence that both Indians and Swahili communities refer to cannabis as Bangi.
The Shashamane sativa found in central Ethiopia may have originated from Jamaica. This belief is based on the assumption that the Jamaicans who relocated to Ethiopia during the mid-50s carried some marijuana seeds to cultivate in their new home.
How Do Cannabis Farmers From East Africa Preserve Seeds?
Cannabis growers in East Africa mainly originate from rural communities. The farmers extracted seeds from mature plants and then stored them using simple preservatives. One method is putting the seeds inside a dry pot followed by some ashes to prevent the onset of mold.
The ashes also repel weevils and other insects that feed on dry seeds. According to a report published by the Australian Department of Primary Industries in 2022, weevils destroy 21-30% of stored grain. Insects that come into contact with the ashes succumb to severe dehydration.
The preservation of seeds within communities is an advantage because growers maintain each strain’s genetic purity.
Cultivation In African Soil
East Africa has an abundance of arable land that comprises rich loamy and volcanic soils. While cultivating food crops such as corn and beans, the average farmer enriches the soil with organic manure obtained from cows, goats, or chickens.
An onset of heavy and long rainfall usually begins in May and ceases in August. Cannabis growers usually germinate their seeds either in February or March. This strategic timing ensures that crops receive sufficient water and nutrients throughout the vegetative state.
The availability of affordable electric power generated by solar panels, however, hasn’t motivated cannabis growers in East Africa to explore indoor cultivation.
Harvesting And Storage of Cannabis In East Africa
Landrace sativa from East Africa takes approximately 6 months to mature. Harvest starts around August. However, weed growers who reside near river banks can cultivate and harvest at different times of the year since they have access to alternative sources of water beyond rainfall.
After chopping down the plants, some cultivators spread their buds on large mats to dry them out under the sun. This practice is similar to that used to dry out freshly harvested grain. Growers who lack sufficient outdoor space dry their harvest by wrapping them inside black plastic bags and storing them in a cool dry place for a week or so.
Summary
Cannabis growers in East Africa have faithfully practiced the techniques used by their forefathers. This approach ensures that all the landrace sativas in the region retain their unique genetics and characteristics.
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