For those of us who've been in the weed-smoking business long enough, we can usually tell when a strain hits just right. Cannabis connoisseurs value quality over quantity and part of that stems from the origin of a certain strain. Which countries grow the best weed, you ask? That's what we're talking about in today's blog. We researched the top five countries around the world that, according to reports, produce the best weed.
How to Define the Best Weed
Due to the vagueness of cannabis "quality," we should define what makes a strain enjoyable to a user. Granted, we will likely all have different answers. Some may say the potency of a strain in addition to its THC/CBD profile. Others may argue that it's delicious flavour, taste, and aroma. Cannabis growers and harvesters may turn to a strain simply for its high yield or resiliency to external factors, such as the weather or temperature. Indeed, there is no single way to define high-quality cannabis…but these countries sure have developed a positive reputation over the years.
Without further ado, I present the countries that reportedly grow the best weed. Mind you, many factors must be taken into account from these countries' climates to their cannabis laws and soil quality.
Australia
In most Canadian licensed cannabis retailers, the highest THC content typically ranges from 25–30%. Personally, I've never come across anything higher than 30%. In Australia, however, rumour has it that breeders cooked up multiple strains with 40% THC once upon a time. That rumour caught wind in 2013 and remains up in the air with little to no proof of concept. We might never see a 40% THC strain go to the public market, but at least someone thought of it! This could be a fair warning that cannabis in Australia is much stronger than what we're used to here in Canada.
Netherlands
Surely, it's no surprise that Dutch breeders grow some of the best cannabis in the world. This cannabis-friendly tourist mecca draws in enormous amounts of money each year from their cannabis cafes (and possibly the Red Light District as well). The Netherlands was one of the first countries to adopt a tolerant approach to cannabis use, though authorities have since tightened rules to prevent disorderly tourists from causing havoc on the streets. In terms of cannabis ingenuity, the Netherlands has produced some of the best-smelling and best-tasting strains and one-of-a-kind hybrids.
Kazakhstan
In many parts of Kazakhstan, the cannabis plant grows freely on its own, without the need for breeders and harvesters to attend to it. When we let nature run its course, it can produce some of the best weed in the world. Kazakhstan is widely considered a cannabis haven and creation site where many strains originate. Generally speaking, localised strains evoke a peaceful, calm feeling with a laid-back sensation. Kazakhstan breeders do not mess around when it comes to addictive cannabis flavour and aroma.
Afghanistan
Just a short plane ride over from Kazakhstan, Afghanistan is also ranked in the top five countries that grow the best weed. Even after vast internal conflicts, Afghanistan continues to produce top-selling strains that reach every corner of the globe. Reports claim that Afghanistan was one of the first countries to experiment with cannabis genetics, particularly in indica strains. Similar to Kazakhstan, the cannabis found in Afghanistan is primarily used to promote relaxation, calmness, and peacefulness from head to toe. Research suggests that the majority of cannabis in the Middle East stems from indicas rather than sativas.
Canada
Last but not least, we have Canada…which feels like a generalisation given how vast and diverse this country truly is. Are we really to believe that every single province and territory harvests top-selling cannabis? Not exactly. We'd better focus on specific regions. In British Columbia, for example, the legendary "BC Bud" has earned a global reputation for its exceptional quality, potency, and flavour. Ontario and Quebec have emerged as major players since federally regulated cannabis was legalised under the Cannabis Act in 2018, with a growing number of world-class licensed producers raising the bar. Alberta and Saskatchewan also boast strong craft-growing communities that consistently produce outstanding flower.
What About the Worst Countries?
We knew you'd ask…so we found out! Naturally, the worst places to grow weed are the ones with the strictest cannabis laws. One single plant or seed is enough to put you in jail, possibly for life without the option for bail.
- Thailand
- The Philippines
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- China
- Saudi Arabia
- South & North Korea
After reading today's post, we want to know if you were surprised by any of the countries on this list? Does your corner of Canada grow the best cannabis? In the past, did you visit a foreign country, try their cannabis, and immediately tell that it was amazing quality…or terrible quality?
