Cannabis in South Africa, a topic that has been heavily debated for over 100 years. Theres a lot to discuss in this category. This product comes by many names in our country, weed, pot, marijuana, ganja, dagga, lamb bread, giggle twig and so many more.
Cannabis seems to be one of the more subtle and kosher names for it. Today we will discuss why cannabis in South Africa is so popular, what strains are most commonly found, where it originated from, the culture it creates, and we will even touch lightly on the current laws that surround it today.
🌿 The Popularity of Cannabis in South Africa
South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation—a wild mix of cultures, traditions, and languages, all living under the same changing weather. With all that cultural flavor, it’s no surprise cannabis has always had a role to play. From spiritual ceremonies to backyard blunts, South Africans have found countless ways to enjoy and appreciate this versatile plant.
But cannabis in South Africa hasn’t just been about getting high. Let’s start with its sensible, well-behaved cousin: hemp.
🌱 Hemp: The Overachiever
Hemp is the non-psychoactive version of cannabis. It grows faster than your ex moved on and can be used to make paper, clothing, biofuel, biodegradable plastics, hempcrete (yup, a building material), and it can even clean up radioactive soil. Seriously—it’s like the Marie Kondo of plants.
Meanwhile, regular plastic is still busy strangling turtles and taking centuries to decompose.
💨 THC: The Psychoactive Sidekick
Cannabis also contains THCA, which turns into THC when heated—this is what gives you the “high.” Alongside it is CBD, which is non-psychoactive and often used for medicinal purposes.
Here’s what THC typically does to your brain and body:
Euphoria & Relaxation – Classic chill mode activated.
Enhanced Senses – Music slaps harder, food tastes magical.
Pain Relief – Great for chronic pain, cramps, and tension.
Creativity Boost – Cue the random genius ideas.
Short-Term Memory Loss – Walk into the kitchen… forget why.
Dry Mouth & Red Eyes – Stay hydrated and keep those eye drops handy.
Anxiety/Paranoia (at high doses) – Best to ease into it, especially for newbies.
Increased Heart Rate & Clumsy Coordination – Maybe skip driving.
Varies by Person – Depends on mindset, strain, dose, and setting.
It’s easy to see why so many cultures embraced this plant—and why South Africans have never really let go of it, even when the law told them to.
⚖️ 1800s: Colonial Crackdown
Cannabis use was widespread in many indigenous cultures across Africa. But when the British and Dutch colonists arrived, they decided to criminalize it.
Their excuse? It “reduced the productivity” of Indian and African laborers. In other words, they didn’t like the locals relaxing. The irony? The colonizers were downing gin and tonics while writing those laws.
🚫 1971: War on Weed
In 1971, things got properly intense. New laws meant if you were caught with cannabis, growing it, or distributing it, you were facing:
Jail time
A criminal record
Mandatory rehab
But let’s be honest—South Africans don’t scare easy. The plant kept growing so people kept using it, and corruption greased the wheels: bribes and loopholes kept the supply chain alive and kicking.
🧱 1980s–1990s: Apartheid and Oppression
During apartheid, South Africa was divided by race. Black and coloured communities were denied basic rights, and cannabis possession was often used as an excuse for harassment and arrest.
Law enforcement was heavily biased and getting caught with a joint could land you years behind bars—especially if you weren’t white. The government treated cannabis as a criminal epidemic, but in reality, it was just another tool of oppression.
✊ 1994: Freedom Day and the Weed Resurgence
Apartheid officially ended on 27 April 1994. South Africa became a democracy, and with that came a new sense of freedom—including, unofficially, the return of cannabis.
Even though cannabis in South Africa was still illegal, people started growing and selling it again. It felt like a return to roots—especially in rural communities. Small-time dealers became full-blown local suppliers. Quality improved, prices dropped, and the plant spread like wildfire (or, well… like weed).
🌿 2018: Partial Legalization
After years of pushing back against outdated laws, cannabis finally caught a legal break. In 2018, the Constitutional Court ruled that adults may use, possess, and grow cannabis for personal use in private.
It wasn’t full-blown legalization (you still can’t legally sell it without jumping through major hoops), but it was a game-changer. The culture had already accepted cannabis—now the law was just catching up.
What strains Are Normally found in South Africa
First I’d like to discuss my own personal experience in the matter. Being an avid used for 10 years (from the age 0f 13 in 2013 – 2023). In the beginning weed was full of stems and seed. We never had the money to purchase the expensive stuff and even when we had the opportunity to smoke it, we didn’t think it was worth the money it was being sold for.
Weed was weed and it got you high, it was that simple back then. What we called Majat was the worst of it, about 20% weed and the rest was seed and stem. We used this mainly for cooking and making edibles for ourselves & family, after that came cheese or (kaas) in our local language Afrikaans.
This was the most popular and was a real knocked cannabis strain. Then there was Durban Poison, which is by far one of the most popular strains around the world, that came straight from South Africa. The plant is incredibly unique as its not a Hybrid of any sorts, no cross genetics, cross pollenated or any of that rubbish. Durban Poison was the real OG!
After that came things like OG Kush, Purple Haze, Swazi Gold (very popular weak weed) and others. Now lets look at the facts:
🌿 1. Durban Poison Is South Africa’s Crown Jewel
Probably the most famous export, Durban Poison is a pure landrace sativa from the Port of Durban.
It’s known for its energetic, uplifting high—no couch lock here. Perfect for creative work, surfing, or, you know, reorganizing your garage at 3am.
Its signature traits? Sweet anise aroma, fast flowering time, and resistance to pests and mold.
🧬 2. Landrace Strains Are the OGs
South Africa is home to pure, original cannabis genetics that haven’t been crossbred with other strains—called landraces.
These strains are highly sought-after by breeders globally for their hardy traits, unique terpene profiles, and natural resistance to harsh climates.
🌞 3. South African Strains Are Built for Sun
Grown under intense African sunlight, these plants are naturally adapted to hot climates, making them tough as hell and ideal for outdoor growing.
They typically grow tall, lanky, and fast—true sativa behavior.
🌍 6. Global Breeders Love South African Genetics
Strains like Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie have Durban Poison in their lineage.
Basically, South African Cannabis helped make your favorite American hybrids what they are today. You’re welcome, world.
The Origin of Cannabis in South Africa
Cannabis did not sadly originate in South Africa. Cannabis comes from central Asia originally. Brought to South Africa through Arab traders, as early as the 13th – 15th Century. Possibly even earlier that some researchers say. Through Mozambique via Arad trade routes as well.
Once it took root in the country, the indigenous people started to use it. The Khoisan, Xhosa, and Zulu tribes embraced the plant, not for some Cheech & Chong sessions, but for healing, ceremony, and social bonding.
It became a staple in traditional medicine, often used to treat pain, inflammation, and even asthma. Talk about early alternative healthcare.
🌿 In Conclusion: Cannabis is Rooted in SA Soil and Soul
From ancient trade routes to township corners, from apartheid oppression to 2018’s legal breakthrough—cannabis in South Africa has walked a long tar road full of potholes. It’s more than just a plant here, it’s history, resistance, culture, medicine, and yes… a damn good time.
Whether you’re lighting up a blunt of Durban Poison, growing your own backyard stash, or simply curious about the culture—cannabis is woven into the South African experience like braai smoke on a Sunday afternoon.