jason-crawford

Medically Reviewed by
Jason Crawford

Article Last Updated on January 9, 2023

As you may already know, the cannabis plant has been used by human civilizations for thousands of years until at some point its use and cultivation became illegal. However, as the doors of legalization are gradually opening up again, marijuana is finding its rightful place once more. 

For a while now, growers have been learning a lot about this plant and have been growing the best cannabis strains with decent CBD and THC levels.

Marijuana is largely produced in a lot of countries in the world, each with its own little twist. If you’ve ever been interested to know where the best weed is grown, keep reading because that’s exactly what we cover in this article.

Where Can You Find the Best Weed in the World?

The cannabis plant is well-loved and appreciated all around the world, but some countries seem to excel at cannabis cultivation more than others. This can be due to many reasons, but it mostly revolves around the climate and culture, as marijuana has been a part of some cultures for centuries. Others have caught up over time and created new marijuana strains on their own, and with that, they’ve taken the game to the next level.

Anyways, let’s get into it and see where people grow the most high-quality buds.

Best Weed in the United States

The laws on growing marijuana are different from state to state where some states are more flexible, while some aren’t. However, the use of cannabis is either legalized or decriminalized in most states, despite still being federally illegal. Nonetheless, the US market is one of the largest marijuana markets estimated to be worth approximately $52 billion in 2020.

California

California was the first state to legalize the use of medical cannabis and is now one of the biggest ganja suppliers in the US. In fact, in 2019, California produced approximately 58% or 17.3 million pounds of cannabis. And no wonder – its balmy climate and large growing spaces make the perfect growing conditions for outdoor cultivation. 

The well-known Emerald Triangle is probably the largest marijuana-producing region in the US. Cultivators have been growing cannabis there since the Summer of Love in the 1960s. The average weed quality in California isn’t just average. You’ll rarely find a reggie as most of the stash sold at local dispensaries is top-shelf weed. OG Kush and Granddaddy Purple are some of the strains that California has made popular.

Washington

Washington was the first state to legalize recreational marijuana for personal use. Washington is home to some pioneering cannabis companies and is known for selling weed at some very affordable prices while retaining excellent quality. 

However, due to the climate, most of the marijuana strains you can find there are grown indoors, which also means that some strains are more prevalent than others. For example, in the Seattle area, Indica strains and some hybrids with short flowering time are more commonly grown due to the frequent rainfall and lack of abundant sunshine.

Oregon

The weed you can find in Oregon may actually be the most affordable weed out of all states. But, don’t let the price fool you, the ganja is top-notch. In Oregon, marijuana is grown both indoors and outdoors as the outside conditions during the growing season are nearly perfect, especially in Southern Oregon. 

The state produces a lot of weed, namely, Jack Herer is a well-known Oregon strain, but it’s also known for its production of cannabis extracts and concentrates for dabbing. In Portland, in particular, there is an overall relaxed attitude about cannabis legalization and cultivation, even though other parts of Oregon aren’t that interested in weed.

Colorado

Colorado, along with Washington, was also one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, and it only went uphill from there. Today, Colorado is the center of a lot of successful cannabis seed banks and genetics breeders, hence, the dank weed. 

The climate may not be ideal in Colorado, but they have perfected their indoor growing and no one is complaining. Specifically, in Denver and Boulder, you can find so many recreational cannabis shops and medical marijuana dispensaries with some high-quality buds, and the price of the weed is not half bad too.

Maine

Maine has a good enough climate for outdoor growing, even though the summers are humid and the fall season is too short. However, the fresh water and nutritious soil can be pretty fitting for some early-flowering Indicas and hybrids. Home-growing is also allowed, so there are many weed connoisseurs who are enjoying the perks of cannabis cultivation at home.

Canada

Cannabis in Canada became legal for both medicinal and recreational purposes in 2018, to the pleasure of many weed connoisseurs. Previously, Canada had a long-standing medical marijuana program that was very successful. But now, with the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, the cannabis market is thriving. Strains such as B.C. Hydro and B.C. Big Bud are famous for their pleasing appearance and their powerful effects.

Mexico

As the place of origin for the word “marihuana,” Mexico must be on this list. Mexican immigrants were the ones who popularized the recreational use of marijuana in the US. And back in the 1970s and 1980s, Mexico was a major exporter of weed. Acapulco Gold is one very famous Sativa landrace strain that was majorly popular during the 1960s and it’s rarely found in the US nowadays, but you can get it in Mexico.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a famous tourist destination where weed enthusiasts can visit the local so-called “coffee shops” where they can freely enjoy a doobie on the table. The Dutch are known for being forward thinkers and creators of new and exciting marijuana strains. Skunk #1, Northern Lights #5, White Widow, and Big Bud are only some of the masterpieces created here. One of the most important annual events in Amsterdam is the Cannabis Cup where some of the most sought-after strains have received numerous awards.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a long-standing history of cannabis cultivation and is considered as the place of origin of all Indica strains, including the ones used for the production of hashish. Afghani marijuana strains are some of the most potent landrace strains as they’ve been bred for generations. If you’ve ever smoked a pungent Kush strain, you have an idea of the power they hold.

Jamaica

Jamaica came under the spotlight in the 1970s with Bob Marley’s favorite Sativa strain Lamb’s Bread. The climate in Jamaica allows for three growing cycles a year, so you can imagine the capacity that Jamaica has for ganja cultivation.

Kazakhstan

Despite still being illegal, cannabis cultivation in Kazakhstan is quite big, partly due to large amounts of wild cannabis growing in nature. An old report from 2006 stated that in Chui Valley there were 400,000 acres of cannabis growing wild. Hashish production is also quite active in Kazakhstan.

Colombia

Colombia was also a big marijuana exporter in the past. Sadly, many landrace Colombian strains are hardly found outside of Colombia. However, if you ever find yourself there, don’t miss out on Colombian Gold, a famous Sativa with sticky golden trichomes, and Punto Rojo, another old-school Sativa.

Australia

The environment in Australia is spacious and the climate is pretty good for growing marijuana. Medical marijuana is legal there and possession of small amounts for personal use became legal in 2020. You can find many classic strains in Australia, but Aussie ganja is also worth trying. It’s very creatively named –  Mullumbimby Madness, Rainbow Dream, Zoid Fuel, and MBS (Mind, Body, and Soul) are some of the standouts. 

The Takeaway – Wherever You Go, Ganja Will Follow

The world can be a friendly place, especially in places where you can find some good ganja. Sadly, weed isn’t legal everywhere, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t find some decent stash. The best strains are grown in places with a great climate or a well-developed indoor system, and an overall friendly attitude towards weed. What remains is to just sample some of them.

A passionate advocate for the benefits of cannabis. Fraser Horton, who has a background in botany and a strong love of nature, has spent years researching how cannabis affects the body and mind. He established Leaf Nation in 2020, where he has devoted himself to educating people about the legalisation of marijuana and its safe and responsible use. Fraser is committed to highlighting cannabis’ potential for improving wellness and working to dispel the stigma associated with its use.

Disclaimer

The information presented on this page is provided as a public service to aid in education and is derived from sources believed to be reliable. Readers are responsible for making their own assessment of the topics discussed here. In no event shall Leaf Nation be held reliable for any injury, loss or damage that could happen if using or abusing drugs.