Best Places in the World to Naturally Grow Cannabis by Paul James

Many countries are beginning to look at cannabis from a new perspective. Laws are changing and people finally have the opportunity to harvest their own bud. With Spring just around the corner, you might wonder if your geographical location is a good match to plant some seeds.

Luckily, with the advent of indoor cultivation, even people in Antartica have the ability to cultivate their own high. Still, there’s no doubt growing outdoors comes with its perks. Not only is it cost effective but the earth’s resources naturally produce greater yields.

Carrying that ideal, the question arises, where are the best places in the world to grow cannabis?

What to Look Out For?

In order to compromise a list as such, we must take a look at specific factors¹.

One of the most important is how much sunlight the location receives on a yearly basis. Of course, as with any other plant, the more sun cannabis receives, the better it will grow. Still, it’s just as vital to keep in mind how much rainfall a place gets. Your cannabis is going to need a healthy amount of both sunlight and water.

From there, you’ll want to look at the annual average high temperature. Plants in too hot nor too cold a climate do well. Ideally, you’ll want to settle for around 22℃ (72℉). The closer you are to that mark, the better off your cannabis plants will be.

Also, it’s always good to keep in mind where marijuana is legal. Whether you can be a recreational grower or you can grow with a license, it’s always in your best interest for your plants to not be seized. Though we didn’t incorporate this factor into our list, it’s something to be aware of.

#9. Columbia

Did you think Columbia only produced quality cocaine? Little known to most of the world, Columbians produce a great deal of pot which can be found throughout South and North America. And for good reason.

The average high temperature of Columbia is around 17℃ (63℉)². Though that’s not the perfect temperature, it’s balanced out by the fact that Colombians receive plenty of both sunlight and rainfall.

It should be noted that though it’s still illegal to grow in Columbia, there is some optimism for legalization.

#8. Nigeria

What makes Nigeria unique compared to other locations is the fact that certain strains thrive there which wouldn’t anywhere else. These include the Legend of Nigeria and Lemon Nigerian. Both are powerful sativas which some suggest you should take the whole day off of responsibilities before diving indulging in the high.

The only difficulty with growing cannabis in Nigeria is its climate³. It’s a hot place with the southernmost point, Warri town, experiencing a high of 28℃ (82.4℉) and a low of 26℃ (78.8℉). Furthermore, most of the country has a savannah climate which revolves around a wet and dry season. So, you can expect half the year to have a penetrating sun while the other half is flooded with water.

#7. Mexico

The unfortunate truth is Mexico is currently caught in a nasty drug war, leaving it extremely difficult to even take a shot at cannabis farming. This is unfortunate due to the fact that Mexico is an ideal place to grow the plant. So much so, it was at one time considered the best in the world.

This has much to do with the region’s climate⁴. The warm weather and humid air make it ideal of any plant to thrive. The maximum temperature hits in August at 25℃ (77℉) and the minimum drops between December and March at around 10℃ (50℉). If a grower plants their seeds at the height of Spring and cultivated in Autumn, their cannabis would receive nearly the perfect temperatures for blooming.

It’s important to note that there are certain places of Mexico which won’t receive such luxurious growing conditions. Particularly, those on mountain tops (like Mexico City) where temperatures can reach freezing.

#6. Jamaica

It’s difficult to create a list of the best places to grow cannabis without thinking of Jamaica. The island country’s Rastafarian influence over much other society’s cannabis subcultures is a statement in itself. Yet, Jamaica takes everything one step further by keeping grass natural.

Though some killer highs can be created when marijuana is grown under the right methods and technologies, it’s not always necessary. In Jamaica, you shouldn’t expect to find crazy strains with all sorts of crystals and orange strands. Instead, you’re going to find a very typical bud that comes with a much more natural taste and a high that’s not too overwhelming.

Being in the heart of Central America, Jamaica hosts some of the best tropical marine climate this world has to offer⁵. Temperatures generally range between 21℃ (70℉) and 32℃ (90℉). Though that doesn’t fall perfectly on our temperature for perfect cannabis growth, Jamaica has the advantage of receiving plenty of rainfall.

To top it all off, Jamaica may just have the most relaxed perspective on marijuana across the world. Not only does the Rastafarian religion encourage pot use, it holds the strong belief weed should be used for spiritual endeavors.

It’s noteworthy to mention weed remains illegal throughout Jamaica, despite their religious beliefs. But having only a personal amount on you is merely seen as a petty offense.

#5. Australia

Contrast to some of the tropical locations mentioned above, Australia offers a unique environment to grow cannabis. Though its dry landscape isn’t necessarily ideal for cannabis, some drought-resistant strains have the ability to grow well within the country.

These strains include Northern Lights, Royal Jack, Special Queen 1, Lemon Shining Silver Haze, and White Widow. However, Australia also hosts some strains of its own.

Certain parts of the continent, such as Sydney, holds beautiful Mediterranean-style climate all year round⁶. Hosting 340 sunny days a year. The downside to this is rainfall is scarce and, therefore, you’ll need to make sure your plants are well-watered. However, the temperature of this region is almost ideal – having an average high of 26℃ (79℉) and an average low of 16℃ (61℉).

Other areas of Australia, such as Cairns, experiences tropical weather with hot and humid summers and mild, but dry winters⁷. Not only do these locations feature better temperatures for cannabis growth – an average high of 31℃ (73℉) with an average low of 18℃ (64℉) – but they also get plenty of rainfall.

If you’re thinking about growing cannabis in Australia, it’s noteworthy to mention the country is one of the few across the world with a progressive perception on the plant. Though nothing is for certain yet, there’s a lot of talk about legalizing cannabis.

#4. Netherlands

Just as with Jamaica, it’s difficult to not include the Netherlands on a list of the best places to grow cannabis. The country is infamous for being one of the first to legalize the substance. With that, they’re years ahead of the game when it comes to figuring out how to best grow it – both indoors and outdoors.

Unlike most locations on this list, the Netherlands isn’t home to the best weather for cannabis growth⁸. The average high-temperature hits around 19℃ (66℉) with the average low hanging around 2℃ (35℉). Furthermore, the country’s climate can be very bipolar. Even if the morning is beautiful and sunny, by the time the sun sets, it can be pouring rain.

Still, there are a few strains which have no problem growing in colder climates. These include Somango XL, Critical, White Widow, Skunk XL, and Special Queen 1. Of course, the Netherlands also hosts a variety of strains of its own.

It’s important to note that it remains illegal to grow cannabis in the Netherlands without a proper permit.

#3. Kazakhstan

An interesting aspect of Kazakhstan is it’s believed to be the first place people grew marijuana for their own use. With that, it also grows naturally all across the country and has been used by inhabitants for thousands of years. Though weed is now illegal in Kazakhstan, there’s no denying why the country sits so high on the list.

With an average high of 24℃ (75℉) and an average low of -6℃ (21℉), cannabis has no problem growing throughout the spring and summer months with a beautiful bloom in autumn⁹.

We can thank Kazakhstan for not only birthing some of the best hash this world has to offer but a variety of strands entirely unique to this location.

#2. Afghanistan

Just as with Kazakhstan, Afghanistan is believed to be one of the first places cannabis was cultivated for people to use. Also similarly, it naturally grows here. If you ever receive a strain with the name “Kush” in it, you can thank Afghanistan for bringing the plant to wherever you may live.

In Kabul, the average high is 34℃ (93℉) with an average low of -4℃ (24℉)¹⁰. Just as with many other places across the world, Afghanistan experiences extremely hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Though this works well for cultivating cannabis, the downside is there’s only so much rainfall per year. In turn, many drought-resistant cannabis strains are common within the area.

#1. United States

There is one reason America tops our list as the best place to grow cannabis – those who are doing it aim to perfect it. And with that, they’re perfecting it in a versatile amount of landscapes and climates.

What makes the United States unique for cannabis growth are these extremely different environments. On one coast, you have the dry of the desert and on the other, you’ll find damn near tropical conditions.

Still, this doesn’t answer the question, where in America is the best place to grow cannabis?

In order to answer this question, we had to divide the state into three separate sections.

Northeast

Though the northeast doesn’t grow cannabis nearly as good as other places on this list, it does have a variety have a distinctive environment not found in other parts of the country.

Take Maine as the prime example¹¹. The state has some of the freshest water around and extremely nutrient promoting soil. Though the short autumn means you must harvest early, some buds benefit from this as they have a chance to prosper in the humid summer.

Then there’s Vermont, known to many East Coasters as the Green Mountain state. And for good reason. The place is covered in high elevations which gives cannabis the opportunity to grow in lower humidity while receiving an abundance of air flow.

The South

The South is filled with great soil and hosts a perfect balance of sunshine and rainfall. On the downside, it’s also home to some of the strictest cannabis regulations within the country. Many haven’t even allowed medical pot to be given to those in need.

Still, there’s no doubt that some great weed can be grown in this part of the United States. Places like Tennessee have some of the perfect temperatures for the plant with an average high of 28℃ (83℉) and an average low of 4℃ (40℉)¹². Then there are the even more southern regions which hold yearly climates similar to much of Central America.

The North West

Yet, at the end of the day, there’s no doubt the North West has led to the way for all of the United States when it comes to cannabis cultivation. Particularly, California’s very own Emerald Triangle.

The region is filled with sloping mountainsides and perfect Mediterranean climate¹³. Though it’s a bit cool for cannabis growth, there’s the advantage of it never getting too cold. The average high is 14℃ (57℉) with the average low around 8℃ (47℉). Furthermore, though rainfall can be scarce in the summer months, just the right amount is spread throughout the year.

The North West of America has been the country’s leading domestic supplier for some time now. Producing an estimated 1.7 million pounds of cannabis annually.

A Word of Caution Before Growing Pot

As mentioned above, the majority of the places on this list don’t allow cannabis to be grown for personal use. Though some will allow those with a proper permit to harvest the plant, these are too few. The bottom line is cannabis prohibition still rules over much of the world. And, therefore, many people who want to grow the perfect bud risk the law.

Of course, with the advent of indoor growing, it may seem as though outdoor growing won’t necessarily bring you a bud that provides the greatest high.

However, the purpose of this article wasn’t to give you advice on how to grow the best weed. Rather, it was to inform you as to where cannabis is best grown in it’s most genuine state. With roots spreading throughout the earth’s soil, with rain to hydrate your plants, and natural sunlight providing all the nutrients your cannabis can possibly need.

Reference Sources

¹Leafly – How to Grow Marijuana Outdoors: A Beginner’s Guide https://www.leafly.com/news/growing/outdoor-cannabis-grows-101-everything-you-need-to-start-growing-o

²World Travel Guide – Guides – South America – Columbia – Weather & Geography https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/south-america/colombia/weather-climate-geography/

³USA Today – Travel Tips – Nigeria https://traveltips.usatoday.com/weather-climate-nigeria-35435.html

⁴Focus on Mexico – Mexico Climate Highs and Lows https://www.focusonmexico.com/climate-mexico/

⁵Climates to Travel – Climate – Jamaica https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/jamaica

⁶Austalia.com – Weather in Sydney https://www.australia.com/en/facts-and-planning/weather-in-australia/weather-in-sydney.html

⁷Australia.com – Weather in Cairns https://www.australia.com/en/facts-and-planning/weather-in-australia/weather-in-cairns.html

⁸Weather and Climate – Climate and Average Weather in Netherlands https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine-in-Netherlands

⁹Advantour – Climate and weather of Kazakhstan https://www.advantour.com/kazakhstan/weather.htm

¹⁰Afghanistans.com – Afghanistan Climate https://www.afghanistans.com/Information/Climate.htm

¹¹Visit Maine – Weather and Climate https://visitmaine.com/plan-your-visit/weather-and-climate

¹²US Climate Data – Climate Tennessee https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/tennessee/united-states/3212

¹³Northern California Climate Summaries https://wrcc.dri.edu/summary/climsmnca.html

Image – felix-mittermeier.de

 

Written by Paul James

Originally published in Weed World Magazine Issue 140