Malawi Gold

Malawi Gold is the name given to cannabis originating in Malawi. In chichewa, it is locally known as 'chamba'^[1]. Chamba is grown mainly in central and northern regions like Mzuzu^[2]. It is internationally renowned as one of the finest sativas from Africa^[3]. Malawi Gold is also known as one of the most potent psychoactive pure African sativas. The populartiry of this strain has led to such a profound increase in marijuana tourism and economic profit in Malawi that Malawi Gold is listed as on of the three 'Big C's'in Malawian exports 'Chambo (fish), Chombe (tea) Chamba (Malawi Gold)'.

Product: Chamba

Malawi gold has reached notoriety as the gold standard in Marijuana. Malawi Gold is a top grade Marijuana and is setting the gold standard internationally, in quality Marijuana^[4].

Classification

Genetics: Malawi Gold
Variety: Pure sativa
Characteristics: Sweet taste

Characteristics

Its taste is described as sweet, with a hint of pineapple^[5]. It also has a smell that is likened to fruits and strong spice^[6].

Psychoactive Properties

The effects of this marijuana is very psychoactive and long lasting. More detail from Amsterdam coffee shops, and visitors would be much appreciated. Thanks...

Cultivation

The United Nations Development Assistance Framework report that in the late 1990s, estimated that up to 385,000 acres in the country were devoted to the cultivation of marijuana^[7]. In Malawi, the marijuana buds are cured after being tightly bound in banana or maize leaves.

International Market

Its quality has led it to out perform marijuana grown in other countries in terms of sales in each market it is introduced in^[8]. The Majority of Malawi Gold has flooded the markets in Kenya, Tanzania^[9]. In South Africa, it has led to an increase in marijuana tourism. Until recently, it was the most popular type of Marijuana in Holland^[10].

Malawi Gold Uses

Medicinal Use

Rastafarians in Malawi claim medicinal use of the chamba leaves. A research study entitled, "patients' Perceptions of Chamba (marijuana) Use in Malawi" was conducted in Zomba Mental Hospital was published in the International Journal of the Addictions in 1998. It had it implications for the development of treatment and prevention programs for chamba users in Malawi^[11].

In an alternate study, by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Chamba has been linked to an emerging risk factor for HIV/AIDS in Malawi^[12].

Religious Use

Malawian Rastafarians have been using the ganja as part of their spiritual awakening for years. The Rastafarians cite religious importance in the use of the plant. ^[13].

Recreational Use

Malawians have been using Chamba for recreational use for generations. The use of Chamba is particularly popular along the lake side. Many Malawians claim that Chamba helps them to relax and concentrate. Local students use Chamba to prevent pre-exam jitters. Police raids are common however recreational use of ganja remains unabated.

Notoriety

For many Marijuana smokers, Malawi gold has reached almost a cult status. There are websites and blogs which have been dedicated to the praise of chamba^[14]. It has become the 'Cuban Cigar' of weed.

Marijuana Tourism

Malawi gains a significant amount of its tourism from the marijuana trade. Albeti illegal, the plant grows in the wild in many areas, which has made it hard to control. In the lake areas, many tourists purchase the drug and smoke it in the privacy of their hotel rooms or homes.

Cooking

Creative use of the drug has developed recipies, largely in the form of baked goods, that incorporate the drug.

Legal Issues concerning usage

Although Malawi Gold is illegal in Malawi, it is estimated to be the largest unofficial export. Malawian economists group the illegal export as one of the three 'Big C's'in Malawian exports 'Chambo (fish), Chombe (tea) Chamba (Malawi Gold)'. The growth in sales means that there are growers cultivating the drug illegally in Malawi due to the large profits they gain from its sales^[15].

campaign to legalize It

Rastafarians in Malawi have gone to court to demand their right to smoke marijuana.

In 2000, the government briefly explored the possible legalization of Indian hemp, despite police warnings of potential abuse by cannabis growers^[16]. This was championed in parliament by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Joe Manduwa who argued that the plant could be a valuable alternative to tobacco^[17].