It comes from the African country for which it is named, and smells of pineapple, lemon and incense. Its effects last for hours, and it has become one of the country's biggest exports. Having had to adapt to tough conditions there, it is easy to grow.

Although this is one of the poorest countries on the planet, saddled with some of the lowest life expectancy figures, Malawi stands out for the great variety and quantity of its natural resources, plants and lakes, which make it a truly beautiful place. The African country also harbours one of the greatest treasures in the cannabis world, its soil giving rise to what is possibly the world’s most potent and psychedelic Sativa plant.

This is Malawi Gold, a Sativa strain whose genetic source is unclear, although it is believed that Arab traders brought the first seeds to the area between the 10th and 15th centuries.

It grows in a subtropical region where it barely rains, so it has had to adapt to difficult conditions in terms of heat and humidity. For the same reasons, it is highly resistant to mildew. Those who have analysed it believe that it can adapt to almost any environment, making it easy to cultivate.

These plants grow tall and strong, with plenty of branches, thin flowers, and amber, resin-covered buds. Moreover, their fragrance is redolent of pineapple, lemon and incense, with spicy touches. In Malawi it is smoked, but also consumed in teas and at tribal ceremonies.

Malawi Gold shares its habitat with all kinds of fish, reptiles, insects and mammals also exclusive to this part of the world. Its qualities have made it popular and acclaimed amongst tourists, especially since the 70s, making it one of the country's top exports. It is hardly surprising that those who have tried this cannabis report that it is of supreme quality, and so powerful that its effects linger for hours.