Cannabis Plantation on a Mangrove Island
Cannabis in Casamance
Situated in southern Senegal between Gambia and Guinea Bissau, the region of Casamance has a storied history of cannabis cultivation. Locals recall its introduction in the 1950s for recreational purposes, with an unclear heritage that might link it to South America. In the 1990s, cannabis was levied by separatist factions to fund their war for Casamance's independence, a conflict that claimed many lives until 2009.
A ceasefire has been in place since 2014, contributing to a more stabilized situation. The German Foreign Affairs Ministry assesses country security online, often highlighting the Casamance region in their evaluations of Senegal. Notable incidents include violent clashes in 2018 over illegal wood trading in the capital city Ziguinchor. Since 2012, travel within Casamance is possible with heightened vigilance, especially near forested areas at the borders with Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, where demining efforts are ongoing.
The official language of Senegal is French, while Casamance sees the prominence of Diola, Mandika, and the universal Wolof. These are among the nation's eleven national languages.
Peanut Delivery in Ziguinchor
The local economy relies heavily on agriculture, with Ziguinchor hosting a significant peanut factory and artisanal fishing thriving. Atlantic coast fish even find their way to China through exports.
Fishermen in Kafountin
Smoker
Sorting the catch
Lorries waiting at the harbour
On islands in the mangroves, people extract salt and catch clams, which they dry and conserve with salt.
Salt extraction on a mangrove island
Processed salt
A wide range of fruits and vegetables are grown for local consumption and export.
Orange tree
Don't use weapons against fruit-stealing monkeys
Young banana trees
During the rainy season from June till November, peanuts are cultivated, and from December till March in some places, even cannabis is grown followed by onions.
Cannabis sativa - 2 weeks before the harvest
In the mangroves at the Atlantic coast and in the border region to Gambia, there is Cannabis sativa production for recreational use and local consumption. Local prices are incredibly cheap (~30€ / kg) and rise with every kilometer away from its producer. There is trade with the surrounding countries like Gambia, Mali, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, and Ghana.
Cannabis Phenotypes
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Most Common Phenotype
- Leaves: Mostly 7-fingered - variety of exceptions from 5-9 appear - they grow slightly asymmetric
- Smell: Pepper, fuel, and sweetness
- Taste: Smooth smoke with sweet fragrances, a tone of herb, and a hint of chemicals
- Flowering Time: 12 weeks (Outdoor)
- Height: Between 2.2m-3.5m; the average is around 2.2m
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Bushy and Squat Phenotype
- Leaves: Mostly 7-fingered - variety of exceptions from 5-9 appear - they grow slightly asymmetric
- Smell: Pepper, fuel, sweetness, oranges, and tropical fruits
- Taste: - Not tested -
- Flowering Time: 12 weeks (Outdoor)
- Height: Between 0.8m-2.2m
Sold as cut stems with seeds which get separated before the smoke and are used for hair conditioning.
The high is thought-provoking and psychedelic in higher doses.
