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The annual Cannabis Expo opened its doors to the Cape Town marijuana community today and will run until 24 March 2024.

In anticipation of the event, we asked Cape Town’s premier cannabis club, The Alibi, to recommend a little sumptin’ sumptin’ for us to preview before we head down to the ‘global marketplace for the cannabis industry and its medicinal, agricultural, financial and lifestyle aspects’. Yes, it’s a dirty job, but one that we take on with high hopes and total commitment. 

Before we get to the best addendum to any job description ever (testing some of the top weed in South Africa), let’s have a look at what the cannabis expo has to offer.

With over 100 products representing the entire cannabis industry, this year’s expo features a vibrant outdoor festival environment hosting bands, artists and DJs to entertain you while you munch on some cannabis-infused meals, treats and drinks.

If you’re not there just for the smoke and vibe, you can catch some of the global leaders in the cannabis industry hosting discussions around cannabis-related topics that cover health, agriculture, legislation, finance and much more.

Whether weed is recreational or business, there will be something for everyone.

 

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There’s more to cannabis than getting goofed, and the industry has grown into a respected and lucrative business. Besides the growth of weed’s potential in healthcare, the marijuana industry has proven to be a gold mine in the search for alternative fuels and other material applications.

Even though there’s gold in dem dar ganga-fields, a growing number of South Africans have turned to cannabis as a less destructive alternative to booze. A quick survey in the 2OV office confirmed that it would be more desirable to be stuck in an elevator with a group of stoners than a bunch of drunk okes, which is saying a lot considering our penchant for tequila breakfasts.

It’s this need for a more ‘responsible’ lifestyle that initially brought us to the inconspicuous door of The Alibi on Bree Street. Now we’ve been waxing lyrical about The Alibi for a while, but after decades of having to depend on a ‘friend’ who grew his own weed or a skittish guy who only meets you in one of the dark alleys off Long Street, we’ve grown to love the private members club with the little winged rabbit.

Let’s get down to business. shall we? We were hoping to have Seth’s globe-trotting friend and weed connoisseur, Helmond van Dijk, test some of The Alibi’s best, but unfortunately, he was held up in Nicaragua procuring a 180ft steel-hulled Abbracci, so this humble writer eagerly offered to take the flavour of the month for a test drive – which brings us to the delightful slap of a full sativa called Lemon Meringue.

Simon Leps, proprietor of The Alibi, once shared with me that most of the names given to the various strains of marijuana seldom have anything to do with the actual flavour of the herbs. In some instances, you may pick up hints of cookies or fruity flavours, but in general, the names are just that – a name.

The Lemon Meringue sativa has a subtle smell for such high-grade bud, but the flavour really comes out when you spark the joint, with a hint of citrus accompanying the almost ‘creamy taste’ that lingers a while after you exhale. The high hits fairly quickly and two drags into a minuscule spliff you already feel a gentle liftoff that reminds you that this is not Swazi.

Sativas are known for their ‘uplifting’ properties and this one did the reputation justice. Unlike the ‘drag’ of strains such as indica, the Lemon Meringue sativa definitely energises you.

This is definitely a daytime strain, and it’s easy to get on with whatever you have planned for the morning after a few tokes. A notoriously cantankerous guy, the high really boosted my spirits and I even found myself putting another canvas on my seldom-used easel as the creative part of my brain became fully awake. Even the missus commented on my chipper demeanour as I set about translating my good mood with some acrylics.

The high lasts just long enough. Much like Goldilocks, I found this particular strain to be just right – not too heavy on the ‘fog’, but with enough oomph to not make me want to spark the roach for hours.

The comedown is equally subtle and leaves you with a clear mind and a lingering good mood for hours after the effects have dissipated. We can definitely see Lemon Meringue as a suitable substitute for booze during a night out with friends. It’s a good conversation weed, and I even found myself chatting to my neighbour for half an hour – and I dislike him almost as much as his incessantly barking dachshund. Perhaps he and the dog could benefit from a good sativa, but I wasn’t sharing my stash – I may have been an inspired and happy asshole, but I am still an asshole.

In summary, we would suggest a subtle sativa such as the Lemon Meringue for those who are only beginning their weed journey. It’s kind and gentle but be warned: as with most high-grade strains, it doesn’t f*** around, so start with a few puffs at first instead of klapping the whole spliff in one go.

Good ‘budtenders’ can tailor your weed experience based on your requirements, so if you are considering joining a club, we suggest being clear about exactly what you are looking for. Do you want to be social, feel creative, or simply melt into your couch while binging Letterkenny? Why not get something for all three? There’s a stash for every sesh – so speak to a professional.

If you are keen to elevate your marijuana experience, The Alibi will be at the ISPIRE x DANK PACK stand at this weekend’s Cannabis Expo, so drop in and say high to the Rabbit.

Next up: A sinister-sounding indica/sativa hybrid called Monster Skitles.

The things we have to do for 2OV.

 

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