Swazi Gold is a purely sativa landrace strain endemic to Swaziland and its surrounding regions in Southern Africa. Packing potent mental effects and soaring levels of THC, this bud (known as insangu in the Swazi language) is a local favorite that is beginning to gain popularity outside of Africa as well. Swazi Gold’s concentration of THC has been measured at between 18% and 27%.
Flowers of Swazi Gold have a distinctive appearance, marked by a medium to large shape and an elongated, stick-like shape. As with Thai landrace strains, the internal structure of these buds shows off their sativa influence, with wispy leaves that twist loosely outward. The leaves themselves are a drab, dark green and are twisted through with dark brown and red pistils. Finally, dewy, translucent trichomes cover all visible surfaces of these branchy flowers.
A first whiff of Swazi Gold’s flowers may detect fruity scents of citrus that have a cloyingly sweet, almost fermented edge. A second whiff of these buds may pick up on dank, woodsy notes of pine and soil as well. Meanwhile, grinding up or picking apart Swazi Gold’s buds may give off more of a pungent, skunky odor. When burnt, the strain gives off an acrid smoke that’s likely to sting the eyes and palate and may induce a coughing fit. On the exhale, this smoke has a faint citrus flavor.