Cannabis Sativa, Indica and Ruderalis

Cannabis Sativa, Indica and Ruderalis

Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous flowering plant. The specific epithet sativa means “cultivated,” reflecting its long history of domestication and human use. Native to Eastern Asia, the plant now grows worldwide due to widespread cultivation. Throughout history, people have cultivated Cannabis sativa for its fiber (mainly for rope and cloth) and seed oil. They also used the plant for medicinal, religious, and recreational purposes.

Many people still believe that Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis are separate species. However, modern botanical classification shows that they are all variations of the same species, Cannabis sativa. Instead of distinct species, these are subspecies or variations within C. sativa, each exhibiting unique characteristics based on geography, growth habits, and chemical content.

Thus, botanically, Cannabis sativa divides into three main subspecies: Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa, Cannabis sativa subsp. indica, and Cannabis sativa subsp. ruderalis. Each subspecies differs in characteristics, geographic origins, and uses.

1. Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa comes from tropical and subtropical regions like Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and parts of Africa. Growers cultivate tall, slender plants with narrow leaves. People use this subspecies for fiber, seeds, and psychoactive purposes. These plants produce uplifting and energizing effects.
2. Cannabis sativa subsp. indica originates from the Indian subcontinent, especially regions like Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. This subspecies produces shorter, bushier plants with broader leaves. Indica plants flowers faster, which suits cooler climates. Indica is mostly used for psychoactive purposes. In general these plants produce more physical, relaxing effects.
3. Cannabis sativa subsp. ruderalis grows in Central and Eastern Europe and parts of Russia. These smaller, hardier plants thrive in harsh climates. While they contain low THC, they boast high CBD content. A unique trait of C. sativa subsp. ruderalis is its ability to autoflower, meaning it flowers based on age rather than light cycles. This trait proves useful in breeding autoflowering hybrids, which are easier to grow in areas with short growing seasons.

Together, these subspecies contribute to the rich diversity of cannabis plants, with hybrids combining various traits to meet recreational and medicinal needs. Cannabis sativa continues to play an important role in modern society, offering a variety of uses and applications.