CANNABIS SPECIES
Cannabis, a modern adaptation of an ancient word for the marijuana plant, is classified into three main species: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis.
The proper way to identify a species or cannabis plant is through its phenotype (physical characteristics), genotype (genetics), and chemotype (chemical profile such as cannabinoids and terpenes).
Cannabis plants can be male, female, or both (Hermaphrodite). Female plants produce large, resin-secreting flowers that are trimmed down to either round or pointed buds. Female plants include white hairs that grow out of the preflowers, where they sprout buds.
Cannabis Sativa
Grows tall, can reach up to 15ft. Leaves are long, narrow, and light in color. The plant tends to be taller with larger distances between nodes.
Cannabis Indica
Grows to around 3-6 ft tall Bushy plant, leaves are thicker & darker in color. The plant tends to be shorter and bushier with broad leaves.
Cannabis Ruderalis
Short, wild strain with fewer leaves and low THC content. Not commonly used for consumption but is often crossbred with Indicas or Sativas to produce auto-flowering hybrids.
Modern-day Hybrids
Strains created by pollinating a female plant with a male plant. Height, leaf shape and flowering cycle dependent on the “parent” plants.