When we talk about CBD and THC we hear a lot about Sativa, Indica and Hybrid strains, but what do we know about Cannabis Ruderalis? Let’s take a look at the early history of cannabis and the role these strains play in consumption.

The Early History of Cannabis

Cannabis has been around for a long time, as early as the third millennium BC, maybe even earlier. In the past, they cultivated it for fibre and rope, food and medicine, and religious and recreational use because of its psychoactive properties.

Restricted use of cannabis occurred in the Islamic world in the 14th century. In the 19th century, certain counties imposed restrictions on its use, and in the mid-20th century huge restrictions, throughout most of the world.

Fast forward to the 21st century and we see the turnaround of these restrictions such as decriminalizing it or legalizing it for recreational purposes (Canada is one such country having legalized it for recreational in 2018).  Canada isn’t the only country to have taken this step; the Netherlands was the first to legalize it, and Uruguay, in 2015, was the first to legalize it for recreational purposes.

What is a Cannabis Strain

A strain is a genetic variant of a microorganism. Cannabis strains can be pure or a hybrid variety of the cannabis plant which surrounds the Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis species. Growers name these varieties and breed them to contain more cannabinoids (naturally occurring compounds).

As mentioned, the most popular strains are Sativa and Indica.

CANNABIS SATIVA

The word ‘Sativa” means things that are cultivated. Cannabis sativa is an annual herb-type flowering plant originally from eastern Asia. It has been a source of industrial fibre, seed oil, food, recreation, spiritual moods, and medicine.

These plants grow tall but are thin with pointed leaves that don’t have patterns. They can be male or female with the flowers being unisexual. The female plant can produce hundreds of seeds while the male plants shed their pollen and die several weeks before the seeds ripen on the female plants.

The part of the plant that causes the ‘high’ is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) but there are over 500 compounds with at least 113 cannabinoids including the well-known and popular CBD (cannabidiol).

Sativa plants take longer to grow and mature, requiring lots of light. When used in medical marijuana, they have a higher ratio of THC to CBD.

The high associated with cannabis Sativa often refers to a ‘head’ high.

Popular strains: Jack Herer, Moby Dick, Trainwreck, Amnesia Haze, Purple Haze, Sour Diesel

Best for reducing anxiety, stress or depression, increasing productivity and clarity, increasing appetite, and managing chronic pain.

CANNABIS INDICA

Cannabis Indica is also an annual plant and belongs to the small Cannabaceae family (flowering plants). Indica is cultivated for many uses, such as plant fibres into cloth. It also produces large amounts of THC, making it very popular for both recreational and medical purposes.

Indica plants are short and wider, have greener colours, and rounder leaves, and exhibit a marble-like pattern. They grow faster, producing a high yield. They have a higher ratio of CBD to THC when used for medical marijuana.

The high associated with cannabis Indica refers to a ‘body’ buzz.

Popular strains: Grandaddy Purple, Bubba Kush, Northern Lights, Blueberry, Blueberry Kush, Platinum Bubba Kush, Og Kush

Best for sleep issues and deep relaxation, chronic pain, headaches, increase in appetite.

CANNABIS RUDERALIS

The cannabis Ruderalis plant is a low-THC, high-CBD variety, native to Central and Eastern Europe and Russia.  Ruderalis derives its name from the Latin word rudera meaning rubble, lump or a rough piece of bronze, and grows wild in some areas of Russia, making it a very hardy plant.

Characteristics include short stature (rarely grows over two feet), large leaves, thick stems, quick maturing time (five to seven weeks from seed), and smaller buds.

Another important characteristic of the cannabis Ruderalis plant is that it enters the flowering stage based on its maturity rather than a light cycle and enters the flowering stage, commonly known as auto-flowering regardless of the light; used with Sativa and Indica strains it creates auto-flowering strains.

Combined with high THC levels from the Sativa plant, the hybrid results give very potent strains.

In Russia, cannabis Ruderalis was traditionally used to treat depression. Since it is low in THC, it is rarely used as recreational cannabis. Today, it is crossed with Bedrocan strains to produce Bediol for medical prescriptions. Because of its high CBD content, it is good for patients wishing to manage anxiety, epilepsy, cancer, sclerosis, and loss of appetite.

Popular strains: Royal Haze Automatic, Royal Dwarf, Amnesia Haze, Bubble Kush Automatic

Best for: calming effects, sleep issues, those looking for high CBD content 

CANNABIS HYBRID

A Hybrid is a variety or crossbreed of both Sativa and Indica, each with its own unique strain and balance of both Sativa and Indica, and will have varying effects. The combination of the two produces properties ideal for medicinal purposes.

Popular strains: Pineapple Express, Blue Dream, Larry Bird Kush, White Widow, Gorilla Glue, LA Confidential

Best for: Hybrids can give you the best of both worlds. While it takes time to create new hybrid strains, there are lots of varieties offering the consumer whatever works best for them.

Final Thoughts

It is important to know the difference in the strains of the cannabis plant and how you might apply them to your personal use. Remember, no two bodies will react the same. If you are planning to use cannabis for a medical condition, it is always wise to consult with a health practitioner first. If you plan to use it recreationally, it is wise to start low and slow to see if your body reacts negatively or positively to it.

While we talk more about the Sativa and Indica strains, you can see the cannabis Ruderalis is a powerful strain because of its hardiness, quick maturing, auto-flowering, and high CBD content.

What is your favourite strain of cannabis and how do you use it?