Cannabaceae plants: all types and benefits

Modified on: 19/04/2024

DISCOVERING CANNABACEAE PLANTS: HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Cannabaceae plants are characterised by sexual dimorphism, i.e., there are female and male varieties. The former can be recognised by their white filaments, the latter by their green protuberances.

However, depending on external conditions, the plant may become hermaphroditic or semi-autoflowering (a variety resulting from a cross between indica hemp and ruderal hemp). In general, we distinguish three types of Cannabaceae plants:

• cannabis sativa
• cannabis indica
• cannabis ruderalis

Upon reaching maturity, the female produces a large quantity of resin flowers containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) to trap the pollen produced by the male.

After producing pollen, the male’s life cycle ends. Meanwhile, the female channels all her energy into the production of seeds that determine the end of the female’s life cycle when they reach maturity.

This article will discuss the three main types of cannabis and some benefits of this plant.

Cannabaceae plants: the three types

Topology	Origins	Height	Uses
Cannabis sativa	tropical area	4-5 meters	textile industry
Cannabis indica	mountain locations	1,5 meters	medical purpose
Cannabis ruderalis	Siberia	0,5 meters	production of CBD-containing hybrids

Cannabis sativa

Cannabis sativa, commonly known as hemp, is a plant that originates from tropical areas such as the Caribbean and the islands of Thailand. It can reach 3-4 metres in height and produce up to 1.5 kg of dried flowers (or CBD flowers).

This species has a so-called cerebral effect: compared to indica cannabis, it acts less on the body and more on the mind; in fact, it is used medically to treat anxiety, panic, and depression. Its medical use is medium to low THC content, between 1-2%.

Lastly, hemp has an excellent reputation in the textile industry, where its fibres are extracted.

Cannabis indica

Cannabis indica, or Indian hemp, has a higher level of THC (up to 25%). Characterised by its shrubby habit, it can grow up to one and a half metres in height and is recognisable by its Christmas tree shape. It originates in mountainous or high hill locations like Nepal and northern India.

As mentioned above, it has a relaxing effect on the body and mind. It is not used in the textile industry like the sativa but to extract inflorescences that contain active ingredients used for medicinal purposes.

Read also: Germany legalizes cannabis to “Protect young people”

Cannabis ruderalis

Cannabis ruderalis is also known as ruderal hemp, Russian hemp or American hemp. As one of its names suggests, it originates in the cold regions of Siberia, reaches half a metre in height and has few, if any, tops.

It is not used for marijuana production due to its low THC content but for producing hybrids containing high levels of CBD.

Benefits of Cannabaceae plants

Cannabaceae plants (which are now also prevalent in legal hemp, i.e., almost THC-free) have a high trichome content, ensuring a high terpene and cannabinoid content during resin production. For this reason, cannabis is generally used for medicinal purposes.

Research has identified around 113 phytocannabinoids and 120 terpenes; however, studies to isolate and identify them continue.

Cannabis and chronic pain

Cannabinoids are used to alleviate chronic pain without the risk of respiratory depression, leading to a deficit in blood oxygenation.

They also help with neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis, nausea, and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and stimulate appetite in people suffering from anorexia nervosa, AIDS and cancer.