Contents
Description
Cannabis Sativa is a plant species that belongs to the family Cannabaceae. It is commonly known as marijuana or hemp and is widely cultivated for its medicinal and recreational purposes. The plant has a long history of human use and has been cultivated for thousands of years. The plant contains chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, which have various therapeutic effects.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Cannabaceae |
| Genus | Cannabis |
| Species | Sativa |
Appearance
Cannabis Sativa is a tall, thin plant with narrow leaves that are palmately compound. The leaves are typically light green in color and have serrated edges. The plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and has a woody stem. The flowers of the plant are small and green, with male and female flowers growing on separate plants. The female flowers are the most valuable part of the plant and are harvested for their resinous trichomes, which contain cannabinoids.
Care Guide
Cannabis Sativa requires a moderate amount of care to grow successfully. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Cannabis Sativa requires regular watering, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Cannabis Sativa requires full sun exposure to grow properly.- Hardiness Zones: The plant grows best in hardiness zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cannabis Sativa is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, including:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause damage to the leaves of the plant.- Aphids: These insects feed on the plant’s sap and can cause stunted growth.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery growth on the leaves of the plant.- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant.
Habitat
Cannabis Sativa is native to temperate regions of the world, including Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East. It is commonly grown in warm, dry climates and can be found in a variety of habitats, from fields to forests.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Cannabis Sativa?
A: Cannabis Sativa contains cannabinoids, which have various therapeutic effects, including pain relief, reduction of inflammation, and treatment of anxiety and depression.
Q: Is it legal to grow Cannabis Sativa?
A: The legality of growing Cannabis Sativa varies by country and state. In some places, it is legal for medicinal or recreational use, while in others it is illegal.
Q: What is the difference between Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica?
A: Cannabis Sativa plants tend to be taller and have narrower leaves than Cannabis Indica plants. Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects, while Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative effects.
Q: How long does it take for Cannabis Sativa to grow?
A: Cannabis Sativa plants typically take between 10-16 weeks to grow from seed to harvest.
Related Plants
– Cannabis Indica- Cannabis Ruderalis- Humulus Lupulus (common hop)
References
– Booth JK, Bohlmann J. Terpenes in Cannabis sativa – From plant genome to humans. Plant Sci. 2019;284:67-72. doi:10.1016/j.plantsci.2019.03.022- Hazekamp A, Fischedick JT. Cannabis – from cultivar to chemovar. Drug Test Anal. 2012;4(7-8):660-667. doi:10.1002/dta.407- McPartland JM. Cannabis systematics at the levels of family, genus, and species. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2018;3(1):203-212. doi:10.1089/can.2018.0039
