Surprising origin & genetics of the 3rd species of cannabis.
Wild hemp is a plant of the botanical genus Cannabis, family Cannabaceae. It is generally considered to be a subspecies or a simple variety of cultivated hemp, but some authors make it a species in its own right: Cannabis ruderalis. Over the last ten or twenty years, ruderalis has been crossed with strains with high THC content to produce autoflowering hybrids.
Ruderalis
The name "ruderalis" comes from ruderal, a term that denotes species of wild plants. This subspecies grows wild in parts of Eastern Europe and Russia where it is considered a weed. Native to the South-East of ancient Russia; it is believed that it was the Scythians who disseminated it in Asia, in particular in Mongolia for "religious" (ritual) purposes ...
Wild hemp grows wild in Central and Eastern Europe. It is frequently found along roadsides, fields and rivers ...
This spontaneous annual plant in eastern Eurasia gives very low psychotropic effects. It is harvested mainly for its fibers. It is characterized by its early flowering, some of its representatives even bloom independently of the photoperiod. It supports colder climates and harsh environmental conditions.
Genetics questioned
However, a study of 2005 found genetic evidence to support ruderalis as a separate species. The gene pool for ruderalis appears to lie somewhere between Indica and Sativa plants. Therefore, the researchers concluded that ruderalis is more likely more of a hybrid rather than a species of its own.
Culture in Afghanistan
Short-growing wild varieties have also been found in other regions, such as Afghanistan, suggesting that humans have played an important role in defining the characteristics of Ruderalis.
"Wild" genetics
Ruderalis plants are very small (30 to 80cm), branching is low and it produces broad leaves like Indica. Regardless of the photoperiod, she is able to flower depending on the individual age of each plant; what is called auto-flowering.
Wild hemp adapts to the climate, and the number of hours of exposure to the sun, its flowering changes depending on its environment. A particular genetics that allows Ruderalis to flower until the plant dies (especially in winter). What is very different from indica and sativas which perish once the reproductive cycle is completed.
Its specificity does not stop there, wild hemp is capable of completing an entire life cycle in just 10 weeks; its seeds are capable of surviving in frozen soils, waiting for better days to germinate… Very resistant seeds, moreover, to shock and catastrophic environmental conditions…
"Stone" & therapeutic properties of Ruderalis Indica
Although low in THC, Ruderalis has a relatively high CBD level. Wild hemp on its own is of little interest for fiber cultivation or recreational use, but its particular genetics when associated with indica-like species reveal very useful properties as a Hybrid.
In general, Ruderalis hybrids are particularly indicated for medical use, especially in cases where the therapeutic effects of CBD are recommended. As for the hybrid Ruderalis Indica, it is known for its recreational use, the effect physical stone is pleasantly strong, sometimes causing giggles ...
