Cannabis Classification

Cannabis Classification

Cannabis (Family Cannabaceae)
The genus Cannabis (Family Cannabaceae) is likely to have originated in the wet habitats of Asiatic continent.
The long coexistence between mankind and Cannabis led to an early domestication of the plant, which soon showed an amazing spectrum of possible utilizations, as a source of textile fibers, as well as narcotic and psychoactive compounds.
The early domestication of Cannabis has lead to many specialized plant uses that fall into two main categories…
Fiber
Chemical compounds
Breeding continues for increasing diversity and specificity



Cannabis is Dioecious
Produces distinctive male and female plants.
Each plant from the point that is an embryo is genetically either male of female this is visually identifiable by the flowers the plant will produce.
In some isolated cases plants will produce both male and female flowers and can called hermaphrodites
With chemical treatments it is possible for a female plant to produce pollen.



Vernacular “Sativa,” “Indica,” and “Ruderalis”
The development of vernaculars “Sativa,” “Indica,” and “Ruderalis” that are commonly used was against the recommendations by twentieth century botanists
Instead personal cultural biases prevailed and so did the use of these terms.



Four Main Classifications of Cannabis
Classification is based on Morphology not Physiology
Morphology = the study of the size, shape, and structure.
Physiology = relating to the function of an organism, and how they respond to challenges.
To predict potential effects the Cannabinoids and Terpenes (chemical profiles) should be identified
Each plant morphology grouping has its own general advantages and drawbacks…



Sativa
General Characteristics:
Tall growing (typically 4-15ft.+)
Internode spacing of 3-6”
Leaves are long and thin
Advantages:
High biomass producers
Commonly grown outdoors
Produces better in climates with a long warm season
Drawbacks:
When grown outdoors can be more susceptible to wind damage
Can have increased time to flower and mature compared to other options
Photoperiod dependent



Indica
General Characteristics:
Small plants growing to 1-6ft tall
Internode spacing typically 3” or less
Wide leaves morphology
Advantages:
Can be a better fit for indoor growing operations where celling height may be limited
Shorter flowering time can allow for more plant cycles for indoor grows
Often have a quicker flowering time than a Sativa
Performs well in colder climates that have a shorter growing season
Drawbacks:
Limited total biomass produced
Photoperiod dependent

Ruderalis (Autoflowers)
General Characteristics:
Tend to be small plants in the 1-3ft range
Tight internode spacing with frequent branching
Leaves are small and wide
Advantages:
Photoperiod Independent
Plant life cycle is based on a set number of days
Currently limited options in this category
Drawbacks:
Tend to be smaller plants which can mean less yield
Typically produce less cannabinoids and terpenes that other options
A day lost is a greater portion of the total life cycle of the plant



Hybrids
*Many current plants are actually hybrids due to the secretive (and often unknown) breeding that has occurred.



Summary
Indica vs Sativa
Characteristics of Cannabis Strains
A: Floral phenotypes

B: Origins and aroma descriptions


Link to Lecture Slides: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qavt...

*Due to the description character limit the full work cited for "Cannabis Classification" can be viewed at... https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eDtt...