Cannabis Strains - Major Variety Types

Major Variety Types

• Cannabis indica

• Cannabis ruderalis

• Cannabis sativa

The Cannabis genus is typically considered to have two species, Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. A third species known as Cannabis ruderalis differs from the other two species in a few key ways. C. ruderalis is very short, produces only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and flowers independently of the photoperiod and according to age.

Pure sativas are relatively tall (reaching as high as 4.5 meters), with long internodes and branches, and large, narrow-bladed leaves. Pure indica varieties are shorter and bushier, have wider leaflets, and are often favored by indoor growers. Sativas bloom later than indicas, often taking a month or two longer to mature. The subjective effects of sativas and indicas are said to differ, but the ratio of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cannabidiol (CBD) in most named drug varieties of both types is similar (averaging about 200:1). Unlike most commercial drug varieties, indica landraces often consist of a mixture of plants with varying THC/CBD ratios. The relatively high CBD to THC ratio typical of hashish produced in regions where these landraces are grown (including Afghanistan and Pakistan) is useful for treating insomnia.