The Cannabis ruderalis is a subspecies of the Cannabis plant. It is native to Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Russia. The THC content in this plant is lower than the Sativa and Indica varieties, but it is also hardy and resistant to most pests and diseases.
Subspecies of Cannabis
The Ruderalis subspecies of Cannabis is native to parts of Asia, Central and Eastern Europe. It was first identified as a cannabis species in 1924 by Russian botanist Dmitrij Janischewsky. He categorized it as the third species of cannabis.
As opposed to the Sativa and Indica subspecies, the ruderalis grows shorter and more compact. Their leaves are light green in color. They are also more dense.
These traits make them ideal for growing in harsher climates. Also, they tend to produce fewer buds than other strains. However, the ruderalis is known to grow well under adverse conditions and has strong resistance to pests and diseases.
These strains are typically cross-bred with Sativa or Indica varieties to produce auto-flowering strains. In doing so, they are able to maintain the medicinal benefits of both varieties.
Unlike most plants, ruderalis can flower automatically. This allows them to develop large yields, regardless of their growing schedule. Additionally, the short duration of their flowering cycle reduces stress on growers.
Autoflowering Phenotype
If you have never tried cannabis ruderalis, you are missing out on a little-known cannabis strain. It’s the cousin of the infamous Indica and Sativa strains and has the same hardiness, medicinal properties, and ability to bloom despite a short growing season.
In the past, ruderal plants were considered a wild ancestor of cannabis. However, human agriculture has altered their gene pool significantly. Today, it’s possible to cross ruderalis with high-yielding photoperiod indicas, and endow your resulting strain with an auto-flowering trait.
Ruderalis was first identified in 1924 by a Russian botanist. Its seeds are easy to predict, but its vegetative life cycle is much shorter than other strains. As it grows, it produces a few branches and a small flower.
Seeds will be ready to harvest in about 10 weeks. A full-grown plant can reach between 30 and 80 centimeters. These traits make it suitable for cultivation in inhospitable locations.
Autoflowering plants are known for their ability to flower even in the absence of light. This is a benefit for growers who want to have more harvests during one growing season.
Hardy And Resistant to Most Pests And Diseases
Cannabis ruderalis is a subspecies of cannabis originating in Central and Eastern Europe. It is hardy and resistant to most pests and diseases. In addition to being a great plant for medicinal purposes, it also grows well in cold climates.
It is also commonly used in breeding strains with an auto-flowering phenotype. These hybrids are produced by crossing Cannabis indica with Cannabis ruderalis. The result is a strain that is highly desirable for medical purposes.
This type of plant is known for its small stature and high CBD concentration. However, it lacks THC. Those traits make it useful for the treatment of anxiety and loss of appetite.
It is easy to grow and is also resistant to most pests and diseases. It has an early flowering time, making it ideal for growing cannabis in smaller spaces.
Ruderalis plants are also known for their high resistance to the cold. They have strong stems and compact leaves.
Lower THC Content Than Indica or Sativa
Ruderalis is a weed subspecies of Cannabis sativa that has a lower THC content. It is one of the lesser-known varieties of cannabis.
The weed is native to Europe and Asia. In some regions of eastern and central Europe, it is still used today. While it is not a popular type of cannabis, it is an option for those seeking medicinal marijuana.
Unlike most Sativas, ruderalis has a high concentration of CBD. This makes it valuable for treating anxiety and epilepsy.
Ruderalis is also an auto-flowering strain. Because it does not depend on light exposure to flowers, it can automatically bloom when the plant is mature.
Traditionally, the ruderalis plant has been grown as a breeding strain for medicinal marijuana. It is typically used for the treatment of loss of appetite.
Ruderalis can be crossbred with other cannabis strains to enhance its growth properties. Hybrids often have higher levels of CBD.
Aside from its auto-flowering property, ruderalis is also hardy. This makes it well-suited for areas that experience harsh climates.
