| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Tracheophytes |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Cannabaceae |
| Genus | Cannabis |
| Species | C. sativa |
Cannabis Indica is an annual herbaceous flowering plant indigenous to Eastern Asia, but now of cosmopolitan distribution due to widespread cultivation. It has been cultivated throughout recorded history, used as a source of industrial fiber, seed oil, food, recreation, religious and spiritual moods, and medicine.
Etymology
The name Cannabis is derived from the Greek κάνναβις (kánnabis), which was originally Scythian or Thracian. The word sativa means “cultivated” in Latin.
Cousins
Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Ruderalis are close relatives to Sativa.
Description
Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow quite tall. The leaves are palmately compound with serrated leaflets. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants.
Morphology
The plant has a characteristic appearance with its distinctive fan-shaped leaves. Each leaf typically has 5-7 leaflets, though this can vary from 3-13 depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Growth Characteristics
Cannabis sativa plants typically grow shorter and bushier than their sativa counterparts.
Uses
Medicinal
Cannabis has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Modern research has identified various cannabinoids with potential therapeutic applications.