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Indica and Sativa ’ s Lesser-Known Little Sister :
CANNABIS RUDERALIS
Shorter , weaker , and with a low THC content , it ’ s easy to see why many people don ’ t even know that a species called cannabis ruderalis even exists . Before you dismiss it , however , Lee G . Lyzit explains how this lesser-known underdog has an ace up her sleeve . by Lee G . lyzit
Among cannabis cultivators and enthusiasts , indica and sativa are the most commonly known cannabis species . However , unbeknownst to many , a third species of cannabis exists . This third species hasn ’ t received nearly the same amount of attention as indicas or sativas . The third species is known as cannabis ruderalis . Unlike indicas and sativas , which have origins in south and central Asia , ruderalis is native to Russia . Ruderalis comes from the Latin word rudera , which means rubbish or debris . A fitting name considering cannabis ruderalis prefers disturbed soils and is generally found growing in areas where humans have disrupted ecological habitats . Although cannabis ruderalis is one of the three primary species of the cannabis plant , it is far less popular than indica or sativa . This is primarily due to cannabis ruderalis ’ s very low THC content . In fact , the THC content of ruderalis is so low , it is rarely , if ever , considered for recreational use . Its
low THC content isn ’ t the only reason why ruderalis is widely ignored . The naturally short stature of cannabis ruderalis makes it unsuitable for use as industrial hemp also . In fact , cannabis ruderalis rarely grows more than two feet in height . The combination of its low THC content and unsuitability for industrial use is why many people don ’ t even know ruderalis exists . There is , however , one unique quality of cannabis ruderalis which makes this species an invaluable asset to the future of cannabis production . That trait is ruderalis ’ s ability to autoflower .
AUTOFLOWERING
Ruderalis is truly unique because , unlike indicas and sativas , ruderalis is an autoflowering plant species . Autoflowering plants are plants that start their reproductive process based on their age , rather than the photoperiod . Unlike indicas and sativas , whose flowering cycles are triggered by the amount of light they receive in a 24-hour period , the ruderalis species will mature in approximately seven weeks , regardless of the photoperiod . This unique characteristic is what makes ruderalis a valuable asset to breeders . Breeders use ruderalis to create hybrids with the autoflowering trait . The naturally short stature of ruderalis is also extremely attractive to indoor horticulturists . Ruderalis can also be used to create hybrids whose smaller statures are easier to control in an indoor environment . Not only are short and compact plants easier to manage , they also offer a grower a chance to better utilize his or her garden ’ s light energy . Ruderalis varieties were first introduced into commercial breeding programs in the 1980s and have since been used to create a wide variety of autoflowering hybrid strains . By breeding ruderalis with sativa or indica , breeders are able to create autoflowering hybrids with reputable THC content .
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