Cannabis Genetics: New Varieties and Breeding Methods
In the modern era, we can observe an unstoppable development in all areas of life on Earth. The world of medicinal cannabis is also strongly influenced by developments and changes in society, which is now more changeable than ever before. Researchers in collaboration with growers continue to come up with new varieties of all possible names. Users have such a wide spectrum of types, effects, uses, aromas, and flavors that they can sometimes get lost in individual terms. Together, we will look at the basic classification of medicinal cannabis, introduce breeding methods, and closely examine the most well-known hybrid varieties.
Basic Cannabis Subspecies
Hybridization – or breeding – experienced a big "boom" especially in the early 70s and 80s, when cannabis cultivation moved from outdoors to indoors. The change of environment had a significant impact on plant genetics, which is influenced mainly by soil type, light amount, light angle, photoperiod length, distance between plant and light source, harvest time, etc. However, the greatest influence on genetics is the hybridization method itself, or crossing. The popular method is based on the basic principle of breeding two basic cannabis subspecies – sativa and indica. Each of these two main groups has its specific effects and properties. In some cases, these subspecies are further crossed with a third type of cannabis – ruderalis. The reason is its short flowering time, which can be an interesting factor especially for growers themselves. We will discuss this in more detail in the following sections of the article.
Hemp (Cannabis Sativa)
The most frequently cultivated type of cannabis was historically cultivated for use in industry, medicine, gastronomy, and by some nations also in spiritual ceremonies. It originates from equatorial regions, which are relatively warm, so it thrives mainly in this zone. It grows up to 4 meters tall and is characterized by long branches with narrow leaves. The vegetation period lasts almost 6 months. The effects are stimulating, energizing, and creativity-enhancing, which is why it is often sought after by people in the arts. It is also used in treating depressive disorders.
Summary of Sativa effects:
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increased attention
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awakening creativity
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reducing nausea
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increased appetite
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headache relief
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muscle relaxation
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suppressing depression