We have all heard about cannabis Sativa and cannabis Indica. There are many misconceptions about these two types of cannabis and some botanists classify them as the same plant. Many cannabis users think Sativa is better for euphoria and a high sensation while cannabis Indica is the preferred type for relaxation. This is not entirely right as there are Indicas high in THC and Sativas high in CBD and vice versa. You haven’t probably heard about another species of cannabis called Cannabis Ruderalis. Wild Ruderalis is found in Central, Eastern Europe and Russia. Nonetheless, some scholars classify Cannabis Ruderalis as a subspecies of Cannabis Sativa.
Ruderalis was considered a wild breed of cannabis (wild Ruderalis) and it wasn’t used for human consumption. However, in recent years it has been used for new hybrid cannabis strains thanks to its autoflowering characteristics.
Cannabis Ruderalis and its Origin
This cannabis subspecies is shorter than Cannabis Sativa and Indica (approximately 1 to 2.5 ft or 30 to 76 cm). As mentioned in the introduction, it is native to Central, Eastern Europe and Russia. It’s a short and sturdy plant with smaller buds than Cannabis Sativa and Indica.
The major difference between cannabis Ruderalis and other cannabis species is its flowering cycle. Its flowering happens when the plant reaches maturity and it’s not activated (as with Sativa and Indica) by photo stimulation.
This special characteristic makes cannabis Ruderalis very appreciated by cannabis growers to develop autoflowering cannabis strains. Cannabis Ruderalis is low in THC but if it is used for hybrid strains, a cannabis grower will get the autoflowering characteristics with decent THC concentrations. There are many Ruderalis-Sativa cannabis strains or autoflowering strains. For example, you can try cannabis strains such as Haze Berry Automatic, Roya Haze, Amnseia Haze, Hulkberry or Green Gelato.
Cannabis Ruderalis is mainly used to create autoflowering strains. Let’s have a look at some of the most popular autoflowering Ruderalis-Sativa strains.
Haze Berry Automatic
This cannabis strain is originally from Afghanistan. Its THC content is not very high (approximately 13%) but it is ideal for casual cannabis users. The autoflower strain will need just 10–11 weeks and then it will be ready to harvest. This strain is 5% Ruderalis.
Cannabis Ruderalis Hybrids: Royal Haze Automatic
This hybrid strain has a 15% THC content and after germination, you will need just 10 to 12 weeks to harvest the buds. This strain is 50% Sativa, 20% Indica and 30% Ruderalis. This strain is ideal for cannabis users who prefer a strains that don’t offer a strong euphoric high.
Amnesia Haze Automatic
Cannabis Amnesia Haze Automatic has an 18% THC content with a 10–12-week harvest time. It’s 50% Sativa, 20% Indica and 30% Ruderalis.
Cannabis Ruderalis Hybrids: Hulkberry Automatic
Hulkberry is higher on THC (21%) than the aforementioned strains. It is 65% Sativa, 30% Indica and 5% Ruderalis.
Green Gelato Automatic
With an impressive THC concentration of 24%, the Green Gelato is an autoflowering cannabis strain with 55% Sativa, 40% Indica and 5% Ruderalis. You will need just 9–10 weeks to harvest the cannabis buds.
Cannabis Ruderalis: Conclusion
Ruderalis is not rich in THC. Nonetheless, it is very useful for cannabis breeders as it adds versatility to cannabis hybrid strains. The most important characteristic of Cannabis Ruderalis is its autoflowering. With Ruderalis, cannabis growers can create autoflowering hybrids.
The most important feature about this hybrids is that it will not take that much time for a cannabis grower to harvest it. In addition, you don’t need to control the light the plant gets as it is not photosensitive.
It was originally considered a wild breed of cannabis. However, it has been brought indoors recently to be used in the development of cannabis hybrid strains.
Originally published at https://www.getispire.com on October 12, 2020.
