2. Cannabis sativa

Cannabis sativa is one of the most well-known and widely cultivated cannabis strains. This strain is characterized by its tall, slender plants and long, narrow leaves. Sativa strains are known for their invigorating and cerebral effects, which make them particularly popular for daytime use.

Characteristics of Sativa plants

• Tall, slender plant structure
• Long, narrow leaves
• Longer flowering time compared to Indica strains
• Higher THC content compared to CBD

Typical effects and uses of Cannabis sativa

Sativa strains are known for their invigorating and cerebral effects that can stimulate the mind and enhance creativity. These properties make Sativa ideal for daytime use and for activities that require focus and energy.

• Invigorating and energizing
• Promotes creativity and focus
• Can help with depression and fatigue
• Often used for creative activities and social occasions

The typical effects of sativa strains can be particularly helpful in treatingmedical conditionssuch as depression, ADHD and chronic fatigue.

Popular Sativa Strains

There are many popular sativa strains that are appreciated for their unique effects and flavors. Here are some of the most popular sativa strains:

• Sour Diesel:Known for its intense, diesel-like smell and uplifting effects.
• Jack Herer:An award-winning strain named after cannabis activist Jack Herer and known for its clear, cerebral effects.
• Green Crack:Despite its controversial name, this strain is popular for its strong, energizing effects.
• Super Silver Haze:A hybrid that has won the High Times Cannabis Cup several times and is known for its long-lasting, invigorating effects.

You can learn more about these and other varieties in the chapterPopular Sativa Strains.

Cultivation of Cannabis sativa

Growing sativa strains can be challenging due to their height and longer flowering time. Here are some tips to make growing sativa successful:

• Space requirement:Sativa plants can grow very large, so they need enough space to grow.
• Flowering time:Plan for a longer flowering period, which can last up to 16 weeks.
• Light requirement:Sativa plants need a lot of light to thrive optimally.
• Pruning and training:Use techniques such as LST (low-stress training) and topping to control height growth and maximize yield.

For more tips and instructions on growing sativa strains, see the chapterCultivation methods.

By understanding the specific characteristics and requirements of Cannabis sativa, you can choose the strain that's right for you and plan your grow accordingly. For more detailed information, see the relevant chapters of our grow guide.

3. Cannabis indica

Cannabis indica is a widely used cannabis strain known for its relaxing and calming effects. This strain is often valued for its medicinal properties and is particularly suitable for evening or nighttime use.

Characteristics of Indica plants

• Compact, bushy plant structure
• Wide, dark leaves
• Shorter flowering time compared to sativa varieties
• Higher CBD content compared to Sativa

Typical effects and uses of Cannabis indica

Indica strains are known for their physically relaxing effects, often described as calming and sedative. These properties make Indica ideal for evening use and to help with sleep disorders, pain, and stress.

• Relaxing and calming
• Can promote sleep and recovery
• Can help with chronic pain and muscle tension
• Often used to relieve anxiety and stress

The typical effects of Indica strains can be particularly helpful in treatingmedical conditionssuch as insomnia, chronic pain and anxiety disorders.

Popular Indica Strains

There are many popular Indica strains that are appreciated for their unique effects and flavors. Here are some of the most popular Indica strains:

• Northern Lights:One of the most popular Indica strains, known for its relaxing effects and sweet, earthy flavors.
• Granddaddy Purple:A classic indica with deep purple flowers and an intense, fruity taste.
• Blueberries:Known for its sweet, fruity aroma and strong, calming effects.
• Afghan Kush:A pure indica strain with strong, sedative effects and a spicy, earthy taste.

You can learn more about these and other varieties in the chapterPopular Indica Strains.

Cultivation of Cannabis indica

Growing Indica strains is often easier than growing Sativa strains due to their compact structure and shorter flowering time. Here are some tips to make growing Indica successful:

• Space requirement:Indica plants tend to stay smaller and more compact, making them ideal for indoor cultivation.
• Flowering time:Indica strains have a shorter flowering time of 6-10 weeks, resulting in faster harvests.
• Light requirement:Indica plants require less light than sativa strains, but still benefit from intense lighting.
• Care:Indica plants are more robust and resistant to pests and diseases, which reduces the amount of care required.

For more tips and instructions on growing Indica strains, see the chapterCultivation methods.

By understanding the specific characteristics and requirements of Cannabis indica, you can choose the strain that is right for you and plan your grow accordingly. For more detailed information, see the relevant chapters of our grow guide.

4. Cannabis ruderalis

Cannabis ruderalis is a lesser-known cannabis strain that has, however, gained prominence due to its unique characteristics and its role in the breeding of autoflowering strains. This strain is known for its hardiness and ability to survive in difficult climate conditions.

Characteristics of Ruderalis plants

• Smaller, compact plant structure
• Thick, robust stems
• Autoflowering properties, independent of photoperiod
• Low THC content, higher CBD content

Importance and benefits in breeding

The most important feature of Cannabis ruderalis is its autoflowering ability. UnlikeCannabis- andIndicaUnlike strains that start their flowering phase based on the light-dark period, Ruderalis flowers automatically after a certain period of time. This trait makes Ruderalis a valuable plant in the breeding of autoflowering hybrids.

• Enables shorter cultivation cycles
• Suitable for cultivation in regions with short summers
• Less dependent on light cycles

You can learn more about the breeding and advantages of autoflowering strains in the chapterAutoflowering seeds.

Examples of Ruderalis varieties

Pure Ruderalis strains are rarely grown as they tend to have low THC levels and fewer psychoactive effects. Instead, they are often crossed with sativa and indica strains to create hybrids that combine the autoflowering properties of Ruderalis with the desired effects and yields of the other strains.

• Lowryder:One of the first commercial autoflowering strains, created from a cross between Ruderalis and Indica.
• DieselRyder:An autoflowering strain developed from the cross between Lowryder and New York City Diesel.
• EasyRyder:A cross between Lowryder and AK-47, known for its short growth period and strong effects.

You can learn more about these and other autoflowering varieties in the chapterPopular Autoflowering Strains.

Cultivation of Cannabis ruderalis

Growing Cannabis ruderalis and its hybrids is relatively easy and requires less experience and control over environmental conditions. Here are some tips for growing Ruderalis strains:

• Space requirement:Ruderalis plants tend to stay small and compact, making them ideal for limited growing spaces.
• Flowering time:Flowering begins automatically, typically 2-4 weeks after germination, and lasts 8-10 weeks.
• Light requirement:Autoflowering plants do not require special light cycles, but still benefit from intense lighting.
• Care:These plants are hardy and resilient to adverse conditions, making them ideal for beginners.

You can find further tips and instructions on growing Ruderalis varieties in the chapterCultivation methods.

By understanding the unique characteristics and requirements of Cannabis ruderalis, you can make the most of the benefits of this strain. For more detailed information, see the relevant chapters of our grow guide.

5. Hybrids

Hybrids are crosses between different cannabis strains, usually betweenCannabisandIndica, but also withRuderalisto combine specific properties. These strains offer a wide range of effects and benefits that are of interest to both medical and recreational users.

Definition and characteristics of hybrids

Hybrids are bred to combine the best characteristics of their parent plants. This can include growth structure, yield, flowering time, as well as the type of effects. There are three main types of hybrids:

• Indica dominant:These hybrids have more indica characteristics and usually offer relaxing effects.
• Sativa-dominant:These hybrids have more sativa characteristics and often offer invigorating and cerebral effects.
• Balanced:These hybrids have a nearly equal mix of sativa and indica characteristics, offering a combination of both effects.

Advantages and applications of hybrids

Hybrids offer the advantage of being able to combine the desired characteristics of sativa, indica and ruderalis. This makes them particularly versatile and adaptable to different needs and growing conditions.

• Custom effects:Hybrids can be specifically bred to achieve specific effects, whether to promote relaxation or to increase energy and creativity.
• Improved growth conditions:By combining traits, hybrids can be more resistant to pests and diseases and better adapted to different growing conditions.
• Faster flowering time:Hybrids can benefit from the shorter flowering time of Indica or Ruderalis, resulting in faster harvests.

Popular hybrid varieties

There are many popular hybrid strains that are valued for their unique effects and flavors. Here are some of the most popular hybrid strains:

• Girl Scout Cookies:A popular hybrid strain with a balanced ratio of sativa and indica, known for its strong effects and sweet taste.
• Blue Dream:A sativa-dominant hybrid appreciated for its cerebral effects and fruity taste.
• OG Kush:An indica-dominant hybrid known for its relaxing effects and earthy aroma.
• White Widow:A balanced hybrid that offers both relaxing and invigorating effects, ideal for day and night use.

You can learn more about these and other varieties in the chapterPopular hybrid varieties.

Breeding and development of hybrids

Breeding hybrids requires a good understanding of the genetic characteristics of the parent plants. Through careful selection and crossing, breeders can highlight specific traits and develop new varieties that meet the needs of consumers and growers.

• Selection of parent plants:Choosing the right parent plants is crucial for the success of hybrid breeding.
• Stabilization of genetics:Through repeated crossing and selection, stable hybrids with consistent characteristics can be developed.
• Testing and optimizing:Regular testing and optimization are necessary to maintain and improve the desired properties.

For more information on breeding hybrids, see the chapterBreeding and reproduction.

By understanding the unique characteristics and benefits of hybrids, you can choose the strain that's right for you and plan your grow accordingly. For more detailed information, check out the relevant chapters of our grow guide.