Appearance of cannabis: what does hemp look like?

Cannabis is a biological plant that can be recognized almost at first sight. At the same time, it is worth noting that not everyone knows what hemp is and exactly what it should look like, because marijuana has many varieties. Some varieties are used in cooking, others in medicine. Looking at what hemp looks like, you can notice certain differences characteristic of each type.

Please note that this material is provided for informational purposes only for persons over 18 years of age. According to the law of Ukraine, the cultivation of hemp is strictly prohibited.

Where did hemp come from: the history of the evolution of the plant

This plant has a long history. In ancient times, almost all lands were filled with cannabis. Each bush could grow several meters. It was at that moment that the territorial region of distribution of different varieties was determined. Hemp is divided into 2 main types: sativa and indica. The first is from the very beginning of growth in Europe, and the second is in Asia in the Southeast.

The geographical location has led to the fact that each has its own characteristic visual features, taste, and effect. But both of these types of cannabis have spread throughout the world. Please note that hemp breeding has led to the current development of cannabis hybrid seeds, which have become a combination of both types of hemp. But at the same time, qualified breeders know very well what wild hemp looks like and how to identify its varieties.

What does sativa look like

Sativa is a 1-year-old plant, so it needs to be planted and harvested periodically. Sativa can have different sexes, so they are grown together. The bush can grow 3 m or even more. It is characterized by one massive stem with green branches. The leaves are oblong, thin and five-fingered. The size of the inflorescence is small.

Indica: main features

Indica is larger in volume and short. The inflorescence are presented in the form of cones, but much more magnificent and voluminous. Indica leaves are wider and tougher. Please note that the seed variety may have soft, light, long leaves and a rather delicate texture. The leaves of both varieties are quite similar:

• 5-thawed;
• have a jagged surface;
• oblong shape.

In addition, hemp has a rather pungent, specific aroma. Most often, oil is prepared from this plant for medical purposes: treatment of psoriasis, multiple sclerosis.

The main difference between sativa and indica

The similarities between these types of cannabis are quite obvious, but at the same time there are certain differences:

• Sativa is somewhat closer to wild hemp, so it is taller and more powerful, can reach 4-5 m in height (some can be 7 m). The stems are long and branching is sparse, so the plant is excellent for growing outdoors, at the same time it loves warmth and grows well in open soil with a humidity above 55%.
• Indica is lower compared to sativa, since it rarely grows in height above 1-2 m, dwarf varieties are splendid for growing indoors (in a grow box it is quite possible to grow a bush no more than 65-70 cm), in addition Indica plants have compact roots that work well in dense plantings. It is worth noting that in general, the plant prefers to grow in width - the cannabis bush branches well, forming a spreading, lush crown. Indica plants can easily be planted outside after germination if the weather is warm enough. The plant grows excellently in the warm climate of the middle zone and copes with temperature fluctuations, depending on the time of day. Humidity should be no more than 60%.

It is worth noting that indica and sativa differ in the shape of their leaves. In Sativa, they are light green, have sharp ends and are thin with jagged edges. Indica plants boast darker, rounder, wider leaves that have smooth edges.

It is also worth remembering about another type of cannabis - ruderalis, which differs in appearance from sativa and indica. Ruderalis leaves have 3 main tips and 2 very small ones, which are noticeably lighter in color compared to indica.