The different types of Cannabis
Let’s try to clarify a somewhat controversial topic: which and how many types of cannabis there are. Without going into too much technicalities, we can say that there are 2 main schools of thought:
- The first claims that cannabis is of a single type at its origin, but that its composition varies mainly based on factors linked to the territory in which it grows. So let’s talk about the composition of the soil, the climate the region has and the temperatures to which the plant is exposed. These differences would therefore be responsible for the different types of cannabis existing on the market
- The second, however, usually distinguishes the types of cannabis into 3 macro-categories, each with very distinct characteristics both from a genetic point of view and from the point of view of the effects of the plant.
The three major categories of cannabis
- CANNABIS INDICA: this type is certainly one of the most powerful. In fact, the THC levels of this plant, depending on the cultivation method used, can reach percentages of around 25%. The plants that generate this type of cannabis are very resistant even to cold temperatures, it is no coincidence that it is mainly grown in Nepal. The effect of this plant is mainly relaxing. The use of this type of marijuana is recommended at night, to promote sleep and help calm the stress caused by an intense day of work.
- CANNABIS SATIVA: the varieties of this plant develop in environments with tropical climates, therefore characterized by humidity and frequent showers. The cannabis sativa plant reaches very large dimensions, ranging from 1.5 meters in height up to measurements around 4 meters. As regards the effects of this plant, the THC concentration is approximately around 2%. This makes it a plant little used in the medical field, with mainly daytime use. The effect is in fact defined as more “cerebral”. In fact, cannabis sativa activates some receptors of the mind based on the concentration and quantity taken, which can therefore give effects of a creative nature up to actual almost psychedelic states.
- CANNABIS RUDERALIS: we also include cannabis ruderalis in this list, but we immediately specify that the latter is not suitable for the production of marijuana due to its low THC content. This plant, which grows in the Russian steppe, is used to combine it with other plants to increase its robustness. In fact, this variety of cannabis is very small and characterized by a woody bark, which makes it more resistant than other types of cannabis.
Difference between marijuana and hemp
After this brief but fundamental distinction, let’s move on to distinguish the common names used to indicate the different types of cannabis. The term “marijuana” refers to all types of cannabis that contain more or less high percentages of THC depending on the variety. The term “hemp”, however, usually indicates a specific strain of cannabis sativa which has no traces of THC, but which is instead rich in CBD.
Having made this clarification, the different types of cannabis within the 3 categories listed above are infinite and all have effects that differentiate them, as well as taking on particular and very specific names. However, the most famous strains are hybrids between indica and sativa: to name a few, we mention Gorilla, Amnesia Kush, Cheese and Gelato. Each of these hybrids is derived from the combination of specific plants, with the aim of obtaining defined percentages of THC and CBD in the composition of the final product.
