What is cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant that has been intertwined with human society for thousands of years. Used for a variety of purposes—recreational, practical, and spiritual—cannabis has a rich history and a broad spectrum of applications.

According to the journal Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, Cannabis is native to Central Asia—specifically the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. From this origin point, the plant spread westward and eastward over time, eventually reaching South Asia. Its global cultivation expanded due to its versatility, ecological resilience, and diverse uses.

The primary psychoactive component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of over 483 known compounds in the plant, including at least 65 other cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors involved in regulating various physiological functions.

As someone who has spent more than a decade working closely with CBD and hemp production, I've witnessed a notable shift in how cannabis is understood and discussed. Despite this progress, confusion persists about what cannabis truly is.

Historically burdened by controversy and stigma due to its psychoactive effects, the plant has faced restrictive regulations and, in many regions, outright prohibition. Today, however, evolving perspectives and increased research are prompting a reassessment of cannabis and its place in contemporary society.

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Key takeaways

• Cannabis is a plant with a long history of use across various cultures for purposes ranging from spiritual to recreational.
• The plant contains numerous compounds, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which interact with the human body's endocannabinoid system.
• Cannabis is classified into three main types: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis, each with distinct characteristics.
• The plant is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants, and it completes its life cycle within a single year.
• Despite historical controversies, perceptions of cannabis are evolving, with increasing recognition of its various applications.

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The cannabis plant

Cannabis is generally classified into three main types: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. These classifications are based on physical traits and growth patterns.

Cannabis sativa

Cannabis sativa plants are known for their height and slender, narrow leaves. These plants typically thrive in warmer climates and have a longer flowering period. Due to their structure, they are often chosen for specific agricultural or industrial purposes and are a key component in a variety of hemp-based applications.

What is Cannabis sativa?

Cannabis indica

Cannabis indica plants are shorter and more compact, with broader leaves and a denser structure. They are well-suited to cooler climates and have a shorter flowering time compared to sativa. Indica varieties are often selected for horticultural use in controlled environments, where space is limited.

What is Cannabis indica?

Cannabis ruderalis

Cannabis ruderalis is a lesser-known type, typically smaller in stature with fewer branches and leaves. Its defining feature is its auto-flowering trait, meaning it transitions to the flowering phase based on age rather than changes in light exposure.

What is Cannabis ruderalis?

This characteristic has made ruderalis useful in breeding projects aimed at creating hybrids with adaptable flowering timelines.

Hybrid strains

Through selective breeding, hybrids have been developed by combining characteristics from sativa, indica, and ruderalis varieties. These hybrids may be tailored for specific growing conditions, morphological traits, or cannabinoid profiles suitable for regulated non-ingestible uses such as topical applications or industrial processes.

Chemical components of cannabis

Cannabis contains a wide variety of naturally occurring compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Among these, cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are the most widely recognised and studied.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive element in the plant. It interacts with specific receptors in the body, particularly the CB1 receptor, which is associated with several neurological and biological processes.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is another prominent cannabinoid. Unlike THC, it is not associated with psychoactive effects. Research into CBD continues to explore its potential uses and interactions with other compounds in the plant.

Beyond cannabinoids, cannabis also contains terpenes, which are aromatic compounds responsible for the plant’s distinctive scent profile. Terpenes are thought to influence the overall experience of interacting with cannabis.

A concept often referenced in scientific discussions is the “entourage effect”, which refers to the interplay of cannabinoids and terpenes and their potential to affect each other’s activity.

What are terpenes?

Medical uses of cannabis

Cannabis has been referenced in historical records for its application in traditional health practices for thousands of years. With the identification of the endocannabinoid system—a biological system involved in various physiological processes—scientific interest in cannabis has grown in recent decades.

In some countries, cannabis-based products are permitted within controlled medical frameworks. These are typically made available under strict regulation and may be used under professional supervision, often when conventional approaches have not provided satisfactory outcomes.

Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are of particular interest due to their interactions with endocannabinoid receptors found throughout the body.

Legal access to cannabis for medical purposes differs across jurisdictions. While certain countries maintain prohibition, others have introduced structured programs to allow limited medical use under specific circumstances.

In all cases, any use of cannabis in a medical context should occur within the boundaries of national law and under the direction of qualified healthcare professionals.

What are cannabinoids?

Recreational use of cannabis

Cannabis is used in various recreational settings. The presence of THC, a psychoactive component, can influence mood, perception, and sensory awareness. These effects have contributed to the plant’s continued presence in cultural and social practices across different parts of the world.

However, recreational use is not without drawbacks. High levels of exposure may lead to effects such as heightened alertness, unease, or disrupted coordination. Regular or early-stage interaction with THC has been linked in some studies to challenges involving memory and attention.

Despite ongoing changes in legal frameworks, recreational use of cannabis remains prohibited in many countries.

Some jurisdictions have introduced regulatory models that allow it under specific conditions, often referencing issues related to public policy reform and individual liberties. Nonetheless, legal restrictions continue to apply in a significant number of regions.

The endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system found in the human body that is involved in various regulatory functions. It consists of endocannabinoids, specific receptors (primarily CB1 and CB2), and enzymes responsible for the synthesis and breakdown of these compounds.

The ECS is believed to influence processes such as sleep patterns, emotional responses, appetite signals, memory function, and aspects of reproductive biology. Research into its roles continues to expand across multiple scientific disciplines.

Compounds found in the cannabis plant, including THC and CBD, are known to interact with the ECS. THC may bind directly to CB1 receptors, particularly those located in the central nervous system. CBD interacts differently, with a more indirect influence on cannabinoid receptors and related pathways.

Scientific exploration of these interactions is ongoing, with a focus on understanding their mechanisms and potential implications. Legal access to cannabis-based substances varies significantly between jurisdictions, depending on local laws and regulatory frameworks.

The endocannabinoid system

Cannabis cultivation

Research into the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has expanded in recent years, with studies investigating its function in various physiological processes. While scientific interest continues to grow, much remains under examination regarding the full scope of its role in human biology.

Cannabis cultivation involves a structured process that requires detailed knowledge of the plant’s growth cycle and environmental needs.

The process typically includes several stages: germination, where seeds begin to sprout; vegetative growth, marked by rapid development of leaves and stems; flowering, when the plant develops its characteristic buds; and harvesting, during which mature plants are collected at an optimal point based on intended use.

Each stage demands specific conditions related to lighting, temperature, humidity, and nutrient management. In regulated environments, cultivation practices are often subject to strict compliance standards that cover traceability, safety protocols, and quality control.

Legal permissions for cannabis cultivation vary widely by jurisdiction. While certain countries have established licensed systems for industrial, research, or controlled commercial purposes, cultivation remains restricted or prohibited in many parts of the world.

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Germination

Germination marks the initial stage of cannabis plant development. At this point, seeds are encouraged to sprout and form a seedling. The process usually takes between 24 to 72 hours.

During this period, seeds are commonly placed in a warm, moist setting to prompt sprouting. Some cultivators use germination kits designed for this phase, while others opt for a straightforward method involving damp paper towels and a consistently warm location.

Once sprouted, seeds should be handled carefully to avoid harming the tender taproot. The correct planting method involves placing the seed about half an inch into the chosen growing medium with the taproot pointing downward.

Vegetative growth

The vegetative phase is marked by vigorous structural development. The plant focuses on producing stems, leaves, and branches that will support later phases. The duration of this stage can vary, from several weeks to a few months, depending on factors such as growing conditions and genetics.

Ample lighting (generally 18 to 24 hours daily) is important to encourage upward and outward development. The plant also benefits from nutrients, especially those high in nitrogen, which support leafy and structural growth.

Flowering

The flowering stage is when the cannabis plant starts to produce the buds that are harvested for their medicinal or psychoactive properties. This stage is triggered by changes in the light cycle, specifically, a shift to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness each day.

During the flowering stage, the plant's nutrient needs also change. It requires less nitrogen and more phosphorus and potassium, which support bud development.

The flowering stage lasts until the buds are ready to be harvested. The exact timing depends on the strain and the growing conditions, but it typically ranges from 8 to 12 weeks.

Harvesting

Harvesting is the final stage of cannabis cultivation. The timing of the harvest is crucial for maximising the potency and yield of the buds. Harvest too early, and the buds won't have reached their full potential. Harvest too late, and the THC may start to degrade.

The most common method for determining when to harvest involves examining the trichomes, tiny resin glands on the buds, under a magnifying glass. When most of the trichomes have turned milky white and some have turned amber, it's usually a good time to harvest.

After harvesting, the buds need to be dried and cured. This involves hanging the buds in a controlled environment to slowly remove moisture. This process helps to enhance the flavour and potency of the buds and prevents mould and mildew.

Indoor and outdoor cannabis cultivation

Cannabis can be cultivated either indoors or outdoors, with each approach offering distinct advantages and operational considerations.

Indoor cultivation

Indoor methods offer full oversight of environmental conditions. This includes control over lighting schedules, temperature, humidity levels, and nutrient delivery. Such regulation allows growers to maintain stable conditions suited to the needs of particular cannabis varieties.

However, indoor setups often require considerable initial investment. Essential components typically include artificial lighting systems, air filtration, ventilation units, and environmental control mechanisms. Ongoing operational costs—especially electricity—can be substantial.

Outdoor cultivation

Outdoor cultivation is generally more economical to establish. By utilising natural light and atmospheric conditions, this method supports the development of large, vigorous plants.

The open-air setting provides ample space for root expansion and plant height. Still, this method involves exposure to variable weather patterns, insect activity, and potential plant diseases. Success in outdoor settings depends heavily on understanding local climate characteristics and timing the growth cycle appropriately within the available season.

Legal considerations

In some regions, laws have been introduced permitting the cultivation of cannabis for personal or licensed use. Such measures are often the result of broader policy discussions focused on legal regulation, individual rights, and the impact of long-standing enforcement practices.

Despite evolving legislation in certain jurisdictions, all cultivation activities must comply with relevant national and EU regulations, particularly regarding production standards, licensing, and permitted plant use.

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Challenges and solutions in cannabis cultivation

Successful cannabis cultivation requires ongoing attention to plant development and timely action to address any emerging problems. Regardless of the method used—indoor, greenhouse, or outdoor—maintaining optimal growing conditions is key to achieving high-quality results.

Nutrient management

A frequent challenge in cultivation involves nutrient imbalances. Cannabis plants rely on precise ratios of macro- and micronutrients, and either deficiencies or excesses can hinder development.

Symptoms such as discoloured leaves, slowed growth, or poor flower formation often indicate nutritional issues. Regular testing of soil or growth medium, combined with appropriate adjustments to feeding schedules, can help maintain nutrient stability.

Pest and disease control

Growers also contend with pests and pathogens. Common threats include insects, fungal infections, and bacterial contamination. Indoor environments allow for greater control—sanitation, air circulation, and environmental monitoring can significantly reduce the risk.

In outdoor settings, growers often rely on preventative methods and, where necessary, certified organic pest deterrents that comply with agricultural standards.

Resource awareness

Cultivation requires a solid understanding of plant biology, climate control, and input management. Access to reliable information and the appropriate tools can significantly improve results. While challenges are inevitable, they can be addressed effectively with observation, preparation, and informed techniques.

Personal perspective

In my years of working within the CBD and hemp industry, I’ve found cannabidiol (CBD) to be one of the most compelling aspects of the cannabis plant. Its complex structure, non-intoxicating nature, and broad potential for application have positioned it at the centre of both scientific research and regulatory discussions.

From seed selection to extraction, each stage of production reveals something new about the compound's versatility and how its quality can vary depending on agricultural and processing standards.

Having managed and observed numerous cultivation and extraction operations, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of precision and consistency when working with CBD.

Variations in plant genetics, soil quality, and extraction methods can significantly affect the profile and concentration of cannabinoids present. This level of detail and control is essential in maintaining a reliable product and advancing the understanding of CBD’s role within the broader cannabis context.

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