The many faces of hemp

Hemp is one of the oldest cultivated plants in human history, valued for its fibres, seeds, and therapeutic properties. However, not all hemp is the same.

The plant belongs to the Cannabis genus which is primarily categorised into three main species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Each has unique growth patterns, cannabinoid profile, and uses. While all three species share common genetic traits, they have evolved to serve different functions, making them valuable for distinct sectors of industry and agriculture.

Cannabis Sativa

This is the best known and most widely cultivated hemp variety, known for its tall, fibrous stalks and high yield. Its name, Sativa, comes from the Latin and means cultivated or bred. In 1753, it was classified by the Swedish naturalist Carl von Linné and originates from regions close to the equator.

Sativa plants can grow up to four meters in height and produce high yields. This is why they are often used for fibre production, seed oil, bio-based plastics and other industries. They are also highly valued for recreational uses due to their invigorating effect and the high CBD content. The leaves are slender and elongated, allowing for improved air circulation between plants, which reduces their vulnerability to mould. Compared to other hemp varieties, its foliage has a lighter shade of green.

Cannabis Indica

Often referred to as Indian hemp, the Indica plant was first classified in 1785 by Jean Baptiste de Lamarck, a zoologist, botanist and expert in evolutionary biology, during his studies in India. It is easily recognised by its dark green foliage, which distinguishes it from the Sativa variety. Apart from that it has a more dense foliage and shorter, bushier growth pattern than Sativa.

Cannabis Ruderalis

The lesser-known species Ruderalis is a wild-growing plant that thrives in harsher climates and was classified in 1926 by the Russian botanist Dmitri E. Janishvesky. The term ‘ruderal’ means something like ‘growing wild’. Unlike Sativa and Indica, Ruderalis is naturally autoflowering, meaning it flowers based on age rather than light cycles, which makes it particularly interesting for crossings. Compared to the others it contains a relatively low cannabinoid content.

Here are the facts in a short overview:

Today, there are many hybrids of the three cannabis strains and also crosses with already made hybrids to combine the different benefits of the individual strains.

Industrial hemp

Industrial hemp refers to cannabis cultivated for non-psychoactive purposes, with a strict legal THC threshold depending on the jurisdiction in the respective country. This low THC content ensures that hemp products do not have intoxicating effects.

The primary species used for industrial hemp is Cannabis sativa, owing to its fast growth rate, high biomass yield, and long, strong fibres. Industrial hemp is primarily used in:

• Textile and fibre production: Hemp fibres are robust and have been used for centuries in rope, clothing, and biodegradable plastics.
• Construction materials: Hempcrete, a biocomposite material, is increasingly popular in sustainable building.
• Food and nutrition: Hemp seeds are highly nutritious, rich in omega fatty acids and proteins, used for oils, flour, and plant-based protein sources.
• Biofuels and paper: Hemp’s rapid growth cycle makes it a sustainable alternative for fuel production and paper manufacturing.
• Cosmetics and skincare: The oil derived from hemp seeds is widely used in lotions and skincare products due to its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties.

Since industrial hemp must comply with stringent legal requirements, only approved EU-certified hemp varieties can be grown commercially in Germany. These varieties are listed in the European Common Catalogue and include cultivars bred specifically for their fibre, seed, or CBD content.

Medicinal and recreational cannabis

Unlike industrial hemp, medicinal and recreational cannabis is cultivated primarily for its cannabinoid content, particularly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system and are used in the treatment of various medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and anxiety disorders.

Different varieties can be used depending on the desired effect. Indica strains are often preferred for their relaxing and sedative effects, making them useful for pain relief and sleep disorders. Sativa strains, on the other hand, are used for their stimulating and mood-enhancing properties, which may benefit patients with depression or fatigue-related conditions.

In most countries, medicinal cannabis is heavily regulated, requiring prescriptions and often undergoing extensive quality control measures. Due to its THC content, its production and distribution are controlled under strict legal frameworks, unlike industrial hemp, which enjoys broader commercial availability.

Conclusion

To know the differences of the three varieties can be very helpful. Be it Cannabis sativa, which forms the backbone of industrial hemp production due to its high biomass yield, strong fibres and CBD-rich varieties. Or Cannabis indica, which is often used for medicinal and recreational applications due to its relaxing effect. And, of course, Cannabis ruderalis, which, although not widely used as a stand-alone variety, plays a role in hybrid breeding and the development of autoflowering varieties. Each of them has its own advantages and that makes them special.