Cannabis Ruderalis Strains
Cannabis Ruderalis: The Secret Weapon in a Breeder’s Grow Kit
The buds of cannabis ruderalis plants aren’t consumed for their psychoactive effects. That’s because they contain low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Instead, growers crossbreed ruderalis plants with indica or sativa plants to unlock ruderalis’s superpower: its ability to auto-flower.
Auto-flowering hybrid plants grow buds based on their age. Indica and sativa plants that have not been crossbred with ruderalis produce buds based on their light cycle.
Light Cycles
Indica plants’ light cycle for budding occurs from six to eight weeks, sativa plants, 10 to 16 weeks, and indica/sativa hybrids, six to 10 weeks. Outdoor growing requires six hours of direct sun exposure per day. Indoor plants need about 18 hours of light per day.
Ruderalis plants, on the other hand, flower in a comparatively brief 21-30 days.
Marijuana researchers believe cannabis ruderalis originated in frigid, harsh environments in Russia. Presumably, that’s what makes ruderalis plants so hardy. Ruderalis also contains higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD) than indica and sativa. Because of its increased CBD levels, ruderalis is prized for its medicinal properties and its contributions to the Entourage Effect.
Benefits of Ruderalis Hybrids
Crossbreeding indicas, sativas, or indica/sativa hybrids with ruderalis:
- Flavor Profiles: Pine, rosemary, basilg
- Psychoactive Effects: Heightened alertness, memory retentiong
- Potential Therapeutic Uses: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, bronchodilating
- Speeds up the flowering stage of the resulting child plant
- Enables growing in less hospitable climates
- Produces plants that need less maintenance than pure indicas and sativas
Marijuana researchers believe cannabis ruderalis originated in frigid, harsh environments in Russia. Presumably, that’s what makes ruderalis plants so hardy. Ruderalis also contains higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD) than indica and sativa. Because of its increased CBD levels, ruderalis is prized for its medicinal properties and its contributions to the Entourage Effect.
