Fact Checked by Doctor NameWhat is Cannabis Ruderalis?
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Cannabis ruderalis is a subspecies of the cannabis plant indigenous to areas of Russia and Eastern Europe.
Unlike sativa and indica varieties that are commonly grown for consumption, ruderalis plants have not been traditionally cultivated and used.
They grow wild and have adapted to colder climates and shorter seasons.
Ruderalis plants are low in THC but high in cannabidiol (CBD) compared to other cannabis strains.
They have a short, bushy appearance and produce smaller yields of flower buds.
A key trait of ruderal plants is that they auto-flower – beginning the flowering stage based on age instead of the light cycle.
What are the Effects of Cannabis Ruderalis?
Due to very low THC levels, around 1-2%, pure ruderalis strains do not produce the intoxicating effects sought after by most cannabis consumers.
Their high CBD levels may potentially offer more relaxing or medicinal effects. However, ruderalis is rarely consumed on its own.
Instead, ruderalis plants have been crossbred with high-THC strains to create auto-flowering hybrids that provide both the psychoactive effects of sativa/indica and the automatic flowering traits of ruderalis.
These fast-flowering hybrids are easier for growers to cultivate. But the ruderalis genetics also limit their potency when compared to photoperiod strains.
How is Cannabis Ruderalis Used?
The main use of cannabis ruderalis today is in creating auto-flowering strains bred for commercial growing.
Ruderalis is crossed with photoperiod indicas or sativas to produce seeds that automatically switch to flowering after 21-30 days, regardless of lighting conditions.
This allows growers to produce multiple harvests each season. Ruderalis genetics also result in shorter, smaller plants that stay more hidden.
However, autoflowering hybrids are less potent than pure indica/sativa plants. Pure ruderalis is rarely consumed due to its low THC levels, but it may potentially have therapeutic benefits due to its high CBD content.
