Cannabis sativa

Cannabis sativa is a species of the Cannabaceae family that is widely cultivated for its numerous uses. It is one of the oldest known cultivated plants, with evidence of its use dating back thousands of years.

History

The use of Cannabis sativa dates back to ancient times. It was used by various cultures for its medicinal, recreational, and industrial properties. The plant was first described in the Western world by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, who classified it as a single species.

Description

Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous plant with a slender stem, ranging from 1 to 5 meters in height. The leaves are palmately compound, with serrate leaflets. The flowers are small and greenish, with the male and female flowers occurring on separate plants (dioecious).

Uses

Cannabis sativa has a wide range of uses. The seeds can be used for food and oil, the stem for its fiber, and the leaves and flowers for their psychoactive and medicinal properties. The plant contains various cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for its psychoactive effects.

Cultivation

Cultivation of Cannabis sativa varies depending on its intended use. For fiber production, it is usually grown in dense plots to encourage tall, straight stems. For seed and medicinal use, the plants are spaced further apart to allow for bushier growth.

Legal status

The legal status of Cannabis sativa varies widely around the world. In some countries, it is illegal to grow, possess, or use the plant. In others, it is legal for medicinal and/or recreational use.

See also

• Cannabis indica
• Cannabis ruderalis
• Hemp
• Medical cannabis

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  Cannabis sativa
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  Male sativa flowers
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  Cannabis sativa tree
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  Tetrahydrocannabinol structure
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  Cannabis sativa Koehler drawing