Cannabis ruderalis is a lesser-known subspecies of the cannabis plant that has been gaining attention in the world of cultivation. Unlike its more popular counterparts, sativa and indica, ruderalis has its own unique characteristics that make it a fascinating subject for researchers and growers alike. This short and stalky plant typically ranges from 1 to 2.5 feet in height, making it significantly smaller than sativa and indica varieties. Despite its size, cannabis ruderalis is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
Cultivators became interested in ruderalis after realizing it marched to the beat of its own drum when it came to flowering. Unlike sativa and indica plants, which rely on changes in light cycles to trigger flowering, ruderalis plants automatically begin flowering based on age. This trait has made ruderalis a popular choice for breeding auto-flowering cannabis varieties, which flower automatically after a certain period of time rather than in response to light cycles.
The most widely held theory is that Cannabis Ruderalis is a hybrid evolved from feral indica and sativa strains, adapting to survive the shorter growing seasons and harsh climates of its native regions in Russia and Central Asia. This adaptation has given ruderalis plants their unique ability to flower based on age rather than light cycles, making them an intriguing option for breeders looking to create new and innovative cannabis varieties.