What is cannabis?

You might be surprised that Cannabis sativa was the original classification for all marijuana back in 1753. This tall species with thin leaves was originally cultivated in China but thrives in subtropical countries like Colombia, Mexico, Jamaica and Thailand. Cannabis indica was later added in 1785 and the lesser known Cannabis ruderalis in 1924, and by the 1970s it was clear that these were three unique species, not a genus as was originally thought. Indica, in contrast to sativa is short and bushy with broad leaves and thrives in mountainous countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. The high from sativa is said to be more cerebral and uplifting, with indica delivering a heavier body high. Cannabis ruderalis, in stark contrast is a dwarf species that produces little to no high at all and comes from rugged climates like Russia.