Cannabis sativa (Marijuana)

Cannabis sativa L.

Marijuana

Kingdom	Plantae	Plants, but not fungi, lichens, or algae
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta	Vascular plants—plants with a “circulatory system” for delivering water and nutrients
Division	Magnoliophyta	Flowering plants, also known as angiosperms
Class	Magnoliopsida	Dicotyledons—plants with two initial seed leaves
Subclass	Rosidae	Roses, legumes, proteas, dogwoods, hydrangeas, mistletoes, euphorbias, grapes, many more
Order	Urticales	Includes cannabis, nettles, mulberries, elms, others
Family	Cannabaceae	A small but varied group whose best known members are marijuana and hops for beer
Genus	Cannabis	Ancient Greek name, etymology unknown
Species	sativa	Means “that which is sown,” indicating the plant is a cultivated one

About plant names...

Marijuana has a long history as an intoxicant. Its seeds are a source of oil, producing all the amino acids needed for human life, and are gradually becoming more widely used in foods. This species of marijuana produces fibers that are used to create rope.

Identification: The palmlike shape of marijuana leaves has become iconic. Plants reach 16' (5 m) in height. Leaves are up to 4" (10 cm) long and ½" (1.5 cm) wide. The small white flowers are inconspicuous.

From Köhler, Franz Eugen, Medizinal-Pflantzen, Gera-Untermhaus, FE Köhler, 1887

Only this species is suitable for rope production. Both this and C. indica are used as intoxicants.

Comparison of three species of Cannabis. From основные виды конопли main types of cannabis.

Edibility: Marijuana’s primary psychoactive ingredient, THC (Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol), survives cooking and is often eaten as an alternative to smoking. So the leaves and flowers are edible, but not a practical food source unless you are out of work or independently wealthy. Marijuana seeds, which are almost free of THC, are a minor but increasingly popular food source.

Medical: Marijuana’s ability to stimulate the appetite has been found to reduce symptoms of nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from other illnesses. Some states have legalized the use of “medical marijuana.”

The colorful insect in photo 3 is a leafhopper called a versute sharpshooter (Graphocephala versuta). These little guys have a fondness for marijuana.

References:

Rätsch, Cristian, The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and its Applications, Park Street Press, 1998, p. 145

Online References:

Cannabis sativa on www.neatorama.com (Unbelievably cool electron microscope photos)

Cannabis sativa on the South African National Biodiversity Institute's web site, plantzafrica.com

Cannabis sativa on floridata.com

Cannabis sativa on Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses

Cannabis sativa on Wikipedia

Cannabis sativa on hort.purdue.edu

Cannabis sativa on the Virginia Tech Weed Identification Guide

Cannabis sativa on Plants for a Future, a resource and information centre for edible and otherwise useful plants

Cannabis sativa vs. C. indica on Medical Marijuana ProCon.org