Cannabis sativa L. Marijuana
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:
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 Cannabis sativa on eFloras 1 · 10/31/2010 · Massachusetts
Cannabis sativa description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020. © FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved. |
2 · Male plant. · 8/10/1979 · North Grafton, Massachusetts 3 · A leafhopper. · 8/31/2004 · North Grafton, Massachusetts 4 · Leaf undersides. ~ 1.5 x 1". · 9/14/2010 · Massachusetts 5 · 12/12/2020 · Massachusetts 6 · 10/31/2010 · Massachusetts 7 · Female plant · 7/31/2009 · Hawaii · By Weezard 8 · ~ 1.5 x 1" · 9/14/2010 · Massachusetts 9 · Apparently growing wild. · 12/12/2020 · Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa · By Benjamin Winslow 10 · Leaf undersides. ~ 3 x 3 mm · 9/14/2010 · Massachusetts Range:
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