The origins of cannabis Ruderalis can be traced back thousands of years to Central Asia, where it was cultivated for its fiber and edible seeds. It is considered the oldest subspecies of cannabis to have evolved in the cold, hostile environments of northern Asia.
Unlike other cannabis subspecies, Ruderalis is a self-flowering plant, which means that it blooms independently of photoperiod. This trait has evolved to enable the plant to reproduce in areas with a short growing season.
Apart from its industrial uses, Ruderalis cannabis has also been valued for its medicinal properties in traditional Russian and Asian medicine. Its active components, such as CBD, are believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Although Ruderalis cannabis has a low THC content, it is still sometimes used to create hybrids. Its ability to auto-flower has caught the attention of cannabis growers seeking to develop easier-to-grow strains, known as "auto-flo" strains.
Currently, Ruderalis cannabis is primarily cultivated to produce a variety of products, so it is more commonly known as "hemp." Some examples of hemp-derived products include:
- Textiles: Hemp is a very strong material that can be processed into yarn to produce fabrics, clothing, bags, shoes and ropes.
- Paper: Hemp can be used to produce high quality paper, which is stronger and more durable than ordinary wood-based paper.
- Cosmetics: Hemp oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, making it very beneficial to the skin and hair. It is often used in personal care products such as creams, lotions and shampoos. CBD is now being added to it, as it is very effective in combating many skin problems.
- Food : Hemp seeds are rich in protein, essential fatty acids and fibre, making them very healthy. They can be eaten whole, roasted or ground into flour.
- Fuels: Hemp fibres can be used to produce biofuel, an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
- Building materials: Hemp fibres can be used to produce building panels that are resistant to moisture, fire and rot.
- Plastics: Hemp can be used to produce biodegradable plastics that are more environmentally friendly than traditional plastics.
- Insulation: Hemp fibres can be used to produce thermal and acoustic insulation materials for buildings.