Cannabis sativa Hemp (Cannabidaceae)

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Cannabis sativa
Hemp
(1 Page of 5)

The Cannabis sativa plant species is found in W. Asia - Iran to India. A casual in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Cannabidaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Hemp.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Cannabis sativa
Common Name:  Hemp
Family:  Cannabidaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The plant is a narcotic[19, 76]. Its action is almost entirely on the higher nerve centres, it can produce an exhilarating intoxication with hallucinations and is a widely used street drug[4]. It has also been widely used in the past by mystics and sages wanting to communicate with the higher forces of nature. The nature of its effect does depend much on the temperament of the individual[4]. The use of cannabis is considered to be less harmful than alcohol or tobacco by many people, nevertheless its use has been banned in many countries of the world including most western countries, New Zealand and Australia.

Mature Height:  2.5   Mature Width:  0.8

Habitat:  Fluvial deposits on crags and stony slopes[74]. It is occasionally found as a casual on waste ground in Britain[17]. It is especially found as a weed of nitrogen-rich soils near human habitations[238]

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a rich loamy soil with plenty of humus[171] but it succeeds in ordinary garden soil[1] and also in calcareous soils[171]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.3 to 8.3. Hemp is commonly cultivated for its fibre, edible seed and oil in many areas of the world, it is also a socially acceptable drug in areas of Asia and the Middle East[238]. However, it is illegal to grow in Britain and many other western countries (plus Australia and New Zealand) because it contains certain narcotic principles and is a commonly used narcotic drug[20, 123, 238]. There are many named varieties, at least one of which has been selected for its virtually insignificant content of the narcotic principles[141]. This form is monoecious whereas most other forms are dioecious[141]. There is also said to be a tall Chinese form that has no narcotic effect[179]. However in 1994 even these varieties are illegal to grow in Britain without a special licence. Certain varieties do not form many side-shoots and these are the forms most commonly grown for their fibre[123]. Plants grown in warmer climates tend to be best for medicinal use, whilst those grown in more northerly latitudes produce the better fibre[4]. The seed is very attractive to birds and is often included in bird seed mixtures[7].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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