This is some basic information on the botany of the Cannabis plant.
Cannabis is a diploid (pairs of chromosomes composed of genes), independent assortment (how
different genes independently separate from one another when reproductive cells develop), 10
chromosome pairs, species of plant.
Cannabis is a plant that is primarily Male and Female. There are instances either natural, stress or chemical induced that can make a female plant produce male flowers. The results of these crosses is 100% female plants.
Generally speaking the vast majority of Cannabis and races are Photo-period species. This means that depending on the amount of daylight they receive determines if they are in vegetative or flowering stage of growth. In these types of plants they generally grow in a vegetative state under long days and then start to flower as the number of hours of light decrease.
There are some species particularly Ruderalis that will flower automatically. These types grow for a length of time and then start to flower
It has so far been determined that 2 of cannabis’s 10 chromosomes, #6 and #7, are responsible for the production of THC and CBD cannabinoids the main cannabinoids sought after in Cannabis cultivation.
Cannabis is a plant that can grow to tremendous size. Many have been seen over 10′ tall (3 meters) while others can be short stout little plants only a few feet high. There are many factors that influence this most of which is genetic.
There are at least 3 subspecies of Cannabis Sativa L. There is some debate about the inclusion of others from America both North n South but also other continents like Africa.
Indica – generally thought of as the mother of all cannabis. The first writings indicate that cannabis started in Asia generally like China, India, in the Hindu/Himalayan mountains. It is known to be a shorter plant that flowers faster than other types. The leaves are generally wider than other types.
Sativa – This plant is known for reaching record heights. Usually a dryer type growing in more arid regions of the middle east and Norther Africa. In addition to height the leaves are generally thinner than Indica. This species can take the longest to finish flowering.
Ruderalis – The latest addition to the line this one is known to be a shorter, auto-flowering species. Found growing naturally in the Eastern European regions of the Ukraine and Western Russian mountain regions.
Cannabis is a plant that grows wild from the equator to the arctic circle. Generally speaking cannabis can survive in almost any climate from the Jungles of S. America to the deserts of Morocco.
Cannabis is drought resistant and is easily grown in even moderate soils there is generally no need for additional fertilizers. The application of Nitrogen and Phosphorus have shown positive results but is generally not needed. If the dirt can grow other plants it’s generally good for cannabis.
Cannabis is generally pretty heat and cold resistant. While it seems to prefer temps in the 70’s-80’s it can survive as high as 100 degrees F. It can also withstand temps as low as 45 degrees F though growth is stunted.
All in all Cannabis is a pretty hearty plant that is relatively easy to grow indoors or out.