If you are looking at the specifics of hemp, you will usually come up with a comparison to the hemp varieties and it is difficult to understand why each is different.
Hemp has lots of options, and hemp is not just as simple as it seems. In this article, we will explain the differences between the three main varieties of indica, sativa, and ruderalis so you can see the differences in each of them.
While the two main varieties of hemp you will hear about are indica and Sativa, you will also hear about rudealis and it should be included in the mix when comparing the varieties of hemp.
Cannabis sativa
Cannabis Sativa L is the hemp we all know and love that is used for hemp. This variety contains less than 0.3% of THC. That said, it is super useful for a wide variety of uses including in clothing, fibers, grain, and foods. This variety will not cause the consumer to get ‘high’ and is used for plenty of industrial uses.
The Sativa variety will usually be used in hemp products and applications, and the seeds are great for increasing the amount of essential fatty acids in your diety. On top of this, they can be used to help with general well being and energy.
The hemp seeds can be used in food, beauty products, and any industrial purpose. The fibers of the hemp plant are strong and durable and well known to have been used for hundreds of years for anything from the rope in shipping to bed sheets.
The Sativa leaf appearance
Visually you will notice that the Sativa variety of leaf is different as the plant is taller and thinner than other hemp varieties. On top of this, the Sativa plant will grow the tallest, sometimes 4 meters and even up to 6 meters in some cases.
Effects of Sativa
Many say that the plant will give a slight buzz and it will energize and uplift the consumer.
The plant isn’t as strong when it comes to levels of CBD however it can stimulate the appetite and provide a sense of wellbeing.
Cannabis indica
Cannabis indica, this plant is used to create the CBD oil used to treat inflammation and pain. This clever variety of hemp is amazing in that is can be used to create drugs and medicine that is naturally beneficial to the consumer. The plant is slightly different from the Sativa L variety and has a higher THC level and a lower cannabidiol content.
Indica varieties of plants will make you feel relaxed and calm, and this plant is used for its CBD or cannabidiol properties. This means that the body will feel relaxed, chilled and in general in good form.
The indica will be found in the CBD oil that can be used to treat anxiety, inflammation and a range of chronic illnesses as it can help with muscle spasms, pain, and even insomnia. You don’t need to worry about feeling high, this is not a side effect of this variety of hemp plant.
The indica leaf appearance
The indica leaf does look different from the Sativa plant and even the rudealis plant as it has a bushier appearance and can grow up to 6 feet tall. The plant is also a little fatter than the Sativa.
Effects of indica
This plant has the CBD levels that can help to affect the body and mind particularly when it comes to pain.
The plant will reduce inflammation, increase appetite, relieve stress and reduce anxiety. Indica will also act as a muscle relaxant and will work to help the consumer to get a deeper sleep and generally provide relief for chronic conditions.
Cannabis rudealis
Cannabis ruderalis is used for its flowers. This plant is not as popular as the other two varieties however is someone to keep in mind when you are comparing all the species. The plant is not used for much else other than creating auto-flowering hybrid strains. This can be done with the Sativa and the indica plant varieties.
The rudealis leaf appearance
The leaf of the rudealis hemp plant is bushier and the plant is usually wild and grows as more of a shrub that is low to the ground.
Effects of ruderalis
At the end of the day, this variety only has an effect when it is bred with other varieties, predominately it is a plant that doesn’t have any great effect on its own. It needs genetics from other plants to help provide any result.
In a nutshell, if you are looking at varieties, the indica is the variety you will be using if you are needing CBD oil or similar and the Sativa is the variety you will use for applications that are more industrial such as food and building products.
The world of hemp is broad and varied and having a deep understanding of the varieties available and their uses is essential.