When it comes to strains, most people are familiar with the terms “indica” and “sativa,” the two major subtypes of cannabis that can impart very different effects. But even if you consider yourself a cannabis aficionado, you may have never heard about the third type of cannabis: cannabis ruderalis. While its effects are relatively mild, cannabis ruderalis and its unique autoflowering characteristics make it an important addition to growers and cultivators who come up with the new and exciting cannabis strains we’ve come to know and love.
But, what exactly is cannabis ruderalis, and how can it benefit you? Learn everything you need to know about this unique addition to the cannabis space and find out why an often overlooked species of plant is so important in the greater world of cannabis.
What Is Ruderalis Cannabis?
Like indicas and sativas, Cannabis ruderalis is another member of the cannabis plant family that is largely unknown among cannabis consumers but is valued by growers who mainly use it to create hybrid autoflowering strains. There’s some disagreement among botanists about what cannabis species ruderalis really is or if it even is a species at all.
Though it’s often classified as a different species of cannabis altogether, some researchers believe that it should be classified as a subspecies of the cannabis plant. Incidentally, that’s a point of view many botanists take regarding indicas and sativas as well. However you choose to classify it, there’s no doubt that ruderalis cannabis plants are quite different from their indica and sativa counterparts in a lot of ways, starting with their physical characteristics.
- Sativa plants: Usually tall, lanky, and treelike.
- Indica plants: Varieties are usually squat, bushy, and medium height.
- Cannabis ruderalis plants: Short and stocky, typically ranging from 1 – 2.5 feet in height. Ruderalis grows more compact than indica or sativa and tends to have thick stems, a shaggy grow pattern, and a bright green hue.
The small size and awkward growing pattern of ruderalis results in smaller yields than indicas and sativas. Ruderalis weed also features a much lower THC content—the cannabinoid most responsible for the plant’s psychoactive “high”—than other cannabis varieties, and as a result, does not produce powerful psychoactive effects. But its unique flowering cycle and autoflowering abilities have made it a valuable tool for growers.
Cannabis Ruderalis: History and Origins
Cannabis ruderalis was first identified by Dmitrij Janischewsky in 1924. He had noticed that this type of cannabis plant looked much different from—and had a different flowering cycle than—other varieties of cannabis plant. The name “ruderalis” comes from the Latin word rudus, meaning “rubble,” it was chosen because Janischewsky viewed the plant as more of a feral weed growing in the rough rather than a plant meant to be cultivated by humans.
Ruderalis is native to certain parts of eastern and central Europe, Asia, and Russia, which is where Janischewsky first observed it.
Autoflowering Properties of Cannabis Ruderalis
Cannabis ruderalis’ appearance and THC content aren’t the only things that set it apart from indicas and sativas. Due to this unique flowering ability, cannabis ruderalis is known as an “autoflowering” plant. While indicas and sativas require a change in the photoperiod (light cycle) to switch from the vegetative growth phase to the flowering growth phase, ruderalis doesn’t. It simply moves into this stage on its own, about 21 – 30 days after its seeds are planted.
Its shorter size, autoflowering ability, and relatively short grow time make ruderalis an attractive option for cannabis breeders and growers. By cross-breeding cannabis ruderalis strains with indica and sativa ones, growers can produce shorter, smaller, autoflowering varieties of many classic strains. As a result, ruderalis autoflowering genetics are now prized by cultivators looking for a streamlined growing experience that doesn’t require as much space or effort to produce cannabis.
Ruderalis Strains
You won’t typically find pure ruderalis weed for sale at dispensaries, given their low THC and CBD levels. However, autoflowering strains derived from ruderalis hybrids are quite popular; here are a few examples:
- Northern Lights Auot: As one of the most famous indica strains of all time, Northern Lights is known for long-lasting euphoria and a reported deep body relaxation.
- Gorilla Punch Auto: Renowned for its potency and high productivity, this autoflowering strain may impart a creative and soothing psychoactivity. It’s been noted for its herbal, citrus, and woodsy taste that helped it win second place for Best Sativa at the 2023 American Autoflower Cup.
- Wedding Cake Auto: A sweet and flavorful hybrid strain known for delivering equal parts uplift and carefree relaxation, Wedding Cake’s earthy and peppery aroma is a sure sign that this strain includes a healthy dose of caryophyllene—the cannabis terpene associated with some fascinating effects.
- White Widow Auto: The autoflowering variety of this popular strain is known for its euphoric and inspiring creative energy. White Widow also contains CBD to potentiate the effects of THC.
- Amnesia Haze Auto: As the name might suggest, Amnesia Haze may produce some serious forgetfulness! It’s also reportedly euphoric, happy, and uplifting, which can be great for kicking back and relaxing after a long day.
Explore More Strains at Mission
We hope that this post has stimulated your interest in cannabis ruderalis. If you’re interested in trying it out for yourself—or exploring our vast selection of indica, sativa, and hybrid strains—start by choosing the Mission dispensary closest to you, where you’ll find endless options of fresh flower, vapes, edibles, and so much more.
Want to deepen your cannabis knowledge even further? We’re here to help! Stop in today and ask any of our friendly budtenders for more information, or visit our cannabis blog, where you’ll find in-depth articles on all aspects of cannabis culture, from unique strains to the science behind the plant and more. We’re always here to help!
Ruderalis FAQs: Key Things to Know
Q: Does ruderalis make you high?
A: Yes, ruderalis weed can get you high. However, it features a much lower THC content than indicas or sativas, and as a result, it doesn’t produce particularly strong psychoactive effects unless it’s a variety that has been crossed with a high-THC cultivar. Nevertheless, its unique flowering cycle and autoflowering abilities make it a precious tool for breeders and growers.
Q: Is cannabis ruderalis legal?
A: As a subspecies of cannabis, ruderalis weed is legal wherever other types of cannabis can be legally cultivated and consumed.
Q: What’s the difference between ruderalis and indica?
A: Cannabis ruderalis strains tend to have low levels of THC and CBD. While you may find some ruderalis plants for sale at dispensaries, they’re far more likely to show up in cannabis cultivation operations, where their autoflowering characteristics, short stature, and relatively fast growing time are of great interest to growers.
Q: Do all autoflowers have ruderalis genetics?
A: Yes, all autoflowering cannabis plants contain ruderalis genetics since it’s the ruderalis genes that give them their specific autoflowering traits.
