THE FAMILY TREE OF CANNABIS

Cannabis is a genus that is a part of the Rosales order. It was originally classified in the Moraceae family, but was later included in Cannabaceae (Petruzzello), as was sister plant Humulus. The two plants were also sorted into several other families, including Urticaceae, before being placed into the current Cannabaceae. This family now also includes Celtis, Pteroceltis, Aphananthe, Chaetachme, Gironniera, Lozanella, Trema, and Parasponia which were all formerly in the Celtidaceae family. These species were merged into Cannabaceae based on DNA evidence such as chloroplast DNA genes, as studied by Angiosperm Phylogeny Group in 2003 (McPartland). A strong fossil record for Cannabis is lacking; however, a ‘molecular clock’ using the limited fossils of Cannabis, as well as fossils of the Humulus, Celtis, Morus, Ficus, and Boehmeria, found that Cannabis evolved around 1.05 million years ago to form Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. The two species are separated by morphology and phytochemistry.

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Within the Cannabis genus itself, the two main species are sativa and indica. Sativa is reported to have “uplifting and more psychotropic effects” while indica is reported to have “more relaxing and sedative effects” (Schwabe). These two species can be combined to form a hybrid, which are often bred to yield a specific combination of results. There are two main types of hybrids, which are commonly known as strains. The first is known as a landrace, and these varieties occur naturally and are grown in the wild, often through cross-pollination. The second is known as a cultivar, which is produced by selective breeding — a process that “requires examining genetic differences. Strains propagated through cloning should have minimal genetic variation” (Schwabe). Some common cultivar strains include kush and sour diesel. Both types of strains are said to be either sativa-dominant or indica-dominant, indicating which species is more prevalent in the genetic makeup of the product. However, “recent and intense breeding efforts to create novel strains has likely merged the two types and blurred previous separation between the two [original species]” (Schwabe). Despite this newly discovered research, it is likely that the traditional language of hybrids, such as being sativa-dominant or indica-dominant, will continue to be used to simplify the public’s understanding of various hybrids, although the true genetic makeup may not entirely reflect this.

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The most commonly known relative of Cannabis is Humulus, also known as hops. Humulus shares three of eight ancestral characteristics with Cannabis: triporate pollen grains, imbricate flower aestivation, and a persistent perianth (McPartland). In addition to these characteristics, both plants also have several terpenes in common, which give them anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anticancer, antitumor, neuroprotective, anti-mutagenic, anti-allergic, antibiotic and anti-diabetic properties in medicine, as well as several uses in food and cosmetic products (Nuutinen). The most commonly known species of Humulus is Humulus lupulus. While Cannabis sativa is well-known for both medicinal and recreational benefits, Humulus lupulus is used primarily for non-medicinal purposes. The cones of Humulus lupulus are used mainly in the brewing industry, and have a great effect on the beer in particular. The bitter acids produce a beer’s overall microbial stability, the resin produced gives beer its “comfortable bitterness,” while the essential oils give the beer its aroma and flavor. Humulus lupulus also works to stabilize the foam complexes in beer (Almaguer).

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Aside from its common use in human consumption, commonly through smoking or some form of edibles in both medical and recreational purposes, Cannabis also yields products that allow it to be used as a multi-purpose crop. One of the most significant yields is hemp, as it is growing in popularity in modern uses, likely because of “its rich repertoire of phytochemicals, its fibers and its agricultural features, namely quite good resistance to drought and pests, well-developed root system preventing soil erosion, lower water requirement with respect to other crops” (Andre). Hemp is also known to contain cannabinoids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds, all of which contribute benefits that are not limited to psychoactive effects. The hemp stem itself “is used as a source of woody and bast fibers for the construction and automotive industries, while hemp seeds are used as a source of dietary oil and hemp leaves and flowers as a source of bioactive components” (Andre). Hemp is also being examined as a popular alternative to plastic, as well as current building and construction materials, since it has been proven to be a more environmentally-sustainable option than traditional options. While Cannabis for human consumption is still a highly controversial topic, hemp is being legalized far more easily, and some governments are even encouraging farmers to grow this multi-use crop.