Indian Hemp Cannabis sativa

Cannabis sativa was first classified in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus.  The word sativa translates to 'things that are cultivated'.  Hemp is a large, coarse annual plant in the Cannabaceae family, growing quickly to 6 to 12 feet tall.

A unisexual plant, male plants are typically found to grow taller than female plants, yet less robust.  Pollen is spread by the male plant before dying  This occurs before the female seed has ripened.  The flowers form on female plants, producing hundreds of seeds.  While most plants are either male or female, some are monoecious, having both male and female parts.  These plants can be sterile or fertile.  Pollination is by the wind. 

Cannabis sativa is commonly referred to as Marijuana and has been long been used in folk medicine.  It is used for treatment of pain, depression, insomnia, and loss of appetite are among the ailments that have been treated.   

Seeds from this plant are mainly used to make hemp seed oil and used for cooking, lamp fuel, and paint.  They are also edible both cooked or raw.  Highly nutritious oil can be obtained from the seeds.  The leaves are used in the preparation of soups.

It is also a source of textile fiber.  The stem tissues can be used to make bioplastics.

Parts of the plant are harvested depending on the purpose of intended use.  

The leaves are palmate, divided into 3 to 7 toothed leaflets.  The relatively sparse foliage allows air flow through the plant, making a more healthy plant that experiences fewer issues with fungus than other varieties.  The flowers are small and green, crowded on axillary clusters.  Male flowers have sepals and stamens.   Female flowers have two carpels enclosed by a perigonal bract which extends under the flower as support.    

It is used as a houseplant and a landscape plant in some parts of the country (Note: It is illegal to grow in North Carolina).  Use or production of marijuana in locations where it is illegal can lead to incarceration.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Use of marijuana can be addictive, especially in young adults.  Similar to other drugs, marijuana can lead to acute alterations in dopamine release.  During withdrawal, extracellular dopamine levels are reduced.  Chronic use can cause changes in the components of the endogenous opioid system.