Cannabis sativa

Hemp

Cannabis sativa, commonly known as hemp or marijuana, is a versatile plant with a rich history in traditional medicine. Renowned for its complex profile of cannabinoids, particularly THC and CBD, it is utilized globally to manage pain, anxiety, and various therapeutic conditions, bridging ancient wisdom with modern pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Cannabis sativa
  • Family: Cannabaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is positioned in the order Rosales and the family Cannabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Cannabis, specifically the species Cannabis sativa.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Rosales WCVP
Family Cannabaceae WCVP
Genus Cannabis WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Cannabis sativa, is recognized by a variety of different names across various languages and regions. In Chinese, it is referred to as 大麻 (dàmá), while in Basque, the name Kalamu is used. In Polish, the plant is commonly called konopie siewne, and in Welsh, it is known as Tchene. Additionally, in the Udmurt language, the plant is called Кенэм.
Language Common Name Source
zh 大麻 Wikidata
eu Kalamu Wikidata
pl konopie siewne Wikidata
wa Tchene Wikidata
udm Кенэм Wikidata
fr chanvre cultivé Wikidata
he קנאביס סאטיבה Wikidata
ko Wikidata
frr Manila Wikidata
ms Pokok ganja Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific presence across several regions within Northern Europe. In the southern reaches of this territory, it can be found growing in Denmark. Moving further north, the species is also distributed throughout Finland. The plant extends its range to the islands of Great Britain and Ireland as well. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the northernmost stretches of Norway.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Cannabis sativa, possesses several distinct morphological features that contribute to its medicinal properties. The most recognizable parts are the serrated green leaves, which are often used in various preparations. The plant produces dense inflorescences, or flowering clusters, which serve as the primary source of many bioactive compounds. These compounds are concentrated within microscopic, resin-producing glandular trichomes that coat the surface of the flowers and foliage. Additionally, the robust stem provides structural support for the plant's rapid growth, while the nutrient-rich seeds offer a different profile of uses, often valued for their nutritional and oil content.
Total parts
59
Scientific sources
98
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 11 ★★★★★
seeds 6 ★★★☆☆
inflorescences 5 ★★★☆☆
glandular trichomes 5 ★★★☆☆
stem 3 ★★☆☆☆
roots 3 ★★☆☆☆
resin 3 ★★☆☆☆
inflorescence 3 ★★☆☆☆
flowers 3 ★★☆☆☆
trichomes 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cannabis sativa has 270 reported phytochemicals identified across 830 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include cannabidiol, cannabinoids, CBD, THC, tetrahydrocannabinol.

Total chemicals
270
Scientific sources
830

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
cannabidiol 82 ★★★★★
cannabinoids 59 ★★★★★
CBD 47 ★★★★★
THC 45 ★★★★★
tetrahydrocannabinol 35 ★★★★★
terpenes 30 ★★★★★
Cannabidiol 23 ★★★★★
flavonoids 22 ★★★★★
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol 21 ★★★★★
cannabigerol 15 ★★★★★

Activities

Cannabis sativa has 45 reported activities identified across 154 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Psychoactive, Antibacterial, Analgesic, Neuroprotective.

Total activities
45
Scientific sources
154

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 18 ★★★★★
Psychoactive 18 ★★★★★
Antibacterial 13 ★★★★★
Analgesic 12 ★★★★★
Neuroprotective 11 ★★★★★
Anticancer 7 ★★★★☆
Antifungal 7 ★★★★☆
Antimicrobial 7 ★★★★☆
Anticonvulsant 6 ★★★☆☆
Antiviral 6 ★★★☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cannabis sativa has 273 reported medicinal uses identified across 599 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include pain, cancer, chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation.

Total uses
273
Scientific sources
599

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
pain 37 ★★★★★
cancer 23 ★★★★★
chronic pain 22 ★★★★★
anxiety 20 ★★★★★
inflammation 20 ★★★★★
multiple sclerosis 17 ★★★★★
nausea 17 ★★★★★
epilepsy 15 ★★★★★
depression 14 ★★★★★
Parkinson's disease 8 ★★★★☆