sativa

Cannabis sativa is a plant species in the Cannabaceae family that encompasses varieties commonly grown for industrial hemp as well as those used for psychoactive cannabis. Historically, sativa has been used to describe tall, slender plants with long flowering periods and narrow leaflets, but modern genetics show substantial variation within and between so-called sativa and other cannabis types, making simple, reliable distinctions difficult.

In botanical terms, Cannabis sativa plants are typically long-structured and tall, with wide spacing between nodes and leaves that have narrow, finger-like leaflets. They are usually dioecious, with separate male and female plants; the flowers produced by female plants contain cannabinoids such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC concentrations vary widely among varieties and growing conditions. Hemp varieties, bred for fiber and seed, are commonly defined by low THC content, often 0.3% or less on a dry-weight basis under many regulatory frameworks.

Taxonomy around Cannabis sativa is complex and debated. Some classifications treat Cannabis as a single species with multiple varieties, while others recognize Cannabis sativa as a distinct species from Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. Modern discussions emphasize genetic lineage and chemotypes—patterns of cannabinoids and terpenes—rather than relying solely on the traditional sativa/indica dichotomy.

Uses and regulation differ by type and jurisdiction. Hemp derived from C. sativa is used for fiber, seed, oil, and various products, usually with minimal psychoactivity. Psychoactive cannabis is used medically or recreationally where legal, with regulatory thresholds for THC content often differing by country, state, or region.