Ruderalis
Ruderalis is a lesser-known subspecies of the Cannabis Sativa L. genus. This group of cannabis plants is characterised by their short stature, hardy nature, and ability to transition from the vegetative growth stage to flower production automatically, based on age rather than light cycles.
What is Cannabis Ruderalis?
Cannabis Ruderalis is a wild, hardy subspecies of the Cannabis Sativa L. genus that originates from North Eastern Europe and Russia. Unlike sativa and indica, ruderalis plants are known for their ability to flower automatically, regardless of the light schedule, which is extremely unique among cannabis varieties.
How is Ruderalis used in medical cannabis?
Ruderalis is not typically used on its own for medical purposes due to its low THC content. However, its genetics are commonly bred with indica or sativa strains to create auto-flowering hybrids that retain the therapeutic benefits of those strains while being somewhat easier and also faster to cultivate.
Can Ruderalis strains be prescribed in the UK?
Although there are no specific rules or regulations stopping medical cannabis producers from growing ruderalis based (autoflowering) strains in the UK, they are not a commonly cultivated option for medical purposes due to the fact that they cannot be 'cloned'.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.