Why Cannabis Ruderalis is Popular in Breeding Modern Hybrids

Unlike traditional cannabis, which depends on exposure to light for flowering, Cannabis Ruderalis begins flowering after a certain age. Apart from the autoflowering nature, its low THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and widely distributed habitat have made it more popular. It is mostly available in Eastern and Central Europe and Russia.

Read the blog to know what contributed to cannabis Rudrelis’ popularity.

The Unique Value of Ruderalis in Breeding

Apart from the auto-flowering nature, Ruderals’ cold resistance and hardiness have made it unique and adaptable, as it thrives in various conditions. The life cycle of Ruderalis is short in nature, translating to faster harvesting and the potential to grow within a single outdoor growing season.

• The low THC, high CBD profile of Ruderalis has made it more important than other strains in medical practices. For example, unlike the Runtz strain (19-29% THC), it contains only 3% THC.
• Breeders mostly cross Ruderalis with sativa and indica strains to produce autoflowering hybrids, combining the ease of cultivation and rapid growth.
• Several strain hybrids, such as Amnesia Haze Auto and Lowryder, are the most popular ones, demonstrating their ability to impart hardy traits and auto-flowering.

Table 1: Plant Size and Leaf Shape Comparison Chart –  Sativa vs. Indica vs. Ruderalis.

Benefits of Ruderalis for Growers Breeding Modern Hybrids

Growers are often inclined towards getting cannabis Ruderalis for the following reasons:

• The auto-transition/auto-flowering trait of Ruderalis has been beneficial for growers on a significant scale, as it simplifies the growing process and allows a predictable harvest. Growers from different regions and climates can easily produce this strain as it does not have a light cycle.
• As these hybrids have shorter lifespans compared to other strains, growers do not need to nourish the plants for long periods. It enables multiple harvests for growers within a single season, empowering the efficiency and overall yield.
• The multiple harvests maximise productivity, which is higher than that of the cannabis strains. It not only empowers the financial aspects of production but also ensures better medical engagement.
• Containing a high level of CBD, Ruderalis has been advantageous due to its medicinal values. The production of this hybrid is suitable for multiple medicinal purposes, including therapeutic benefits, such as anxiety and pain, without any intense psychoactive effects.
• Growers can grow it in limited areas or with a light population, as it can be cultivated in smaller and compact spaces.

Are There Any Benefits for Consumers?

Yes! Here are the benefits to take a look at:

• Due to low THC, cannabis Ruderalis does not provide any psychoactive effects. For this reason, consumers prefer it for safe use.
• The high amount of CBD in Ruderalis reduces anxiety significantly, and makes it popular in the medical industry.
• Ruderalis have some anti-inflammatory properties, increasing their potential to manage inflammatory conditions on a significant scale.
• The abundance of CBD, compared to others, such as the Runtz strain, and the lack of strong psychoactive properties, has increased the value of ruderalis in epilepsy treatment.
• The history of cannabis ruderalis is embedded in Mongolian and Russian folk culture, used for treating depression.
• The consistency of cannabinoid levels and the expanding choice in autoflower seeds for growers have been key driving factors for the popularity of Ruderalis.

Limitations and Future of Ruderalis Genetics

Despite its popularity among growers, Ruderalis has a few limitations as well. But that does not mean that its future prospects are diminished.

Limitations

• Due to low THC, it is less popular among consumers who are mostly looking for psychoactive effects. It becomes an undesirable option for most cannabis consumers due to the lack of strong effects.
• The smaller size of Ruderalis restricts its utility in hemp production, which significantly benefits from robust and taller plants for the use of fibre. Due to its short size, it cannot be used for this purpose.
• Despite the advantages of auto-flowering, it is a recessive trait. This means growers must find Ruderalis to cross with other strains to secure the trait. The unavailability of Ruderalis might delay the processes.
• Although in some cases, cannabis Ruderalis produces high yields. Due to its small size and less dense structure, it may produce less biomass, affecting large-scale cultivation.

Future Research Aspects

• The medical research may explore the genetic mechanisms regarding the autoflowering trait, which can be expressed and introduced in Sativa and Indica lineages to produce hardy, high-yielding, and fast-growing plants.
• The resistance and inherent hardiness to diseases and insects observed in Ruderalis can develop more robust hybrids, which can reduce crop losses and work as an alternative to treatments.

Summary

Ruderalis is a powerful, small genetic source in the modern cannabis industry, while its short lifespan and auto-flowering have been advantageous for growers. Apart from this, the low THC and high CBD profile has made it more important in the medical industry. However, its utility in epilepsy treatment and discreet cultivation have made it more popular than other strains, with several future aspects as well.

So, if you are a grower interested in breeding Ruderalis, find a reliable supplier and get going.