With the amount new cannabis strains being created every day, where are we heading in terms of hybridization of this psychedelic plant? Professional seed companies, amateur commercial growers, pro-hobbyists, the natural elements, and much more all contribute towards the co-evolution between us and cannabis. With the advent of legalization and cannabis re-entering mainstream culture, what will our precious plant be like in the near future?
The subtle and major differences between Indica and Sativa seem to be common knowledge to the relatively sophisticated cannabis consumer; Indica dominant strains (most Kushes, Hash Plant, etc.) being more body-related, commonly associated with the “couch lock” effect and sedating. Sativa dominate strains (Sour Diesel, Hazes, Durban Poison, Trainwreck, etc.) can be associated with psychedelic, energizing (at first) effects. Of course with such a rich hybridization within the cannabis community the spectrum of effects is expanding with every new strain making the effects vague until each strain is tested by the individual.
But enough platitude, what about Ruderalis? Even in Humboldt County, California it's a rarity to hear the species Ruderalis with Cannabis. Ruderalis' origins can be traced back to Siberia, Russia (and Mexico) where there is a short growing season making Cannabis complete its growing cycle regardless short days and cold nights. Thus Ruderalis is more commonly known as the “Auto-Flowering” strain because its development does not rely on the the photo-period. Under 24 hour light a Ruderalis will flower and complete its life cycle. One could theoretically flip the light switch on and off like a rave and its life cycle would not be interrupted; unlike conventional Cannabis where the horticulturist has to force flowering by “black boxing” indoors or “light deprivation” in green houses. Light leaks indoors can cause the plant to be “confused” and cause hermaphrodites and lower yields. Using the Sun's cycle means only one harvest per year and with less than 12 hours of light during the end of the summer gives light deprivation greenhouses and indoor cannabis the edge. Although with Ruderalis one could grow outdoors (on the coast and in temperate climates) all year long or indoors under 24 hour light it's entire life cycle!
Why isn't Ruderalis more popular? After all it could make the perfect house plant since it is an autoflowerer, plus it seems to be a more “hearty” plant overall; resistant to cold weather, pests and diseases. In addition to the capability of harvesting weekly year long without 'black boxing' makes it seems like an obvious yes. There are a few reasons Ruderalis is not as predominate as Cannabis' photo-period-dependent sisters. Pure Ruderalis is known to be weak in terms of potency although this stigma was somewhat debunked with the rise of the Low Ryder #1(a Mexican Ruderalis cross). Yields are generally smaller; A quarter-pound plant is usually Ruderalis' max. Taking clones would be nearly futile as the clone would take on the age of the mother without staying in a vegetative state.
So is Ruderalis still worth it? Still, Yes! Seed companies and hobbyists alike are dialing-in potent strains with the autoflower trait. The longer strains generally yield more with higher potency. With an infinitesimal array of autoflower hybrids, today these small plants can pack a punch. Although an AK-48 autoflowerer from Sigamartha's seed bank easily reaches 4-5 feet tall in a 5 gallon pot yielding over 3 ounces. Larger 'regular' plants are more prone to mold, aren't discrete, and generally don't carry the “dankness” of even small, normal photo-dependent plants. Producing feminized seeds on individual plants has become traditional with silver-thiosulfate; making nearly every seed female.
As we witness the cultural Ascent of Cannabis, Ruderalis may become a powerful strain for all growers and soon-to-become growers. With its compelling growing traits hybridized with our current exotic designer strains, it makes a strong candidate for the future of Cannabis genetics.
-Cannabis Ascension
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