Chemotaxonomy of Cannabis I. Crossbreeding between Cannabis sativa and C. ruderalis, with analysis of cannabinoid content

Abstract

A controlled cross between Cannabis sativa L. and C. ruderalis Janisch. gave progeny intermediate in both cannabinoid content and morphology. The progeny fell into two distinct populations, those whose tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content was closer to the C. sativa parent (greater than 60% of total cannabinoids) and those whose THC content was closer to the C. ruderalis parent (less than 40% of total cannabinoids). The lower THC group was twice as frequent as the other group. Earliness of flowering, number of flowers, and height characteristics were intermediate between the parents. © 1979 the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458.