Indian Hemp
Cannabis sativa

Family: Cannabaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It is about 2 m high. The leaves are alternate. They are divided like fingers on a hand and has 3-7 leaflets. The leaflets are sword shaped and have coarse teeth along the edge. They are rough in texture. The flowers are yellowish. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. The fruit is a dry one seeded fruit.

There is only one Cannabis species. There are 2 Cannabaceae genera. Cannabis contains more than 60 Cannabinoides. Cannabis is illegal in some Western countries. For Narcotics Ganja is obtained from the resin of the flowers, Charas from rubbing leaves and twigs and bhang from older leaves and mature fruit. The seeds do not contain narcotic substances.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows throughout Nepal up to 2700 m altitude. It does best in nitrogen rich soils. It can grow in arid places. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andorra, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Bhutan, Botswana, Britain, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Caucasus, Central Africa, China, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Europe, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran (country/location of origin), Kenya, Korea, Laos, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Marquesas, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sahel, Sao Tome and Principe, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Serbia, Siberia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tasmania, Thailand, USA, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves of one kind are used to flavour food. The dried leaves are used as a drink. The seeds are roasted and pickled. The seeds yield a fatty oil used in cooking. The seeds are parched and used as a condiment. They are also used for coffee or made into cakes and fried. The sprouted seeds are eaten.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Seeds, seeds - oil, flowered tops, leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ahibola, Bhang, Bhanga, Bhangolu, Dagga, Fimble, Gaja, Gallow grass, Ganja, Hasheesh, Hashish, Hemp, Jea, Jia, Kamm, K'anapi, Kaneph, Kanh chha, Konope, Konopeni grasti, Marijuana, Nam-khuye, Navadna konoplja, Obiknoven konop, Olusus, Pang, Samei, Se-gyauk, Vamm, Vangpata

Synonyms

Cannabis chinensis Defile; Cannabis indica Lam.; Cannabis sativa var. sativa subvar. indica (Lam.) Asch. & Gr.;