Scientific Name
Cannabis sativa L.
Synonyms
Cannabis indica Lam. , Cannabis chinensis Defile
Family
Cannabaceae
Local Name
Bhang
Habit Habitat
Annual herb up to 1-1.5 m tall, found in sub-tropical and temperate zones.
Taxonomic Features
Stem slender, branches angular with hairs on tops. Leaves compound, 3-5 palmately foliate. Lobes sessile, narrowly lanceolate, serrate, narrow at base. Upper surface hairy while lower with sessile glands. Male flower greenish. Tepals elliptic-oblong. Female flower as long as perigonium. Fruit an achene, 3-4mm in diameter, shinning, yellowish brown. Seed with fleshy endosperm.
Flowering Fruiting
July-September
Harvesting Time
August-October
Medicinal Value
It has sedative and relaxant properties. It eases asthma, menstrual pain, migraine and rheumatism, reduces muscle loss and has potential to treat depression, epilepsy and paraplegia. Locally leaves of this plant are used in painkilling and aphrodisiac, tonic, sedative and narcotic formulations. Seeds are sleep inducer and create soothing effect on nervous disorders.
Parts Used
Flower, Leaf, Seed
Future Prospective
Collection, Drying, Packing, Herbal Pharmacy, Allopathic Pharmacy, Cosmetic.
Plant Images
Cannabis sativa L.