Based on the information provided in the attached scientific article, here is a detailed description of Cannabis indica:

## Origin and Classification

Cannabis indica was first described by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1785 as a distinct species from Cannabis sativa[1]. Lamarck characterized C. indica as a wild species growing in India and neighboring countries, in contrast to C. sativa which was widely cultivated in Western continents.

## Taxonomic Debate

The classification of C. indica as a separate species has been debated for centuries:

– Linnaeus originally described only one species, C. sativa, in 1753
– Lamarck proposed C. indica as a second species in 1785
– In the 19th century, some botanists rejected C. indica and considered Cannabis a monotypic genus
– More recently, some researchers have suggested reinstating C. indica as a distinct species

## Morphological Characteristics

While not explicitly described in the article, C. indica is generally known to have the following traits compared to C. sativa:

– Shorter, bushier plants
– Broader leaves with wider leaflets
– Denser branch structure
– Shorter flowering cycles

## Chemical Profile

C. indica is associated with higher levels of intoxicating compounds:

– Higher THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content
– Often contains both THC and CBD (cannabidiol)
– Belongs to the “high cannabinoid” group of narcotic plants domesticated in South/Central Asia[1]

## Modern Classification Approaches

Recent taxonomic treatments have taken different approaches to C. indica:

1. Small & Cronquist (1976) classified it as:
Cannabis sativa L. subsp. indica Small & Cronquist var. indica (Lam) Wehmer[1]

2. Small (2015) proposed classifying domesticated Cannabis into groups, with C. indica falling under:
“Group of the narcotic plants domesticated in South Asia (Afghanistan and neighboring Countries), contains both THC and CBD.”[1]

## Hybridization

The article notes that all Cannabis varieties can successfully interbreed and produce fertile hybrids[1]. This has led to numerous hybrid strains with characteristics intermediate between traditional C. sativa and C. indica types.

## Modern Usage and Nomenclature

Many cannabis strains marketed as “indica” may not have a clear taxonomic basis. The article suggests avoiding the sativa/indica distinction for cultivated varieties, instead using:

– Formal cultivar names for properly registered varieties (e.g. Cannabis ‘Fibranova’)
– “Cannabis strain” followed by the popularized name for informal varieties (e.g. Cannabis strain Granddaddy Purple)[1]

In conclusion, while C. indica has historical significance in cannabis taxonomy, its status as a distinct species remains debated. Modern cannabis breeding has blurred the lines between traditional sativa and indica types, making clear distinctions challenging from both a botanical and practical perspective.

Citations:
pollio-2016-the-name-of-cannabis-a-short-guide-for-nonbotanists