The Exploitation of Cannabis Sativa by Humans
The exploitation of Cannabis sativa by Homo sapiens
Cannabis sativa is a species of plant in the genus Cannabis and the family Cannabaceae that has been used by humans since the start of recorded history, (at least 3000 BC). It is a plant native to central and south Asia, but is now exported and grown in almost all parts of the world, although this cultivation and exportation is in some places illegal as it is a very controversial plant. The reason it is illegal in many countries is because of its psychoactive and hallucinogenic properties, which make it a popular recreational drug. Cannabis sativa does however have many other uses for humans, most notably being used as a fibre, when cultivated for this purpose it is known as hemp. This can be used to make clothes that are biodegradable which is arguably more environmentally friendly than some of the materials currently used. However even its cultivation as a fibre is banned in many places due to its potential as a narcotic. Depending on the aim of the cultivator of the Cannabis sativa plant (either to be used as a narcotic or as a fibre) they will select for certain characteristics when breeding the plants which will be beneficial for the final product. This will be looked at more in depth later on in the essay. Other uses of Cannabis sativa include as a bio fuel, as bird seed and as a medicine.
Cannabis sativa is a dioecious, sexually reproducing plant. This means that plants are either male or female, male plants contain a stamen but not a carpel and female plants contain a carpel but not a stamen. This ensures cross pollination will take place. In the wild this type of reproduction would mean that there was more variation between individuals, as plants are not just ‘clones’ of each other (because of self pollination which results in ‘a’ sexual reproduction). This variation would mean that the population would be more likely to survive if there was a change in the environment as there are a lot of
Cannabis sativa is a species of plant in the genus Cannabis and the family Cannabaceae that has been used by humans since the start of recorded history, (at least 3000 BC). It is a plant native to central and south Asia, but is now exported and grown in almost all parts of the world, although this cultivation and exportation is in some places illegal as it is a very controversial plant. The reason it is illegal in many countries is because of its psychoactive and hallucinogenic properties, which make it a popular recreational drug. Cannabis sativa does however have many other uses for humans, most notably being used as a fibre, when cultivated for this purpose it is known as hemp. This can be used to make clothes that are biodegradable which is arguably more environmentally friendly than some of the materials currently used. However even its cultivation as a fibre is banned in many places due to its potential as a narcotic. Depending on the aim of the cultivator of the Cannabis sativa plant (either to be used as a narcotic or as a fibre) they will select for certain characteristics when breeding the plants which will be beneficial for the final product. This will be looked at more in depth later on in the essay. Other uses of Cannabis sativa include as a bio fuel, as bird seed and as a medicine.
Cannabis sativa is a dioecious, sexually reproducing plant. This means that plants are either male or female, male plants contain a stamen but not a carpel and female plants contain a carpel but not a stamen. This ensures cross pollination will take place. In the wild this type of reproduction would mean that there was more variation between individuals, as plants are not just ‘clones’ of each other (because of self pollination which results in ‘a’ sexual reproduction). This variation would mean that the population would be more likely to survive if there was a change in the environment as there are a lot of
References: (1) David P. West (1998) Hemp and Marijuana: Myths and Realities. North American Industrial Hemp Council. (2) David Marks (2009) Hemp and Marijuana: Genes Producing THC, Active Ingredient In Cannabis Plant, Identified. University of Minnesota. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915113538.htm (3) Maria Salazar et al (2009) Cannabinoid action induces autophagy- mediated cell death through stimulation of ER stress in human glioma cells. The Journal of Clinical Investigation Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain (4) James A Duke. (1983) Cannabis sativa L. Handbook of energy crops. Purdue university Centre for new crops & plants products