Even long-term cannabis consumers are unaware that cannabis is a part of the botanical family called Cannabaceae. To better understand these flowering plants, here are some defining features and important facts to know.
What does Cannabaceae mean?
Cannabaceae, known as the hemp family, includes over 100 different botanical species, such as herbs, vines, and trees. It is believed that Cannabaceae originated from East Asia and widely spread throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
Different types of Cannabaceae
There are three most important genera of Cannabaceae:
- Cannabis: Plants best known for their psychoactive and therapeutic benefits, used in both recreational and medical purposes
- Humulus: Commonly known as hops, they’re similar to vines, growing rapidly and wrapping around surfaces clockwise
- Celtis: They are medium-sized trees that produce small, red, purple, or black drupes, also known as hackberries. There are more than 50 different species of Celtis trees.
Cannabis
Cannabis is a genus of Cannabaceae. Within the genus, cannabis is commonly categorized into two main types, indica and sativa. Hybrid cannabis strains are created by crossbreeding sativa and indica varieties, utilizing their unique genetics.
Cannabis properties and uses
Cannabis plants have two important chemical elements, cannabinoids and terpenes, which are responsible for producing unique effects, aroma, and flavor. The two main cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is a psychoactive compound, while CBD is a non-intoxicating chemical compound known for its therapeutic benefits.
Terpenes are natural compounds that can be found in all plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for producing distinct aromas and flavors.
The most prevalent terpenes include, but are not limited to:
- Mycrene (earthy, musky notes)
- Pinene (pine-like notes)
- Limonene (citrusy notes)
- Linalool (floral, lavender notes)
- Humulene (earthy, herbal notes)
Humulus
Humulus (hops) also contains terpenes that contribute to its distinct aroma and flavor, including humulene, myrcene, and caryophyllene. Hops are best known for their role in brewing beer, where they add bitterness, aroma, and preservative qualities.
Celtis
Commonly known as hackberries, Celtis trees are members of the Cannabaceae family. They’re widespread, found in Eastern Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Africa. Hackberries produce fruits packed with nutrients and protein. The fruits are edible for both humans and animals, and while their aroma varies depending on the tree, it’s often described as sweet and date-like.
While not all subspecies of the Cannabaceae family are economically important and equally used in day-to-day life, all of them play a part in the Earth’s flora. While some are used as food, others are used for cultivation and biosynthesis. Cannabaceae is a diverse and multi-purpose plant family.
