Autoflowering cannabis strains have become increasingly popular in recent years, but their history can be traced back to a wild cannabis subspecies known as Ruderalis. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of autoflowering cannabis and how it has evolved over time.

What is Ruderalis?

Ruderalis is a wild cannabis subspecies that originated in Central Asia and Russia. Unlike other cannabis subspecies, Ruderalis is not photoperiodic, which means that it does not rely on changes in light cycles to begin flowering. Instead, Ruderalis begins to flower automatically after a certain period of time, usually 2-4 weeks after germination.

Ruderalis is a small and hardy plant that can survive in harsh environments, such as the short summers and long winters of northern Russia. However, Ruderalis is not known for its potency or yield, which is why it has not been widely used in cannabis breeding until recently.

The Discovery of Autoflowering Cannabis

The first recorded use of Ruderalis in cannabis breeding can be traced back to the 1920s and 1930s, when Russian botanists began experimenting with crossbreeding Ruderalis with other cannabis subspecies. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s that autoflowering cannabis strains began to gain popularity.

In the 1980s, a Dutch seed bank known as Sensi Seeds began experimenting with Ruderalis and other cannabis subspecies to create autoflowering hybrids. These early autoflowering strains were not very potent or high-yielding, but they were prized for their short flowering times and ability to grow in a wide range of environments.

The Rise of Modern Autoflowering Cannabis

In the 21st century, autoflowering cannabis has become increasingly popular among growers and consumers. This is due in part to advances in cannabis breeding technology, which have made it possible to create autoflowering hybrids that are much more potent and high-yielding than their predecessors.

Modern autoflowering cannabis hybrids are often the result of complex crossbreeding between Ruderalis and other cannabis subspecies, such as Sativa and Indica. These hybrids combine the short flowering times and hardiness of Ruderalis with the potency and yield of other cannabis subspecies.

Autoflowering cannabis has also become popular among growers who want to maximize their yield in a short amount of time. Unlike photoperiodic cannabis, which requires specific light cycles to begin flowering, autoflowering cannabis begins to flower automatically after a certain period of time. This means that growers can harvest multiple crops in a single growing season, which can be especially beneficial for outdoor growers in regions with short growing seasons.

The Future of Autoflowering Cannabis

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that we will see even more advances in autoflowering cannabis breeding. Breeders are already working on developing autoflowering hybrids that are even more potent and high-yielding than current strains, as well as hybrids that are tailored to specific medical and recreational needs.

Autoflowering cannabis may also play a larger role in the development of cannabis-based medicines and therapies. Because autoflowering hybrids can be grown quickly and easily in a wide range of environments, they may be a more cost-effective and efficient way to produce cannabis-based medicines and therapies than traditional photoperiodic cannabis.

Conclusion

Autoflowering cannabis has come a long way since its discovery in the wilds of Central Asia and Russia. From its early days as a low-potency novelty to its current status as a high-yielding and potent cannabis subspecies, autoflowering cannabis

has captured the imagination of growers and consumers alike.

As we’ve seen, the history of autoflowering cannabis is closely linked to the history of Ruderalis. This wild cannabis subspecies has provided the genetic foundation for modern autoflowering hybrids, which combine the best qualities of Ruderalis with the potency and yield of other cannabis subspecies.

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that autoflowering cannabis will become an even more important player in the market. With its short flowering times, hardiness, and high yield potential, autoflowering cannabis is well-suited to meet the demands of growers and consumers alike.

So if you’re a grower or a consumer who’s curious about the world of autoflowering cannabis, now is a great time to explore this fascinating and rapidly evolving subspecies. Whether you’re interested in growing your own autoflowering cannabis or trying out some of the many high-quality strains on the market, there’s never been a better time to discover the rich history and promising future of autoflowering cannabis.