International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.4, 171-184 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 172 This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the botanical characteristics and genetic diversity of Cannabis, with a focus on its taxonomy, phytochemistry, and potential medicinal applications. It also addresses the challenges in Cannabis classification, particularly the ongoing debate over species categorization, aiming to bridge the knowledge gaps in Cannabis biology and genomics. The study aspires to offer valuable insights for Cannabis breeding programs, especially for the optimization and development of cultivars tailored for medicinal and industrial purposes. By deepening the understanding of the genetic and phytochemical complexity of Cannabis, the study seeks to promote its efficient and sustainable utilization, supporting its increasingly important role in modern science and industry. 2 Botanical Characteristics of Cannabis 2.1 Morphology and plant structure Cannabis plants exhibit a variety of morphological features that include the root, stem, leaves, and flowers. The root system is typically a taproot, which can extend deep into the soil to anchor the plant and absorb nutrients. The stem is erect and can vary in height depending on the species and growing conditions. Leaves are palmate with serrated edges, and the number of leaflets can vary. The flowers are unisexual, with male flowers forming loose clusters and female flowers forming dense, resinous clusters known as buds (McPartland and Small, 2020; Mazzara et al., 2022; Murovec et al., 2022). Differences between Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis are notable. Cannabis sativa plants are generally taller with thinner leaves and longer flowering cycles. They are often cultivated for their fiber and seeds. Cannabis indica plants are shorter, bushier, and have broader leaves, with shorter flowering cycles. Cannabis ruderalis is the shortest of the three, with a more rugged appearance and the unique ability to flower based on age rather than light cycle, a trait known as autoflowering (McPartland and Small, 2020; Roychoudhury et al., 2021; Suárez-Jacobo et al., 2023). 2.2 Phytochemistry Cannabis plants produce a complex array of phytochemicals, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds. The primary cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN). THC is the main psychoactive component, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects. CBN is a degradation product of THC and is mildly psychoactive (Gonçalves et al., 2020; Radwan et al., 2021; Roychoudhury et al., 2021). Terpenes are another significant group of compounds in Cannabis, contributing to the plant's aroma and potential therapeutic effects. Common terpenes include myrcene, limonene, and pinene. These compounds can interact synergistically with cannabinoids, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect (Radwan et al., 2021; Murovec et al., 2022; Mazzara et al., 2022). Other important phytochemicals in Cannabis include flavonoids and alkaloids. Flavonoids contribute to the plant's color and have antioxidant properties, while alkaloids can have various pharmacological effects (Gonçalves et al., 2020; Radwan et al., 2021). 2.3 Reproductive biology Cannabis plants can be either dioecious or monoecious. Dioecious plants have distinct male and female individuals, while monoecious plants have both male and female flowers on the same individual. This characteristic is crucial for breeding and cultivation practices, as the separation of male and female plants can influence the quality and yield of the crop (Naraine et al., 2019; McPartland and Small, 2020). Pollination in Cannabis is primarily wind-driven, with male plants releasing pollen that is carried to female flowers. Successful pollination results in seed development within the female flowers. Relevant studies have shown that this pollination mechanism is influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors, with pollen transmission affected by environmental conditions such as wind speed and temperature. Female Cannabis flowers are rich in cannabinoids, particularly in medicinal Cannabis, where chemical compounds like CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) decrease after pollination. After fertilization, the accumulation of cannabinoids and
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