Cannabis Genetics Map 2025The Real Science Behind Sativa, Indica & Hybrids
Forget the old “sativa vs indica” myth — here’s what DNA actually says in 2025
LEGAL NOTICE — All seeds sold as adult souvenirs only. Germination & cultivation is illegal in the UK without a Home Office licence.
2025 Scientific Consensus
Cannabis is one species (Cannabis sativa L.) with four ancient genetic clusters. The terms “sativa”, “indica”, and “ruderalis” are now considered outdated marketing labels — they do not match real genetics.
The 4 True Ancestral Groups
| Genetic Cluster | Traditional Name | Origin | Typical Traits | THC/CBD Profile | Dominant Terpenes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basal / Ruderal | Ruderalis / feral hemp | Central Asia, Russia | Short, early flowering, autoflowering | Very low THC High CBD |
Very low terpenes β-myrcene, β-caryophyllene |
| Narrow-Leaf Hemp | Sativa hemp | Europe, China | Tall, late flowering Fibre-type plant |
Very low THC Variable CBD |
β-myrcene, α-pinene “grassy” aroma |
| Narrow-Leaf Drug | Sativa (drug type) | Equatorial regions | Tall, long flowering Cerebral / uplifting effects |
High THC Low CBD |
Limonene, terpinolene, pinene Citrus, tropical, pine |
| Broad-Leaf Drug | Indica | Hindu Kush region | Short, bushy, fast flowering Sedative / body effects |
High THC Low–moderate CBD |
β-myrcene, caryophyllene, linalool Earthy, spicy, hashy |
Modern hybrids (95 % of the market) freely mix these ancestral profiles — terpenes today are determined by selective breeding, not pure ancestry.
Visual World Genetics Map 2025
95 % of all souvenir seeds sold in 2025 are hybrids
— almost entirely Narrow-Leaf Drug × Broad-Leaf Drug crosses
— almost entirely Narrow-Leaf Drug × Broad-Leaf Drug crosses
Key Scientific References (2025)
- Nature Plants 2025 pangenome study (193 accessions)
- Kannapedia & chloroplast haplotype research
- Hillig 2004/2005 chemotaxonomy & terpene studies
- Multiple whole-genome papers 2021–2025
Bottom line: “Sativa” and “Indica” on seed packs today only describe
plant shape & effects — not real genetics.
Reminder: All cannabis seeds are sold exclusively as adult souvenirs.
Germination is illegal in the UK without a Home Office licence.
Germination is illegal in the UK without a Home Office licence.