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The Plant

It has been called everything from ‘green gold’ to ‘the Devil’s weed’, but what is Cannabis Sativa L.? You can see for yourself in our Garden Exhibit, where real plants flourish!

‘Cannabis’ is the name given to the plant itself. ‘Sativa’ simply means ‘sown’, and is used to indicate the common or cultivated form of a plant. The ‘L.’ refers to Carolus Linneaeus, the Swedish botanist who first gave this common yet celebrated herb its scientific classification in 1753.

Three Main Types of Cannabis

Since then, two more main types of cannabis have been identified: Cannabis Indica was classified in 1785 and Cannabis Ruderalis in 1924. Both are sub-species of the Cannabis Sativa family, and the three types are distinguished by the very different characteristics and traits they display.

Cannabis or Hemp?

From huge fibre-producing industrial hemp plants to the most potent of medicinal strains, the entire spectrum may be accurately referred to as ‘cannabis’, or even ‘hemp’(though this is a more archaic usage), as all types are of the same species (just as Great Danes and Chihuahuas may both be called ‘dogs’).

To avoid confusion, this site uses the term ‘hemp’ when referring to the industrial crop, and ‘cannabis’ to mean the medicinal and recreational varieties with a high cannabinoid content.


The Cannabaceae Family

Cannabis is part of the Cannabaceae family of flowering plants. These plants are wind-pollinated, and are usually dioecious (producing distinct male and female plants). Hops are in the same family, and a more distant relatives include figs, mulberries and the common stinging nettle.

Cannabis Sativa

Fruity Juice, a classic Cannabis Sativa strain

Cannabis Sativa strains are the taller, more slender plants which were originally native to the tropics. Sativa plants take longer to bloom, have a more open flower structure and impart a more uplifting effect.


Cannabis Sativa

Cannabis Indica

Shiva Shanti, a classic Cannabis Indica strain

Indica strains are sturdy, sweet-smelling and comparatively short. They have thick, clustered flowers, a short blooming period and a more relaxing effect when consumed.


Cannabis Indica

Cannabis Ruderalis

Ruderalis Indica, a classic Cannabis Ruderalis strain

Cannabis Ruderalis is noted for its ability to flower automatically, independent of the light-cycle. Pure Ruderalis strains often have lower levels of THC but relatively high levels of other cannabinoids.


Cannabis Ruderalis


Opening hours AMS
10:00 - 22:00

€ 9 per adult
Free for children

Oudezijds Achterburgwal 148


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