The Cannabis Plant - Everything You Need to Know About Hemp

The cannabis plant, commonly known as the hemp plant, has its roots in the regions of Central Asia, particularly in the areas of the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush. These regions, which include parts of modern countries such as India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal, are home to the original wild forms of the cannabis plant, classified as Cannabis sativa subsp. indica and Cannabis sativa subsp. afghanica.

The history of the cannabis plant goes back thousands of years, and its connection to human culture is close and varied. Even in antiquity, various cultures recognised the versatility of this plant and began to cultivate it. People discovered the numerous uses of cannabis, ranging from the production of ropes and textiles to the use of its psychoactive properties for ritual, medicinal and recreational purposes [1]. The plant spread to different parts of the world through trade, migration and colonial expeditions. In some regions it became an important agricultural product and an essential part of economic and cultural identity. Today cannabis, also known as marijuana, is grown all over the world, in various climate zones and geographical regions. Numerous strains and subspecies have been developed to meet the specific conditions and requirements in different parts of the world. This plant has a long and rich history of human use and cultivation and remains a significant crop in many fields [1]. From the medical use of cannabinoids such as CBD and THC to the industrial use of hemp fibres and seeds, the cannabis plant has had a lasting impact on human society [1].

How is the cannabis plant structured?

The cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa) is an annual, mostly dioecious utility plant with palmate, serrated leaves. Its structure is divided into root, angular stem, fan leaves and flowers. Only female plants form the resinous inflorescences covered with trichomes. It goes through germination, vegetative growth and flowering phase before it is ready for harvest after about three to five months.

The life cycle of cannabis plants

The life cycle of the cannabis plant is an extremely complex process consisting of three main phases, namely the germination phase, the vegetative growth phase and the flowering phase [2]. These phases are crucial to the plant's entire development process and are closely linked to various external environmental factors as well as to the genetic make-up of the plant itself [2]. During the germination phase, the life of the cannabis plant unfolds from a tiny seed. In this phase, the seed develops a root and a shoot, which form the basis for future growth [2]. Here, the quality of the soil and the right moisture are crucial, as this supports the seed in forming its first roots [2]. The vegetative growth phase is a time of intensive growth and of focus on building a strong stem as well as lush leaves [2]. The main goal in this phase is to develop a vigorous and resilient plant capable of making maximum use of sunlight for photosynthesis [2]. During this time the plant usually becomes larger and bushier as it prepares for the development of flowers. The flowering phase marks the next moment in the life cycle of the cannabis plant. In this phase the plants begin to produce flowers, which are responsible for the formation of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. The duration and intensity of the flowering phase depend on the photoperiod, that is, on the ratio of light to darkness [2]. This aspect can vary depending on the cannabis type (Indica, Sativa, Ruderalis) and the specific growing conditions [2]. Growers have to control the lighting precisely in order to determine the optimal time for harvest. The cannabis plant's ability to adapt to different environmental conditions makes growing cannabis both a demanding and a rewarding task for growers and researchers alike [2].

Difference between male and female cannabis plants

Distinguishing between male and female crops is crucial when it comes to the production of cannabinoid-rich flowers [2]. The two sexes have different functions and can contribute to the development and harvest of high-quality cannabis [2]. Male cannabis plants are mainly responsible for the production of pollen. Their main purpose is to pollinate female plants in order to enable reproduction [2]. The pollen produced by the male plants contains the male sex cells and is transported to the female flowers by the wind or insects. Once pollination has taken place, the female plants begin to form seeds. These female plants form dense, resin-rich flowers that are rich in cannabinoids such as THC and CBD [2]. The unpollinated female cannabis plants do not produce seeds, but instead concentrate on the production of cannabinoids and resin [2].

Can you grow cannabis?

Growing cannabis is possible under certain conditions and has been legalised in some countries and regions [3]. Successful cultivation requires a deep understanding of plant biology, the life cycle and the specific requirements of cannabis plants. Factors such as light, water, nutrients and ambient temperature are crucial here [3]. One of the most important considerations when growing cannabis is paying attention to the difference between male and female plants. Female plants are usually the ones that produce high-quality cannabinoid-rich flowers, while male plants mainly produce pollen and serve to pollinate female plants [2]. Selecting the appropriate strains, including Cannabis Indica, Sativa and hybrid strains, is also significant [3]. Each strain has its own growth characteristics, effects and requirements [3]. The choice of the right strain depends on the goals of cultivation, whether for medical cannabis, recreational use as an intoxicant or industrial applications [3]. In addition, cannabis plants must receive optimal conditions for light, water and nutrients [3].

Is this legal in Germany? (as of 2026)

Cannabis has been legal in Germany for adults under clear limits since the Consumer Cannabis Act (KCanG) of 1 April 2024 – unchanged as of 2026. The most important key points:

• Possession: up to 25 g when out and about, up to 50 g at home.
• Home cultivation: up to 3 plants per adult person, protected from access by minors.
• Consumption bans: not within sight of schools, children's and youth facilities, playgrounds and sports venues.
• Passing on & sale remain prohibited.

This is a general overview and not legal advice. For accessories such as filters, papers or grinders these limits do not apply – smoking accessories are freely available.

Sources

[1] CBD-Deal

[2] Drugcom

[3] Barmer

How do you recognise a cannabis plant?

You recognise a cannabis plant by its palmate leaves with usually five to nine serrated individual fingers and its strong, angular stem.

The fan leaves are characteristic: on young plants they are arranged oppositely, later alternately, and consist of narrow fingers serrated at the edges. Pure indica types grow rather low and bushy with broad leaves, sativa types tall and slender with narrow fingers. The stem is angular, often slightly hairy and becomes woody as it grows larger. From the leaf axils, the inflorescences form on the female plant, densely covered with sticky resin glands and giving off an intense scent. Cannabis can be confused with harmless plants such as maple or cinquefoil, whose leaves, however, are neither serrated-fingered nor resinous. Most reliably, you recognise a mature plant by the typical structure of main stem, side shoots and the resinous flower tips, also called buds.

Which growth phases does the cannabis plant go through?

The cannabis plant goes through four main phases: germination, seedling phase, vegetative growth and flowering – followed by harvest and drying.

From sowing to harvest, it takes about three to five months depending on the strain and conditions. The process is structured as follows:

1. Germination (around 3–10 days): The seed opens, the radicle and cotyledons appear.
2. Seedling phase (about 1–3 weeks): The first true fan leaves form, the plant remains sensitive.
3. Vegetative phase (several weeks): With a long day of light, the plant grows vigorously in height and leaf mass.
4. Flowering phase (about 6–10 weeks): When the day of light shortens, female plants form their resinous flowers.
5. Harvest and drying: Once the trichomes are milky-cloudy, the flowers are cut, dried and cured.

Male or female plant: what's the difference?

Female plants form the resin-rich flowers, male plants on the other hand pollen sacs – for flower production only the female ones count.

The sex shows at the end of the vegetative phase in the so-called pre-flowers in the leaf axils. Female plants form small, teardrop-shaped calyxes with two fine, white hairs (pistils). Male plants develop round pollen sacs hanging in small clusters. For flower production, only the female plants are of interest, because only they form the resinous buds. If they are pollinated by male pollen, they put energy into seed formation instead of into the flower. For this reason, growers usually remove male plants early or reach for feminised seeds, which deliver almost exclusively female plants. Rarely, under stress a plant shows both sex organs (intersex or hermaphrodite) – such specimens can pollinate unintentionally and are likewise sorted out.

Where are THC and CBD located in the plant?

THC and CBD form in the trichomes, the tiny resinous glandular hairs on the female flowers and the surrounding small leaves.

Trichomes are mushroom-shaped glandular hairs that give the flowers their crystalline shimmer. In their heads the cannabinoids are formed – above all THC and CBD – as well as the terpenes that provide smell and aroma. THC is considered psychoactive, CBD is not intoxicating; the proportions vary greatly depending on the strain. Ripeness can be read from the colour of the trichomes: at first they are clear, then become milky-cloudy and finally amber-coloured. Many people take their bearings for the harvest time from this change of colour. Because the resin glands are sensitive, flowers are handled gently so that as many trichomes as possible are preserved. How strong a strain turns out depends, besides genetics, also on light, nutrients and the chosen harvest time.

Cannabis, hemp and marijuana: what's the difference?

Cannabis, hemp and marijuana denote the same plant genus – the difference lies in strain type and use, not in different plants.

Botanically, all belong to the genus Cannabis (mostly Cannabis sativa). In everyday language, the term hemp stands above all for the low-THC utility strains grown for fibres, seeds, oil and food – approved industrial hemp contains only very little THC in the EU. Marijuana – in Italian 'marijuana', hence the frequent search for 'pianta di marijuana' – on the other hand means the dried flowers and leaves of THC-rich strains. So these are not different plants, but different uses and strain types of the same genus. 'Grass' or 'weed' also colloquially denote the dried flower material. Anyone searching online for 'marijuana pianta' or 'cannabis pianta' generally means simply the cannabis plant with its typical fingered leaves and resinous flowers.

Are you allowed to grow cannabis plants in Germany?

Since the Consumer Cannabis Act (KCanG) of 1 April 2024, adults in Germany may grow up to three cannabis plants at a time for private personal use.

Cultivation is permitted exclusively for the private personal use of adults; sale and passing on remain prohibited. The plants and the harvested supply must be stored so that they are protected from access by children and adolescents. The possession limits are also important: roughly 25 grams when out and about and up to 50 grams at home are permitted. Near schools, day-care centres and playgrounds, additional consumption bans apply, and regional regulations may differ. This section is a general overview and does not replace legal advice – when in doubt, it is worth looking at the current legal text or seeking expert advice. Anyone who grows should inform themselves precisely about the applicable rules beforehand, as details can change.