Cannabis sativa L. is a cosmopolitan species which is widely distributed around the world, and this collective name is used to denote various botanical forms. Two varieties have economic significance: Cannabis sativa var. sativa and Cannabis sativa var. indica. They are commonly referred to as industrial cannabis/hemp and medicinal cannabis/medicinal marijuana, respectively. This paper reviews the available literature on the botanical aspects, cultivation, productivity, industrial applications, medicinal properties and environmental impacts of cannabis which influence agronomic standards for field cultivation of cannabis in north-eastern Europe. The processing suitability of cannabis is determined by the proportions of the major cannabinoids: Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis with low THC content is generally grown for industrial purposes, whereas cannabis with high THC content is cultivated for pharmaceutical applications. The existing knowledge on the cultivation of medicinal cannabis is fragmented, and the agronomic requirements of medicinal cannabis grown under field conditions in Europe have never been explored. This study describes the seeds, soil requirements, fertilization regimes, harvest of plants/herbage and the environmental benefits of medicinal cannabis grown in the field. Besides, it shows the quality parameters of medicinal cannabis and environmental aspects. The seeds contain oil, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Owing to the content of cannabinoids cannabis plants have unique medicinal properties.

23.3.2018