Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous plant in the Cannabis genus, a species of the Cannabaceae family.People have cultivated Cannabis sativa throughout recorded history as a source of industrial fibre, seed oil, food, recreation, religious and spiritual moods, and medicine.Each part of the plant is harvested differently, depending on the purpose of its use.The species was first classified by Carolus Linnaeus in 1753.eople have cultivated Cannabis sativa throughout recorded history as a source of industrial fibre, seed oil, food, recreation, religious and spiritual moods, and medicine. Each part of the plant is harvested differently, depending on the purpose of its use. The species was first classified by Carolus Linnaeus in 1753.