Cannabis Cultivar Glossary: Understanding Strains

Cannabis Cultivar: Marijuana Variety Definition

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In cannabis cultivation, a cultivar represents a plant variety that's been selectively bred to express specificcharacteristics. These varieties - commonly called strains in dispensaries - are the result of generations of carefulbreeding aimed at producing consistent traits like potency, flavor profiles, and growth patterns.

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Cannabis cultivars are what give us the incredible diversity you see in modern marijuana. Blue Dream, OG Kush, GirlScout Cookies - each represents a distinct genetic line with its own cannabinoid ratios, terpene profiles, and effects.The differences between cultivars can be dramatic. One variety might produce energizing, cerebral effects while anotherdelivers heavy body relaxation. Some cultivars smell distinctly of citrus or pine, others carry notes of fuel or earth.

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The science behind cultivar development involves selecting parent plants with desirable traits and crossing them tocreate offspring that combine those characteristics. Breeders might spend years stabilizing a new cultivar, ensuring itproduces consistent results every time it's grown. This genetic stability is crucial - patients and consumers need toknow that purchasing the same cultivar twice will deliver similar effects.

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For cultivators, understanding cultivars goes beyond just picking popular names. Different varieties have vastlydifferent requirements. Some cultivars thrive indoors under controlled conditions, while others need outdoorenvironments to reach their potential. Flowering times vary from 7 to 14 weeks depending on genetics. Height, yield,nutrient needs, pest resistance - all these factors change dramatically between cultivars.

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The medical cannabis community particularly benefits from cultivar diversity. Specific cannabinoid and terpenecombinations can target different symptoms. A high-CBD cultivar might help with inflammation without intoxication, whilea balanced THC/CBD variety could manage pain while maintaining functionality. Even recreational users benefit fromunderstanding cultivars, as it helps them find varieties that match their tolerance levels and desired experiences.

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The whole point of having distinct cultivars is consistency. Nobody wants to buy the same strain twice and getcompletely different effects. That's why breeders spend years stabilizing their genetics - making sure that when yougrow their seeds, you get what's advertised on the tin. Same cannabinoid profiles, same terpene combinations, samegeneral experience every time.

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For growers, cultivars are everything. You can't just throw random seeds in the ground and hope for the best. Differentvarieties have wildly different needs. Some cultivars finish flowering in 8 weeks while others take 12. Some grow talland lanky, others stay short and bushy. Pick the wrong cultivar for your setup and you're in for a disappointingharvest.

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Consumers benefit from this variety too. Got chronic pain? There's a cultivar for that. Need to stay focused during theday? Different cultivar. Want to zone out and watch movies? Yep, there's one for that too. The diversity in cannabiscultivars means there's pretty much something for everyone - you just need to know what you're looking for.

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Understanding what makes each cultivar unique isn't just for cannabis nerds either. If you're using marijuanamedicinally or even recreationally, knowing the difference between cultivars helps you find what actually works for youinstead of just grabbing whatever's on sale.

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FAQ

What is a cannabis cultivar?

A cannabis cultivar is a specific variety that's been bred for certain characteristics. You know how there are different types of apples - Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala? Same concept with cannabis. Breeders select plants with traits they want - maybe it's high THC, a particular smell, or resistance to mold - and breed them together until those traits become stable.

The word cultivar comes from "cultivated variety," which tells you exactly what it is. These aren't wild plants; they're varieties humans have created through selective breeding. In the cannabis world, people usually just say "strain," but cultivar is the proper horticultural term. Each one has its own genetic fingerprint that determines how much THC or CBD it produces, what terpenes it contains, and basically everything about how it grows and affects you.

How are cannabis cultivars developed?

Creating a new cultivar isn't quick. Breeders start by finding parent plants with traits they want to combine. Maybe one parent has incredible potency but tastes terrible, while another has amazing flavor but low THC. Cross them together and you might get offspring with both high potency and great taste - if you're lucky.

The breeder grows out hundreds or sometimes thousands of seeds from that cross. Most won't be anything special. But occasionally, you find that one plant that has exactly what you're looking for. That's just the beginning though. Now you've got to stabilize those genetics, which means breeding that plant with itself or its siblings over multiple generations. We're talking years of work here. Eventually, if everything goes right, you end up with seeds that reliably produce plants with those specific traits. That's your new cultivar.

Some breeders take shortcuts with tissue culture or other techniques, but the traditional way still involves a lot of patience, space, and knowing what the hell you're doing genetically.

What is the difference between a cannabis cultivar and a cannabis strain?

Honestly? In everyday conversation, there's no difference. People use strain and cultivar to mean the same thing - a specific variety of cannabis with its own characteristics. Walk into any dispensary and ask about cultivars, they'll know you mean strains.

But if we're being precise, cultivar is the scientifically correct term. It comes from botany and horticulture. Strain technically refers to bacteria and viruses in microbiology, not plants. Cannabis folks started using "strain" decades ago and it stuck, even though it's not really accurate.

Some people in the industry are trying to switch to cultivar because it sounds more professional and scientific. Makes sense - as cannabis becomes more mainstream and regulated, using proper terminology helps legitimize the industry. But old habits die hard, and most people still say strain. Use whichever term you want; everyone will know what you mean.

Why is genetic lineage important in cannabis cultivars?

Genetic lineage is everything in cannabis. It determines whether a plant produces 15% THC or 25%, whether it smells like lemons or skunks, whether it helps with anxiety or makes it worse. Every characteristic traces back to genetics.

For growers, knowing the lineage helps predict how a plant will behave. If a cultivar has Afghani genetics, it'll probably be short and hardy. Thai genetics? Expect a tall plant that takes forever to finish flowering. This stuff matters when you're planning a grow operation.

Consumers should care about lineage too. If you love OG Kush, you'll probably enjoy other cultivars in that genetic family. Had a bad experience with a certain lineage? You can avoid related cultivars. Plus, understanding genetics helps you spot bullshit. Some sellers claim their product is a famous cultivar when it's really just something similar. Knowing the real genetic background protects you from getting ripped off.

Breeders obsess over lineage because it's their roadmap for creating new cultivars. You can't breed effectively if you don't know what genetics you're working with.

How do I choose the right cannabis cultivar for my needs?

Start with what you're trying to achieve. Need pain relief? Look for cultivars high in CBD or with specific terpenes like myrcene. Want energy and focus? Cultivars with limonene and pinene might work better. Trying to sleep? Different cultivars entirely.

Don't just chase THC percentages. A 30% THC cultivar isn't automatically better than one at 18%. The overall cannabinoid and terpene profile matters more for the actual experience. Some of the best cultivars test relatively low but have amazing effects because of how all the compounds work together.

If you're growing, consider your setup first. Indoor grows need cultivars that stay compact and finish quickly. Outdoor growers in humid climates better pick something mold-resistant. No point falling in love with a cultivar that won't thrive in your environment.

Trial and error is part of the process. Keep notes on what works and what doesn't. Everyone's endocannabinoid system is different, so what works great for your friend might do nothing for you. Start with popular, well-reviewed cultivars in the category you're interested in, then branch out from there. Most dispensaries have staff who can point you in the right direction based on what you're after.

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