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Those new to the world of cannabis might have heard the question -‘What is cultivar?’ or ‘What is strain?’ When you are cultivating cannabis, you need to understand the differences between strain and cultivar. Otherwise, you would not be able to produce what you want. Even when you are going to try cannabis, knowing the difference will help a lot.
In general, strain refers to a cannabis plant that might have a unique quality different than other plants. On the other hand, cultivar means cultivating a cannabis plant by selecting different breeds of cannabis plants.
Let’s discuss them in the following section in detail.
What Is a Cannabis Strain?
Cannabis plants in different locations have different characteristics. For example, the native cannabis plant in the UK will be different from the plants in India. Because of their unique characteristics, they are called strains.
When breeders try to combine two different characteristics from two different strains into one plant, they crossbreed, and the new type of plant is called a hybrid. The cannabis you might see available on the market is a hybrid. In colloquial terms, people call them strains.
Needless to say, it is not exactly the accurate term to call a strain. If you want to call it with an accurate term, you should call it a cultivar.
But why call it cultivar? Let’s find that out.
What Is a Cannabis Cultivar?
A cultivar is a cannabis plant that has been cultivated through a selective breeding approach. The main reason for cultivating the cannabis plant is to develop a new breed that has the unique quality of two or more different plants.
If you ask the difference between cultivar vs strain, it is simple.
A cannabis strain refers to the genetic quality of a cannabis plant that was naturally present in the plant from the beginning. On the other hand, a cultivar is a plant that has been cultivated (hybridised) to have the best quality of multiple plants.
The good quality of a cultivar is to have copious resin, which means that it would have an abundant, thick layer of trichomes. These mushroom-shaped glands (on the surface of the cannabis plant), which you can only see through a microscope, contain the highest amount of cannabinoids.
Besides, a cultivar will have excellent aroma, colour, and shape.
| Aspect | Strain (Common Use) | Cultivar (Scientific Use) |
|---|---|---|
| Field of Use | Cannabis marketing, retail | Botanical classification |
| Accuracy | Informal/colloquial | Scientifically accurate |
| Genetic Stability | Not guaranteed | Requires genetic consistency |
| Used for | Effects/flavour descriptions | Breeding and cultivation documentation |
Table 1: Strain vs Cultivar – Core Differences
How Do Phenotypes Fit Into This?
Phenotype is a term from genetics. It refers to the set of characteristics that can be observed in an organism. In the context of cannabis, phenotypes are the visible characteristics of a cultivar.
For example, if a cultivar has unique aroma, shape, and colour of flowers – these are called phenotypes. When breeders crossbreed, they choose plants based on their phenotypes. The colour of the buds, the shape of the plant, the concentration of cannabinoids, and other phenotypes inspire the breeders to cultivate new breeds.
The new cultivar may have one or both types of phenotypes.
Why the Confusion Between Strain and Cultivar Exists
Most people still don’t know what a strain or cultivar is due to a lack of knowledge about cannabis. In the UK, cannabis is illegal to carry or possess. Even if you carry cannabis for medical purposes, you will have to have a prescription for the same.
So, people do not openly discuss cannabis or know which terminology to use to describe a particular thing. Even though the term strain is widely popular in pop culture to refer to cannabis varieties, it is incorrect terminology.
The term ‘strain’ is more suitable to describe viruses. Cultivar is a more suitable term to describe the cultivated, hybridised cannabis plants.
Why This Matters – For Consumers and Growers
People must understand the difference between strain and cultivar when talking about cannabis. The right terminology for the right product will ensure that people are getting the right product for their use.
Moreover, those who want to cultivate cannabis should call the product with appropriate terminology. If every detail of the plant is termed with appropriate names, it can yield a more accurate product.
Cannabis with different types of characteristics can be termed by different names, which will help to identify each type of product with specific names. In the UK, cannabis-based medicine is also in use. In the future, we might see recreational use of cannabis. With the right name for the right product, you can experience exactly what you want.
Popular Cannabis Cultivars to Explore
If you are looking to try some of the unique and popular varieties of cannabis, head to our online store. Check out the following varieties and see if any of them suit your taste.
Choose any of the cannabis varieties depending on their percentage of Sativa and Indica.
Should We Stop Using “Strain” Altogether?
It is still not clear if it would be better to stop using ‘Strain’ completely. Because most users still use the term to mean varieties of cannabis. However, the term cultivar can be used sometimes alternatively.
Once people understand the meaning of cultivar, it will be easier to replace ‘strain’ with the term cultivar. Then it will be easier for both the users and the breeder to understand what is meant.
Strain or Cultivar – Which one to Use?
Cannabis strain or cultivar are similar things, but the first one is used rather mistakenly. Strain is more appropriate for viruses to refer to viruses with different characteristics. On the other hand, cultivar is the appropriate term for cannabis plants that are cultivated.
You might see that most cannabis varieties are called strains, but you might start calling them cultivars and ask others to do the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does It Make Any Difference if I Don’t Use the Correct Term When Buying Cannabis?
It may not directly impact your buying experience if you don’t use the correct term when buying cannabis, but it will ensure the type of cannabis you want to buy. If more people start using the correct term, everyone will start recognising the cannabis characteristics correctly.
Is the Term ‘cultivar’ Only Used for Cannabis?
No, the term ‘cultivar’ is generally used in the field of horticulture to refer to selective breeding. People also use the term to refer to other plants like apple cultivars, rose cultivars, etc.
Why is Genetics Important in Calling a Cannabis Plant a Strain or Cultivar?
Genetics is important because it causes the development of the unique characteristics of cannabis plants, called strains. The best strains are then picked and harvested to create a new cultivar.
Should I Look for ‘strain’ or ‘cultivar’ When Ordering Online?
As the term ‘cultivar’ is not yet popularised enough, you might see the term ‘strain’ when ordering from online stores. It is very unlikely that you will see both ‘cultivar’ and ‘strain’ when ordering online.