Strain vs. Cultivar - What’s the Difference?

The cannabis industry has been using the term “strain” for ages to describe the different types of cannabis. However, over the years, experts have deemed it outdated, and a more accurate term has come to light - cultivar. In this blog post, we will explore the difference between strain and cultivar and how using the latter term is a more suitable way of labeling cannabis.

Blog Body:

What is Strain?

The term strain became widely used in the cannabis industry to describe different cannabis types. However, it has no scientific foundation and its use is incorrect. The word is most commonly used when referencing viruses or bacteria with genetic mutations, such as COVID-19 or influenza. These mutations cause the virus or bacteria to behave abnormally, which is not the case with cannabis. Cannabis breeders and growers are only working with heredity variations to unlock each plant's full potential. Therefore, it doesn't make sense to use the word “strain” when labeling cannabis.

What is Cultivar?

Cultivar is a hybrid word of cultivated and variety, and it is the scientific term for labeling different cannabis plants. Cultivar represents a plant that has been cultivated to have specific characteristics, such as its physical appearance or effects after consumption. The cultivar used in the cannabis industry has been used to describe a plant's genetics and how those genetics have been selectively bred to provide maximum potency, flavor and aroma.

Strain vs. Cultivar: Understanding the Difference

The difference between strain and cultivar can be simplified by how they describe variations. The word strain implies that a plant has mutated from its original genetics, while cultivar encompasses selective breeding methods by humans to produce a positive outcome in crops. For example, an apple orchard farmer would grow an identical apple to the one they grew last year, with the same sweetness, crispness and texture, but in a larger yield. Whereby, a cannabis cultivator would breed plants to be stronger, more potent or flavorful, giving some cultivars more awe-inspiring names such as "Gorilla Glue" or "Blue Dream."

Why Use Cultivar?

Using the term cultivar is the most accurate way of describing different strains of cannabis. The word strain lacks scientific foundation and misleads consumers into thinking a cannabis plant is genetically mutated. The cultivar is not only more accurate in labeling different cannabis varieties but can also reflect the quality of the plant and the methods used to grow it. This means when you are purchasing cannabis products that use the cultivar label, you are getting precise information about what you're about to consume.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the word strain is outdated and leads to misconceptions about the genetic makeup of cannabis. While the term strain is still in use, the use of cultivar is becoming more prominent in labeling different cannabis plants. Cultivar is a more accurate way to describe the different cannabis varieties, reflecting the quality and methods used to produce them. Therefore, using the term cultivar instead of strain ensures that consumers are getting precise information about what they are consuming. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, so too will the language we use to describe its products, but for now, let’s embrace the cultivation of cannabis cultivars!