Why do two cannabis plants from the same strain look and smoke completely differently?
The answer lies in the fascinating world of genotypes and phenotypes—two genetic concepts that shape every cannabis cultivar. While these terms are often used loosely in the industry, they have specific meanings that directly affect what you see, smell, and feel when enjoying your favorite flower.
In this guide from CEAS Collective, we’ll break down what genotypes and phenotypes really are, how they impact your cannabis experience, and why understanding them helps you better appreciate premium strains and how they’re bred.
🎥 Video: “Genotype vs. Phenotype in Cannabis – Explained Simply”
Cannabis Genotypes and Phenotypes: What’s the Difference? by Belle Mahrous
1. What Is a Genotype?
A genotype is the plant’s internal genetic code. Think of it as the blueprint—a full set of DNA instructions passed down from its parent strains that determines what the plant could become.
The genotype includes:
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Potential cannabinoid levels (e.g., THC, CBD, CBG)
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Possible terpene ranges (like limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene)
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Growth traits (height, leaf shape, yield)
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Resistance to pests, mold, or stress
Even though two seeds share a genotype, that doesn’t mean they’ll turn out the same. Their phenotypes—how those genes are expressed—are influenced by environment.
2. What Is a Phenotype?
A phenotype is the actual, observable result of the plant’s genetic code plus its environment. In other words, it’s how the plant turns out when it’s grown under specific conditions.
Phenotypes determine:
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Final bud structure and color
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Aroma and flavor
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Cannabinoid and terpene levels
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Flowering time and resin production
The same genetic seed (genotype) might produce different phenotypes based on how it's grown—indoor vs. outdoor, soil vs. hydroponics, etc.
3. Genotype vs. Phenotype: Simple Analogy
Let’s say you and your sibling have the same parents (same genetic makeup), but you eat different foods, live in different places, and do different activities. You both have the same potential, but you’ll develop different appearances and behaviors.
That’s how it works with cannabis.
4. Phenotypes in Practice: Why Strains Can Vary
Let’s say a breeder crosses Gelato 41 x Wedding Cake to create Jealousy Cake. From this genetic combination (genotype), they pop 100 seeds. Not all 100 will grow the same.
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Some plants might express creamy vanilla aromas
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Others may lean more earthy or gassy
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Bud shapes, trichome density, and effects will vary
Breeders hunt through these seeds to find the best phenotype, which becomes the cut or clone used in commercial grows.
➡️ Explore Jealousy Cake – Premium Hybrid
5. Why Phenohunting Matters
Phenohunting is the process of growing multiple seeds from a single cross and selecting standout plants. It’s a huge part of modern cannabis cultivation.
Breeders look for:
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Unique flavor or terpene combinations
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Higher cannabinoid production
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Faster flowering or better resistance
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Exceptional bag appeal and aroma
This is how iconic cuts like LA Kush Cake, Oreoz, or Tropical Z are developed. Every elite strain goes through multiple generations of phenotype testing and refinement.
➡️ Shop Tropical Z – 14g by Connected
6. How Environment Influences Phenotypes
Even with the same genetics, environmental conditions affect how traits are expressed. These include:
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Light (intensity, spectrum, hours)
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Soil or growing medium
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Temperature and humidity
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Nutrient availability
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Stress factors like pests or drought
That’s why clones of the same plant can have slight differences if grown in two different locations—phenotype expression is fluid.
7. Why This Matters to You as a Consumer
Understanding the genotype/phenotype relationship helps you:
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Know why the same strain can look different across brands or batches
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Appreciate the effort behind consistent, dialed-in flower
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Choose products based on effect and experience, not just name
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Value curated products from growers who hunt and stabilize the best phenos
At CEAS Collective, we source from farms that select and stabilize premium phenotypes—so every jar is top-tier, consistent, and potent.
➡️ Browse Curated Flower by CEAS
8. Examples of Strains Defined by Phenotypes
Ambrozia by Connected
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Genotype: Hybrid (exact lineage held proprietary)
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Phenotype: Creamy fruit funk, thick buds, mentally stimulating
➡️ Try Ambrozia – 14g Premium Hybrid
Nightshade by Connected
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Genotype: Indica-dominant
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Phenotype: Heady, relaxing high with earthy-gas profile
➡️ Explore Nightshade – 14g Indica
Each product represents intentional phenotype selection backed by lab testing and grower expertise.
9. Final Takeaways: Nature + Nurture = Your Weed
In the end:
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Genotype gives the plant its blueprint.
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Phenotype is how it expresses that blueprint in real life.
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Phenohunting is how breeders discover the best expressions of a genotype.
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Environmental conditions play a major role in phenotype outcomes.
For consumers and cultivators alike, understanding this distinction is key to choosing the right flower and appreciating the craftsmanship behind top-tier strains.
Learn More with CEAS Collective
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