Cannabis genetics is a broad term that encompasses the unique combination of traits and characteristics that a cannabis plant inherits from its parents. Like humans, cannabis genetics can be both good (potency, large buds) and bad (albinism, stringy buds.) Fortunately, breeders and cultivators can use science to create strains with very specific characteristics from their parents and can use those genetics to manipulate its aroma, effects, and cannabinoid profile.
Cannabis Genetics: Terminology
Before we dive headfirst into cannabis genetics and why they matter, here are a few genetics-related terms you might be unfamiliar with:
- Gene: A section of DNA that’s responsible for producing a certain trait or characteristic.
- Phenotype: The physical appearance of the cannabis plant (size, shape, color.)
- Genotype: The specific DNA that’s responsible for the phenotype.
- Strain: A plant variety that’s selectively bred to bring out the desired characteristics. The technical word for this is “cultivar.”
- Cannabinoids: The chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant (read our in-depth blog here).
- Terpenes: Class of organic compounds that give plants their scent. Terpenes also influence the flavor and effects of cannabis strains. We also have a blog on terpenes.
Why Do Cannabis Genetics Matter?
Cannabis genetics are important because they, quite literally, make up the cannabis plant. They impact everything from the plant’s growth to its effects and medicinal properties. Breeders can then use a plant’s genetics to understand and optimize the plant for various uses, including optimizing it for both recreational and medicinal purposes. For example, a breeder may want to create an especially hardy strain for outdoor growing in difficult climates, or they may want to focus on creating a strain that’s lower in THC for medical reasons.
Strain Characteristics
Genetics influences the plant's traits, including its size, shape, and growth patterns. Some strains are bred to be compact for indoor cultivation, while others are designed to grow tall and robust outdoors.
Potency and Composition
As mentioned above, the levels of cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes can be meticulously controlled by a cannabis breeder. This way, the cultivar meets certain requirements, like achieving a particular potency or flavor profile.
Medicinal Uses
In a medical setting, cannabis has been used to treat a variety of disorders, including PTSD and anxiety. Breeders can use genetics to tailor a strain to a specific medical condition.
Flavor and Aroma
Cannabis connoisseurs often seek out certain strains for their distinct flavor profiles. For example, Gelato is known for its sweet and fruity flavors.
Disease Resistance
Breeders can use a plant’s genes to make it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors, which is particularly important for sun-grown strains.
Breeding and Innovation
Finally, genetics allows for the creation of new strains with desired characteristics, such as higher yields or unique effects, driving variety and innovation in the growing cannabis market.
Why Knowing Your Cultivar Matters
Understanding the genetic makeup of a cannabis strain is important because it allows users to track its lineage. For example, if a cannabis user has a negative experience with Johnny Glaze, they can check out its lineage (Gorilla Snacks x Ghost Rider x London Poundcake) and make every effort to avoid those specific strains that may be found within other cultivars. But, if they had a particularly pleasant experience with Tropstar, they could look for other strains that are cultivated from Tropicanna Cookies or Jedi Kush.
Our helpful budtenders will be more than happy to help you track down a specific strain in-store.
Popular Cannabis Strains & Their Lineage
Here is a quick look at some of the most popular cannabis strains and their lineage:
Gelato
Gelato is a cross between Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. Hundreds of strains use Gelato, including Do-Si-Gelato (Do-Si-Dos x Gelato) and Baklava (Wedding Cake x Gelato).
Do-Si-Dos
Also known as Dosido, Dosi Doe, and Dosi, Do-Si-Dos is a cross between Face-Off OG and Girl Scout Cookies. Some strains that include Do-Si-Dos are Citrus Rush (Skunk Tangerine x Dosido), Diesel Dough (Sour Diesel x Dosido), and Lost Cause (Amnesia Haze x Dosido.)
Runtz
Also called The Runtz OG, Runtz is a rare hybrid strain created by Runtz by crossing The Original Z with Gelato. Some Runtz strains include Apple Runtz (Apple Fritter x Runtz) and Zonuts (Runtz x Zuchi.)
Based on the above, if you have a particularly pleasant experience with Gelato, you may want to consider Runtz since Runtz is a cross between Gelato and The Original Z. Several lineage trackers are available online that can help you search the genetics of particular strains.
CULTA: Experts in Cannabis Genetics & Breeding
At CULTA, cannabis is our passion. We employ some of the best geneticists and breeders in the world and are proud of our consciously crafted flower, concentrates, and extracts. We are also on the cutting edge of cannabis technology and science. In 2021, we launched the first cannabis tissue culture program in Maryland. Through the program, we have banked the genetics of all our different strains, including patient favorites Dosido 22-22, Poochie Love, and Scooby Snacks #2. This allows our cultivators to preserve the genetics of our strains, almost perpetually, with minimal effort and impact on the environment.
It’s the future of cannabis cultivation, and we’re proud to move the needle forward. To learn more about our tissue culture program check out our blog and, to get your hands on your favorite strain, visit one of our dispensaries today.
