Cannabis shoppers commonly use the word strain. Growers and horticulture writers may use cultivar. Both can be useful.
Strain Is Normal Cannabis Vocabulary
“Strain” is deeply established in cannabis culture. Adults understand it.
Cultivar Is a Horticultural Term
Cultivar means cultivated variety. It focuses attention on the plant line rather than a guaranteed effect.
Familiar Names Can Appear Across Different Producers
Different producers may use different selections, cuts, cultivation methods and growing conditions. Products with similar names may still differ.
The Finished Flower Depends on More Than the Name
Genetics, cultivation, harvest, drying, curing and storage all influence the final product.
Names Do Not Guarantee Effects
A familiar cultivar or strain name should not be used as a guaranteed effect claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “strain” the wrong word?
No.
What does cultivar mean?
A cultivated plant variety.
Does the same strain name guarantee identical genetics?
No.
Can different producers grow the same named cultivar differently?
Yes.
Does the name guarantee an effect?
No.
Current Blouds Links
Related Resources
Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid
Indica, Sativa and Hybrid remain familiar cannabis labels, but modern cannabis genetics are heavily crossed.
Landrace vs Hybrid Cannabis
Learn what landrace and hybrid mean in cannabis genetics and why much modern cannabis has mixed ancestry.
