‘Strains’
Explained
Cannabis plant classifi cations can be puzzling. What’s the
difference between sativa and indica? And where does the
CBD come from? The CANNAVIST fi nds out that what most
people know to be strains aren’t really strains at all.
Words by Lucy MacKinnon
Cannabis can be split into two classifi cations: hemp and
marijuana. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant’s
principle psychoactive and intoxicating compound, is the
defi ning characteristic that distinguishes hemp
from marijuana.
HEMP
MARIJUANA
However, the cannabis genus is not that
simple.
Gregor Zorn, co-founder of the European
Cannabinoid Therapy Association
and advisory board member of the
Masterclass Medicinal Cannabis told us:
“There is only one type of cannabis –
Cannabis Sativa L.”
Despite this, cannabis is also often
further categorized into sativa, indica
or ruderalis – which are commonly, and
incorrectly called ‘strains’.
These are not different species or strains
of cannabis; they are different varieties or
subspecies.
Hemp and marijuana can be any of
these three varieties, or a mixture,
known as a hybrid.
Gregor explains:
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LOW THC LEVELS HIGH THC LEVELS
Classif ied as cannabis
varieties that contain
a maximum of 0.3%
THC in dry weight Classif ied as cannabis
varieties that contain
more than 0.3% THC
in dry weight
“The term ‘strain’ is used for viruses and
bacteria, but not for plants; we have
strains of bacteria and strains of viruses
but no strains of plants.
“Despite the fact that it is widely used in
the cannabis lingo, it doesn’t mean that
it is correct or that we should be using it.
“A better alternative is a chemovar
(chemical variety), cultivar (cultivated
variety) or simply a variety of cannabis.”
These cultivars originally grew in
different climates and varied in effects,
growth pattern and appearance.