The EVOLUTION Magazine May 2022 | Page 24

Madness & Merriment

A History of Cannabis Strain Names

◄ Continued from page 12
Knowing whether a strain is Sativa-dominant ( narrow-leaf ) or indica-dominant ( broad-leaf ) can help identify a strain ’ s origin .
Notice the differences of the leaf widths . Sativa-dominant ( narrow-leaf ) Indica-dominant ( broad-leaf ) Flora Farms - Blue Dream
Flora Farms - Flo OG ( Photo credits Karla Deel )
● Sativas originated in areas with high heat and low rainfall near the equator , producing tall , slender plants with narrow leaves .
● Indica-dominant plants traditionally grew in mountainous , cooler regions and evolved into hardier , denser plants that could withstand extreme weather .
Both unique growing conditions helped produce the original cannabis terpenes we still love today .
The 1970s saw a big shift in cultivation where farmers in the United States were adapting old-world landraces to modern climates here , in essence , recreating new strains rooted to the new world . Interbreeding happened here out of a necessity to increase genetic diversity and adapt plants to our climates and consumer needs . At that time , most cultivation occurred outdoors , and cultivators sought out characteristics that could flourish here . The domestication of cannabis in North America altered the phenotypes , or observable characteristics , of the plant . We began seeing larger trichomes , increased cannabinoids , and branches more densely packed with flowers . This unnatural selection of optimal characteristics really opened a future of genetic play for modern growers , enabling them to continue to derive certain medicinal effects from the plants .
Whether or not you seek out the more well-known landraces or are adventurous with off-the-wall strains like Dondo of the Dead or SAP , remember that there is a story behind every strain , and you are actively participating in telling it as it unfolds before us . Keep experimenting . Keep exploring . Ask questions and dive in deep .
24 May 2022
Karla Deel is the Flora Farms Marketing Director , a writer , poet , and researcher , with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Media Arts from the University of Missouri-Kansas City . She ’ s published a book titled “ Storied & Scandalous Kansas City , a History of Corruption Mischief and a Whole Lot of Booze .” Deel also serves on the Jackson County Historical Society board , works in communications for the Friends of the Kansas City Public Library , and volunteers for several local nonprofits . Visit Karla at www . KarlaDeel . com .