As the Vermont cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, it’s important now more than ever to be educated on genetics so that you choose the right products that work best for you.
Here at Zenbarn Farms, we offer a unique destination for cannabis products and cannabis education. We’re devoutly passionate about providing the necessary resources to help you make informed choices around which products serve you best.
In our most recent blog, we explored the terms ‘indica’ and ‘sativa’ and broke down whether or not they really matter for your consumption experience.
In this blog, we’re discussing the different types of cultivars so that you can choose your most ideal products from an educated place. By breaking down their origins, we’ll learn what sets them apart from one another.
No matter where you are in your cannabis journey, we believe that knowledge is key to unlocking the full potential of cannabis. Follow along as we break down all things cultivars.
What Are Cannabis Cultivars & Why Do They Matter?
A cultivar (AKA cultivated variety) is a group of plants that carry common, distinguishable characteristics. This term has been used to describe other variations of plants in biology. For example, apples have cultivars such as fuji, pink lady, etc.
In cannabis, cultivars are specific strains of the cannabis plant that have been selectively bred by growers for their unique characteristics, such as flavor, aroma, potency, and medicinal effects. They can vary quite widely in their chemical composition, growth patterns, and overall effects. This is especially important and useful for personal preference and medical use.
Some cultivars are associated with energizing or stimulating effects, while others are more relaxing or sedating depending on their unique characteristics and chemical composition.
What are the types of Cultivars?
Cultivars, also known as cannabis strains, are generally categorized into three main types: sativa, indica, and hybrid.
Sativa cultivars are associated with uplifting and energizing effects, which is why they are commonly consumed in the daytime. These strains are often produce a “head high” used to enhance focus, creativity, or social interaction. Sativa plants grow tall and thin, and they take longer to mature.
Indica cultivars, on the other hand, are known for their potentially relaxing effects, making them ideal for evening use or for unwinding after a long day. They tend to produce a “body high,” which can help with pain relief, insomnia, and anxiety. Indica plants are typically shorter and bushier with broad leaves.
Hybrid cultivars are a blend of both indica and sativa strains, offering a balanced experience that can lean either more relaxing or more stimulating depending on the cultivar’s dominant traits. Hybrids are versatile and can be tailored to individual preferences, whether someone seeks energy, calm, or something in between.
It’s important to note that most modern cannabis strains are hybrids unless they are labeled “landrace”, which means they are purely sativa or indica. However, these terms are still used to help cultivators and consumers know what to expect from a given cultivar.
What is the difference between variety and cultivar?
The terms “cultivar” and “variety” are often used interchangeably, but they are two different concepts.
A variety refers to a naturally occurring subset of a cannabis species that has developed specific characteristics through natural selection. These differences can include traits like plant size, leaf shape, or cannabinoid profile. Varieties happen without human intervention and are found in the wild, often as the plant has adapted to specific climates or regions.
On the other hand, a cultivar in cannabis refers to a plant that has been selectively bred and cultivated by humans to emphasize certain desirable traits, such as THC or CBD content, terpene profiles, or yield. Cultivars are the result of controlled breeding programs where growers cross plants to create new strains with specific attributes.
Basically, a variety is a naturally occurring type of cannabis, and a cultivar is a human-engineered strain, developed to meet specific needs or preferences in the cannabis market.
The Chemical Composition of Cultivars
One of the most important factors that differentiates cannabis cultivars is their chemical composition. Different cultivars can contain varying levels of chemical compounds such as THC, CBD, and terpenes. Let’s dive into these below.
- THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It is responsible for the “high” that people experience when using cannabis.
Some cultivars are bred specifically to have high levels of THC, while others may have very low levels.
- CBD is another primary compound found in cannabis. It is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have a multitude of health benefits.
Some cultivars are bred to have high levels of CBD, making them useful for treating conditions such as chronic pain, and anxiety.
- Terpenes are a group of compounds that are responsible for the unique flavor and aroma profiles of different cultivars. They also interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to produce the overall effects of a particular cultivar.
For example, the terpene myrcene is associated with sedative effects, while limonene is associated with energizing effects.
How Are New Cannabis Strains Developed?
Cannabis cultivars are developed through a process known as selective breeding, which involves selecting parents that have characteristics of interest in the hope that their offspring inherit those desirable characteristics.
There are several techniques that growers use to select and develop new strains, including pheno-hunting and crossing:
- Pheno hunting is the process of selecting plants with desirable characteristics from a batch of seeds. This involves growing a large number of plants and then carefully observing and testing them for traits such as potency, flavor, and aroma.
Once a plant with desirable traits has been identified, it can be cloned and propagated to create a new cultivar with those same characteristics.
- Crossing involves breeding two different cultivars together to create a new hybrid strain. This is typically done by first selecting male and female plants, then allowing them to pollinate each other.
The resulting offspring will inherit traits from both parent plants, creating a unique new cultivar.
- Growers may also use other techniques such as backcrossing to create new cultivars with specific characteristics.
Backcrossing involves crossing a hybrid plant with one of its parent plants in order to reinforce certain traits such as flavors, aromas, effects, etc.
Explore Cultivars at Zenbarn – Waterbury, Vermont’s Premier Dispensary!
In conclusion, understanding the differences between cultivars can help you find the perfect option to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, creativity, or pain relief, there’s sure to be a cultivar that’s perfect for you.
Looking for Vermont marijuana dispensaries at which to begin or continue your cultivar journey? Look no further. Come explore the wonderful world of cultivars today at Zenbarn Farms Waterbury Center, Vermont Dispensary and discover your new favorite!
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*Be sure to consult your physician before making any changes to your health or fitness regimen. Products sold by Zenbarn Farms are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
