Cannabis strains

The two species of the Cannabis genus that are most commonly grown are Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa.[1] A third species, Cannabis ruderalis, is very short and produces only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and thus is not commonly grown for industrial, recreational or medicinal use. However, because Cannabis ruderalis flowers independently of the photoperiod and according to age, it has been used to breed autoflowering strains.[2]

Pure sativas are relatively tall (reaching as high as 4.5 meters), with long internodes and branches, and large, narrow-bladed leaves. Pure indica varieties are shorter and bushier, with wider leaflets. They are often favored by indoor growers for their size. Sativas bloom later than indicas, often taking a month or two longer to mature. The subjective effects of sativas and indicas are said to differ, but the ratio of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cannabidiol (CBD) in most named drug varieties of both types is similar (averaging about 200:1). Unlike most commercially developed strains, indica landraces exhibit plants with varying THC/CBD ratios.[3] Avidekel, a medical marijuana strain developed in Israel, has a very low content of THC but a high content of CBD, limiting its recreational value but maximizing medical effect.[4]

Sativa is known for being a more of a 'head high', energizing strain where psychoactivity is more common, whereas indica, is known for being more of a 'body high' that helps pain and is also used as a sedative.[5]

The informal designation sativa and indica may have various, controversial meanings. Morphologically, the name sativa designates tall plants with narrow leaves, while indica refers to short plants with wide leaves. Among the marijuana community however, sativa rather refers to equatorial varieties producing stimulating psychoactive effects (THC:CBD [almost equal to] 1), whereas indica-type plants from Central Asia are used for relaxing and sedative drugs (THC:CBD > 1) [8].[6]

There is an increasing discussion whether the existing paradigm of the difference between species adequately represents the variability found within the genus Cannabis.[7][8][9] There are five chemotaxonomic types of Cannabis: one with high levels of THC, one which is more fibrous and has higher levels of CBD, one that is an intermediate between the two, another one with high levels of cannabigerol (CBG), and the last one almost without cannabinoids.[10]

There has also been a recent movement [11] to characterize strains based on their reported subjective effects. For example, WoahStork has used machine learning algorithms to classify strains into six Distinct Activity groups.[12]

During the selective breeding process for medical marijuana, THC:CBD ratios are accounted for and accommodated to the needs of clients, preference/illness. Due to the large genetic diversity, different geographical climates and environments has caused there to be an wide range of strains and properties. THC is associated with the high part of the plant because it is psychoactive. However, CBD isn't psychoactive and has medicinal properties. While on the other hand CBD is the component that has a greater medicinal value for people not wanting the high feeling. Both benefit medicinally for patients and can be adjusted to any preferred ratio. THC is also only activated when gone through a heat process going from its original chemical structure THCA to THC. That is why hemp material can not produce any psychoactive effect since it has not gone through its process.[14][15][16]

In order for there to be genetic stability within a marijuana strain the breeder has to go through selection and breeding, pinpointing the dominant and recessive genes within the two strains being crossed. After analyzing offspring with the preferred traits a breeder is looking for, the breeder will select the preferred traits and continue to breed those offspring to create the desired final product. Selection is a crucial process for a breeder to create a strain, especially if a client is looking for something with specific plant traits the breeder has to ensure that the hybrid's genetic traits have been closed in enough so unwanted traits aren't expressed in future harvests.

In a retail market that is decriminalised such as in The Netherlands, where wholesale production is illegal but prosecutions are not always enforced because of the contradiction of the law that is recognised by the courts,[17] competition puts pressure on breeders to create increasingly attractive varieties to maintain market share. Breeders give their strains distinct and memorable names in order to help differentiate them from their competitors' strains, although they may in fact be very similar.

Popular strains are incorporated into new hybrids, which often bear a similar name to their parent. This phenomenon has occurred with Haze and Sour varieties, among others.

Acapulco Gold is a golden-leafed Cannabis sativa strain originally from the Acapulco area of southwest Mexico.[18][19][20]

Bedrocan is a medicinal cannabis variety cultivated from a Dutch medical marijuana Cannabis sativa L. strain, having a standardized content of THC (22%) and CBD (1%). It is currently cultivated by Bedrocan Nederland, Bedrocan Canada and Bedrocan Česká Republika. It was first introduced in 2003 and is dispensed through pharmacies after prescription from a physician.[21]

Blue Dream is a hybrid cannabis strain widely used for both medical and recreational purposes first developed in 2003.[22]

Charlotte's Web is a high-cannabidiol (CBD), low-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis extract marketed as a dietary supplement under federal law of the United States.[23][24][25] It is produced by the Stanley brothers in Colorado. It does not induce the psychoactive "high" typically associated with recreational marijuana strains that are high in THC.[26] In September 2014, the Stanleys announced that they would ensure that the product consistently contained less than 0.3% THC.[27] Charlotte's Web gained national attention when it was used to treat Charlotte Figi's epileptic seizures.[28][29] Her story has led to her being described as "the girl who is changing medical marijuana laws across America,"[30] as well as the "most famous example of medicinal hemp use".[31] There is little evidence about the safety or efficacy of cannabinoids in the treatment of epilepsy.[32][33]

A head of Purple Kush

Purple Kush is a 100% indica strain of cannabis. This plant "forms a short squat bush with very dense internodes and large fan leaves, staying in the 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) height range while grown indoors. Purple Kush's foliage exhibits a classic indica growth pattern: a sturdy bush with dark green hues and sometimes hints of purple toward ripeness."[34]

Tom Cruise Purple is a strain of cannabis sold in California by select licensed cannabis clubs. The strain is potent, and is packaged with a picture of the actor Tom Cruise laughing. Tom Cruise Purple is sold by cannabis purveyors in Northern California.[35] Cruise sought out legal advice regarding the product, and considered a lawsuit against its manufacturers.[36][37][38][38][39][40][41][42]

Skunk refers to cannabis strains that are strong-smelling and have been likened to the smell of the spray from a skunk. These strains of cannabis are believed to have originated during the early 1990s in the United States prior to larger-scale development and popularization by Dutch growers.[43] Just as with other strains of cannabis, skunk is commonly grown in controlled indoor environments under specialized grow lights, or in a greenhouse when full outdoor conditions are not suitable; skunk strains are hybrids of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica.[43]

Sour Diesel is a sativa dominant hybrid strain having Chemdog 91 and Super Skunk ancestry. Sour Diesel has an earthy aroma and is attributed with having euphoric, stress relieving and pain relieving properties. Originally discovered in 1990 This strain contains a sativa/indica ratio of 90:10, making it suitable for usage during the day.