Cannabis is an extremely diverse plant, with many strains that offer unique aromas, effects, and medicinal benefits. But have you ever wondered why one strain tests higher in THC than another, or why different samples of the same strain can have different lab results? The answer lies in cannabis genetics, a complex field that can be difficult to understand. Just like humans inherit traits from their parents, cannabis strains pass down specific characteristics that influence things like potency, terpene profiles, and overall quality.
In this article, we will look at cannabis genetics, what it is, explain the terminology that is important to understand when discussing cannabis genetics, and review how and why strain variation affects testing results. After reading this article, you should clearly understand what is behind those cannabis lab numbers.
Understanding Cannabis Genetics
What Are Cannabis Genetics?
Cannabis genetics refers to the study of cannabis plants and the traits that they inherit. These traits can affect the appearance of the plant, its chemical makeup, and growth patterns.
Just like humans inherit their DNA from their parents, parent plants are the primary influence on the next generation’s genetics. Besides inherited genetics, several other factors can contribute to a plant’s overall genetic composition, which we will discuss a little further in the article.
Genotype and Phenotype
A plant’s genotype is the genetic blueprint that has been passed along from both of the parents. A plant’s genotype is the complete genetic composition inherited from the parents.
Phenotype refers to a combination of a plant’s inherited traits, or genotype, in addition to the way a plant expresses its characteristics as it grows.
A plant’s phenotype is influenced by both its genetic and environmental factors. Cannabis breeders will make their selections based on phenotype to develop new strains.
The environmental factors that will influence phenotype include the amount of light it receives (photoperiod), nutrients available, and stress such as climate extremes or pests.
Subspecies and Strains
The cannabis plant is a species of plant that has three subspecies: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Sativa and Indica are the domesticated and cultivated cannabis we are familiar with. Ruderalis is wild and grows in Russia.
There are countless variations of strains within Indica and Sativa cannabis along with hybrid strains that are a cross between Indica and Sativa.
Terminology to Know in Cannabis Genetics
Chemotype or Chemovar: Referring to the plant’s chemical composition, chemotype is a way to categorize a strain based on its dominant cannabinoids (THC, CBD, and THC and CBD Balanced).
Cultivar: A cultivar is known sometimes as a strain when referencing genetic variances. A plant that has been bettered by human interference and cultivated for specific traits is a cultivar.
Hybridization: Hybrids are crossbred from different strains to create new genetics.
Cannabinoid Profile: The composition and concentration of cannabinoids that will determine a strain’s potency and effects.
Terpene Profile: A plant’s terpene profile refers to the unique combination of aromatic compounds in a strain that influences its scent, flavor, and effects. Terpenes work synergistically with the cannabinoids to affect the mind and the body.
Genetic Inconsistency: Genetic inconsistencies are when we see variations in traits like potency, terpene profiles, and cannabinoid content in plants of the same strain. This can be caused by differences in breeding, cultivation conditions, or genetic drift.
Factors That Influence Cannabis Genetics
Breeding and Crossbreeding
The primary source of a plant’s genetic traits will be from its parent plants. For this reason, breeders will selectively choose plants to crossbreed with others to increase or enhance potency, yield, or specific effects.
Environmental Influence on Gene Expression
Besides inherited genetics from parent plants, environmental factors play a big role in the overall gene expression of a plant. Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and soil conditions all shape the final characteristics of a strain.
The soil conditions and availability of the proper nutrients will also influence the gene expression of a plant.
Environmental stress such as extreme temperatures, hail, and even pest infestation can all contribute to the final characteristics of a cannabis plant.
Genetic Stability and Variation
Some cannabis strains are more consistent in testing because the samples come from stable and well-bred genetics that regularly show little variation. Stabilization results from the use of breeding techniques to produce more stable plants expressing consistent traits repeatedly.
Other plants will show variations in testing because they are not as genetically stable, because of environmental factors, and differences in cultivation and harvesting methods.
How Strain Variation Affects Testing Results
Differences in Cannabinoid Levels
The way each plant expresses its genes will vary, causing slight differences in cannabinoid levels within the same strain of plant.
Different strains of cannabis will have different cannabinoid content.
When testing different strains, a wide range of cannabinoid concentrations will be seen in lab analysis even when the same analysis method is used. This makes it difficult to accurately compare potency across different cannabis strains.
Terpene Profile and Variability
Terpenes are responsible for the unique flavors and aromas of an individual plant. Any variation or slight genetic difference can alter this result, even in the same batch being tested.
Limitations of Lab Testing
Sample selection, testing methods, and lab procedures can contribute to different results in several ways.
One part of a cannabis plant may have different concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes than another.
When testing, different extraction methods and analysis techniques can give varying results.
Lab procedures where there are differences in equipment calibration, the expertise of the technician, and varying protocols can impact the accuracy and consistency of testing results.
The Importance of Understanding Cannabis Genetics in Testing
For producers, partnering with a company that provides cannabis testing in Los Angeles, that is experienced and understands the importance of testing procedures and protocols, is critical in receiving consistent and reliable results.
Consumers should be aware of the commonly used terminology and be aware of strain variation differences when reading lab reports.
The information provided by accurate lab analysis helps consumers in California choose the strains that meet their needs with their unique qualities.
Genetic testing is a huge part of the ongoing cannabis breeding industry and also in the development of new products.
Understanding the link between cannabis genetics and testing is important for both producers and consumers. Strain variation, environmental factors, and lab testing methods all play a role in why cannabis test results can differ, even within the same strain. By being aware of these factors, consumers can make a more informed decision when selecting their products, and producers can refine their cultivation practices for greater consistency. As the California cannabis industry continues to evolve, genetic research and advanced testing methods will help with reliability, providing consumers with access to accurate and trustworthy information about the products they are using.
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