Strains or Varieties?

[5 Star Trich]

Does anyone know why most people use the term "strain", instead of "variety", when describing types of cannabis?

 

[logangrowgan2020]

Fantastic question that I don't have an answer to

 

[5 Star Trich]

Strain is the term used to classify fungi, bactetia and viruses.

 

[JaxsoNL5]

Strain is the term used to classify fungi, bactetia and viruses.

From my understanding it’s a low level taxonomical term used in biology to denote any genetic variant or subtype in a given biological species population. More appropriately breeders use the terms “cultivars” or “chemovariants/chemotypes” as well to distinguish between different “strains”…I think the latter term has just gained traction in the canna community, especially at dispensaries, and is easier to say and remember versus “chemovariant”.

 

[5 Star Trich]

Thanks @JaxsoNL5 . That clarifies things somewhat. I found a great article on the topic if anyone wants to learn more. https://cannigma.com/plant/cannabis-chemovars-chemotypes/

 

[MotaZona]

I’ve been growing mushrooms as a hobbyist & a professional since the 90’s. I just can’t call a weed a “strain.”
Cultivar is the correct term IMHO.

 

[JaxsoNL5]

I’ve been growing mushrooms as a hobbyist & a professional since the 90’s. I just can’t call a weed a “strain.”
Cultivar is the correct term IMHO.

Agreed the link @5 Star Trich posted has good explanations on the terms.

 

[CannabisMingus]

I thought it was supposed to be "cultivar" referring to bred stock.

But don't take my word for it. I just dabbed some Galaxy Brain.

 

[CannabisMingus]

I’ve been growing mushrooms as a hobbyist & a professional since the 90’s. I just can’t call a weed a “strain.”
Cultivar is the correct term IMHO.

Sorry - saw this after I posted. For obvious reasons.


I assume a landrace isn't a cultivar because it's not a product of cultivation/breeding (generally).

 

[MotaZona]

Our mushroom strains don’t have names. They’re coded with information about the parents, generations/isolations etc.
This is just me; once it has a commercial name, it’s a cultivar.