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The Definition of “Strain”

The cannabis plant is very diverse and there are many variations. Many people refer to these variations as “strains” and “varieties.” For the purpose of clarification and continuity, I will first define these terms, and then explain why the word “cultivar” has been chosen to be used throughout this book.

Strain: (Biology), variants of plants. This term accounts for variations, but not chemical diversity within species.

Variety: (Botany), see “Plant Variety” below. A taxonomic rank below that of species. (That being stated, variety is improper.)

Plant Variety: (Botany), a taxonomic nomenclature rank in botany, below “subspecies” but above “subvariety” and “form.” (An infraspecific rank, usually a cultivar or hybrid.) “Variety” is an informal, ambiguous, and vague substitute for cultivar or hybrid (Biology). (The term “variety” or “varietal” is improper nomenclature in that it best describes grapes and rice. “Varietal” is not even an official botany term.)

Varietal: for horticultural term, see “cultivar.” “Varietal” is normally used to describe rice and grape varieties. It is the improper nomenclature for cannabis.

Cultivar: A cultivar is a plant or grouping of plants selected for desirable characteristics that can be maintained through propagation. Most cultivars have arisen in cultivation by careful breeding and selection for flower color and form, but a few are special selections from the wild. Similarly, the world’s agricultural food crops are almost exclusively cultivars that have been selected for characteristics such as improved yield, flavor, and resistance to disease. Very few wild plants are now used as food sources. Cultivars form a major part of a broader grouping called “The Cultigen,” which is defined as a plant whose origin or selection is primarily due to intentional human activity. (A cultivar is not the same as botanical variety, and there are differences in the rules for the formation and use of the names of botanical varieties and cultivars.)

All of that being said: for the purposes of continuity, this book will refer to genetic diversities as “cultivars.”

For in depth explanations on these terms, as well as definitions of “chemotype,” “chemovars,” and much more, it is recommended that you read Robert Connell Clarke’s book Marijuana Botany.