How Important Are Cannabis Strain Names?

So, what exactly is a strain? 

For plants, the term “strain” refers to the descendants of a presumed common ancestor. In cannabis, “strain” is commonly used to identify particular varieties of the cannabis plant. This may include it’s ancestral lineage, distinct features, or even its possible effects. 

But how important are they? Are strain names the best factor when selecting your cannabis? And what else can you use to determine the best choice for cannabis consumption? Later this semester, we will take a deep dive into the science behind a “strain” but for now let’s start by answering these basic questions.

How important are cannabis strain names?

Let’s say you decide to plan a day at the beach. You pack your beach towel, cooler, surfboard, and create the perfect playlist to jam along with on your ukulele. Everything you have prepared is to create this desired experience of being on the beach in Maui. So, whether you’re at the Jersey Shore or in Miami, in your mind, you are in Maui. 

If a cannabis strain name is well-known and reliable for its desired effects, then it can also create a desired experience just like you have with your beach day.  

In this example, the high-energy sativa, Maui Wowie may come to mind when seeking the experience you are creating by going to the beach. The majority of cannabis consumers know this Hawaiian classic because of its history, use in popular culture, and reliable desired effects. Maui Wowie is popular for its association with the beach, and highly regarded as a go-to cannabis strain for tropical feels.

Yet, as the cannabis industry continues to grow, many cultivators create new strain names as a marketing strategy to attract consumers, become associated with other popular strains, and attempt to have their products stand out. Therefore, strain names may not be the best factor when selecting your cannabis unless they are well-known, highly reputable, and reliable.

For example, the California company Classix uses strain names successfully with their brand by specializing in cult classic strains like Jack Herer and Blue Dream–both of which are well-known, reputable, and are reliable for desired effects. 

By doing this, the “Throwback brand” Classix captures an era of nostalgia for their customers. If their brand were to rely on lesser-known or obscure strains, Classix may not be the success story it is today.

So, how important are cannabis strain names? The answer may vary depending on what you, or the consumer, is looking for. For beginners, starting by identifying strain names may help in understanding cannabis but more experienced users may use other factors when identifying cannabis strains.

Are strain names the best factor when selecting your cannabis?

There are many reasons strain names may not be the best factor when selecting cannabis. This is because cannabis has chemical compositions that are unique to each individual plant. Even plants with the same strain name can have varying levels of cannabinoids, terpenes, and affect the individual endocannabinoid system differently. These variations can be caused by many things, including the cultivation method and environmental factors.  

As for THC & CBD levels, there is actually little to no difference between strains. In fact, A 2018 study by the University of British Columbia examined 33 different types of strains and found that most have similar THC and CBD levels. 

Later in the semester, we will explore how consumers are using terpene profiles and cannabinoids as factors when selecting cannabis. But what can you do right now when it comes to determining the best choice for cannabis consumption?

What else can you use to determine the best choice for cannabis consumption?

Just like in cannabis plants, each individual has their own unique body chemistry that will determine their experience when consuming cannabis. This is because of your endocannabinoid system (ECS), which decides how your body experiences cannabis consumption. Meaning, even though your experience may be similar to others, cannabis will have a specific effect on you as an individual. 

This is why many consumers use a consumption journal to keep track of their favorite strains, brands, products, and more. A consumption journal can also help you understand the effects of cannabis you may want to avoid. The overall goal is to discover which types of cannabis, including brands and product types, work best for you.

If you’d like to start your own consumption journal, you can click the button below to download a free consumption journal template.

Next, click here to view the video presentation and learn about this week’s classic cannabis strain.