The total number of cannabis strains is constantly changing, making a fixed count impossible. A “strain” is more accurately called a cultivar, referring to a specific genetic variety of the cannabis plant that has been bred for particular characteristics. These varieties are distinguished by names that communicate their unique flavor, aroma, and potential effects to the consumer. The vast number of named varieties reflects the plant’s genetic adaptability and the human drive to cultivate specific traits.
The Impossible Count
The exact quantity of named cannabis cultivars is impossible to determine accurately due to complex factors within the global market. There is no central, international registry tracking every new variety introduced by breeders worldwide, meaning figures often rely on self-reported data. Renaming or duplicating strains for marketing purposes also significantly inflates the perceived number. A cultivator may assign a catchy new name to a popular, stable genetic line, meaning the same genetic material can be sold under multiple monikers. This practice makes any definitive census unreliable, and the constant introduction of new varieties ensures the total number is always climbing.
Understanding Cannabis Classification
The traditional method for classifying cannabis involves categorizing cultivars into three broad types: Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid. These categories were initially based on the plant’s physical structure, or morphology, reflecting its geographical origin. Cannabis sativa plants, typically found in equatorial regions, exhibit a tall, slender structure with long, narrow leaves. Conversely, Cannabis indica plants originated in mountainous regions, resulting in a shorter, bushier plant with broad leaves and a dense flower structure. Conventional wisdom suggests Sativas produce an energizing, cerebral effect, while Indicas are associated with a relaxing, sedative “body high,” though modern science shows this correlation is often inaccurate.
Landrace Strains
Most cannabis consumed today falls into the Hybrid category, which blends characteristics from both Sativa and Indica types. These foundational varieties trace their lineage back to “Landrace” strains, which are the original, genetically pure forms of cannabis that adapted to a specific local environment over centuries without human crossbreeding. Landrace strains adapted naturally to their unique climates, with examples like Afghani, Durban Poison, and Acapulco Gold representing stable genetic blueprints used by breeders to create the vast array of modern hybrids.
How New Strains Enter the Market
The continuous introduction of new varieties is driven by genetic hybridization, where two existing strains are intentionally cross-pollinated. Breeders select parent plants exhibiting desirable traits, such as high potency or unique aromas, aiming to combine the best characteristics into a new, stable genetic line. A male plant from one strain fertilizes a female plant from another, resulting in seeds carrying combined genetics. This process achieves specific outcomes, such as enhancing THC or CBD content, increasing yield, or stabilizing resistance to pests and mold. Successful hybrids are then evaluated through phenotype selection until a consistent genetic expression is isolated and given a new market name.
Moving Beyond Names The Chemovar System
The scientific community promotes the “chemovar” system as a more accurate classification method due to the inconsistencies of named cultivars. Chemovar, short for chemical variety, classifies cannabis based on its quantifiable chemical profile rather than traditional lineage. This system focuses on the ratios of major cannabinoids (THC and CBD) and the plant’s dominant terpene profile. The chemovar approach groups cannabis into categories: Type I (THC-dominant), Type II (balanced THC/CBD), and Type III (CBD-dominant). Terpenes, the aromatic compounds, are also considered, as they are believed to modulate the effects of cannabinoids through the “entourage effect,” allowing consumers to make more informed decisions based on objective laboratory data.