How Are Cannabis Strains Cultivated and Marketed?

As cannabis becomes more readily available due to the passing of legislation, consumption rates also increase. While consumption is legal in Canada, it’s still best to be smart and educate yourself on what you’re putting into your body before you do so. Cannabis comes in a variety of products and strains; let’s get into breaking these down, as well as the basics of its cultivation.

Cannabis Cultivation

Cannabis plants can grow in different climatic conditions. The plant belongs to the Cannabaceae family. The plant thrives well under light and requires 18 hours of sunshine per day with at least eight direct sunlight hours. Although the plant is sturdy and can survive extreme temperatures in general, it needs lots of water, air, and soil nutrients. You can also grow it in other organic media like coconut coir and tea compost.

Like other plants, it has different parts like a flower, cola, bract, trichome, node, etc. The trichomes need special mention here because this part produces the flavonoid and cannabinoid, which has an intoxicating effect.

Cannabis Species

Cannabis has many species; however, the most common species are Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. You may find different hybrids too. Hemp and marijuana, although they are treated differently, are a part of the same species; Cannabis sativa.

It is interesting to note that although hemp and marijuana belong to the same species, their chemical compositions are different. While marijuana can get you high, hemp won’t. That’s because the THC content in hemp is much less than in marijuana. THC is the primary psychoactive component that creates ‘high.’

Cannabis Strains

The legal cannabis market has grown over the years. Forbes mentions that the international cannabis market is projected to hit $31.4 billion by 2021. However, if you’re beginning to use cannabis, it is essential to learn about the different cannabis strains and how they differ. Although many strains grow in the wild, the common types are:

• Indica: Originally found in India’s Hindukush mountain, this species is known for creating a relaxing effect.
• Sativa: The other common variety is the Sativa, which has a more energizing effect.
• Hybrid: The third variety is the mix of both Indica and Sativa.

Depending on the desired effects, cannabis growers choose a strain to grow and cultivate. Here are some common strains and their unique properties.

• Purple Kush: It makes you feel happy and reduces stress. It also has a sleep-inducing effect, so it helps in the treatment of insomnia.
• Blue Dream: It has a sedative effect and helps to reduce pain and spasm.
• Bubba Kush: This strain is known for its pain-reducing and stress-relieving properties.
• Golden Goat: Creates a euphoric state. Relaxes the mind and makes you creative.
• Afghan Kush: It has an appetite boosting effect and hence can be useful for treating appetite loss. It also has sleep-inducing properties and super relaxing.

Strain Naming and Marketing

A weed dispensary selling Sativa may sell different varieties of cannabis products with varying names. The strain names denote the cannabis lineages, the particular type of aroma they give, or their distinctive characters. Cannabis strains are thus marketed based on their strain names.

For example, Kush and Afghani denote their lineage origin, i.e., Kush is from the Hindukush mountain in India while Afghani is from Afghanistan. Similarly, Calm by Canndescent indicates how you will feel after consuming this strain of cannabis.

Often cannabis is marketed with a descriptor attached to its strain name. For example, Bubba Kush is named after its breeder, who crossbred the original OG Kush with a Northern Lights variety. The purpose of the descriptor is to give out a little bit of information about the product to help you choose better.

As per law, a legal cannabis product label should have marijuana strain name, THC percentage, CBD percentage, net weight, date tested, lab name, test confirmation, etc.

Cannabis Product Labels

If you’re planning to buy cannabis products for the first time, you must know how to read the label and understand how much THC and cannabinoid it contains. THC and CBD percentage denotes the active ingredients present in the product. For example, if a strain mentions it has four percent CBD and another product from the same strain notes zero percent CBD, the two products will act differently, although both are from the same batch.

The total THC content is the parameter that most buyers look for because it denotes how much psychoactive compound is present. The complete CBD content indicates how much the entire cannabinoid compound is present, representing the medicinal property of cannabis. Also, read the total amount of pesticide content while reading the label. Your product should contain pesticides less than 0.1 parts per million.

Choose Wisely 

Are you planning to start on medical cannabis? Knowing about the different strains of cannabis, their unique properties, how they are cultivated and marketed will help make more informed decisions. Learn to read the labels to understand the total THC and CBDs present to determine the medicinal benefits and psychoactive effects the product will likely create.