What Makes Cannabis Cultivars Different?
And what is a cultivar?
There are many different factors which contribute to the overall quality of cannabis. The genes of the plant itself, the environment where it is grown as well as the interaction of these particular genes in this particular environment are three key factors to consider when searching for the most prized flower. Each cannabis cultivar (commonly misidentified as a strain) is in itself disposed to have certain characteristics, and also gains other qualities through her environment.
Night Owl cultivar in the early stages of budding. The distinct pink pistil color is enhanced by the environmental growing factors.
Night Owl cultivar in the late stages of budding, pink pistils are still present and are accompanied by green-yellow pistils as the flower develops. This color change is one indicator that the flower is getting ready to harvest.
Cannabis genetics have preserved a wide variety of traits all of which can be nudged and encouraged through breeding. We work with breeders who are passionate about their craft and have worked to create exotic combinations of terpenes, cannabinoids and growing patterns. Night Owl is a product of five different cultivars crossed together. These genetics span from all corners of the globe to come together in our garden.
The place where cannabis grows is also a key factor. Terroir is a term to describe the elements imbued from the surrounding area into an organism, in this case a cannabis cultivar. The quality of the soil, air, water, as well as the cultivation practices all make an impact on the final flower. For cannabis, this is expressed through terpene profile and quality, the overall structure of the flower and cannabinoid content. Cannabis is a bio-remediator, meaning it has the ability to remove heavy metals and toxins from the soil. This is a huge benefit for the land, but would be detrimental in a plant intended to be used by people (especially as medicine).
As research expands our understanding of terroir in regards to cannabis, we can begin to quantify the aspects that are influenced by the environment and truly qualify how cannabis is graded for a discerning market.
Update
Since this blog post was first written (January 2020), there has been an enormous amount of headway made in regards to how terroir is defined for the cannabis plant. Known as appellations, these are territories defined by certain climate and cultural factors (defined by farmers and sanctioned by an appointed board). There is a regulatory process by which to define cannabis appellations but it serves as a way to designate how and why cannabis cultivars in a certain region are distinct from another.
In order to qualify for a cannabis appellation, the plants most be grown for the full-season in natural soil, unaided by other light sources, protective elements, or other practices which would negate the environmental factors the plant is subject to.
There is much debate over the legitimacy of appellation designations in regards to the environmental factors which influence the plant. Cannabis is a seasonal plant, its root structure is removed with each season, unlike wine vines for example, which accumulate different properties from the surrounding terroir. However, one of the important distinctions between cannabis appellations and wine appellations is the cultural significance to a region. There exists an extraordinary braintrust in the Northern California Emerald Triangle region that should be recognized and protected to ensure small family farms can preserve the genetics that have been so carefully protected. In addition, cannabis is a much more expressive plant than wine. The plant changes from day to day and is much more highly susceptible to changes in the environment.
Despite the debate, there are significant differences between cultivars grown in different regions, under different conditions, and by different growers themselves. As we continue to research this invaluable plant, we can more easily quantify and identify the exact factors which make a particular cultivar different. Some things though, cannot be quantified, as much as we love research and facts, a cookie baked with love still cannot be measured, only felt. Cannabis in turn is an experience that can be different for different people. Ultimately, quality is determined by your experience. So, as long as you know your cannabis is grown in a clean environment, the best judge of quality is your nose. Lean in to the cultivars that pique. your interest, and if it makes your reel back, it might not be the one for you.