What types of marijuana are there? Cannabis species, strains and varieties

The types of marijuana cause confusion, and there is no consensus on how to classify them. In fact, a simple internet search throws up completely outdated information in the very first results. And that is understandable: not even scientists agree on the matter.

In today's post you will discover what the types of marijuana, cannabis strains and varieties really are. We will explain why “indica”, “sativa” and “ruderalis” are no longer used, and you will learn how the high-quality types of marijuana you can buy today are produced.

What types of marijuana are: species, strains and varieties of cannabis

The cannabis plant is incredibly diverse in terms of its genetics and appearance. Each plant has a unique combination of genes that results in differences in its shape, size, colour, cannabinoid content and aromas. This genetic diversity allows the plant to produce a wide variety of compounds and to generate specimens that are very different from one another.

Over the centuries, humans have taken advantage of this characteristic of cannabis to experiment with the plant through crossbreeding and genetic improvement, which has given rise to the CBD flowers you can find in our cannabis shop, as well as hundreds of other types of marijuana, with and without THC, in every shape and colour imaginable.

What exactly is a type of marijuana?

When we talk about types of marijuana, we are referring to a combination of interrelated terms: the species, the strains and the varieties of cannabis. These concepts are closely linked and are used to describe the different categories that exist within the world of marijuana.

Cannabis species: Sativa, Indica and Ruderalis

All cannabis varieties, including industrial hemp and marijuana, belong to a single species: Cannabis sativa. Although there are differences between these plants, they can all interbreed and produce fertile offspring, which, by definition, makes them the same species (1). The existence of three cannabis species (Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis) is therefore completely ruled out.

Nor is it correct to separate species according to the shape of the marijuana leaves or the height of the plant (1, 2). Online you will find pages that mention the existence of the three species sativa, indica and ruderalis. Although it is outdated, this is not nonsense: it has an interesting historical basis. Taking as a reference one of the most detailed current monographs on the classification of cannabis (1), here is a summary:

Cannabis sativa: the only accepted species

In the past, hemp was used in Europe for its fibre and to obtain seeds and oil. In 1753, Linnaeus named this plant Cannabis sativa (“sativa” = cultivated). Later, in 1785, the botanist Lamarck described a type of cannabis from India that was used for narcotic purposes and had large buds, calling it Cannabis indica (“indica” = from India). The different uses given to the plant caused genetic variations and distinct characteristics to develop in it. In other words, the domestication of cannabis gave rise to apparently different plants.

Cannabis sativa is the only accepted designation for the cannabis plant, which encompasses both industrial hemp and the different types of marijuana. We go deeper into the subject in our post on the differences between hemp and marijuana.

Cannabis indica: the type of marijuana Lamarck discovered in India

Cannabis indica is not an accepted botanical species, although it has been proposed as a subspecies to designate plants with a high THC content (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) and a moderate content of cannabidiol (CBD).

On a commercial level, “indica-effect” varieties are said to have relaxing bodily effects, used for the relief of pain, insomnia and anxiety. By contrast, people also speak of “sativa-effect” varieties: varieties with a high THC content and stimulating, euphoric mental effects, used to relieve stress, depression and lack of appetite. In any case, the supposed sativa and indica effects are concepts that fall outside botany, purely commercial claims that are, moreover, somewhat controversial. If you are interested, we discuss it in the post on the differences between indica and sativa.

Cannabis ruderalis: an obsolete designation

Cannabis ruderalis is a species proposed by the Russian botanist Yanischevsky in 1924, based on wild cannabis specimens that grew spontaneously outside cultivation. These plants were adapted to short seasons and therefore did not have time to grow large and vigorous. Today the species C. ruderalis is considered not to exist (neither as a species, nor as a subspecies or variety); rather, they are simply cannabis plants that have developed in a stressful environment (indeed, Yanischevsky himself observed that the plants of his supposed species reached heights of 2 metres or more when well fertilised).

So how do we designate wild cannabis plants? As De Meijer (4) summarised, today's Cannabis plant is the result of a long, extensive and complex process of domestication by humans. The current hybridisation, mixing and genetic variation is so great that any natural evolutionary pattern has been blurred. For this reason, it is questionable whether “truly” wild types of marijuana exist today.

Key takeaways: what you should remember

Since there is only one species, Cannabis sativa, when we talk about “types of marijuana” we are talking about commercial varieties — we are not referring to any botanical concept. In everyday life, strains and varieties are the most common terms used to refer to types of marijuana.

Current types of marijuana: marijuana strains and varieties

Every type of marijuana we know has been obtained through a process of genetic improvement called artificial selection, in which growers and breeders cross certain marijuana plants to obtain desired traits, such as flowers with large buds, specific cannabinoid profiles (THC dominance, CBD dominance, etc.), disease resistance and yield. This is how varieties such as Blue Dream CBD were created, known for its sweet, fruity flavour with notes of blueberries and berries.

This development is due to a combination of several factors, among them the genetics of the plant, together with improvements in the conditions and techniques associated with the type of cultivation.

Differences between a marijuana strain and a variety

The difference between strains and varieties can be complicated, owing to the lack of standard terminology and the influence of everyday language in the cannabis industry. Most of the time, the terms are used interchangeably.

In principle, marijuana strains represent a specific genetic line, whereas varieties are a subdivision based on physical characteristics and cannabinoid content. Unlike strains, varieties are not necessarily linked to a specific genetic line.

Each strain has its own name and is considered unique in terms of genetics and chemical profile: Purple Haze, White Widow...

Or at least, that is the theory. After analysing different products from the recreational marijuana market (3), it has been found that most types of marijuana with the same name have different genetics. This is because commercial names do not follow a standard categorisation. In the end, it is the growers who name the strains according to their own criteria. As a result, there may be 40 Purple Haze on the market with completely different genetics.

On a commercial level, “strain” is often used to refer to marijuana varieties, or to indicate the progeny of a particular variety: purple strains (purple marijuana), white strains (a type of marijuana with white buds)… There are several legendary marijuana strains that have earned legendary status in the global cannabis community. Some of the most recognised include Skunk #1, Haze, White Widow, OG Kush and Purple Haze.

Marijuana Kush: learn about this Cannabis indica strain.

The breeding: how marijuana strains are created

This process of genetic improvement of marijuana is known as marijuana breeding. Modern breeding benefits from advances in genetics and biotechnology, but in reality the improvement of marijuana goes back much further: it has been carried out secretly and empirically, in cupboards, garages and basements, throughout most of the modern history of cannabis.

Today, marijuana breeding has undergone significant advances thanks to the legalisation and regulation of its cultivation in various countries. Thanks to current technology and the valuable genetic heritage of years of clandestine cultivation, it has been possible to develop new types of marijuana with chemical profiles never seen before. In this way, marijuana has gone from 4% to 35% THC in less than three decades.

The diversity of marijuana types is reflected in the wide range of aromas, shapes and colours we currently find on the market. Some examples include varieties such as: Lemon Haze CBD (citrus aroma), Zkittlez CBD (sweet like Skittles ® sweets), Gorilla Glue CBD (for its glue-like smell) and Sour Diesel CBD (sour diesel).

How are the different types of marijuana developed?

Today's types of marijuana have been developed through artificial selection — that is, by selecting plants with the desired characteristics to produce identical offspring. Here we explain the process:

1 – Selecting the parents

Marijuana is a dioecious plant, which means it has male and female specimens in order to produce seeds and reproduce. The first step, therefore, is to select the male and female marijuana plants that will serve as parents for the cross. These plants are usually varieties with desired traits, such as aroma, cannabinoid content or vigorous growth.

2 – Crossing varieties

Once the parents have been selected, the varieties are crossed. This involves the controlled pollination of the female plant. The female flowers (buds) are fertilised and produce seeds. Each seed can inherit different genetic traits, which gives rise to a certain genetic diversity within the offspring.

3 – Observing and selecting traits

After the cross has been made, the resulting daughter plants must be carefully observed. Each seed has the potential to develop into a plant with unique characteristics, although they may show similarities. It is worth checking whether the offspring has the specific traits we are looking for, such as greater resin production or a particular aroma. The plants that display the desired characteristics are selected for future crosses and reproduction.

4 – Stabilising the genetic line

Once the plants with the desired characteristics have been selected, work is done to stabilise the genetic line. This involves making crosses between the selected plants over several generations, in order to fix the desired genetic traits and minimise possible variability.

5 – Testing and refinement

During the development of marijuana types, exhaustive tests are carried out to assess the quality and consistency of the desired characteristics. This involves growing the plants under different conditions and carrying out laboratory analyses to determine the cannabinoid and terpene profiles.

6 – Reproduction and distribution

Once the genetic line has been stabilised and refined, the new marijuana varieties are reproduced and distributed. This involves the production of seeds and their marketing through seed banks.

Varieties of CBD flowers: the best strains in Europe

At Cannactiva we have developed the best CBD flowers in Europe:

Classification of marijuana types: the scientific debate

The classification of the different types of marijuana is a complex and controversial subject. There is no consensus on how to classify the different types of cannabis, and no prospect of agreement. Even the father of taxonomy, Linnaeus, was reluctant to apply a binomial method to domesticated species that can take forms different from their wild counterparts, as is the case with cannabis. The debate goes back centuries: it was already raised by Charles Darwin in “On the Origin of Species”.

Classifying cannabis by subspecies and varieties

In 1976, Small and Cronquist proposed grouping the types of marijuana into subspecies and varieties according to their THC content and their origin (cultivated or spontaneous plants). This could be the first approach to the present-day idea of chemotype. The following was proposed:

• The “sativa” subspecies for plants with a low THC content (0.3–1%) and therefore with non-psychoactive effects: C. sativa subsp. sativa var. indica (cultivated with low THC content) and C. sativa subsp. sativa var. spontanea (wild, with low THC content).
• The “indica” subspecies for plants with a high THC content and intense psychoactive effects: C. sativa subsp. indica var. indica (cultivated plants high in THC) and C. sativa subsp. indica var. kafiristanica (wild, high in THC).

Although this designation can be seen in some studies, the vast majority of the time only the species name Cannabis sativa L. is used.

Classifying by marijuana strains

The marijuana industry makes heavy use of the term “strains” to refer to a specific genetic line or to advertise the progeny of a particular variety.

Since there is no consensus on an “official” classification, marijuana seed banks label each variety with a strain name and a code. This information is linked to data such as genetics, cannabinoid content, aroma and flowering time. This helps to distinguish the types of marijuana on offer by their characteristics and allows growers to select seeds according to their preferences.

The use of strains or variety names to identify different types of marijuana is very useful for growers.

But there is no “universal” genetic line that defines a White Widow or a Purple Haze. This is reflected in the analysis of the different marijuana varieties sold in dispensaries in the United States, which reveals that each commercial strain has a different genetic make-up and composition, despite sharing the same name (3).

Each seed bank has strains and varieties with unique characteristics, which may differ from those of another seed bank, even if they share the same commercial name.

Therefore, although the system of commercial strains and varieties is useful and is currently used to, say, predict the outcome of a crop, there is no standard definition or “universal” classification of marijuana strains: each seed bank or grower uses its own.

Classifying by chemotype (cannabinoid profile)

The chemotype is a way of classifying the different types of marijuana according to their chemical profile or chemical phenotype — that is, the concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes present in the resin or essential oil.

This proposal seems to be the most widely accepted by the scientific community because it presents itself as a standard way of distinguishing varieties. It is very useful, for example, in studies on medical cannabis. It would be a first step towards investigating the interactions of the different cannabis components in their therapeutic effect, which is known as the entourage effect.

Types of marijuana: summary and conclusions

• The vast majority of scientists and experts agree that there is only one species: Cannabis sativa L. There are alternative classification proposals, such as the “indica” and “sativa” subspecies and various varieties, but the chemotype seems to be the most widely accepted approach.
• On a commercial level, marijuana strain and variety names are used. These categories are useful and practical, and widely used by growers. Each seed bank develops and names its own genetics (they are not “universal” or “standard”).
• The types of marijuana you see in shops are the result of marijuana breeding, which has made it possible to develop varieties with incredible genetic and chemical profiles.

That brings us to the end of the subject of the different types of marijuana, all the information and the controversy surrounding it, which is not exactly brief. We hope you have learnt something on this journey through the varieties of cannabis. All that is left now is to experience the types of marijuana with your own hands!

Frequently asked questions about types of marijuana

How many types of marijuana are there?

The types of marijuana can be classified in many ways. According to their botanical designation, there is only one species, Cannabis sativa L. (the designations Cannabis ruderalis and Cannabis indica are obsolete and not accepted). According to their genetics, there are types of cannabis closer to industrial hemp plants than to marijuana-type ones. According to the type of cultivation, depending on whether it has been grown indoor (indoor cultivation), outdoor or greenhouse. According to the effects it produces, depending on whether it is attributed an indica or sativa, sedative or energising effect. According to commercial marijuana variety names, although these are not a very reliable method for grouping them. According to their legal designation, plants with a certain THC percentage are automatically considered an illegal drug. This even causes problems for industrial hemp producers who exceed the ridiculous permitted legal THC limits.

What is the origin of the different types of marijuana?

All marijuana plants have a common ancestor, the Cannabis sativa plant. Through agricultural techniques, it has been possible to develop different types of plants, with diverse genetics and phenotypes, which allow for an extraordinarily rich market of cannabis varieties.

What is the most potent type of marijuana?

If you think the most potent marijuana is the one with the highest THC percentage, you are probably mistaken. There is no way to guess the most potent type of marijuana, because the effect depends on various factors, such as the variety and quantity of different compounds it contains (the entourage effect). In addition, inter-individual differences can be observed, depending on the consumer.

What is feminised marijuana?

Feminised marijuana is a type of seed that does not contain the Y chromosome. The cannabis plant, like humans, has sex chromosomes, and females are XX while males are XY. The plant also has monoecious individuals that apparently have chromosomes very similar to those of females. Both the males and the females of some varieties can produce flowers of the opposite sex when treated with chemicals such as silver nitrate or ethephon (or even when their light regime or temperature is changed); this is called sex reversal. When a female is fertilised with its own pollen or with the pollen of another female after a sex reversal, the seeds produced do not have a Y chromosome. These seeds are called feminised, since they are unlikely to produce males. There is, however, a possibility — apparently low — that these feminised females may produce pollen or be monoecious, but in general feminised seeds promise a 99.9% chance that you will obtain only female plants.

What are CBG marijuana strains?

CBG, or cannabigerol, is one of the several cannabinoids in cannabis, considered the precursor of the cannabinoids THCA and CBDA, discovered relatively recently. Like all cannabinoids, the plant produces it in its acidic form, known as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). When heated, this converts into its neutral form, CBG, due to decarboxylation. CBG-rich marijuana strains are those that have been selectively developed for their higher content of this cannabinoid, such as White CBG, Super Glue CBG and Jack Frost CBG. In addition, young marijuana plants have a higher CBG content, owing to the transformation of CBG into other cannabinoids in more developed plants.

What is autoflowering marijuana?

Autoflowering cannabis varieties are a special type of plant that does not need a change in photoperiod to begin flowering. Instead, they start to flower after reaching an age determined by the variety, between 27 and 45 days.

References

1. Evolution and classification of Cannabis sativa (marijuana, hemp) in relation to human utilization. Small E. Bot Rev. 2015;81(3):189-294.
2. Vergara D, Feathers C, Huscher EL, Holmes B, Haas JA, Kane NC. Widely assumed phenotypic associations in Cannabis sativa lack a shared genetic basis. PeerJ. 2021;9:e10672.
3. Smith CJ, Vergara D, Keegan B, Jikomes N. The phytochemical diversity of commercial Cannabis in the United States. PLoS One. 2022;17(5):e0267498.
4. De Meijer EPM. The chemical phenotypes (chemotypes) of Cannabis. In: Pertwee R, editor. Handbook of Cannabis. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2014. p. 89-110.