Genetics 101

Cannabis genetics are a living archive of flavor, effects, and lineage. Each strain carries a story, and learning about them is like exploring a family tree where the leaves taste like fruit, fuel, or pine and the branches can change how your body and mind feel.

Just like humans, cannabis plants inherit characteristics from their mother and father — this includes how tall they grow, what they smell like, how potent they are, and what kind of effects they produce.  

Only female plants produce the resinous buds rich in cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Males are typically used to pollinate females during breeding, passing on their genetic material to create seeds. Strains vary in their terpene profiles, cannabinoid ratios, effects, and appearance. 

A breeder is the creator or curator of the genetics who select plants to bring out unique flavors, aromas, and effects. Legendary breeders like DJ Short, Archive Seed Bank, DNA Genetics, and Compound Genetics have helped shape the landscape of modern cannabis.