A cultivar (short for cultivated variety) is a plant that has been bred by humans to emphasise certain traits, such as flavour, aroma, appearance, or growth characteristics.
In cannabis, cultivars are developed to produce particular combinations of cannabinoids (like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)) and terpene profiles. These differences can influence how the plant is classified and used in medical or commercial settings.
What’s the Difference Between a Cannabis Strain and Cultivar?
People often use the word strain when talking about cannabis, but in medical settings the word cultivar is more accurate.
The difference between strain and cultivar is:
Do Cultivars Have Different Effects?
Each cannabis cultivar has its own balance of cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes. These differences can influence how it is experienced by patients, as well as when it may be considered for use in medical treatment.
Because every patient responds differently, personalised medical guidance is essential in deciding whether a particular medical cannabis option is appropriate.
