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Preserving the True Identity of Cannabis Strains by Kevin Brooks

Cannabis has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Over centuries, breeders have created a diverse lineage of strains that are worth preserving for future generations. However, the historical illegality of cannabis has forced the industry to exist in the illicit market, where guidelines for preserving unique strain identities do not exist.

This lack of regulation has led to the modification, enhancement, or renaming of strains, resulting in the loss of their true identities. The cross-breeding and careless naming and renaming of strains are creating a watered down – and in some cases misrepresented – marketplace where what consumers and patients purchase is no longer genetically similar to the original strain name presented on the label.

As cannabis legalization continues globally, commercial breeders, scientists, and researchers are taking measures to preserve the lineage of your favorite strains. 

The Lost Lineage of OG Kush and Other Iconic Strains

OG Kush is one of the most famous cannabis strains in mainstream culture, popularized by figures like Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa. Matt Berger, one of its creators, is credited with bringing the strain from Florida to Los Angeles in the mid-90s, where it quickly gained fame. 

However, the skyrocketing demand for OG Kush led to extensive breeding, modification, and renaming, causing some to claim that the “real” OG Kush no longer exists. This issue is unfortunately not limited to only OG Kush, as the genetic structures of many popular strains such as “Gelato,” “Sour Diesel,” and “Girl Scout Cookies” are also experiencing modifications that no longer reflect their original lineages.

As the proliferation of strains bearing the name, or parts of the name, of iconic strains continues to grow with the rapidly growing commercialized cannabis industry, the reality of consumers and patients being sold products that aren’t true-to-type becomes increasingly more likely. While at first glance the naming of strains may seem like pure marketing, the reality of the issue is more far-reaching than simply a caveat emptor (“buyer beware”) shopping issue.

In many cases, consumers may be paying premium pricing for products that are no longer genetically related to the namesake they are connected to, or more importantly, patients looking for specific strains for medicinal uses may not be getting the actual strain necessary for their needs.

The Monetary Impact of Genetic Modifications on Cultivators and Breeders 

The impact of watered down strains and renaming harms the cultivators and breeders of the original strain the most. Cultivators and breeders put their life’s work into creating strains that present specific characteristics, flavors, appearances, effects and yields. Those “OG strains” gain notoriety, acclaim and a cult following that can catapult them into the cannabis culture zeitgeist. It would stand to reason that the cultivators and breeders of those strains would themselves reap the benefits of their labor and innovation. 

Conception Nurseries has created a structure where cultivators can count on receiving genetically identical clones, but not all producers uphold similar standards. This inconsistency poses significant challenges for cultivators who struggle to authenticate strains due to genetic modifications and frequent renaming. Medicinal Genomics, a world leader in cannabis genetics, tests thousands of commercial samples annually and often finds that strains are mislabeled.

To address this issue, Medicinal Genomics maps out the lineage and authenticity of cannabis strains, giving cultivators peace of mind. Being able to authenticate and preserve a lineage using methods such as clone libraries and tissue culture techniques ensures the long-term accessibility of these strains.

The Impact on Cannabis Consumers 

Cannabis consumers have access to hundreds of strains, each offering unique properties and effects. When consumers purchase their favorite strain, they expect consistency in aroma and effect, but this is not always the case. Consumers are often misled, believing they are purchasing a specific strain when it could be a distant relative.

Misleading strain labels can lead to a lack of trust in the brand, breeder, or cultivator. These inconsistencies diminish the industry’s reputation and create mistrust among consumers.

Building Trust Through Preservation

Preserving the true identities of cannabis strains is vital for the integrity of the cannabis industry. Efforts by organizations like Conception Nurseries and Medicinal Genomics are essential in maintaining genetic lineages and ensuring that breeders receive recognition and compensation.

As cannabis legalization spreads, implementing standardized preservation methods will be crucial to protecting the rich history and future of cannabis. For consumers, consistency and authenticity are paramount. Addressing these issues will help build trust and confidence in the industry, ensuring that the cannabis journey remains true to its roots.

Photo by Elle Cartier on Unsplash

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