{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/genetics/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2286-markdown","title":"The Top 5 Health Trends in Cannabis","slug":"the-top-5-health-trends-in-cannabis","content":"The cannabis industry is always changing and at a rapid pace. Because HelloMD sits at the center of a cannabis community, I see the lifecycle of the industry all around me from many different perspectives. New patterns emerge quickly, and this often signals the birth of a new trend.\nIn many ways, this past year has felt like a roller coaster from the rapid sweep of legalization to the changes made by the new Trump administration, and through it all the marijuana industry continues to grow and prosper as anticipated. Based on my observations from the past year, I give you the top five health trends emerging within the cannabis industry today.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\n### Trend: Cannabis Effectively Replaces Opioids for Chronic Pain Management\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd131005f8b00176972fe/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.04.19_PM.png)\nOpioids are killing 44 Americans a day. \n\nDuring 1990s, the US federal government removed many of the barriers to prescribing opioids for chronic pain. This has been one of the main contributing factors to the opioid epidemic that’s raging across the country and in particular the east coast of the United States. It’s estimated that 44 Americans die every day from opioid overdose.\n\n[A 2014 study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1898878) indicated that, in states where marijuana is legal, there was a 24.8% lower rate of opioid deaths. In addition, The [National Bureau of Economic Research](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/1898872?resultClick=3&redirect=true) (NBER) mimics these findings and concluded that “broader access to medical marijuana may have the potential benefit of reducing abuse of highly addictive painkillers.\"\n\nHelloMD recently concluded a study with UC Berkeley entitled “Cannabis as a Substitute for Opiate and Non-Opiate Based Pain Medication.” Dr. Perry Solomon, HelloMD’s chief medical officer, says, “The results of this study, which are to be published shortly, show that 97% of respondents indicated that they reduced opioid pain medication when using cannabis.”\n\nWhat’s missing here is widespread acceptance from the medical community and the education of the general public that cannabis is a viable option that can replace opioids.\n\nRELATED: [HELLOMD & UC BERKELEY CONDUCT STUDY ON CANNABIS, PAIN, & OPIOID ABUSE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57d82d523b39eb000b732ea8/hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-to-conduct-largest-study-on-cannabis-pain-and-opioid-abuse)\n\n### Trend: Microdosing Marijuana\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd134005f8b0017697300/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.07.17_PM.png)[Microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5874285019303000083745bc/microdosing-the-big-new-trend) is an effective way to consume cannabis without getting high.\n\nA year ago, not many people were talking about microdosing and even fewer products were available to support this method of consumption. Microdosing is the practice of taking smaller, measured amounts of cannabis to produce a particular effect. Microdosing dosages vary from person to person, but a typical microdose might be between 2.5–5 mg of THC and may go as high as 10 mg.\n\nThe benefit of microdosing is the ability to titrate medication in such a way that you might alleviate a condition, such as anxiety or pain, without feeling high. Recent studies indicate that [microdosing may be more beneficial than macrodosing](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3566631/). This is due to the biphasic effect, which means that at lower doses cannabis may be more effective and produce a pleasant experience. At larger doses however, the scale tips and the benefits go away whereby the experience may become negative.\n\nSome of my favorite new microdose products are [Kiva’s Petra Mints (2.5 mg)](https://www.hellomd.com/products/5859dafeeafa6f000868509e/petra-mints-moroccan-mint), [Satori’s Wild Chocolate Strawberries (3 mg)](https://www.hellomd.com/products/586593fb159af1000c6d05fc/wild-strawberries-in-organic-milk-chocolate) and Flora’s Probiotic Dark Mint Chocolates (5 mg).\n\n### Trend: Cannabis Genetics & Synthetics\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd132005f8b00176972ff/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.12.05_PM.png) \nDNA color sequencing.\n\nPeople are getting serious about understanding the genetic makeup of cannabis and how to bio-engineer synthetic cannabis and cannabinoids from substances other than cannabis itself. Scientists from a variety of life science backgrounds (and large well-funded companies) are jumping into the game to better understand the plant and how to harness its power from many different angles.\n\nOn the genetics side, [Medicinal Genomics (MG)](https://www.medicinalgenomics.com/) is at the forefront using DNA technology to better understand cannabis genetics. MG is initially serving growers, dispensaries and test labs, but they have a much bigger vision in mind.\n\nMG's Chief Scientist Kevin McKernan worked on the Human Genome Project and was the first scientist to sequence the cannabis genome. Regarding the history of the company and why MG is sequencing cannabis, he says:\n\n* “We can now sequence (the DNA) of patients and know exactly what disease a patient has and target it in a very personalized manner. As opposed to a one size fits all medicine system via the FDA…Everyone is different we really need targeted therapies and the ability to read people’s DNA opened this up. Most of these rare diseases that we were running into were endocannabinoid driven and it made us realize we needed an arm that understood the cannabis plants and to bridge the compounds from this plant.\n\n* The wonderful thing about the cannabis plant is that the compounds are safe and has more chemical diversity than all of Pfizer and Merc and is about to be over the counter and open source. If we can combine this with personalized medicine we see these as two economic tsunamis that are colliding that is going to have a real impact within healthcare and DNA sequencing is the thread through the whole story.”\n\nIf that sounds impressive, that's because it is.\n\nThe world of synthetic cannabinoids is also on fire as biotech companies move to make derivatives of cannabis primed for FDA trials—this is becoming very big business. Whether it’s synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), there are many drugs on the market today, like Marinol, helping patients with a variety of conditions.\n\nFor instance, [Kalytera Therapeutics](https://kalytera.co/) makes CBD drugs and formulations that try to overcome limitations in natural CBD such as poor bio availability. Another company, [Zynerba Pharmaceuticals](http://zynerba.com/), creates a synthetic gel and patch that delivers CBD transdermally for adults with refractory epilepsy.\n\nLast, and what I find the most interesting, are an array of companies looking to extract cannabinoids not from cannabis, but from substances such as yeast. The cannabinoids are the same on a molecular level as those derived from cannabis and in theory would be more quickly reproduced and stable than those derived from the cannabis plant.\n\n\n### Trend: The Powerhouse Cannabinoid THCA\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd62f005f8b0013ecd76d/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.49.01_PM.png)\nTHCA is found in abundance within raw cannabis.\n \nTetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the star of raw cannabis. Non-psychoactive THCA changes into the more well-known psychoactive compound THC when heated. THCA also happens to hold the most COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition, which allows it to demonstrate immense therapeutic potential as an anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, neuroprotectant, anti-emetic and antispasmodic.\n\nThere are few studies that definitively prove the medicinal benefit of THCA, but those who consume it swear by its efficacy. THCA can be metabolized in much larger quantities than THC and is most often consumed directly from the raw plant. Perhaps this explains why cannabis juicing is gaining in popularity and anecdotally seems to help with neurodegenerative disorders, chronic immune disorders and conditions such as arthritis. THCA is also commonly consumed via [THCA tinctures](https://www.getsava.com/shop/thca-tincture/).\n\n### Trend: The Marijuana Herbal Supplement\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd796005f8b0007a9c7e0/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.51.24_PM.png)\nSwerve Confections has been ahead of the curve combining herbs and cannabis.\n \nIt used to be that storefront dispensaries made 100% of their sales from raw flower aka “bud.” Now about 50–60% of dispensary sales come from selling flower and the rest comes from the numerous products available on the market: edibles, tinctures, drinks, capsules, vape cartridges and more. In the recent past, when sourcing products other than flower, the ingredient list has been fairly uniform across the board, a percentage or ratio of THC and/or CBD in some sort of carrier liquid. Not anymore.\n\nIn the next year, you’ll start to see the merging of herbal supplements you commonly may see in Whole Foods with your cannabis products. When talking to various brands, it seems that many see this as the obvious evolution to effectively treating a variety of conditions while harnessing and propelling the efficacy and power of the plant itself.\n\nWhat are some examples of combinations you might see? Products that are purported to treat inflammation will incorporate turmeric; products for stress may use the Ayurvedic herb Ashwaganda; and products for insomnia may start mixing in the root of the tall flowering plant called valerian or the calming passionflower. It’s a clear next step in the merging of two separate marketplaces, which in my mind ultimately leads to the rise of the cannabis-based nutraceutical.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 post. HelloMD can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/14b42/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/f836f/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 200w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/2244e/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 400w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/14b42/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 800w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/47498/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 1200w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/54ac5/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/58556/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/61e93/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 200w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/1f5c5/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 400w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/58556/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 800w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/99238/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 1200w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/5e0b8/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2396-markdown","title":"How to Know Which Strain is Right for You","slug":"how-to-know-which-strain-is-right-for-you","content":"### The Strain Name Game \n\nDifferent cannabis strains produce different chemical profiles, which can significantly alter the effects consumers or patients experience. To differentiate the types of strains in the market, the cannabis industry relies on strain names, which breeders dream up when they create a new strain. \n\nWhether it be from personal experience or reading reviews on websites like Leafly or WoahStork, patients have come to associate specific effects and chemical profiles with certain strains. For example, Blue Dream is listed among as one of the world's most popular strains, and it is often described as, “a sativa-dominant hybrid” that “balances full-body relaxation with gentle cerebral invigoration”. \n\nWhen patients purchase Blue Dream from a dispensary, this is the experience they expect. That expectation is important because patients who consistently use cannabis to treat a condition require a consistent effect. However, how certain can patients be that the Blue Dream they purchased in their local dispensary is the same as the strain described online? Or how certain can they be that the Blue Dream that is on the shelf at their local dispensary is the same as the Blue Dream across town? \n\nIt turns out, they can’t be very sure. \n\n### Using Genetics to Identify Strains\n\nMedicinal Genomics has genetically sequenced hundreds of cannabis strains grown in a number of states using our [StrainSEEK™ Strain Identification and Registration service](http://www.medicinalgenomics.com/strainseek-strain-identification-and-certification/). With this service we extract DNA from cannabis plant material and obtain a unique DNA fingerprint for each strain. We then submit that information to the BitCoin Blockchain to serve as a public proof of existence record that growers can use to protect their intellectual property. \n\nPart of the StrainSEEK process includes mapping the strains onto a phylogenetic tree that visually displays the relationships between the strains and calculates their genetic distance. Genetic distance is a number that is used to show the relative similarity between two genomes. The lower the number, the closer the relationship.  \n\nThat information is made publically available on [kannapedia.](http://www.kannapedia.net/). \n\n### Same Name, Different Strain\n\nWhen we receive two or more samples from different growers with the same strain name, we sometimes see interesting results. \n\nFor example, we have sequenced three different Blue Dream samples from growers in three different states ([California](http://www.kannapedia.net/strains/rsp10005/), [Colorado](http://www.kannapedia.net/strains/rsp10129/), and [Nevada](http://www.kannapedia.net/strains/rsp10269/). The samples from Colorado and Nevada are genetically very similar, with a genetic distance under 2. However, the sample from California is not similar at all, and it’s genetic distance from the others is greater than 8. You can see this on the phylotree below. The Colorado and Nevada strains are at about 3 o’clock on the tree, while the California samples is closer to 7 o’clock. Strains that have a large genetic distance are more likely to have different cannabinoid and terpenoid ratios, which could produce a very different effect for patients. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/587ea1afa9d0d5000898d0ba/embedded_images/587ea1b1a9d0d5000898d0bb/Screen_Shot_2017-01-17_at_2.20.53_PM.png) \n\nWe see another example of this with Girl Scout Cookies, another very popular strain. We obtained four samples of Girl Scout Cookies from four different growers in three different states (one from [California](http://www.kannapedia.net/strains/rsp10413/), two from Colorado ([1](http://www.kannapedia.net/strains/rsp10246/),[2](http://www.kannapedia.net/strains/rsp10141/)), and one from [Nevada](http://www.kannapedia.net/strains/rsp10435/)). The three samples from California and Colorado are all very closely related, with genetic distances within 1.40. However, the genetic distance between the Nevada sample and the other three is approximately 8. You can see this on the tree image below. The closely related strains are at 11 o’clock, and the outlier is around 7 o’clock. Again, it’s likely the Nevada version of Girl Scout Cookies will produce a different effect than the other samples. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/587ea1afa9d0d5000898d0ba/embedded_images/587ea1b3a9d0d5000898d0bc/Screen_Shot_2017-01-17_at_2.21.24_PM.png) \n\n### Same Strain, Different Name\n \nAnother interesting observation happens when two or more strains from different growers have different names, but are essentially genetically identical. For example, we obtained a sample of [Space Oddity](http://www.kannapedia.net/strains/rsp10476/) from California that is very similar to a strain called Green Crack that is grown in Colorado (genetic distance is 1.8).\n\nWe also sequenced a sample of [Snoop’s Dream](http://www.kannapedia.net/strains/rsp10033/) from Washington that is nearly identical to the two Blue Dream samples we discussed earlier that were grown in Colorado and California (genetic distances within 1.05). \n\n### What Does This All Mean?\n\nThis means that patients and consumers can’t rely on strain names to guide their decision about which cannabis products to purchase, especially if they are purchasing cannabis from a different dispensary. There is no guarantee that the Girl Scout Cookies they bought from their local dispensary is the same as what is being sold under the same name in another state, or perhaps even across town. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nTo solve this problem, genetic sequencing will be able to establish consistency with strain naming by establishing a genetic fingerprint for popular strains, such as Girl Scout Cookies. This fingerprint could become the standard to which all strains that claim to Girl Scout Cookies are measured, and only strains with a genotype that matches the established standard will be considered the real Girl Scout Cookies. \n\nIn time, the cannabis industry may need to move away from traditional strain names altogether and adopt a new naming system that will use genetic markers from the plant’s DNA to create an entirely unique naming system. \n\nRELATED: [THE 5 MOST POPULAR CANNABIS STRAINS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5817b52aeab4e6000a28b544/the-5-most-popular-strains-of-cannabis)\n\nGenetic sequencing technology is already being applied to ensure strain consistency. The Veterans For Cannabis Foundation (VFCF) partner growers will register the genetic fingerprint of the cannabis strains that go into VCFC’s branded cannabidiol (CBD) products.\n\n“With MGC’s StrainSEEK program we are able to take some of the guess work out of cannabis treatment in our veteran community,” said Joshua Littrell, founder of Veterans For Cannabis Foundation. “VFCF will now be able to replicate and reproduce the experience for veterans in our program. Our veterans are begging for a treatment they can trust and that is uniform. Now they can rest assured knowing they are receiving the same treatment every time.”\n\n_____________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n\n____________________________________________________________________\n\nWe welcome Medicinal Genomics as our latest HelloMD guest blogger. Medicinal Genomics brings DNA technology expertise to cannabis.\nThey use state-of-the-art DNA technology to better understand cannabis genetics and develop products that help growers, dispensaries, and testing laboratories ensure the safety and quality of cannabis. In their first post they discuss the importance of origin and genetics for the strains you find in your local dispensary.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/042711c8d23d207dfb44b44efbdc7cc5/14b42/3578ab02a84c1c85489fef651c6d0015.jpg","srcSet":"/static/042711c8d23d207dfb44b44efbdc7cc5/f836f/3578ab02a84c1c85489fef651c6d0015.jpg 200w,\n/static/042711c8d23d207dfb44b44efbdc7cc5/2244e/3578ab02a84c1c85489fef651c6d0015.jpg 400w,\n/static/042711c8d23d207dfb44b44efbdc7cc5/14b42/3578ab02a84c1c85489fef651c6d0015.jpg 800w,\n/static/042711c8d23d207dfb44b44efbdc7cc5/47498/3578ab02a84c1c85489fef651c6d0015.jpg 1200w,\n/static/042711c8d23d207dfb44b44efbdc7cc5/54ac5/3578ab02a84c1c85489fef651c6d0015.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/042711c8d23d207dfb44b44efbdc7cc5/58556/3578ab02a84c1c85489fef651c6d0015.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/042711c8d23d207dfb44b44efbdc7cc5/61e93/3578ab02a84c1c85489fef651c6d0015.webp 200w,\n/static/042711c8d23d207dfb44b44efbdc7cc5/1f5c5/3578ab02a84c1c85489fef651c6d0015.webp 400w,\n/static/042711c8d23d207dfb44b44efbdc7cc5/58556/3578ab02a84c1c85489fef651c6d0015.webp 800w,\n/static/042711c8d23d207dfb44b44efbdc7cc5/99238/3578ab02a84c1c85489fef651c6d0015.webp 1200w,\n/static/042711c8d23d207dfb44b44efbdc7cc5/5e0b8/3578ab02a84c1c85489fef651c6d0015.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2035-markdown","title":"What Makes Each Marijuana Strain Unique?","slug":"what-makes-each-marijuana-strain-unique","content":"Marijuana strains are like coffee shops or denim brands -- once a\nconsumer finds one they love, they won't explore anything else.\nUnfortunately, even marijuana aficionados who have a favorite strain\nfind the strain differs from time to time. The reason for this is that\nwhile there are hundreds of marijuana strains currently in existence,\nthey're all uniquely informed by their environment and genetic makeup.\nThis leads to a wide variation in taste, texture and appearance from\nstrain to strain. Here's what consumers need to know about how and why\neach marijuana strain differs from the next:\n\n**The Importance of Genetics and Environment**\n\nJust like children from different families and geographical locations\nwill look and act differently from one another, marijuana strains with\ndifferent genetics grown in different environments differ from one\nanother as well. Here are two terms all consumers interested in\nmarijuana diversity should know:\n\n-   **Genotype**. A marijuana strain's genetics are known as its\n    [genotype](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genotype). The genotype\n    informs the plant's subsequent growth and physical traits\n    and abilities. In many ways, the genotype lays the foundation for\n    what the plant *might* be, and then it is up to the environment to\n    bring these characteristics to fruition.\n-   **Phenotype**. A\n    [phenotype](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenotype) is the way that\n    the genotype is expressed physically. In other words, \"phenotype\" is\n    a word used to describe the traits a plant's environment draw from a\n    plant's genetic code.\n\nTaken together, genotype and phenotype inform what a plant eventually\nbecomes, and they are two of the main reasons a specific strain of\ncannabis may look different depending upon the environment in which it\nis grown and what its genetic makeup consists of.\n\n**The Evolution of Cannabis**\n\nTo understand why cannabis strains vary from one another, it's important\nto understand where cannabis came\nfrom.\nMost experts believe that cannabis originated in Pakistan's Hindy Kush\nregion and later spread to tropical areas around the world. One thing\nexperts agree on is that the earliest species of cannabis are known as\n[landrace](http://urbangreenhouse.com/what-are-landrace-strains/)\nstrains -- marijuana's equivalent of an\n[heirloom](http://ecowatch.com/2015/03/25/grow-heirloom-seeds/) or\nfoundational variety. These landrace strains are the cornerstones of all\nmodern cannabis varieties, and today's indicas and sativas can trace\ntheir roots back to populations of these landrace strains around the\nworld.\n\n**The Cultivation of Cannabis**\n\nRight around the 1970s, independent farmers and enthusiasts began to\nexhibit interest in cultivating cannabis in an indoor environment. While\nfarmers had been growing cannabis around the world for centuries by this\ntime, most of the cannabis cultivation had been in an outdoor\nenvironment. By virtue of stringent laws and little cultural acceptance,\nhowever, the farmers of the 1970s were largely forced to undertake their\ncannabis cultivation efforts indoors. This marked a large change for\ncannabis and a transition from the great outdoors to carefully\nmaintained indoor gardens, complete with enriched soil, high-intensity\ngrow lights and hydroponic grow systems.\n\nToday, indoor grow operations are responsible for producing the bulk of\nthe cannabis consumed in the U.S. In 1995, approximately [50% of all the\ncannabis](http://www.drugscience.org/Petition/C5H.html) consumed in this\ncountry was grown indoors, and that number has only skyrocketed since\nthen. While farmers have learned how to alter these operations to\nprovide the best possible environment for the plants in question, it's\nwidely agreed upon that indoor cultivation [limits the natural\npotential](http://michaelpollan.com/articles-archive/how-pot-has-grown/)\nof marijuana strains due to the fact that the phenotype of modern\ncannabis is largely manipulated by people rather than being left up to\nnature. On the same token, however, the phenotype seen in domestic\nplants depends greatly upon things like lighting, soil characteristics\nand watering -- so domestic strains of marijuana offer differ\nsignificantly from one another.\n\n**How Hybridization Has Affected Diversity**\n\nJust like the transition to indoor grow operations influenced the\ndiversity of cannabis species, so did the hybridization revolution.\nBefore hybridization occurred, people had a choice between indica and\nsativa strains. When growers began to realize that there were certain\naspects of each strain they admired, however, they began mixing the two\nstrains to create new strains that combined the effects of indica and\nsativa.\n\nThe advent of hybridization created a way for marijuana consumers to\naccess a seemingly infinite selection of marijuana\nstrains\nand has contributed to today's craze over developing new and exciting\nstrains. Today's hybrids are drastically more complex and measured than\nthe strains of yesteryear. While many people herald this as a victory\nfor the cannabis community, however, others see it as the development\nthat spelled death for traditional cannabis genetics.\n\nFortunately, some cannabis consumers are dedicated to maintaining\ntraditional indicia and sativa strains of cannabis. In addition to\npreserving the rich history of cannabis, the resurrection of these\nstrains could also have marked impacts on the medical marijuana industry\nby providing unique compounds and opportunities for treatment.\nCurrently, some strains are specifically useful for\npain\nand other medical treatments, and continued exploration into breeding\npractices can help expound on this for the benefit of medical marijuana\nconsumers everywhere.\n\n**The Case for Diversity**\n\nFor consumers who have a favorite cannabis strain or are simply\nwondering why a single cannabis strain looks or tastes different\ndepending upon where it comes from, the answer is two-fold: genetics and\nenvironment. Traditional marijuana strains often look and taste\ndifferent from today's more hybridized versions and, even among\nhybridized versions, things like soil type, lighting, environment and\ngenetics play a large part in determining what the plant ultimately\ngrows to be. With that in mind, it's easy to see how, just like people\nin the U.S. vary from those in China, marijuana grown in one environment\nfrom one genetic selection will vary from strains grown in other\nenvironments or from other genetic stock.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/drome/2928600995/in/photolist-5sMR3B-9pk57-su7tVY-ggSZyy-ggUWCC-onWx-qJQwo-fs8DYC-ph8mwq-qtKPL3-pykSFg-38Aubw-5KaCrX-bB9N7R-BWbS-djzLyZ-gYhjXV-qjJES-fntzEU-rzADFP-6TamFy-ce5s1y-ph8sxH-fCXrvw-fCEQrr-pNa6PK-seQkcA-pKiweZ-gfpCMR-mKTLo-sd5u6P-rzpanN-gfpCGa-6tcYfr-nA7ibB-8ugJr9-ph7RJ7-RSuH-fCEqvv-cj3Mm-64E3Gg-nk5KjP-fCXnRs-fCX3Nq-zggcV-65h518-BW9z-3vX9r-ggVdTd-fs8EEY)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/6e53404e3507c5b9d144790476f4ca38/a00c7/cd342d2b8ae54e5d2ec389c5214058c8.png","srcSet":"/static/6e53404e3507c5b9d144790476f4ca38/69585/cd342d2b8ae54e5d2ec389c5214058c8.png 200w,\n/static/6e53404e3507c5b9d144790476f4ca38/497c6/cd342d2b8ae54e5d2ec389c5214058c8.png 400w,\n/static/6e53404e3507c5b9d144790476f4ca38/a00c7/cd342d2b8ae54e5d2ec389c5214058c8.png 632w","srcWebp":"/static/6e53404e3507c5b9d144790476f4ca38/360af/cd342d2b8ae54e5d2ec389c5214058c8.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6e53404e3507c5b9d144790476f4ca38/61e93/cd342d2b8ae54e5d2ec389c5214058c8.webp 200w,\n/static/6e53404e3507c5b9d144790476f4ca38/1f5c5/cd342d2b8ae54e5d2ec389c5214058c8.webp 400w,\n/static/6e53404e3507c5b9d144790476f4ca38/360af/cd342d2b8ae54e5d2ec389c5214058c8.webp 632w","sizes":"(max-width: 632px) 100vw, 632px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5281,"name":"Genetics","slug":"genetics","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}