A Strain to Name: How Do Weed Strains Get Their Names?
November 7, 2022
Have you ever thought about where and how weed strains get their names? The quirky names that make up the majority of cannabis strains on the market actually have a meaning behind them. So if you are curious to know why strains like Cat Piss are named that way, keep on reading.
How do weed strains get their names?
Weed strains get their names according to their origin
Most of you might think that strains only began to have their own names around the 21st century, but in reality, this started way back in the 60s and 70s. Cannabis breeders began to transport what they called landrace strains, and these are the types of cannabis that have not had their genetics altered in millennia. According to Leafwell, there are approximately 30 landrace strains all over the world. Of course, only a few were considered the best of the best. The landrace strains that dominated the market in the past were classified under both sativa strains and indica strains. Acapulco Gold, Colombian Gold, Durban Poison, and Thai were sativa strains. Meanwhile, Afghan, Hindu Kush, and Mazar I Sharif were indica strains. A few of these strains still exist today, some of which can still be used in their purest form, meaning, they are not mixed with other modern strains.
Breeders assign names according to the combination of the parent strains’ names
The landrace strains aforementioned all had their names assigned to them according to where they came from. As time went on, these landraces interbred with each other, thus creating hybrid strains. Due to the interbreeding, breeders had to give them names to not confuse the market. It also makes it easier for people to remember what strains make up a certain hybrid strain thanks to their assigned strain name.
Weed strains also get their names from the effects they have
When consuming weed, it often leaves a lasting impression on people. The effects that it gives people are one of the reasons why they are named a certain way. Names like Blue Dream, Trainwreck, Purple Haze, and Lucid Blue are all named this way due to the dream-like state they leave on users.
They get their names according to their physical traits, aromas, and flavors, too
Cannabis strains are unique in their own way, and one of the characteristics that make them stand out is their physical traits. Some have hints of purple, white, or orange. With that being said, users come up with names like "White Widow" for strains that have white trichomes. As for strains with orange hairs, names like Orange Kush are assigned. Other than physical attributes, weed strains get their names from aromas as well. Strains such as Lavender and Skunk are named as they are due to their unique scent. Another example is the Blueberry Headband, which, as implied by its name, has a blueberry scent. It would be odd if people did not name weeds after how they taste, right? With that being said, flavor is another factor in why breeders and the community name weed strains. Tangies smell like oranges and taste citrus-y, hence the name. Another strain, like Strawberry Cough, offers a blast of fruity flavors on the taste buds. According to users, this particular strain tastes as sweet as candy and as fresh as a strawberry shortcake.
Names are assigned to weed strains because of an homage/tribute
Oftentimes, some are unaware that weed strains get their names from iconic people, some of whom have made a huge impact on the cannabis community. The strain, Jack Herer, was named after Jack Herer himself. He was an American cannabis activist who studied and defended cannabis to prove to people that it could be used for the benefit of humans. Then there are strains named after celebrities too. For instance, the Air Jordan OG took inspiration from the world-famous athlete, Michael Jordan. The strain was named this way by Good as Gold because it helped people with pain relief and insomnia. It also relaxes the muscles once consumed.
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