By Dylan Bruck
If you’ve ever noticed the same cannabis product appearing under different names — or wondered why “strains” don’t always feel the same from one producer to the next — the answer usually comes down to cannabis cultivars, genetics, and branding.
Understanding what a cannabis cultivar is (and why names change) can help you make more consistent, confident choices when shopping in Alberta’s legal market.
What Is a Cannabis Cultivar?
A cannabis cultivar is a cultivated variety of cannabis that has been bred for specific characteristics and maintained through a distinct genetic lineage.
You may be more familiar with the word “strain.” While the two terms are often used interchangeably, cultivar is the botanically accurate term. It’s short for “cultivated variety” and is used across agriculture and horticulture to describe intentionally bred plants with stable traits.
In legal cannabis, you’ll still see “strain” used widely on packaging and menus. While not scientifically precise, it remains a common and understood term among consumers and retailers within the Canadian cannabis culture.
Cultivar vs. Strain: What’s the Difference?
In practice, most people mean the same thing when they say “strain” or “cannabis cultivar.” The difference is technical:
- Cultivar is the correct botanical term for plants.
- Strain originates from microbiology (bacteria and viruses).
- “Strain” became common during the legacy market era and stuck.
You’ll often hear someone say “Blue Dream strain,” but “Blue Dream cultivar” is more accurate from a plant science perspective. Both terms are still widely recognized in cannabis retail today.
How Cannabis Genetics Work
Every cannabis cultivar has a genetic lineage created through selective breeding over multiple generations.
- Genotype refers to the plant’s genetic code — its DNA and inherited potential.
- Phenotype is how those genes express themselves during growth.
Even genetically identical plants (clones from the same mother) can express slightly different traits depending on:
- Growing environment
- Light, nutrients, and climate
- Harvest timing and curing methods
Think of identical twins raised in different environments — same genetics, slightly different outcomes. Cannabis works much the same way.
Landrace, Hybrid, and Modern Cultivars
Most cannabis cultivars available today are hybrids, but they all trace back to earlier genetic foundations.
Landrace Cultivars
- Naturally occurring cannabis varieties from specific regions.
- Adapted over centuries to local climates.
- Examples include Afghan Kush, Durban Poison, and Acapulco Gold.
- Rarely sold as pure landraces in modern retail, in part because the yields from plants can be much smaller than hybrid cultivars.
Hybrid Cultivars
- Created by crossing two or more parent plants.
- Most cannabis sold in Alberta falls into this category.
- Bred for traits like potency, terpene expression, yield, and consistency.
- Often described as indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or balanced (THC:CBD).
Breeding Generations (F1, F2, F3+)
- F1: First-generation cross between two parents.
- F2: Offspring of two F1 plants.
- F3+: Further breeding to stabilize traits.
More generations generally mean more predictable results. Well-known cultivars like Blue Dream or OG Kush have gone through years of stabilization.
Why the Same Genetics Have Different Names
Cannabis naming isn’t standardized the way crops like wheat or corn are. There’s no central authority controlling cultivar names, which leads to variation across producers. Common reasons names change include:
- Trademark or compliance conflicts (e.g., Girl Scout Cookies → GSC, Gorilla Glue #4 → GG4, etc).
- Proprietary branding by licensed producers.
- Licensing limitations around breeder naming rights.
- Marketing differentiation.
- Regional naming preferences.
- Genetic drift over time.
Because of this, the same or very similar genetics may appear under different names depending on who’s growing and selling the product.
What Stays Consistent — And What Changes
When a cultivar is properly maintained, some elements remain stable while others vary.
What Stays Consistent
- Genetic lineage
- General cannabinoid and terpene ranges
- Core plant structure and growth traits
For example, authentic Blue Dream genetics commonly show dominant myrcene and pinene, with THC typically falling within a broad range (often cited around the high teens to low twenties, depending on producer and batch).
What Can Change
- Growing conditions (indoor vs outdoor, nutrients, lighting)
- Phenotype selection by the producer
- Harvest timing and curing methods
- Storage and packaging practices
This is why two products with the same cultivar name can feel similar, but not identical, from different licensed producers.
How to Find Consistent Cannabis Products in Alberta
If you’re looking for repeatable experiences, here are a few practical strategies:
- Look beyond the name: Genetics and terpene profiles matter more than branding.
- Pay attention to terpenes: Similar terpene profiles often produce similar effects.
- Track producers you like: Consistency often comes from the licensed producer, not just the cultivar.
- Ask knowledgeable budtenders: They can help identify comparable genetics when names differ. Visit your local Plantlife dispensary for expert advice.
- Focus on effects: Energizing, relaxing, or balanced experiences tend to be more reliable than chasing names.
Featured Cultivars
Blue Dream
Balanced, approachable genetics with widespread recognition. Browse Blue Dream-style cultivars
Wedding Cake
Dessert-forward genetics often rebranded across producers. Explore our Flower collection
OG Kush
Classic lineage with many phenotype variations. Shop OG Kush family cultivars
Common Cultivar Name Confusions in Alberta
Some genetics are especially prone to naming overlap:
- Wedding Cake / Pink Cookies / Triangle Mints: Often derived from similar genetic crosses.
- OG Kush Variations: Tahoe OG, SFV OG, and others may be phenotypes or distinct crosses.
- Cookies Family: GSC descendants include Gelato, Sunset Sherbet, and more.
- Proprietary LP Names: Common genetics marketed under unique brand names.
When in doubt, lineage and terpene profiles offer more clarity than names alone.
Local & Close: Shopping for Cannabis in Alberta
Shopping for cannabis in Alberta? Plantlife works closely with licensed producers and knowledgeable teams across the province to help customers find products that match their preferences — even when cultivar names change.
Whether you’re shopping in-store, ordering for local delivery, or mail ordering anywhere in Alberta, our teams can help you navigate genetics, terpene profiles, and producer differences.
Find a Plantlife store near you
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cannabis cultivar?
A cannabis cultivar is a cultivated variety bred for specific traits with a consistent genetic lineage.
Is “cultivar” the same as “strain”?
In cannabis, they’re often used interchangeably, but cultivar is the botanically accurate term.
Why do cultivar names change between producers?
Trademark issues, branding decisions, licensing rights, and marketing strategies all play a role.
Are all Blue Dream products the same?
They may share similar genetics, but growing and processing differences can affect the final experience.
How can I tell if two products share the same genetics?
Check lineage information, terpene profiles, LP materials, or ask a budtender.
Why does the same cultivar feel different from different producers?
Growing conditions, phenotype selection, curing, and storage all influence the final product.
Can licensed producers create their own cultivar names?
Yes. Many do so for branding or legal reasons, even when genetics are well known.