Genotype, Chemotype, Phenotype – Oh My! A Crash Course in Cannabis Genetics
If you’ve ever picked up your favorite strain from two different growers and noticed a difference in smell, taste, or effects, you might have thought: Did they switch this out? Is this even the same strain?
The answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” Even within the same strain, cannabis plants can express different characteristics based on genetics and environment. That’s where genotype, phenotype, and chemotype come into play.
Think of it like siblings in a family. They might have the same genetic background but look different, act differently, and have unique preferences. The same applies to cannabis—every plant has a genetic potential, but what it actually becomes depends on its environment.
Let’s break it down in a way that won’t make your eyes glaze over.
Genotype: The Genetic Blueprint
A genotype is the full genetic code of a cannabis plant. It’s like the plant’s potential—the blueprint that determines all the possible traits it could express.
But here’s the catch: just because a plant has the genes for a certain characteristic (like bright purple buds or a citrusy terpene profile) doesn’t mean those traits will actually show up. Environment plays a huge role in whether or not those genes get expressed—kind of like how identical twins can have different personalities if raised in different places.
Phenotype: The Visible & Smellable Personality
If genotype is the recipe, phenotype is the finished dish. It’s how the plant physically expresses its genetics when influenced by environmental factors like:
• Light exposure – More intense light can lead to denser buds and deeper colors.
• Temperature – Cooler temperatures can trigger certain strains to show purples and blues.
• Humidity – Impacts bud structure and trichome production.
• Soil & nutrients – Affect growth patterns, potency, and terpene production.
For example, let’s say you grow two plants from the same batch of “Gelato” seeds. One is grown indoors under LEDs at 78°F, while the other is grown outdoors with natural sunlight and cooler nights. Even though both share the same genotype, the indoor plant might stay bright green with denser buds, while the outdoor one could develop deep purple hues and a slightly different smell. That’s phenotypic variation at work!
Chemotype: The Chemical Personality (A.K.A. What Actually Gets You High)
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Chemotype refers to a plant’s chemical composition—the mix of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that determine the effects.
Cannabis plants produce different levels of THC, CBD, and terpenes depending on:
• How they were grown (nutrients, stress, harvesting methods)
• The environment (temperature, humidity, light cycles)
• The curing process
Ever tried a “Blue Dream” from one dispensary that made you feel uplifted, but another batch left you couch-locked? That’s likely a chemotype difference. One grower might have cultivated a version with a myrcene-heavy terpene profile (more sedating), while another had a more limonene-dominant version (more energizing).
Even with the same genetics, the chemotype can vary!
Why This Matters for Growers & Consumers
✅ For growers: Understanding genotype, phenotype, and chemotype helps fine-tune cultivation methods to achieve consistent, high-quality cannabis.
✅ For consumers: This explains why strain names alone don’t guarantee identical effects—look at lab results, not just the name on the jar!
✅ For everyone: It’s a reminder that cannabis isn’t a one-size-fits-all plant. Strain names are a good starting point, but the real experience is in the chemistry.
So, next time you’re wondering why your “favorite strain” feels slightly different from batch to batch, remember—there’s a whole genetic, environmental, and chemical story behind every bud!
