The Cannabis Varieties That Shaped The Industry

For almost 30 years now, the legalization of cannabis has been spreading across the country. Though it was once a bit of a taboo subject, it’s now more mainstream. That has given rise to a massive and constantly expanding industry. Of course, as is the case with all industries, this one started off relatively small. A few key cannabis varieties lie at the heart of it all, and they’ve helped to shape the entire industry. 

A General Overview of Cannabis

At this point, more than 700 strains of cannabis are on the market. Each one has its own traits, flavor, aroma, terpene profile, and effects. They all fall into three basic categories: Indica, Sativa, and hybrids. Indicas and Sativas are the originals, and they’ve paved the way for autoflowering seeds, feminized plants, and numerous hybrid strains. 

Indica strains generally grow shorter and bushier than other types. They grow well in cooler climates, and they have shorter flowering cycles. Their buds typically produce relaxing effects, and they’re often used for anxiety, insomnia, and pain relief. Sativas, on the other hand, usually grow taller and thinner. They crave warmer climates and take longer to mature. They’re often used to battle depression, mood disorders, and fatigue. 

From there, you’ll find a long and ever-growing list of hybrids. In fact, most of the cannabis varieties available today are hybrids. They can have the traits and effects of Indica or Sativa strains, but many of them offer a combination of both. Some of them have been crossbred with Ruderalis strains as well to create fast-growing, autoflowering strains. 

Going Back to the Basics

All the strains available today had to come from somewhere, right? For many of them, their lineage can be traced back to one of a few widely known varieties of cannabis. Without those originals, the industry most likely wouldn’t be what it is today. Take a look at some of the basic varieties that have helped the industry to evolve to its current status. 

Northern Lights

Northern Lights was one of the original members of the cannabis industry. This strain is an Indica-dominant hybrid. It has relatively high THC levels and very little CBD. It’s known to produce relaxing, euphoric effects. Stories about its origins vary, but it’s believed to have first appeared in the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s. It’s a hardy plant that matures fast, which makes it a great option for growers who don’t have a lot of experience or time to devote to cannabis cultivation. It’s also used in countless hybridization projects, so it’s the basis for many of the strains available today.

OG Kush

Another widely known variety of cannabis, OG Kush is also an Indica-dominant strain. It’s generally about 55 percent Indica and 45 percent Sativa though that can vary from one crop to the next. This strain was created in the 1990s. It’s a potent variety that usually provides relaxing and uplifting effects without being overly sedating. It’s popular for anxiety, stress, pain relief, and depression. It has a strong, earthy aroma that’s pretty distinct. This variety is a parent to a long list of the popular hybrids now on the market. 

Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web isn’t quite the same as some of the other varieties that have shaped the industry. It has a higher CBD content and very little THC. That means it doesn’t produce psychoactive effects, but it doesn’t mean it’s not effective. It was originally created for a young epilepsy patient. It can reduce seizures, and it’s often helpful for alleviating pain and muscle spasms. While Charlotte’s Web isn’t widely used for breeding new hybrids, it has had major influences on the industry. It prompted a great deal of new research into medical cannabis, and has been instrumental in promoting the legalization of medical marijuana.

Taking the Cannabis Industry Into the Future 

Today, the cannabis industry has expanded beyond many people’s initial expectations. It has branched out in numerous directions as well. It all started with a few basic varieties with those listed here being some of the originals. Each one has influenced the industry in a major way, and they’ve given it a foundation on which to grow even bigger and more diverse in the future.