Genotype
Definition: A genotype is the complete set of genes a cannabis plant carries, inherited half from each parent. It sets the limits on what the plant can do, such as its maximum THC potential, terpene types, flowering time and sex. The genotype cannot be seen directly; growers judge it through the phenotype it produces.
How Genotype works
Every cell in a cannabis plant holds the same DNA: ten pairs of chromosomes, nine regular pairs plus one sex pair. That code determines which enzymes the plant can make. A plant with working THCA synthase genes can produce THCA; a plant with CBDA synthase genes makes CBDA instead; many carry one of each and produce both.
Genotype vs phenotype
Genotype is potential. Phenotype is the result after light, nutrients, temperature and stress have their say. A high-THC genotype grown under weak light will test lower than it could, but no amount of perfect growing pushes a plant past its genetic ceiling.
Where genotype shows up in practice
- Clones: a cutting carries the exact genotype of its mother. That is why a proven clone grows so predictably across different gardens.
- Seeds: each seed is a new genotype, even within one pack, because pollination reshuffles parental genes.
- Sex: XX plants are female and XY plants are male; feminized seeds carry only XX.
Genetic testing labs can now map cannabis genotypes, letting breeders confirm lineage claims and screen seedlings for traits such as cannabinoid type well before harvest.