Cannabis phenotypes and chemotypes: why do they matter?
When we talk about hemp or cannabis, we often skim the surface: strain names, flower appearance, or cannabinoid percentages. But to truly understand the product you're dealing with, it's essential to understand two key concepts: phenotype and chemotype . Both determine not only a flower's appearance and aroma, but also its chemical profile and legal classification.
🌿 What is a phenotype?
In biology, the phenotype is the visible expression of a plant's genes, influenced by its environment. In cannabis, the phenotype translates into characteristics such as:
Color of flowers and leaves
Plant size and structure
Quantity and shape of trichomes
Aroma and resin profile
Flowering time
Two plants with the same genetics (the same genotype) can show different phenotypes if grown under different conditions: light, temperature, soil, water or nutrients.
Real-life example: A hemp strain grown outdoors may develop a more earthy aroma and a more stretched-out morphology, while the same strain grown indoors may be more compact and resinous.
🧪 What is a chemotype?
The chemotype is the chemical composition of a plant, especially with regard to cannabinoids and terpenes .
In the case of industrial hemp or non-psychoactive cannabis, chemotypes are classified mainly by the ratio of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) to CBD (cannabidiol) :
🔹 Chemotype I: Rich in THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol dominance
Associated with psychoactive varieties (not legal in the common market for CBD in the EU)
Generally low CBD level
🔹 Chemotype II: Balanced THC:CBD
Significant presence of both cannabinoids
Less common in industrial crops
Requires special genetic and legal control
🔹 Chemotype III: Rich in CBD
Cannabidiol dominance
THC < 0.2% or 0.3%, according to European regulations
It is the chemotype allowed for industrial hemp and its legal derivatives.
At HEADZ we only work with chemotype III varieties, certified and legal in the European Union.
🌸 Aromas, terpenes, and phenotypic expressions
Phenotypes don't just affect shape or color: they also influence terpenes , which are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in cannabis. The same chemotype III can display citrus, floral, spicy, or fruity aromas, depending on its phenotype, cultivar, and post-processing.
🧬 Why is this distinction important?
Because choosing a quality product doesn't depend solely on the CBD percentage. Understanding the chemotype you're purchasing ensures that the product is legal, and knowing the phenotype helps you assess its aromatic and visual profile with discretion.
At HEADZ, we inform you about the most relevant phenotypic traits of each batch and verify the chemotype through certified analysis. This way, you can choose with a sense of smell, confidence, and knowledge.