A Decade in Cannabis Genetics

By: Alec Ploss

Over the past decade cannabis genetics have made quantum leaps in evolution. We have seen an enormous growth in both the number of growers and breeders, all of whom are jockeying for position in one of the most competitive markets there is. Breeders have been fine tuning their hunts for the next best thing with an emphasis on quality, terps, yield, and bag appeal. With many new states going legal, all of them with their own preference of bud style, it adds another big driving force to the constant innovation of new genetics.

In 2010-2015 some of the best and most popular strains had the entire country familiar with their names. These strains include OG Kush, Sour Diesel, Strawberry Cough, Master Kush, Blue Dream, Gorilla Glue, Chem Dawg, and many others. These were heavy hitters that were highly regarded by most in the culture. Then came along Girl Scout Cookies (or GSC as it’s commonly referred to) and the genetics game was changed overnight. GSC had it all and then some. With deep purple hues, thick coats of sticky resin, and potency that would couch lock experienced smokers, it was instantly catapulted to the front of most demanded strains. This demand drove breeders to cash in and create new crosses with this spectacled strain and the breeding frenzy began.

From 2015-2020 arguably some of the prettiest, tastiest, and highest testing cannabis has emerged. After the introduction of GSC to the breeding stock, almost every new strain that held GSC lineage was sure to have improved trichome production, as well as purple coloration, both of these are currently the most sought-after traits. Amongst some of the most popular GSC progeny are Gelato and all its variations like Lemon Cherry Gelato, Maqui Gelato etc., but also GMO, Cookie Glue and many more. The success of all of these strains themselves placed them into further breeding efforts and the flood gates opened.

Here we are in 2023 and cannabis has never been better than it is today. There are more growers than ever. It is much easier to get feedback on new strains with social media and communication advances but most of all the fact that marijuana has gone mainstream and is no longer taboo has advanced breeding. Now the weed is almost all purple highly potent and every flavor you can imagine from sweet to funky it’s all here. With federal legalization approaching we should expect the evolution of genetics to continue onward with more efficiency than ever. We look forward to hunting new genetics to bring to market!