A plant's genotype is its complete genetic blueprint — the full set of inherited DNA instructions passed down from both parent plants. It determines the potential range of traits a plant can express, from cannabinoid production to growth structure. The genotype remains constant regardless of environmental conditions.

A phenotype is the physical and chemical expression of a plant's genotype as shaped by its growing environment. Two plants with identical genetics can express different phenotypes depending on light, temperature, humidity, and nutrients. Phenotype selection is a core practice in cultivar development and stabilization.

Landrace cultivars are cannabis varieties that developed naturally in specific geographic regions over thousands of years without human hybridization. They are genetically stable and adapted to their native climate, soil, and photoperiod. Landraces serve as the foundational genetic stock from which most modern cultivars are derived.

Stabilization is the multi-generational breeding process of selecting and reproducing plants that consistently express the same traits across offspring. A stabilized cultivar produces predictable phenotypes with minimal variation from seed. Achieving true stabilization typically requires five or more generations of careful selection and breeding.

Backcrossing is a breeding technique in which a hybrid offspring is crossed back with one of its parent plants to reinforce and stabilize specific genetic traits. This process concentrates the desired characteristics of the parent while reducing genetic variability. Multiple rounds of backcrossing are used to create highly stable, true-breeding cultivar lines.

Recessive traits only express themselves when a plant inherits two copies of the responsible gene — one from each parent. These traits can remain hidden across multiple generations before appearing in offspring. Understanding recessive genetics is essential for breeders working to surface or eliminate specific characteristics.

Dominant traits are genetic characteristics that express themselves even when only one copy of the responsible gene is present. In cannabis breeding, dominant traits reliably appear in offspring without requiring both parents to carry the same gene. Identifying dominant traits allows breeders to predict and select for consistent expression across generations.

A hybrid is a cannabis cultivar produced by crossing two genetically distinct parent plants to combine desirable traits from each. Most modern cultivars are hybrids, bred to express specific combinations of aroma, structure, potency, and yield. Hybrids can lean toward either parent's characteristics depending on genetic dominance.