A close up of a Cannabis strain plant with lots of green stuff.

The Naming Process of Cannabis Strains Explained

We’ve always been curious how cannabis strains ended up with the names we know them so well by today. While some strains are named after more obvious reasons such as smell or taste (like one of our latest releases, Purple Liliko’i), others aren’t as easy to pinpoint. Poddy Mouth? Forbidden Runtz? Cement Shoes? Where do all these names come from?

Like our own names, some are unique simply because they strike significant meaning to our parents, while others are passed on from our grandparents or great-grandparents. Strain naming follows similar patterns; in other words, there really is no scientific rule for breeders to follow.

Cannabis naming conventions are most commonly derived from a number of traits including a strain’s potential effect on patients, the country of origin, its unique aromas, combined genetic background, or simply a cannabis breeder’s sense of humor. Skunk, Lavender, and Chemdawg for example were named after their unique aromas while others were named for icons of the cannabis community like Jack Herer and Willie Nelson. Ice Cream Cake and Purple Liliko’i achieve fruity and dessert flavors, thus earning their names which explain the flavors patients can expect when consumed.

Check out some of our popular strains here at Noa and take a guess on the origin of their name simply based on their descriptions:

Three distinct cannabis strains arranged together.

Poddy Mouth: This uplifting and soothing hybrid earned its unique name due to its dazzling trichome-covered bracts, aka pods. It’s a strain that’s named solely for its visual appearance. In fresh flower form, it displays exceptionally large bracts that are covered in resin.

A close-up of Cannabis Strain and fruit.

Purple Liliko’i: This hybrid strain has wonderful flavors of freshly picked liliko’i, sweet calamansi, and bright citrus undertones with effects that may provide an uplifting and energizing high with mellow body relaxation.

A close up of a cannabis strain on a white surface.

Cement Shoes: Says it all in the name. She’s best known for her heavy body effects that may leave you glued (or cemented) to the couch.

A Cannabis Strain pile on top of a white table.

Ice Cream Cake: A strain that delivers all the tasty goodness you’d expect with such a delicious name. It has a smooth, vanilla, and sugar donut flavor, with a thick creamy smoke.

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