In popular culture, different cannabis cultivars are referred to as “strains”. Each individual strain is a cannabis variety that has been bred for its specific characteristics by a cannabis breeder. So, Granddaddy Purple is a strain. Harlequin is another strain. The former is a sleepy strain that produces a high percentage of the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The latter is a mellow flower that produces both THC and cannabidiol (CBD). The plants both have different lineages and different characteristics. Hence, they are different strains.

But, the word “strain” comes with a fair share of controversy. From a scientific perspective, referring to cannabis varieties as “strains” makes very little sense. And yet, “strain” is the word that remains in popular culture. The difference is mainly semantic—in the world of botany, different plant varieties are called cultivars, not strains. The word “strains” is usually reserved for bacteria and viruses, not plants.

In the world of cannabis, however, the word strain caught on in the 1980s and there’s been little looking back since. The word is embedded in popular culture, and most cannabis dispensaries and enthusiasts still use the term to describe different varieties of cannabis. With new waves of cannabis legalization, however, more technical and scientific ways of describing the plant are slowly becoming more popular.

Cannabis is a plant just like any other on planet Earth. It grows in a wide array of strains, varieties, and types. Much like choosing between red delicious, gala or granny smith apples at the grocery store, there are a ton of medical marijuana options available to choose from. There are currently at least 779 cannabis strains that have been named and recognized by the marijuana community. And the number of notable strains is only going to increase. With continued research, there are sure to be even more medical advancements in treating various ailments using particularly prescribed strands of marijuana.

Hundreds of strains of cannabis are important for several reasons. First, it allows professional growers to experiment with “hybrid” combinations. Growers are constantly discovering new strains as they experiment with cannabis cultivation. When there are more viable strains, there is better genetic differentiation within the plant species as a whole. Various strains may be more resistant to droughts or they might grow faster. Since every new strand is developed differently, each one provides its own unique compound ratios. Enhanced research allows more and more experimental cultivation, creating more effective treatment options for any given medical condition. Because growers create new strains from indica, sativa or hybrid varieties, it’s difficult to establish a concrete number of existing strains.

Cannabis affects everyone differently. The same strain might alleviate one person’s PTSD while it helps another person’s digestive issues. In the same fashion, certain cannabis strains could help a person’s migraines while a different strain doesn’t help at all.

The more strains that are available, the better the chances for more accurate treatments for MMJ patients. One strain with a higher concentration of THC might help someone’s dementia, while a strain with lower THC levels could alleviate depression. It’s always important to note that various types of cannabis contain different concentrations of THC and CBD. Experimenting with these levels can help doctors prescribe a more precise medication that targets the main symptoms of a myriad of conditions.

There is no standard for cannabis strains. If one grower experiments with a strain and it becomes a popular choice, that particular strain might take off and become marketable. Due to the complexity of the growing process and the knowledge required, most new strains cultivated by amateurs become failures. It isn’t until an experienced professional produces a one-of-a-kind product that it gains enough notoriety in the marijuana community. Once the word has spread, the product is then named and recognized as a legitimate cannabis strain.

Humans have cultivated marijuana for generations, involving centuries of traditions in the production process. Modern technology, current agricultural practices and access to further cannabinoid research have created a multitude of ways to regain our health and live the way we’ve always wanted to … pain and symptom-free. When it comes to the list of cannabis strains, just remember, the more the merrier.

When choosing strains, consideration can be given to whether the focus is on THC or CBD, both of which offer anti-inflammatory properties with potential health benefits for conditions such as pain, cancer and autoimmune diseases.