I’ve always been a little obsessed with the etymology of names. Legalization across the Unites States has created more commercial, recreational, and medical cannabis growers than ever before, and with more growers come more breeders and strain names. But how do you name a strain?
About a year ago, Adam from Twenty20 Mendocino penned an article about his thoughts on how copyrights and trademarks for strain names will, once cannabis is no longer a Schedule 1 Drug, fall under the category of public domain. As examples, he correlated strain names to song titles, noting that the song “Let It Go” has been used by at least 42 different artists. The article states, “For a song title to secure a copyright, the title must be ‘novel, unique, and sufficiently original’. In other words, simple names such as favorite dessert, candy, cocktail, etc., or using any short commonly used combination of words from the English dictionary, will not be eligible for a copyright or trademark.” He also noted that U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) does not consider spelling changes as sufficiently original, i.e. “adding a Z to the beginning or end of a word will not suffice because it is not ‘sufficiently original.’” Adam proposes to the breeding community that “we wake up to the realities that are around the corner and start treating strain names like the USPTO will, similar to how musicians treat song titles. You have your work called ‘Sunday Morning’ and I have my work called ‘Sunday Morning,” different artist, different song, different breeder, different strain. No harm, no foul.”
After reading his article, I wanted to know more about the process of creating strain names, so I asked a few other breeders about their ideas and methods.
“The name game is a tough one. The first thing I do is check and see if it’s already in use once I come up with something. That way, it doesn’t interfere with someone else’s work, but that seems to be a lax, as there are a ton of people who don’t even take the time to check nor do they respect or care if it’s being used. Creating a name can vary depending on the cultivars. Sometimes, I like to use musical references or refer to things that I like or find humor in, but also, something that sounds good when you say the name. Once a name has been selected, it’s important not to rename things, phenos of particular cuts can be renamed. A lot of time you have to look as to how the public will respond and hope that the name reaches, but sometimes being older there is a disconnect, and I use references that goes above some people’s heads. I’m very big into using music, Grunge particularly, due to the origin of my company and the timeframe I grew up, hence the logo.
From Deep Space Creations
“I always start with the parent’s names or lineage. Most of the time, I will catch something in a book or maybe a movie, and the name will stick. I’m not big on doing full lines of themed names. The Chem de la Chem came to me after my wife had got back from France. It was a joke, until it wasn’t. That name was perfect for that plant.”
From Revolution Cannabis
Lineage: By examining the parent strains of the new cultivar, we gain insight into its characteristics and potential effects. We pay homage to the lineage and provide a sense of familiarity to consumers by incorporating the names or traits of the parent strains into the new name.
Organoleptic Features: We analyze the flavors and aromas of the new strain, which are crucial factors for many consumers. Comprehensive data on the strain’s organoleptic properties are gathered through both in-house and third-party lab tests, along with feedback from our sample panel. Reflecting these characteristics in the name can help consumers make informed decisions about which strains will best suit their tastes and preferences. Our Blueberry Clementine strain, for example, is known for its berry and citrus aroma and flavor.
Effects: We consider how the new strain affects users by collecting detailed feedback from our sample panel. This information includes the strain’s onset, intensity, duration, and any side effects. By incorporating these elements into the name, we aim to provide a clear indication of the experience consumers can expect from the strain. A good example is King Crasher, which hints at the strong relaxation effects the strain is known for, while also paying homage to the lineage.
If our conventional naming process does not yield the perfect name, we turn to cultural sources for inspiration. We recognize that the cannabis community is highly intelligent and appreciates humor, art, philosophy, and music.
From Cosmic Wisdom Seeds
“Here at Cosmic Wisdom Seeds we are creating strains based on medicinal values for our patients. They are derived often from heritage, regional, and local cannabis strains, which we select and combine. To name our strains, we are using a mindful approach. Most often it involves a key aspect of the genetics names in a recognizable way (example our Bubba Hindu) and other times it is a creative vision based on the feeling or story behind a strain (such as magic journeys, which have lineages from around the earth combined and a trippy effect).”
I’ve asked more breeders their thoughts on naming strains, and when I collect enough responses, I’ll create another article for publication. For more Illinois cannabis industry news, visit here.
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