Cannabinoid Ratio Classes

Cannabinoid ratio classes categorize cannabis genetics by their relative concentrations of THC, CBD, and minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBC, CBN). These classifications—such as THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, balanced, and rare-cannabinoid-enriched—form the foundation of modern breeding objectives. Ratio classes are determined by plant chemotype, a heritable trait controlled by multiple genes and environmental factors. Understanding cannabinoid ratios is essential for breeders selecting parents, stabilizing new cultivars, and developing genetics for specific research or cultivation purposes. Lineage records frequently report cannabinoid profiles, allowing breeders to predict offspring chemistry and refine breeding programs with greater precision.

Breeders use cannabinoid ratio classes as primary selection criteria when establishing F1 hybrids, backcross lines, and stabilized varieties. Tracking chemotypes across generations helps identify dominant/recessive patterns and establish predictable cultivars suited to different production and research environments.