Fiber Type Cannabis

Fiber-type cannabis, commonly called hemp or industrial cannabis, refers to cultivars bred primarily for stem and stalk material rather than cannabinoid production. These plants are characterized by tall, sturdy growth with minimal branching, thick woody stems, and sparse flower development. Breeding records indicate selection for fiber strength, stem diameter, and cellulose content spanning decades across European and Asian agricultural programs. Modern fiber cultivars typically contain trace cannabinoids, though legal thresholds vary by region. Fiber-type genetics remain distinct from high-THC or high-CBD flower lines, representing a separate breeding trajectory focused on agronomic and material properties rather than phytochemical profile.

Breeders working in fiber genetics select for stalk yield, retting speed, fiber length, and mechanical strength—traits requiring different cultivation approaches than flower-focused lines. Fiber-type cultivars are increasingly crossed with cannabinoid-rich lines in breeding programs exploring dual-purpose or industrial hemp hybrids.