Chase Hudson, CEO of Hemplucid in hemp field

Oct 10, 2019

Our Hemp – The Genetics Behind Hemplucid CBD

Whenever hemp is mentioned, any two people are bound to imagine vibrant green leaves and thick resinous flowers. All hemp plants are pretty much the same, right? Well, not exactly.

Whenever hemp is mentioned, any two people are bound to imagine vibrant green leaves and thick resinous flowers.

All hemp (cannabis) plants are pretty much the same, right?

Well, not exactly. 

While many cannabis plants look similar, plant genetics are incredibly diverse. No two strains are identical. 

The Importance of Hemp Genetics

Much like you can’t judge a book by its cover, the appearance of a cannabis plant has little bearing on the molecular story written in its genetic code. 

Hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years and every strain develops unique genetics through the breeding process. There are several factors at work that determine the development of any given cannabis strain. 

And despite what some marketing fanfare would have you believe, cannabidiol (CBD) content shouldn’t be the only focus when developing quality hemp. Different genetics produce different extracts, and each extract will provide its own distinct effects.

There’s a slew of full-spectrum CBD products on store shelves, and while they’re bound to be hemp-derived and contain CBD, a meaningful profile of secondary cannabinoids and terpenes is harder to find. 

These secondary compounds make all the difference. 

We believe the full benefits of CBD are experienced through a synergistic combination of hemp compounds in what is known as the entourage effect. CBD has plenty to offer on its own, however, it can provide so much more with the added support of other naturally occurring hemp compounds. 

This cannabinoid synergy was central to the breeding strategy when developing the genetics for Hemplucid CBD

More Than Just Your Average Hemp

The average industrial hemp plant is grown in fields of tall, stalky plants.

These industrial hemp fields are likely great contenders for a harvest of hemp fiber to be used in textile industries. They’ll grow the same familiar leaves and give off the tell-tale scent of cannabis, however, these industrial plants may not offer much in the way of cannabinoid diversity

This is where our mindfully cultivated genetics differ from your average hemp. 

It all started several years ago in Colorado, long before CBD was a common buzzword in shops and dispensaries across the country. 

Our hemp was developed from a Sativa with robust cannabinoid profiles crossed with a CBD-rich hemp varietal. THC levels were selectively bred down to less than 0.3% (the federally legal limit for hemp) while maintaining balanced cannabinoid and terpene expressions.

That said, it’s not as easy as simply breeding two strains and calling it a day. 

Cultivating new hemp strains requires patience and persistence in order to achieve high-quality hemp extracts. 

The Evolution of Our Hemp

Our hemp genetics have been fine-tuned through an ongoing process of crossbreeding and backcrossing to create balanced, superior cannabinoid and terpene expressions. 

What is Crossbreeding?

Crossbreeding is the terminology used when breeding two different cannabis strains to produce a new hybrid genetic, aka phenotype. Put simply, the word “phenotype” is used to identify a plant’s inherited traits. 

The goal here is to produce a strain that offers the best of both parent plants. Naturally, there’s no way to determine exactly which traits the offspring will inherit. 

So, we’ve mentioned cannabinoid and terpene expressions—and those are very important—but we also need to consider other factors. Things like flower production, stability, stem strength, etc. 

Creating a viable new genetic is a task that blends science with a touch of artistry. No two strains are alike, and when complementary plants are crossbred, each new phenotype enters the world as its own botanical triumph. 

It can take several generations of breeding to produce a phenotype that’s free of any undesirable characteristics. And further work is required to strengthen the genetics of a strain. 

Namely, backcrossing. 

What is Backcrossing?

Backcrossing is another step in the breeding process that allows the breeder to target characteristics in the parent to be passed on to the offspring. 

This is different from standard breeding methods because it involves cross-pollinating the offspring with a previous generation, or parent plant. Effectively inbreeding to strengthen desired genetic traits. 

Backcrossing can be a delicate process, as excessive inbreeding can bring about unwanted recessive traits. However, when done correctly, backcrossing will produce a more stable phenotype. 

This method has been used to create a series of phenotypes that are continually evolving to improve upon our superior genetics, all while providing the consistency our customers depend on. 

And while science and dedication to quality genetics are both important—it’s honest individuals with pure intentions that have made the biggest impact on the development of our hemp genetics.

Grown With Pure Intentions 

Our hemp is cultivated to organic standards across several hundred acres of farmland by seasoned growers to thrive in the Colorado climate. We know our genetic, the soil it’s grown from, and the conditions required to ensure our hemp plants continue to prosper.

At Hemplucid, we promise to continue providing consistent extracts for our friends, our families, and our customers. 

Society is careening toward what we consider to be a health crisis. Our intention is to aid those who are suffering and bring about a new age of consciousness. We are committed to helping people around the globe experience life again.