Cannabis Chemotype: What It Is and How It Is Classified

Understanding the cannabis chemotype is essential for those seeking quality, traceability and consistency in hemp-derived products. Beyond a variety’s name or visual appearance, the chemotype provides information about the plant’s chemical composition and helps identify which cannabinoids and terpenes predominate in each case.

In this article, we will explore what determines the chemical profile of a cannabis variety, how it is analysed in a laboratory and why it is relevant when classifying CBD flowers, hash and oils. We will also examine which factors can modify this profile and how to interpret certificates of analysis correctly in order to make decisions based on objective data.

Through this guide, prepared for Iberohemp readers, you will learn about the main cannabis chemotypes, the methods used to identify them and the criteria that should be considered when selecting a raw material or hemp-derived product.

What is a cannabis chemotype and why does it matter?

Knowing the cannabis chemotype means identifying the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes that predominate in a particular plant. This chemical profile goes beyond genetics or the commercial name of a variety, as it describes its actual composition once cultivation has been completed and the corresponding analyses have been carried out.

Understanding the chemotype makes it possible to classify different hemp varieties more accurately and facilitates comparisons between production batches. For producers, distributors and industry professionals, it is a key tool for ensuring product consistency and maintaining stable quality standards.

Definition of “chemotype” in botany

In botany, a chemotype is a way of classifying a plant according to its predominant chemical composition. Unlike classifications based solely on physical or genetic characteristics, a chemotype takes into account the presence and proportion of certain metabolites produced naturally by the plant.

In the case of cannabis and hemp, this classification is based mainly on the concentration of cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, although other naturally occurring compounds, such as terpenes, may also be considered. This system makes it possible to distinguish between plants that may share similar genetics but develop different chemical profiles.

This information is particularly useful for producing homogeneous raw materials, as it allows objective classification criteria to be established and facilitates traceability throughout cultivation, processing and commercialisation.

Difference between genetic variety and chemical profile

It is common to confuse genetic variety with chemical profile, although the two concepts refer to different aspects of the plant.

Genetic variety describes the origin, lineage and inherited characteristics of a particular cannabis plant. The chemical profile, on the other hand, reflects the final result obtained after cultivation and indicates the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes present in a specific sample.

This means that two plants belonging to the same variety may show small differences in their chemical composition when they have been grown under different conditions. Factors such as lighting, nutrition, temperature or harvest time may partially modify the resulting profile.

For this reason, laboratory analyses are highly valued within the professional sector, as they provide objective information about the actual composition of the product, regardless of its commercial name or the genetics used.

Factors that influence a plant’s chemotype

The cannabis chemotype does not depend exclusively on genetics. Although genetics provide the foundation on which the plant develops, numerous environmental and cultivation factors may influence the production of cannabinoids and terpenes.

From seed selection to growing conditions and the exact moment of harvest, each stage of the process may cause small variations in the final chemical composition. Proper control of these variables helps produce more homogeneous batches and makes analytical results more consistent across different crops.

Genetics and lineage

Genetic lineage is the starting point for determining a plant’s chemotype. Each variety has a specific combination of genes involved in cannabinoid and terpene synthesis, establishing the chemical potential that the plant may develop during growth.

For this reason, producers often work with certified seeds or selected clones, as these offer greater genetic stability and reduce variability between plants within the same crop.

In hemp intended for industrial uses, genetic lines are selected whose THC levels can remain within the legal limits in force in the relevant market.

However, genetics only represent the plant’s potential. For that potential to be expressed consistently, it must be supported by suitable growing conditions and thorough control throughout the production process. The combination of stable genetics and proper cultivation management makes it possible to obtain much more uniform chemical profiles.

Growing conditions: light, temperature and soil

Environmental conditions play an important role in the development of hemp’s chemical profile. Light intensity, photoperiod length, temperature, ambient humidity and the composition of the soil or growing medium influence plant metabolism throughout every growth stage.

Suitable lighting supports normal flower development, while excessively high or low temperatures may alter the production of certain compounds. Likewise, an appropriate balance of water and nutrients helps maintain uniform growth and a more stable chemical composition.

Professional growers therefore tend to monitor these variables carefully through control systems and standardised cultivation protocols, reducing differences between harvests and improving the repeatability of analytical results.

Harvest time and maturity

The chosen harvest time also influences the chemical composition that the plant will show once analysed. During the final flowering stage, natural changes continue to occur in cannabinoid and terpene concentrations, meaning that a difference of only a few days may slightly modify the resulting profile.

To determine the most appropriate moment, many growers observe trichome maturity using magnification tools, combining this information with their experience of each variety and the specific growing conditions.

After harvesting, drying and curing also form part of the process. Proper handling helps preserve the compounds naturally present in the plant and allows the analysed chemical profile to reflect the characteristics of the produced batch more accurately.

Main cannabis chemotypes and their classification

Cannabis chemotypes are classified according to the proportion of cannabinoids present in the plant, especially CBD and THC. This classification is used in research, production and quality control because it makes it possible to identify the chemical composition of each variety objectively, regardless of its commercial name.

Knowing the chemotype facilitates the selection of raw materials for different industrial applications and helps users interpret certificates of analysis issued by specialised laboratories. Although several classification systems exist, the most widely used divides cannabis into three main groups.

Chemotype I: predominance of psychoactive cannabinoids

Chemotype I is characterised by a concentration of THC that is higher than CBD. In the scientific classification of cannabis, this group includes varieties in which tetrahydrocannabinol is the main cannabinoid, although the exact proportion may vary from one plant to another.

In the case of industrial hemp marketed in Europe, THC content must remain within the limits established by the applicable regulations. This type of chemotype therefore has a more limited presence than other profiles.

From an analytical perspective, identifying Chemotype I makes it possible to determine which cannabinoid predominates in the sample and distinguish it from other chemical profiles. This classification is particularly useful in research programmes, genetic conservation and variety characterisation.

Chemotype II: mixed cannabinoid profile

Chemotype II has a more balanced relationship between CBD and THC, with relatively similar concentrations of both cannabinoids compared with the other groups.

This chemical profile often attracts interest in variety characterisation studies because it represents an intermediate point between chemotypes dominated by THC and those in which CBD is clearly predominant.

From a chemical analysis perspective, Chemotype II demonstrates how small genetic differences may result in different compositions within the same plant species. Laboratories therefore use high-precision techniques to determine the exact proportion of each cannabinoid and classify each sample correctly.

Identifying this profile is also useful in genetic improvement programmes and in the development of new hemp varieties for different industrial applications. In every case, the final composition must be assessed according to the legal requirements of the corresponding market.

Chemotype III: predominance of non-psychoactive cannabinoids

Chemotype III is the most common in industrial hemp varieties used for the production of CBD flowers, extracts and other hemp-derived products.

Its main characteristic is a high presence of CBD, while the THC content remains within the limits established by the applicable legislation. This composition makes it one of the chemical profiles most widely used in crops intended for the European hemp market.

The stability of Chemotype III is one of the aspects most valued by producers and distributors, as it allows them to work with raw materials that maintain a homogeneous chemical composition across different batches when suitable cultivation and analysis protocols are applied.

For this reason, before any hemp-derived product is marketed, laboratory certificates are commonly used to confirm that the chemical profile corresponds to the expected chemotype and complies with the relevant regulations.

Analytical methods used to determine cannabis chemotype

Identifying a chemotype requires the use of laboratory analyses capable of accurately measuring the concentration of cannabinoids and other compounds present in the plant.

These techniques are part of the standard quality-control procedures used in the hemp sector and make it possible to issue certificates of analysis (CoAs), which describe the chemical composition of each batch.

These methods allow samples to be compared, production uniformity to be verified and the traceability of flowers, resins and extracts to be supported.

Gas chromatography (GC)

Gas chromatography (GC) is a widely used technique for analysing volatile compounds, especially terpenes, which are responsible for much of the characteristic aroma of each cannabis variety.

During the analysis, the sample is vaporised and its components are separated inside a chromatographic column. A detector then records each compound and allows it to be identified by its retention time.

When used to analyse cannabinoids, gas chromatography must take into account that the heat applied during the process causes the decarboxylation of certain compounds. It is therefore often complemented by other techniques when a complete overview of a sample’s chemical composition is required.

Nevertheless, it remains a very useful tool for studying aromatic profiles and carrying out quality controls in specialised laboratories.

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is currently one of the most widely used techniques for determining cannabinoid content in hemp-derived products.

Its main advantage is that it allows cannabinoids to be analysed in their natural state without applying high temperatures during the process. This makes it possible to quantify both acidic and neutral forms present in the plant.

Due to its high precision, HPLC is frequently used to prepare the certificates of analysis (CoAs) that accompany CBD flowers, extracts and oils. These reports indicate the exact concentration of cannabinoids in each batch and help confirm whether it complies with the requirements established by the applicable regulations.

Mass spectrometry and chemical fingerprinting software

In many laboratories, chromatography is combined with mass spectrometry (MS) to identify the compounds present in a sample with even greater precision.

This technique analyses the molecular mass of each substance and facilitates the detection of cannabinoids, terpenes and other metabolites, even when they are present in very low concentrations.

Specialised software then compares the results with reference databases and generates a chemical fingerprint of the product. This procedure makes it possible to classify samples accurately, detect potential differences between batches and strengthen quality-control processes.

The combination of chromatography, mass spectrometry and software tools is one of the most precise approaches available for characterising the chemical profile of a cannabis variety.

Why it is important to know the chemotype before buying

Knowing the cannabis chemotype before purchasing a raw material or hemp-derived product helps users understand its chemical composition and compare different options objectively.

Beyond visual appearance or the name of a variety, laboratory analyses provide verifiable information about cannabinoid concentration and terpene profile, supporting a selection process based on technical data.

For producers, distributors and industry professionals, having access to this information helps maintain quality standards and greater consistency between batches.

Alignment with cultivation or product objectives

Each hemp-related project may require a different chemical profile. Knowing the chemotype therefore helps users select varieties whose composition is consistent with the established production objectives.

In crops intended for the production of flowers, extracts or oils, having analytical information from the earliest stages supports better production planning and reduces variability between harvests.

Working with previously characterised varieties also facilitates result monitoring and improves traceability throughout the process, from genetic selection to the final product.

When a particular terpene profile is sought, previous analyses of the variety should also be reviewed. This makes it possible to determine whether citrus, herbal, earthy or fruity notes predominate and supports a selection that is better aligned with the project’s criteria.

Consistency in aroma, flavour and composition

One of the main advantages of working with a well-defined chemotype is the possibility of maintaining greater consistency across different production batches.

When a product is subject to regular analysis and quality-control protocols, it is easier to preserve a stable aromatic profile and a consistent chemical composition. This supports producers and distributors by facilitating process standardisation and improving the identification of potential variations.

Reviewing certificates of analysis before purchasing flowers, resins or oils helps confirm that the stated values correspond to the batch being marketed, providing greater transparency during the purchasing process.

How to select the ideal cannabis chemotype for your project

Choosing the most suitable cannabis chemotype depends on several factors relating to the plant’s chemical composition, the type of product required and the characteristics of the target market. Although genetics provide the basis for cultivation, certificates of analysis, production conditions and compliance with current regulations should also be considered.

Making this decision using objective information allows different varieties to be compared more accurately and helps identify those that maintain a consistent composition across different batches.

According to sensory profile: aromas and nuances

Each chemotype has a characteristic combination of terpenes, compounds responsible for the different aromas found in a hemp variety. These may include citrus, herbal, spicy, fruity, woody or earthy notes, depending on the concentration and combination of each terpene.

In addition to reviewing cannabinoid content, it is therefore advisable to consult the terpene profiles included in certificates of analysis. These data provide more precise information about the aromatic characteristics of a batch before it is selected.

Those looking for different profiles within industrial hemp can explore the Premium CBD Flowers collection, where each reference may present a different chemical and aromatic profile.

According to growing and environmental requirements

Growing conditions directly influence the stability of the chemical profile obtained during production. Factors such as climate, light intensity, ventilation, soil type and cultivation system may help produce greater uniformity between plants when kept within controlled parameters.

Before selecting a variety, its adaptability to the intended growing environment should be assessed. Some genetics show more stable behaviour in greenhouses, while others are better suited to outdoor cultivation when environmental conditions are favourable.

Careful planning helps reduce variability between harvests and makes it easier for the resulting chemical profile to remain within the expected values after laboratory analysis.

Available resources, irrigation systems, ventilation and the ability to control temperature and humidity should also be considered. A variety suited to one environment may produce less homogeneous results when grown under different conditions.

Adaptation to regulations and the local market

One of the most important factors when working with hemp is understanding the applicable legislation in the country where the product is cultivated, distributed or marketed.

Permitted limits for certain cannabinoids may vary between jurisdictions. It is therefore essential to confirm that the composition of each batch complies with the relevant regulations. Certificates of analysis issued by specialised laboratories are a key tool for this purpose.

Selecting varieties whose chemical profile has already been verified facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements and provides greater transparency throughout the commercialisation process.

Regulations may also impose different requirements depending on the product type, presentation, labelling or intended market. Knowing the chemotype alone is therefore not sufficient: the specific requirements applicable in each market must also be reviewed before distributing or promoting a hemp-derived product.

Beyond the chemotype: resources and next steps

Understanding the chemotype is only one part of the knowledge required to assess a hemp-derived product correctly. Combining this information with laboratory analyses, technical documentation and specialist sources allows the characteristics of each batch to be interpreted more accurately.

Several tools are currently available to help compare chemical profiles and verify information provided by producers and distributors.

Where to consult certificates of analysis (CoAs)

Certificates of analysis (CoAs) are documents prepared by specialised laboratories that set out the results obtained after analysing a specific product sample.

These reports generally include information about cannabinoid concentration, terpene profile and other quality-control parameters. Reviewing them helps confirm that the published data correspond to the marketed batch and supports greater transparency.

Whenever possible, certificates issued by independent laboratories should be consulted, and users should check that the results clearly identify the analysis date, batch number and methodology used.

It is also advisable to confirm that the analysed sample corresponds to the specific commercial reference. A generic certificate or one without a batch number provides less information than an up-to-date document directly linked to the product.

Online tools for comparing chemical profiles

In addition to laboratory certificates, specialised platforms are available that display and compare chemical profiles using charts and databases.

These tools facilitate the analysis of different varieties by showing the distribution of cannabinoids and terpenes in a more intuitive format. They may also be useful for comparing production batches or studying how the same variety changes over time.

Although each platform offers different functions, they all help users interpret analytical information more easily and support decisions based on objective data.

However, these tools should be used as a complement to the original reports. The laboratory certificate associated with the specific sample or batch should remain the primary reference.

Explore our product range

Those wishing to explore different chemical profiles within industrial hemp can find a selection of products at Iberohemp, organised to make comparisons between references easier.

You can discover our CBD Flowers, explore the different varieties of CBD Hash or browse the range of CBD Oils available in the catalogue.

Reviewing the technical information for each reference supports a more informed selection and provides a clearer understanding of its aromatic characteristics, presentation and composition.

Key aspects for understanding the cannabis chemotype

Understanding the cannabis chemotype makes it possible to interpret a plant’s chemical composition more accurately and understand why two apparently similar varieties may present different profiles.

The combination of genetics, growing conditions, harvest time and laboratory analysis determines the final cannabinoid and terpene profile that characterises each batch. Certificates of analysis and techniques such as chromatography and mass spectrometry are therefore essential for correctly classifying hemp-derived products.

Understanding these concepts facilitates comparisons between varieties, improves the interpretation of technical information and provides an objective basis for selecting raw materials or products with greater confidence and transparency.