The practice involves creating a genetically identical replica of a parent cannabis plant by taking a cutting and encouraging it to develop its own root system. This vegetative propagation method bypasses sexual reproduction through seeds, resulting in an exact copy exhibiting the same characteristics as the original plant. A practical illustration is taking a small branch from a high-yielding female plant and nurturing it into a new, independent plant with the identical yield potential.
Maintaining desirable traits is the primary advantage of this propagation technique. Growers can consistently reproduce plants with specific cannabinoid profiles, growth patterns, and resistance to diseases. This contributes to standardization in cultivation, efficient resource management, and predictable harvests, which are valuable for both small-scale and commercial operations. Furthermore, preserving superior genetics ensures the continuation of successful breeding programs.