TL;DR

• Marijuana plant cuttings, also known as cannabis clones, are rooted segments taken from mother plants that produce genetically identical offspring.
• Purchasing cannabis cuttings saves 4-6 weeks compared to growing from seed and guarantees female plants with known genetics.
• HLVD (Hop Latent Viroid) testing is essential when buying weed clones—this pathogen can reduce yields by 30% or more.
• Quality clone suppliers use tissue culture propagation, qPCR pathogen testing, and verified breeder genetics.
• Under the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis clones containing less than 0.3% THC can be legally shipped across state lines as hemp.
• Look for suppliers offering Generation 1 clones from tissue culture mothers for the cleanest, most vigorous plant material.

What are marijuana plant cuttings?

Marijuana plant cuttings—commonly referred to as cannabis clones, weed clones, or simply "cuts"—are small segments of plant material taken from a mature cannabis plant, known as the mother plant. These vegetative cuttings are typically 5-8 inches in length and include a growth tip with several nodes. When placed in the proper environment with adequate humidity and rooting hormones, these cuttings develop their own root systems and grow into full-sized cannabis plants that are genetically identical to the mother.

The science behind cloning is relatively straightforward. Every cell in a cannabis plant contains the complete genetic blueprint of that plant. When you take a cutting and encourage it to root, you're essentially creating a perfect genetic copy. This process of asexual reproduction has been used by horticulturists for centuries across countless plant species, from fruit trees to ornamental flowers.

For cannabis cultivators, this means that a clone taken from a mother plant exhibiting exceptional characteristics—high THC content, abundant trichome production, specific terpene profiles, or desirable growth structures—will produce those same traits when grown to maturity. Unlike seeds, which can express different phenotypes even when sourced from the same parent plants, clones offer complete consistency.

Cannabis cuttings are typically sold as rooted clones, meaning they have already developed root systems and are ready for transplanting into your growing medium of choice. These rooted cuttings are generally 6-9 inches tall and have been in the vegetative stage long enough to establish healthy root development. Some suppliers also offer unrooted cuttings or "fresh cuts" for experienced growers who prefer to root the clones themselves.

Why buy cannabis cuttings instead of seeds?

The decision to purchase marijuana plant cuttings rather than cannabis seeds comes down to several key advantages that make clones the preferred choice for both commercial cultivators and serious home growers.

The most significant advantage is time savings. When you start with rooted cannabis cuttings, you bypass the germination and seedling stages entirely. This typically saves 4-6 weeks compared to starting from seed. For commercial operations running multiple harvests per year, this time savings translates directly to increased productivity and revenue. Home growers benefit by getting to harvest faster and reducing the total time they need to manage their garden.

Gender certainty is another major benefit. Cannabis plants are dioecious, meaning they can be either male or female. Only female plants produce the cannabinoid-rich flowers that growers seek. When growing from regular seeds, roughly half will be male and must be identified and removed before they pollinate the females—a process that requires vigilance and can result in significant losses if males go undetected. Cannabis clones taken from female mother plants are guaranteed to be female, eliminating this risk entirely.

Genetic consistency cannot be overstated. Seeds carry genetic variation, even when both parent plants are known. This phenomenon, called phenotypic expression, means that ten seeds from the same seed pack might produce ten distinctly different plants with varying heights, yields, flowering times, and cannabinoid profiles. When you purchase marijuana plant cuttings from a reputable supplier, every plant will be identical to its siblings and to the proven mother plant. This uniformity is essential for commercial operations that need standardized products and predictable harvest schedules.

Finally, buying clones gives you access to verified genetics that might otherwise take years of phenotype hunting to find. Elite cuts from breeders like Seed Junky Genetics, Cannatique, Compound Genetics, Raw Genetics, and Exotic Genetix have been rigorously tested and selected for exceptional performance. These verified breeder cuts represent the best expressions of their respective strains and would be nearly impossible to replicate by simply purchasing seeds.

HLVD testing: The most important factor when purchasing clones

If there's one thing you take away from this guide, let it be this: never purchase marijuana plant cuttings without verification that they have been tested for Hop Latent Viroid, commonly known as HLVd. This pathogen has become the most significant threat to cannabis cultivation in North America, and its prevalence continues to spread throughout the industry.

Hop Latent Viroid is a microscopic RNA pathogen that infects cannabis plants at the cellular level. Unlike bacteria or fungi, viroids cannot be killed with topical treatments, fungicides, or disinfectants. Once a plant is infected, the viroid spreads systemically throughout all plant tissues, with particularly high concentrations in the root system. Infected plants may appear healthy during the vegetative stage, making visual identification nearly impossible until symptoms manifest during flowering.

The consequences of HLVd infection are severe. Infected plants typically show a 30-50% reduction in flower yield, significantly reduced trichome production, diminished cannabinoid potency, and altered terpene profiles. Industry studies estimate that up to 90% of cannabis cultivars in California may be infected with HLVd, and infection rates of 25-40% have been documented across facilities in Canada and other legal markets. The economic impact is staggering—billions of dollars in lost productivity industry-wide.

Reputable clone suppliers now use molecular diagnostic testing, specifically RT-qPCR assays, to screen their mother plants and outgoing clones for HLVd and other pathogens. This testing analyzes plant RNA to detect even low levels of viroid presence in asymptomatic plants. When evaluating clone suppliers, ask specifically about their testing protocols. The best suppliers test their entire mother library monthly and can provide documentation of negative results.

Beyond HLVd, comprehensive pathogen testing should also screen for Lettuce Chlorosis Virus, Cannabis Cryptic Virus, and common fungal pathogens like Fusarium and Pythium. Clean genetics are the foundation of a successful grow, and investing in properly tested cannabis cuttings protects your entire operation from devastating losses.

Understanding tissue culture propagation

The gold standard for producing clean marijuana plant cuttings is tissue culture propagation, also called micropropagation. This laboratory technique has revolutionized cannabis genetics preservation and is becoming increasingly important as the industry confronts the HLVd epidemic.

Tissue culture involves taking a tiny section of plant material—typically from the meristem, the actively growing tip of a shoot—and growing it in a sterile, nutrient-rich medium within a controlled laboratory environment. The meristem is used because it contains the plant's stem cells and, crucially, is often free from pathogens that have infected other plant tissues. This meristem tissue is only about half a millimeter in size and must be excised with extreme precision under sterile conditions.

When tissue culture is combined with thermotherapy—a process of exposing the plant material to carefully controlled elevated temperatures over several weeks—it becomes possible to eliminate HLVd and other pathogens from infected cultivars. This meristem tip culture with thermotherapy process is currently the only reliable method for "cleaning" valuable genetics that have become infected with viroid.

Clones produced through tissue culture, often called Generation 1 or TC clones, offer several advantages beyond pathogen elimination. These plants exhibit increased vigor, stronger stem development, better branching structure, and often improved yields compared to clones taken through traditional cutting methods. The tissue culture process essentially resets the plant to its pure genetic expression, removing accumulated epigenetic stress from previous generations of cloning.

When purchasing cannabis cuttings, seek out suppliers who maintain tissue culture mother libraries and can provide documentation of their propagation methods. While tissue culture clones may command a premium price, the investment is worthwhile for the assurance of clean, vigorous genetics.

What to look for when buying marijuana plant cuttings

Beyond pathogen testing and propagation methods, several factors separate quality clone suppliers from questionable sources. Understanding what to look for will help you make informed purchasing decisions and avoid the frustration of receiving subpar plant material.

Examine the root development of any clones you're considering. Healthy rooted cuttings should have white, vigorous root systems that have begun to establish themselves in the growing medium. Roots should not be brown, slimy, or have an unpleasant odor, which can indicate root rot or other infections. Well-rooted clones will transplant with minimal stress and resume active growth quickly.

Assess the overall plant structure and foliage. Quality cannabis cuttings should have vibrant green leaves without yellowing, brown spots, or signs of pest damage. Look for firm stems and healthy node development. Avoid clones with wilting leaves, stretched internodal spacing (which indicates light stress), or any visible pests like spider mites, fungus gnats, or aphids.

Investigate the supplier's genetic sourcing. The best clone suppliers maintain direct relationships with respected cannabis breeders and can trace the lineage of their mother plants to verified sources. Ask about their phenotype hunting and selection process—quality suppliers invest significant time and resources into testing genetics before adding them to their production library.

Consider the supplier's shipping practices and guarantees. Cannabis clones are living plants that require careful handling during transit. Reputable suppliers use insulated packaging, temperature control measures, and expedited shipping to ensure plants arrive healthy. Look for an "Arrive Alive" guarantee that provides recourse if plants are damaged during shipping.

Finally, evaluate the supplier's customer support and educational resources. Growing cannabis successfully requires knowledge, and quality suppliers invest in helping their customers succeed. Look for detailed strain information, growing guides, and responsive customer service that can answer questions about specific cultivars and growing techniques.

Popular genetics and breeder cuts

The cannabis genetics market offers an incredible diversity of cultivars, from classic heirloom strains to cutting-edge hybrids developed by elite breeders. Understanding the landscape of available genetics will help you select marijuana plant cuttings that align with your growing environment and desired outcomes.

Among the most sought-after genetics are verified breeder cuts—the original mother plants or first-generation clones from respected breeding programs. Strains like Gelato, developed by Cookie Fam Genetics, have spawned countless crosses and continue to command premium prices in clone form. The original Gelato phenotypes, particularly Gelato 33 and Gelato 41, represent verified genetics that have been extensively tested and proven in commercial production.

Seed Junky Genetics has produced numerous award-winning cultivars that dominate both the commercial market and clone offerings. Their Wedding Cake, a cross of Triangle Kush and Animal Mints, has become one of the most influential genetics in modern cannabis breeding. Other popular Seed Junky strains available as clones include Kush Mints, Jealousy, Georgia Pie, and their various "Cookies and Cream" crosses.

Compound Genetics, known for rigorous phenotype hunting and quality control, offers sought-after cultivars like Jet Fuel Gelato, Orange Push Pop, and their famous Grape Gasoline. These genetics are often available through authorized clone partners who maintain tissue culture libraries of verified cuts.

For growers seeking specific cannabinoid profiles, CBD-dominant and balanced THC:CBD cultivars are increasingly available as clones. Strains like ACDC, Harlequin, and Cannatonic offer medical patients access to verified genetics with predictable cannabinoid ratios.

When selecting genetics, consider your growing environment and experience level. Indica-dominant strains typically have shorter flowering times and more compact structures suited to indoor growing, while sativa-dominant genetics may require more vertical space and longer flowering periods. Some cultivars are known for being more forgiving of beginner mistakes, while others require precise environmental control to reach their full potential.

Receiving and caring for your marijuana plant cuttings

The journey from opening your package to a successful harvest begins with proper clone care immediately upon arrival. Cannabis cuttings are sensitive to environmental stress, and the first 24-48 hours after receiving your plants are critical for establishing healthy growth.

When your package arrives, open it immediately and remove the clones from their shipping containers. Even with the best packaging, plants have been in dark, confined conditions during transit and need fresh air and light. Inspect each cutting for any damage, pests, or signs of stress. Most reputable suppliers will include care instructions specific to their packaging and shipping methods.

Avoid the temptation to transplant immediately. Your clones have experienced shipping stress and benefit from a brief acclimation period. Place them under moderate light—not your full-intensity grow lights—in a warm environment with elevated humidity. A humidity dome or gentle misting can help cuttings recover from transit. Keep temperatures between 72-78°F and relative humidity around 70-80%.

After 24-48 hours of acclimation, your clones should be ready for transplanting into their permanent containers. Prepare your growing medium in advance—whether soil, coco coir, rockwool, or another substrate. Water your transplant pots before placing the clones to ensure even moisture throughout the root zone. Handle clones gently by their root ball, not their stems, to avoid damaging delicate root systems.

For the first week after transplanting, maintain the elevated humidity and moderate lighting while roots establish in their new environment. Gradually reduce humidity and increase light intensity over the following two weeks. Watch for signs of stress, including wilting, yellowing, or slowed growth, and adjust your environment accordingly.

With proper care, your marijuana plant cuttings will quickly establish themselves and transition into vigorous vegetative growth, setting the foundation for a successful flowering cycle and bountiful harvest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to purchase marijuana plant cuttings online?

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis plant material containing less than 0.3% THC is classified as hemp and can be legally shipped across state lines. Since young clones in the vegetative stage contain minimal THC, they qualify for legal shipment in most circumstances. However, state laws vary, and you should verify the regulations in your jurisdiction before ordering.

What is the difference between clones and seeds?

Cannabis clones are vegetative cuttings taken from a mother plant, producing genetically identical copies. Seeds result from sexual reproduction and carry genetic variation from both parent plants. Clones guarantee female plants and known genetics, while seeds may produce males and varying phenotypes.

How long does it take for clones to root?

When purchasing rooted marijuana plant cuttings, the rooting process has already been completed. If you're rooting fresh cuttings yourself, expect 7-14 days for roots to develop under proper conditions using rooting hormone and high humidity.

What is HLVd and why does it matter?

Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd) is a plant pathogen that infects cannabis and causes "dudding"—reduced yields, diminished potency, and poor flower quality. There is no cure for infected plants, making pre-purchase testing essential. Always buy from suppliers who provide documented HLVd test results.

What are tissue culture clones?

Tissue culture clones are produced through micropropagation in a laboratory setting using the plant's meristem tissue. This process can eliminate pathogens like HLVd and produces exceptionally clean, vigorous plant material with enhanced growth characteristics.

How should I store clones if I can't plant them immediately?

Keep unpotted clones in a cool location around 64-68°F with high humidity. Use a humidity dome or plastic bag to maintain moisture. Avoid direct light exposure and plant within 48-72 hours for best results.

What size containers should I transplant clones into?

For initial transplanting, 1-gallon containers work well for most cannabis clones. You can later transplant into larger containers (3-7 gallons for indoor, 15+ gallons for outdoor) as the plants develop. Some growers transplant directly into final containers to minimize root disturbance.

How do I know if a clone supplier is reputable?

Look for suppliers who provide pathogen testing documentation, use tissue culture or verified mother stock, offer arrival guarantees, have detailed strain information, and maintain responsive customer service. Reviews from other growers and industry recognition are also positive indicators.