// Definition
A system of classifying cannabis varieties based on their chemical profiles (cannabinoids, terpenes, enzymes) rather than morphological traits alone. Provides a more precise understanding of cultivar relationships and diversity than visual classification.
// From the Episode
Rob Clark credits Carl Hillig with continuing this work at Indiana University after Clark left, using terpene analysis and allozyme (enzyme configuration) studies to create the first rigorous chemical taxonomy of cannabis. Clark notes this was groundbreaking because it provided empirical evidence for cultivar relationships beyond subjective observation. The approach later influenced modern cannabis typing systems (Type I/II/III).