Those are the two common leaf arrangements in MJ, now here's where things get messy...Whorled Phyllotaxy (as I understand it) is basically any arrangement of leaves that doesn't follow either opposite or alternate patterns. This is where the facts turn into theories however as there seems to be a shortage of definite answers with regards to the effects of whorled phyllotaxy on Marijuana, or for that matter what causes it.
From my experience I've found that whorled phyllotaxy seems like a genetic defect, mutation if you will, that either causes or is a symptom of certain stresses. From my understanding the vast majority of MJ plants affected will not be female, as has been the case with the two whorled plants I've grown myself. Whether certain factors play into the development of this condition, or it's strictly genetic I couldn't say but I ended up with two whorled plants at the same time out of seven plants from the same group of seeds. If I had to say one way or the other I would lean toward genetics playing a big role, maybe even being the sole contributor.
To be fair however I should mention that I have heard a theory that claims that whorled phyllotaxy actually becomes more common with LST, or rather the twisting of a stem. I guess the thought it that as the stem twists the soft fibres inside can get broken, crossed, or otherwise unarranged. I can't add much to this theory as I have limited experience (and reference material) but I will say that the two whorled plants I've grown were both LSTd, and that when you look at the stem in the pics it does look awfully twisted.
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