Scientists Identify 33 Genetic Markers in Marijuana to Breed New Strains
A recent study published in The Plant Genome has identified 33 significant genetic markers in cannabis that can be targeted to breed new strains with specific cannabinoid profiles. The findings promise to revolutionize the development of new plant varieties, enabling the use of precise genetic markers to select and refine promising cannabis varieties.
The study, conducted by researchers at Université Laval in Québec, Canada, analyzed the genomes of 174 cannabis specimens in Canada, each with known levels of cannabinoids such as THCA, CBDA, and CBN. Using a high-density genotyping approach, the team identified 33 molecular markers associated with 11 cannabinoid traits, most of which had a high impact on the phenotype.
The study’s lead author noted that the research represents a significant shift away from years of cannabis prohibition, which has impeded the establishment of genetic resource collections and the development of advanced breeding practices. The identified markers will be highly valuable in breeding programs aiming to create new cannabis varieties with enhanced and specific cannabinoid profiles tailored for medical and recreational uses.
The new findings come as researchers in South Korea have successfully identified a new cannabinoid, cannabielsoxa, along with several other compounds reported for the first time from the flowers of C. sativa. The study, published in the journal Pharmaceuticals, used chromatographic techniques to isolate the compounds and examined their molecular structures and toxicity to certain cancer cells.
The discovery of these genetic markers and new cannabinoids has significant implications for the cannabis industry, promising to speed up the breeding process, reduce costs, and ensure that resulting cannabis varieties are optimized for specific medical and recreational needs. As research into marijuana continues to expand, it remains to be seen how the Trump administration’s priorities will impact this trend.
