Scientists Identify 33 Genetic Markers in Marijuana for Breeding Enhanced Strains
A recent study published in The Plant Genome has shed light on the genetic makeup of marijuana, identifying 33 significant markers that influence cannabinoid production. This breakthrough could revolutionize the breeding process, enabling the creation of new strains tailored for specific medical and recreational uses.
The research team, led by scientists from Université Laval in Québec, Canada, analyzed the genomes of 174 cannabis specimens, each with known levels of cannabinoids such as THCA, CBDA, and CBN. Using a high-density genotyping approach, they identified 33 molecular markers associated with 11 cannabinoid traits, with most having a high impact on the plant’s phenotype.
One notable finding was a massive set of genes on one plant chromosome, spanning approximately 60 megabases, which was linked specifically to THC-dominant cannabis strains. This discovery could have significant implications for breeding programs, allowing for the targeted selection of desirable traits.
The study’s authors believe that this approach will speed up the breeding process, reduce costs, and ensure that the resulting strains are optimized for specific medical and recreational needs. This could pave the way for future innovations in cannabis breeding and genetic research.
The findings come as researchers in South Korea have recently identified a new cannabinoid, cannabielsoxa, and several other compounds reported for the first time from the flowers of C. sativa. This new cannabinoid was not found to be toxic to neuroblastoma cells.
Despite the growing body of research on marijuana, the Trump administration’s priorities remain unclear. The National Cancer Institute has been instructed to clear any research on marijuana with higher-ups before publishing, which could impede progress in the field.
The identification of these genetic markers is a significant step forward in understanding the genetic makeup of marijuana and could lead to the development of new, enhanced strains for medical and recreational use.
