In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Lethbridge's Department of Biological Sciences in Alberta, Canada, have delved into the possibilities of genetically engineering cannabis to ensure consistency and target specific cannabinoids. The study, titled "Using Advanced Biotechnological Techniques to Improve Cannabis Cultivars," was recently published in Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology and has shed light on the potential benefits of gene editing in the cannabis industry.
Traditional cannabis cultivation methods have long been hindered by inherent breeding limitations, genetic instability, and the presence of psychoactive compounds. However, the study authors suggest that the application of biotechnology tools such as molecular breeding, tissue culture, and genetic engineering can significantly advance cannabis research and applications. With recent advancements in cannabis micropropagation, multiplication rates can be substantially increased while preserving genetic lines. The researchers explored various genome editing tools, including zinc finger nucleases, ZFNs, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, TALENs, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats,CRISPR Cas systems. These methods can be used to manipulate or precisely modify genes, offering promising avenues for editing biosynthetic pathways, increasing enzyme efficiency, and developing novel cannabis traits.
One of the major challenges faced by hemp growers is the federal law that prohibits the cultivation of crops containing more than 0.3% THC. If a grower's crops exceed this legal threshold, they must be destroyed, leading to significant financial losses. The study suggests that the CRISPR method of gene editing could be particularly useful in targeting specific cannabinoids, allowing scientists to manipulate the levels of CBD or THC in a strain, potentially saving growers from such losses.
The authors emphasize that cannabis gene editing should be further explored for its potential, given the crop's exceptional suitability for bioenergy production and its growing medicinal and economic prospects. As the understanding of cannabis genetics and biotechnological tools advances, more effective and sustainable approaches for producing cannabis with specific characteristics can be anticipated.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services has already given approval to the cultivation of a genetically modified hemp strain with reduced percentages of THC and CBC. In March 2024, APHIS also approved the cultivation of a hemp strain called Badger G in Wisconsin, which contains high percentages of CBG through the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique and lacks CBD and THC.
The USDA's recent celebration of the second national "Biobased Products Day" and the release of two reports, including the "Hemp Research Needs Roadmap," further underscore the growing importance of the cannabis industry. The roadmap highlights the necessity of stable cannabis strains and the critical role of public-private partnerships in generating genetic gain.
