The cannabis plant is well known by many these days, but at the chemical level, there is much left to be discovered. Researchers are striving to understand the nuances of weed through various studies and analyses. One of the more recent papers provides what might be the most accurate look at weed yet.
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South Korean Kangwon National University (KNU) and Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) at Colorado State University, Pueblo developed the PinkPepper strain, a high CBD, low THC variety that grows in a deep purple color. The plant tested with about 11 percent CBD and less than one percent THC.
The universities recently released a genomic map of the phenotype led by ICR associate director of research Dr. Sanghyuck Park. This is the most complete gene map of the plant ever captured, and it could change the world of cannabis forever.
Cannabis discovery unlocks new potential
A genomic map, aka a gene or linkage map, is a visual look at the DNA, chromosomes, and genes. This unique makeup of things determines how the cannabinoids and terpenes of a strain will develop. KNU and ICR accomplished a 99.6 percent completeness map of over 30,000 protein-coding genes in the PinkPepper strain. This makes it the new reference standard for genetic research, a fact that has been acknowledged by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
The almost complete mapping may open doors for researchers, breeders, and eventually, consumers. Researching the plant with a gene map at this level could allow breeders to create unique cannabis strains. Botanists who understand the gene map may eventually use this mapping to stabilize new, novel weed variants to develop intentional cannabinoid ratios and terpene production.
It is also a gateway to developing pathogen-resistant plants. At the business level, these maps create a way to instill and track intellectual property. With that in place, people who breed strains can preserve their work on new flavors rather than see it replicated without credit.
Cannabis enthusiasts look forward to applying this almost 100 percent genomic map to future research and seeing what results.
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Cannabis genome map deepens understanding
When people advocate for more access to cannabis research, many think of in-depth clinical trials with human patients to understand its effects. But there is so much more left to learn than the medical effects of marijuana. This almost complete map of the PinkPepper strain will feed into these other modes of research, providing the most accurate look at the cannabis plant yet. Cultivators and researchers interested in growing PinkPepper F1 can look out for commercial seeds, which set to be sold commercially by June.
Increased cannabis access not only allows consumers to discover new products and secure their favorites, it also inspires research scientists to explore that world as well. As they do, more discoveries are surely on the way.
