Optimizing medical marijuana: developing genetic and chemical resources to improve thequality and quantity of cannabinoid metabolites in Cannabis sativa L strains Year Two

Determine how cannabinoid metabolites and their relative abundances differ among marijuana strains. Post Doctoral Fellow Name: Teagen D Quilichini Cannabinoids are synthesized and accumulate in Cannabis plant hairs called glandular trichomes, which are particularly abundant on female flower buds. Cannabinoid content and composition vary dramatically among Cannabis strains, with two general groupings distinguished: marijuana strains, defined by high THC and low CBD levels, and hemp strains containing low THC and high CBD (or low total cannabinoid content). Marijuana breeding efforts have increased the cannabinoid potency and profiles of cannabis strains, and have produced marijuana strains with highly variable chemical phenotypes (chemotypes). While these breeding efforts have been successful in dramatically increasing THC levels, they commonly have reduced the content of other pharmaceutically valuable cannabinoids that compete for overlapping starter substrates (4). Many cannabinoids are known to have important pharmacological properties, and the relative abundance of the major cannabinoids (THC, CBD and CBC), minor cannabinoids and terpenoids can alter the therapeutic effects of marijuana strains. For instance, the presence of CBC augments some of the pharmacological effects of THC, while CBD has the ability to reduce THC side effects (5, 6).

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Anne Lacey Samuels

Student:

Teagen Quilichini

Partner:

Anandia Labs Inc.

Discipline:

Agriculture

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of British Columbia