Cannabis Breeders Embrace New Technologies to Revolutionize the Industry

By Angela Bacca

The world of cannabis breeding has long been shrouded in secrecy, a result of the prohibition that has plagued the industry for decades. But with the recent legalization of cannabis in many parts of the world, breeders are now coming out of the shadows and embracing new technologies to revolutionize the industry.

Unlike mainstream agricultural commodities like corn and soy, which have been genetically modified and narrowed down to support mass production, cannabis genetics have been shaped by a global underground market. This market, made up of small-scale grower-breeders, smugglers, and seedbanks, has resulted in the diverse variety of cannabis strains that consumers have come to expect.

But with the rise of genetic sequencing and research, cannabis cultivars are now being rapidly reshaped. And while there may still be some distrust towards these new technologies and their motivations, some breeders are not only embracing them but also teaching them alongside traditional breeding practices.

James Loud, a former professional chef turned 25-year cannabis breeder and connoisseur, is one of these breeders. He has worked with geneticists, seed companies, and other well-known breeders and researchers to bring traditional breeding practices to the mainstream. According to Loud, cannabis breeding is no longer just about creating new strains, but also about genetic preservation, drug discovery, and increasing hybrid vigor.

Loud is actively working to merge traditional practices with new technologies, such as genetic sequencing and tissue culture, through his upcoming book and course at Oaksterdam University. Genetic sequencing has greatly accelerated our understanding of plant breeding and medicine in the 21st century, but it has not been without controversy.

Some of the controversy surrounding genetic sequencing is fueled by a misunderstanding of the scientific complexities, while in other cases, it is warranted due to unethical business practices. Commercial genetic sequencing, which has become more affordable and accessible, is used to amass a large amount of data that helps decode genomics and identify genetic markers associated with disease and desirable traits.

For humans, this means identifying genetic markers that may predispose them to certain diseases and potentially preventing or editing them out entirely. For plants, like cannabis, this means creating cultivars with specific phytochemical profiles, resistance to pests and diseases, high yields, and desirable flavors.

As more and more samples are collected and sequenced, the potential for advancements in cannabis breeding and medicine is endless. And with breeders like Loud leading the way, the future of the industry looks bright and promising. 

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