Hop Latent Viroid: The Devastating Threat to the Cannabis Industry
The cannabis industry has been hit hard by the emergence of Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd), with experts estimating that it could be causing up to $4 billion in financial losses each year. But as the legal market continues to grow, some are questioning whether the streets are now safer than the recreational mega-farms that have been decimated by HLVd. We spoke to industry insiders from both sides to see how this viroid has impacted the underground cannabis market.
For those unfamiliar with HLVd, it is considered one of the most destructive forces to hit the cannabis industry since the creation of the Drug Enforcement Administration. This tiny infectious agent is a major threat to both the global cannabis and hop industries. Viroids are the smallest known agents that can cause plant diseases, with the first ones being discovered in potatoes in 1971. HLVd was first reported in two out of three varieties of hops in Spain in 1987.
One of the biggest challenges with HLVd is that many plants can be infected without showing any symptoms, making it difficult to detect and control. However, as the viroid progresses, it can significantly reduce a plant’s yield and overall health. In the case of cannabis, this means that plants are unable to reach their full potential in producing cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds. The financial impact of HLVd on the cannabis industry has already reached billions of dollars, and it’s likely that the losses are even higher in the underground market.
In April 2024, High Times Magazine reported on a study published in the scientific journal Viruses that consolidated all the available data on HLVd. The study cited a 2021 survey conducted by Dark Heart Nursery, a leading cannabis genetics company. Dan Grace, the founder of Dark Heart, agreed with the findings, stating that HLVd has been present in the underground market for years. “All the genetics we have now came out of the illicit market, that stands to reason,” Grace told High Times. “It’s just a matter of historical facts. The virus was all over the place way before 2017. I mean, we learned about it in the Emerald conferences. Maybe like [in] 2013, people were calling it PCIA for ‘Putative Cannabis Infectious Agent.'”
Grace explained that at the time, people were presenting qualitative data about HLVd at The Emerald Conference, a cannabis and psychedelics science event. However, no one knew what it was or had the resources to study it further. With the legalization of cannabis, there is now more transparency and communication within the industry, allowing for a better understanding of HLVd and how to combat it.
Dark Heart was one of the first companies to identify HLVd in their plants and has been working to develop solutions to prevent its spread. As the legal market continues to grow, it’s crucial for the industry to address this threat and work towards finding effective solutions. With open communication and collaboration, we can overcome the devastating impact of HLVd on the cannabis industry.
