CRISPR Cannabis Unlocking Genetic Codes

While cloning is an ancient and effective practice, it is not standard across the agricultural industry. Instead, farmers use stable seeds or seeds that grow predictably and uniformly. Many farmers are keen on developing similar seeds for hemp and medical cannabis; however, the process may require using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. CAN WE USE CRISPR FOR BETTER CANNABIS? As CanBreed has already gotten approval to use CRISPR technology commercially for years, yes, CRISPR cannabis is here. In 2020, CanBreed reported they modified a cannabis gene to make the plant resistant to powdery mildew. This year the company obtained a breeding and growing license for cannabis in California. For those unfamiliar, CRISPR is a gene-editing tool. Through the use of RNA and an enzyme, Cas9, CRISPR targets specific strands of DNA for removal. It allows the user to alter DNA, controlling what attributes the organism expresses. In a human child, this could affect eye color or a variety of diseases, and in cannabis plants, it could affect protein expression or feminization. Either way, no matter the organism edited, having the ability to make DNA consistent across several organisms or seeds allows for genetic uniformity without cloning. In sum, rather than having to remove a selection from a host and then create a new cannabis plant from that, CRISPR technology allows for uniform seeds which develop into uniform plants. An advantage here stems from the fact that the genetics of traditional cannabis clones vary throughout the mother's life cycle. As the mother plant ages, the clippings she produces will not be uniform. Those taken from the beginning of her life cycle will be noticeably different from those taken at the end. Read the full article here....