Genetics in Cannabis: Similarities and differences to conventional crops
It’s often said that the importance of genetics cannot be easily understated. Not only with plants and animals but even with humans too. While this has gone to extremes in the case of humans, the underlying principle is merely just a force of nature. Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines genetics as "the genetic makeup and phenomena of an organism, type, group, or condition." Expanding upon this further, we can posit that genetics determine the potential of any living organism. Whether or not that organism lives up to that potential revolves mostly around its environment and the conditions in which it grows. Genetics can also be shaped over time, sometimes intentionally and sometimes not. For example, most Europeans are now born with the gene that allows dairy consumption, while other ethnicities and regions still predominantly suffer from lactose intolerance. The desire to improve things and life itself and safeguard against the bad is a natural human desire. So, given humans' relationship with plants, it was inevitable that plants would undergo genetic manipulation as well. Let's talk about what that looks like.
Plant Genetics 101
While most of us have taken an introductory biology class in school, it’s always good to get a refresher. Below is an example of a Punnett Square, which was first developed by Reginald Punnett of the UK in the late 1800s. It shows the different possibilities of traits that offspring can inherit from their parents based on each's genetics:
Figure 1.1- A basic Punnett Square
The probability of each (combined) trait depends on several different factors. Since cannabis is dioecious, it's pretty easy to observe and note distinct traits from both males and females that are desirable. Another thing to note: genetics can be a bit of a gamble since we're dealing with probability. And that also explains why it is so expensive and requires so much patience. For traditional agriculture, much of this research has been outsourced to universities and their extension programs, which then distribute that knowledge and best practices back to farmers. Cannabis, unfortunately, has not had that same privilege due to Schedule 1 restrictions. Many of the cultivars available today are a byproduct of underground breeders with different goals than today's growers. These are folks who had to look over their shoulder not only for law enforcement but for theft as well. While I believe it’s important to pay homage to these “legacy” growers, as they are called in this space, the future of cannabis genetics lies in its modernization and integration with traditional breeding principles.
Cannabis genetics today
As cannabis has become more legitimized, consumers are now asking for different things. While the emphasis for recreational users has largely been on potency, more medical applications are being looked into as of late, including what is known as Type 2 and 3 genetics. Type two refers to cannabis flowers that contain an equal ratio of 1:1 THC and CBD*, whereas type 3 refers to flowers that are dominant in CBD and low in THC. The asterisk here denotes that, in this case, CBD may refer to any variety of cannabinoids, including CBG or CBN.
Breeders are really trying to push the envelope for unique cannabinoids for medical applications as more research is done on their effects. Beyond just medical use, unique terpenes are another trait being sought out as well. Scents and flavors like fruit, candy, and garlic are a relatively new, albeit popular phenomenon among cannabis enthusiasts. One last thing to note here is that terpenes can also have medical applications, though science still brings clarity to this.
How genetics and breeding are done today in cannabis
Cannabis being dioecious is an essential factor in its breeding. Mature, flowering males cannot be in the same space as mature, flowering females that are in production. Once a female production plant gets pollinated, its energy shifts from senescence and cannabinoid production to reproduction, thus diminishing the final quality. For those who are intentionally breeding, a separate room is usually designated at a commercial level, or a separate tent for a home grower. Outdoor growing can become even more complicated since the plant is wind-pollinated, and pollen can travel vast distances and seed neighboring crops. Tarps and covers help, but they're not a cure-all. With modern indoor growing and other CEA facilities, we don't rely on the wind like we used to, and most growers use a paintbrush by hand to disperse pollen on the targeted plants. Let's get into some fun facts about cannabis reproduction and seeds.
Once a female plant has been pollinated, it'll produce hundreds, sometimes even thousands of seeds. Just one bud alone can carry dozens (see picture below)!
Figure 2.1- a female cannabis flower that has been pollinated as the seeds mature
What does this abundance mean for pricing, you ask? Well, that depends on the breeder, and while this may seem obvious, it's important to remember that they're not all the same. Those who truly do put in the time and effort to select for traits and consistently push the envelope for environmental and stress testing can and should command a premium. There are plenty of "pollen chuckers" out there but few true long-term breeders. For a truly unique cultivar with strong terpenes or unique cannabinoids, I would pay upwards of a hundred or even two hundred dollars for a ten-pack of seeds. Anything short of that, I wouldn't pay any more than fifty. I've seen some go for as low as $10 for a ten-pack and, at the other end, as high as $400 for a five-pack! While some good, large-scale breeders like Phylos and Atlas Seed are sprouting up, genetics is still a decentralized sector. This has made pricing and profitability tough for them. So, where does that leave the future of genetics in the cannabis industry?
The Future of Genetics in Cannabis
Personally, I believe that we'll see a mix of outsourced breeding work and in-house R&D in cannabis in the near term. Eventually, I see that balance tipping more toward third parties, especially Universities and extension programs, with only big players with money and solid branding conducting their own R&D. This will, in part, depend on regulations and, in part, on operators needing to focus on their core processes to stay profitable. So, in this case, centralization isn’t all bad, so long as the key learnings and findings are decentrally distributed afterward. I believe these breeding companies will work increasingly closely with laboratory testers to hone in on "chemovars.” It's the way of the future!
