Genetic Differences in Cannabis Strains.

• Position: MARIJUANA

Research from Washington State University, Pullman, could provide government regulators with powerful new tools for addressing a bevy of commercial claims and other concerns as nonmedical marijuana, hemp, and CBD products become more commonplace. The analysis of the genetic and chemical characteristics of cannabis is believed to be the first thorough examination of its kind.

The current method of profiling is inadequate, maintains Mark Lange, professor in WSU's Institute for Biological Chemistry. Regulators focus on levels of the psychoactive compound THC and just a handful of the more than 90 other cannabinoids. The industry makes various claims about different strains, from sedating indicas to invigorating sativas, Acapulco Gold to Zkittlez, but they defy objective analysis, Lange contends.

"There is a reason why all of these strains have different names--because a lot of them are very different, but some strains with different names are actually very similar. The bottom line is there is a lot of confusion," says Lange.

Lange and his colleagues analyzed genetic sequences from nine commercial cannabis strains and found distinct gene networks orchestrating each strain's production of cannabinoid resins and terpenes, volatile compounds behind the plants powerful aroma. Their research was published in Plant Physiology.

Armed with this new tool, people can start to sort out a...