Abstract Detail

Functional Genetics/Genomics

Schwabe, Anna [1], Hansen, Connor [1], Hyslop, Richard [2], McGlaughlin, Mitchell [1].

Cannabis sativa: using genetic analyses to stir the pot.

Cannabis sativa has been cultivated for thousands of years and is hailed as one of the most versatile sustainable crops used for fiber, food, fuel, pharmaceuticals and fun. The single species genus has been a source of debate for taxonomists, but is commonly divided into two usage groups: hemp and drug. Hemp-types are generally cultivated for fiber, seed, or flowers high in cannabidiol (CBD) and have < 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Plants containing >0.3% THC are described as drug-type plants and are commonly designated as Sativa, Indica or Hybrid. Cannabis has largely been illegal since the inception of genetic tools, and as such, there are large knowledge gaps in our understanding of this billion dollar crop species. Applications for medicine are well documented, but rigorous scientific testing is lacking. In the U.S., the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) provides much of the funding for medical Cannabis research and the plants for medical research are grown at one facility located at the University of Mississippi. Recently, studies have shown that NIDA Cannabis chemotypes are not representative of retail and medical Cannabis. Additionally, there are thousands of recognized strains, which are propagated through self-fertilization or cloning. Therefore, strains should be genetically highly similar no matter where the sample was acquired. Ten novel microsatellites were used to examine hemp-type and drug-type samples, as well as two samples from NIDA. Results from this study show (1) clear genetic distinction between hemp and drug-types, (2) within strain samples are not genetically consistent among dispensaries, (3) genetic analyses do not align with the common usage of Sativa, Indica and Hybrid types, (4) high genetic variation in drug strains but not hemp strains, and (5) NIDA samples are genetically distinct from retail drug strains and are more similar to hemp strains.

1 - University Of Northern Colorado, 501 20th St, Box 92, Greeley, CO, 80639, United States
2 - University of Northern Colorado, Chemistry, 501 20th St, Greeley, CO, 80639, USA

Keywords:
Cannabis
microsatellites
Strain Identification.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 8, Functional Genetics and Genomics
Location: 109/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 11:45 AM
Number: 8013
Abstract ID:745
Candidate for Awards:None