In a first step toward engineering a drug-free Cannabis plant for hemp fiber and oil, University of Minnesota researchers have identified genes producing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance in marijuana. Studying the genes could also lead to new and better drugs for pain, nausea and other conditions. The finding is published in the September issue of the Journal of Experimental Botany. Lead author is David Marks, a professor of plant biology in the College of Biological Sciences.

The study revealed that the genes are active in tiny hairs covering the flowers of Cannabis plants. In marijuana, the hairs accumulate high amounts of THC, whereas in hemp the hairs have little. Hemp and marijuana are difficult to distinguish apart from differences in THC. With the genes identified, finding a way to silence them – and thus produce a drug-free plant – comes a step closer to reality. Another desirable step is to make drug-free plants visually recognizable. Since the hairs can be seen with a magnifying glass, this could be accomplished by engineering a hairless Cannabis plant.

Marijuana and hemp are different breeds of the same species (Cannabis sativa), but marijuana contains much more THC than hemp, which is a source of industrial fiber and nutritious oil. Hemp was raised for its fiber – which is similar to cotton but more durable – in the United States until legislation outlawed all Cannabis plants because they contain THC. Today, marijuana contains as much as 25 percent THC, whereas hemp plants contain less than 0.3 percent.

Source – Patty Mattern

Medical Marijuana

According to the Marijuana Policy Project marijuana and its active components, known as cannabinoids, Can benefit a wide array of medical conditions, including cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis, and glaucoma. Also included are scientific findings refuting some long-held beliefs about potential health hazards posed by marijuana use, most notably in relation to cancer and neurotoxicity.

Due to government interference and restrictions placed on the use of the actual
marijuana plant for scientific studies in the U.S., a large number of these studies were
able to examine only the medical efficacy of component compounds extracted from
marijuana or, in some instances, synthetic versions of those compounds.

Additional clinical trials, which would require the lifting of governmental roadblocks, are especially
desirable in view of the current availability of vaporizers, which allow use of whole
marijuana without the potential dangers of smoking.

About the editor –
Lisa Macfarlane is a professional health writer and editor who specializes in sexual health and health issues.