Published in the journal Plant Physiology, Washington State University researchers have done analysis that may be able to offer insight to the genetic and chemical characteristics of marijuana. This is believed to be the first thorough examination of its kind.

The current method is inadequate, remarked Mark Lange, a professor in WSU’s Institute for Biological Chemistry.

“There is a reason why all these strains have different names—because a lot of them are very different,” said Lange. “But some strains with different names are actually very similar. The bottom line is there is a lot of confusion.”

Lange and colleagues analyzed genetic sequences from nine commercial cannabis strains and discovered there were distinct gene networks orchestrating each strain’s production of cannabinoid resins and terpenes, volatile compounds behind the plant’s powerful aroma.

“One of the things that needs to happen in the emerging market is that you know what you’re selling,” said Lange. “You can’t just call it something and then that’s good. We need to be very clear that this is the cannabinoid profile that is associated with, say, Harlequin -it has a specific cannabinoid profile, a specific terpenoid profile, and that’s what it is. If it has a different name, then it should have a different profile. Currently you can do whatever you want.”


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