Minor Cannabinoids are Gaining Significant Ground in their Ability to Target Specific Medical Conditions 

Cannabis companies are increasingly utilizing minor cannabinoids, which are not as well-known as THC and CBD, in their products to appeal to consumers with different needs. Among the minor cannabinoids being used are cannabigerol (CBG), which is reputed to help fight inflammation, pain, and nausea; cannabichromene (CBC), which is believed to have anti-cancer and anti-tumor capabilities; cannabinol (CBN), which is known to be a sleep aid or sedative; and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), which is called “diet weed” and purported to help with weight loss. The U.S. market for minor cannabinoids totaled $4.9 billion in 2020, and this is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 20.1% from 2021 to 2028. However, researchers still need to study the precise chemical properties of the minor cannabinoids and how they work in the human body. Plant genomics used to develop new cannabinoids is behind the work of a number of researchers, including Front Range Biosciences, Hyasynth Bio, and the University of California, Davis.

The role of plant genomics

Plant genomics used to develop new cannabinoids is behind the work of a number of researchers, including Colorado-based Front Range Biosciences; Montreal-based Hyasynth Bio, which is using yeast to produce cannabinoids; and both the University of California, Davis, and University of California, Berkeley.

One of the biggest potential benefits of plant genomics is that it could lead to plants that can produce the exact cannabinoid profile needed to treat specific conditions.

This could be a game-changer for patients who currently have to rely on a trial-and-error approach to find the right products to manage their symptoms.

However, there are some concerns about the potential misuse of plant genomics.

Some worry that genetically modified cannabis plants could become the norm, leading to a homogenization of the market and a loss of genetic diversity.

Others worry about the potential for unintended consequences, such as the development of new plant pathogens or the disruption of ecosystems.

Despite these concerns, many in the industry are optimistic about the potential for plant genomics to revolutionize the cannabis industry.

As research into minor cannabinoids continues, it’s likely that we’ll see more and more products incorporating these compounds hit the market.

And with the continued growth of the cannabis industry, it’s clear that there’s a huge appetite for these products among consumers.

Whether through traditional breeding methods or cutting-edge plant genomics, the development of new cannabis strains and products is likely to be a major area of focus for years to come.

The role of plant genomics in the development of new cannabinoids is becoming increasingly important, as it allows researchers to better understand the chemical properties of the plant and how it works in the human body.

One of the companies using plant genomics is Montreal-based Hyasynth Bio, which uses yeast to produce cannabinoids. The company is currently in the process of developing a commercial-scale manufacturing process for synthetic cannabinoids.

Another company is Colorado-based Front Range Biosciences, which is using CRISPR gene editing technology to create new strains of cannabis that produce minor cannabinoids such as CBG and THCV.

The University of California, Davis, is also conducting research into the genomics of the cannabis plant, with the goal of developing new strains that are tailored to specific medical conditions.

Conclusion

The growing interest in minor cannabinoids is opening up new opportunities for the cannabis industry and for researchers seeking to understand the plant’s potential benefits for health and wellness. While much research is still needed to fully understand the chemical properties and effects of the many minor cannabinoids, the use of plant genomics and other cutting-edge technologies is helping to pave the way for new discoveries and treatments. As the market for minor cannabinoids continues to expand, it is likely that we will see even more innovative products and research in the years to come.