Assessment of Cannabinoid levels in Successively Cloned Generations of industrial hemp (Cannabis sarivas)

Abstract

The business of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) has grown tremendously over the past decades, both in agriculture and pharmaceuticals because of its potential health benefits. Plant propagation using stem cuttings from stock plants has become the favorite method of growing hemp for farmers (Caplan et al. 2018). Recent studies have shown that plant propagation can lead to certain genetic changes known as somaclonal variations. This research was designed to test the effects of cloning hemp varieties (Cherry, Cherry Blossom, and Cherry x Workhorse) through plant propagation on cannabinoid production. Results showed significant differences in cannabinoid levels between clonal generations of each variety. The results of this study could be useful to farmers and hemp research centers such as the Tennessee Center for Botanical Medicine Research, and other hemp agricultural departments that must maintain cannabinoid consistency standards.