International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 51-63 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 60 9.2 Environmental impact of cannabis cultivation The environmental impact of cannabis cultivation is another area of growing concern. The shift towards large-scale, commercial cannabis production has led to several environmental challenges, including the depletion of natural resources, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. The intensive cultivation practices required for high-yield cannabis production often involve significant water usage, which can strain local water supplies, particularly in arid regions (Balthazar et al., 2022). Moreover, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in cannabis farming can lead to soil degradation and water contamination, posing risks to local ecosystems and biodiversity. The increased incidence of plant pathogens and diseases in large-scale cannabis cultivation further exacerbates these environmental issues, as the need for disease management often leads to the use of additional chemical treatments (Punja, 2021). Sustainable cultivation practices, such as the use of beneficial Pseudomonas spp. bacteria as crop inoculants, have been proposed to mitigate some of these environmental impacts. These bacteria can enhance plant growth and stress tolerance, potentially reducing the need for chemical inputs and improving overall sustainability (Balthazar et al., 2022). However, the implementation of such practices faces challenges, including regulatory hurdles and the need for further research to optimize their efficacy and commercial viability. 10 Concluding Remarks This study has systematically examined the extensive history and global diffusion of Cannabis, tracing its origins back to Central Asia and charting its spread across the globe. Key findings highlight Cannabis's significance not only as a psychoactive and medicinal plant but also as a commodity that influenced trade and cultures across continents. Its domestication in East Asia catalyzed a set of unique developments in plant morphology and chemical properties, adapted through natural selection to varied environmental and cultural contexts. The evolution of legal landscapes in the 20th and 21st centuries has further complexified its role, transitioning from widespread prohibition to a gradual, albeit contentious, acceptance. Looking ahead, the future of Cannabis domestication and use appears poised for significant transformations influenced by scientific advancements and evolving societal norms. Technological improvements in genetics and cultivation could tailor plant strains to enhance desired traits such as yield, potency, or specific cannabinoid profiles, potentially reducing adverse environmental impacts. Legally, the global trajectory is veering towards more liberal policies, with increasing recognition of both the medical benefits and the economic potential of cannabis legalization. Socially, as public perception shifts further towards acceptance, cannabis may see integration in new therapeutic, recreational, and commercial domains. As cannabis continues to be embraced more widely, there is an urgent need for an international consensus on regulation. This would help harmonize the legal, agricultural, and commercial frameworks across borders, facilitating better control of quality, potency, and safety standards. Additionally, as more regions legalize cannabis, there is a pressing requirement for comprehensive studies to explore its long-term impacts on public health, social structures, and economics. Collaborative international research efforts are essential to develop robust guidelines that ensure the safe integration of cannabis into society, balancing potential benefits against risks and mitigating any unintended consequences of its widespread use. Acknowledgments We sincerely thank Professor Qi Xingjiang of Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences for his help and support in the process of research demonstration and article design. would also like to extend my sincere thanks to two anonymous peer reviewers for their thorough assessment and constructive comments, which have all contributed significantly to the improvement of this manuscript. Funding This paper was funded by the project "Construction of precision Breeding Facilities for Industrial Hemp" (10402110120AP2201F) funded by the special financial fund of Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
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