International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.4, 171-184 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 176 5 Advances inCannabis Research Techniques 5.1 Molecular biology and genomics Recent advancements in Cannabis genome mapping have significantly enhanced our understanding of the genetic makeup of Cannabis sativa. The relaxation of legislation in certain jurisdictions has allowed for more extensive research into Cannabisgenomics, leading to the development of key genomic resources. These resources have been pivotal in understanding the basic biology and molecular mechanisms controlling key traits in Cannabis (Hurgobin et al., 2020). However, current genome assemblies are still incomplete, with significant portions of the genome missing or unmapped, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to improve the quality and completeness of these assemblies (Kovalchuk et al., 2020). Gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR, Zinc Fingers, and TALENs have been explored for their potential in Cannabisresearch. These technologies face challenges due to the highly polymorphic nature of the Cannabis genome, which makes precise editing difficult. Nonetheless, in silico approaches have been developed to design optimal target sites for genome editing, which could lead to significant advancements in cannabinoid biosynthesis (Matchett-Oates et al., 2021). Additionally, successful CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis has been reported, demonstrating the potential for stable gene editing in Cannabis (Zhang et al., 2021). These advancements could pave the way for the development of new Cannabisgenotypes with desirable traits and enhanced secondary metabolite production (Hesami et al., 2021). 5.2 Chemotyping and phenotyping The analysis of chemical profiles in Cannabis has been greatly enhanced by techniques such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). These techniques allow for the detailed characterization of cannabinoid and terpene profiles, which are crucial for understanding the pharmacological properties of different Cannabisstrains. The use of these analytical techniques has become more prevalent with the increasing legalization of Cannabis, leading to the development of large chemotype datasets that can be used to study the gene regulation and pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids (Vergara et al., 2020). High-throughput phenotyping has emerged as a valuable tool for analyzing various traits in Cannabis, including agronomic, morphological, and cannabinoid profiles. This approach allows for the comprehensive characterization of diverse Cannabisvarieties, providing insights into germination practices, yield, and biochemical diversity. For instance, a study on 176 drug-type Cannabisaccessions from the Canadian legal market revealed significant variation in traits such as yield, maturity, and THC content, which are essential for precise breeding and cultivar development (Lapierre et al., 2023). High-throughput phenotyping thus plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of Cannabis cultivation and improving the selection of desirable traits for commercial and medicinal use. 6 Case Studies 6.1 Analysis of phytochemical diversity in commercial Cannabis With the acceleration of Cannabis legalization in the United States, the variety and uses of Cannabis products have become increasingly diverse. Cannabis contains various chemical compounds, particularly cannabinoids and terpenes, which have potential medicinal and psychoactive effects (Radwan et al., 2021). Therefore, understanding the phytochemical diversity of Cannabis products is crucial for consumer health, safety regulations, and scientific research. However, the labeling systems used in the commercial market, such as "Indica," "Sativa," and "Hybrid," often fail to accurately reflect the true chemical composition of the products, which may mislead consumers. Smith et al. (2022) analyzed nearly 90 000 samples of commercial Cannabis from six states to evaluate the chemical composition variation of Cannabis products in the U.S. market. The study found that, although Cannabis products are labeled as "Indica" or similar, these labels do not always correspond to their actual chemical composition. Through the analysis of cannabinoid (THC and CBD) and terpene content, the research
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