International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.4, 171-184 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 179 6.3 Genetic diversity study of Cannabis varieties In Thailand, with the advancement of Cannabislegalization, the "Isara01" Cannabis variety has gained increasing attention from the government and research institutions. The Natural Farming Research and Development Center at Maejo University in Chiang Mai conducted genetic research on this variety, aiming to provide scientific evidence for its medicinal value development. The study utilized RAPD genetic marker technology to analyze the genetic diversity of 133 "Isara01" Cannabis plants, revealing genetic differences between groups and their association with chemical compositions (THC and CBD ratios) (Kraisittipanit et al., 2022). Researchers from Maejo University classified the 133 Cannabis plants based on genetic fingerprinting, dividing them into four main groups and nine subgroups. The study found that Group D, especially subgroups D1 and D2, had the highest THC-to-CBD ratio, reaching 37:1. This difference indicates that Group D plants hold significant potential for medical applications, particularly for treatments requiring high THC content. The study successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of RAPD markers in classifying Cannabis varieties and provided foundational data for future Cannabis breeding projects. The results show that the "Isara01" variety exhibits high genetic diversity, making it a valuable candidate for further research and development in Thailand's Cannabis industry. 7 Implications for Industry and Medicine 7.1 Medical applications Cannabinoid diversity plays a crucial role in the therapeutic applications of Cannabis. The two primary cannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have distinct effects and therapeutic potentials. THC is known for its psychoactive properties, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have a range of therapeutic benefits. The combination of these cannabinoids, as seen in nabiximols (a mixture of THC and CBD), has been approved for the treatment of spasticity and neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis (Cristino et al., 2019; Pagano et al., 2022). Additionally, the endocannabinoid system, which includes cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), endogenous ligands, and metabolic enzymes, is involved in various physiological processes and is a target for therapeutic interventions in neurological disorders (Cristino et al., 2019; Leinen et al., 2023). Cannabinoids have been extensively studied for their potential in managing pain, inflammation, and neurological disorders. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids can modulate pain through various mechanisms, including inhibition of neurotransmitter release, modulation of neuron excitability, and reduction of neural inflammation (Manzanares et al., 2006; Vučković et al., 2018). Cannabinoids have shown promise in treating chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain, and conditions such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy (Vučković et al., 2018; Cristino et al., 2019; Sarris et al., 2020). Furthermore, cannabinoids have been investigated for their anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial in treating inflammatory diseases (Manzanares et al., 2006; Bouchet and Ingram, 2020). 7.2 Industrial uses Different varieties of Cannabishave significant potential for various industrial applications. Cannabis sativa, for instance, is known for its high fiber content, making it suitable for producing textiles, paper, and building materials. The seeds of Cannabisplants are rich in oil, which can be used in food products, cosmetics, and biofuels. The versatility of Cannabisvarieties extends to their use in producing biodegradable plastics and other sustainable materials, highlighting the plant's potential in contributing to a circular economy (Pagano et al., 2022; Leinen et al., 2023). 7.3 Challenges and future directions One of the primary challenges in Cannabis research is the regulatory and legal barriers that restrict the cultivation, distribution, and study of Cannabis and its derivatives. These restrictions have historically limited the scope of research and the availability of high-quality clinical data. The legal status of Cannabis varies widely across
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