International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.4, 171-184 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 180 different regions, complicating international research collaborations and the development of standardized therapeutic protocols (Abrams, 2018; Black et al., 2019). There is a pressing need for standardization in the identification of Cannabis cultivars and quality control of Cannabis products. Variability in cannabinoid content and the presence of contaminants can affect the safety and efficacy of Cannabis-based therapies. Establishing standardized methods for cultivar identification, cannabinoid profiling, and quality assurance is essential to ensure consistent and reliable therapeutic outcomes. This standardization will also facilitate regulatory approval and acceptance of Cannabis-based medicines (Legare et al., 2022; Leinen et al., 2023). While the therapeutic and industrial potential of Cannabis is vast, addressing regulatory challenges and establishing robust quality control measures are critical for the advancement of Cannabis research and its applications in medicine and industry. 8 Future Directions and Research Gaps 8.1 Areas requiring further research Despite significant advancements in Cannabisresearch, several areas still require further investigation. One critical gap is the comprehensive understanding of Cannabisgenetics and the expression of key traits. Years of prohibition have left the research community undersized and with limited knowledge about Cannabisgenetics and trait inheritance (Lapierre et al., 2023). Additionally, the current Cannabisgenome assemblies are incomplete, with significant portions missing or unmapped, highlighting the need for a coordinated effort to quantify the genetic and biochemical diversity of this species (Kovalchuk et al., 2020). Furthermore, the pharmacological properties and biosynthetic pathways of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, have been extensively studied, but the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications of other cannabinoids and terpenoids remain underexplored (Hernández and Chandra, 2016). 8.2 Potential technological advancements inCannabis studies Technological advancements hold great promise for accelerating Cannabis research. Modern genomics technologies, such as molecular markers, microRNA, and omics-based methods, can significantly enhance our understanding of Cannabisbiology and facilitate genetic improvement (Hurgobin et al., 2020; Hesami et al., 2020). The application of these technologies can help overcome species-specific challenges, increase productivity, and improve the quality of Cannabisproducts. Additionally, the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in Cannabis cultivation has shown potential to improve growth and reduce energy requirements, which could be further explored to optimize yield and cannabinoid content (Backer et al., 2019). The biotechnological production of cannabinoids through transgenic approaches also presents a promising avenue for future research. 8.3 Policy and regulation impacts on Cannabisresearch The legal and regulatory landscape surrounding Cannabis has a profound impact on research progress. Historically, the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 restricted Cannabisresearch, but recent legislative changes in various jurisdictions have relaxed these constraints, allowing for more extensive scientific exploration (Hurgobin et al., 2020). However, the rapidly changing cultural, political, and legal environment still poses challenges. There is a need for innovative research designs to bridge the gap between Cannabisuse and empirical data, which is crucial for informing public policy, medical decision-making, and harm reduction approaches (Hutchison et al., 2019). Additionally, the removal of barriers such as the Public Health Service (PHS) Review, which has inhibited government funding and access to research samples, is essential for advancing our understanding of Cannabisand its potential benefits (Hernández and Chandra, 2016). 9 Concluding Remarks The research on the botanical characteristics and diversity of Cannabis has revealed significant insights into its phenotypic, genetic, and biochemical diversity. Studies have shown extensive variation in traits such as yield, maturity, and cannabinoid profiles among different Cannabis accessions, which are crucial for breeding and cultivar development. The presence of a wide array of non-cannabinoid compounds, including flavonoids and terpenes, has been highlighted, suggesting their potential synergistic effects with cannabinoids. Genomic studies
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