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Scientists find gene that produces THC in Cannabis

Discussion in 'Apprentice Marijuana Consumption' started by Reasoning, Sep 17, 2009.

  1. #1 Reasoning, Sep 17, 2009
    Scientists Find The Gene That Produces THC | Popular Science

    \t [​IMG] \t \t\tKids, Listen to What Nate Dogg Tells You

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    In one of the few scientific developments likely to interest both the Governor of North Dakota and Method Man, scientists at the University of Minnesota have identified the genes in cannabis that allow the plant to produce THC. Finding the genes opens the path to either create drug-free hemp plants for industrial purposes, or to develop plants with much higher concentrations of the psychotropic chemical.
    Publishing in the Journal of Experimental Botany, the researchers note that they specifically targeted the genes responsible for generating the drug-filled hairs highlighted in many a High Times photo spread. By impairing or encouraging the growth of those hairs, scientists could gain precise control over the level of THC in the crop.
    This development has important consequences for both the medicinal and industrial use of hemp.
    Related Articles

    Tags

    SciTech, Stuart Fox, biochemistry, dna, genetics, hemp, marijuana. drugs, pot, potsci, psychoactive chemicals, science news, thc
    On the industrial side, states like North Dakota have been looking to change state law to allow them to raise hemp as a cash crop, for oil and rope production. The ability to create hemp that doesn't contain any banned substances would allow Dakotans to sow the crop without any changes in the law. On the opposite end of the spectrum, precise control of the doses of THC found in pot could greatly enhance the medicinal marijuana industry. Currently, dosage is controlled through haphazard breeding and selection, not precise measurements as with most other medications.
    It should also be noted that THC is not the only psychoactive compound found in marijuana, so more research is needed before the University of Minnesota scientists can completely control the potency of their crops.
    Finally, how this new discovery will affect the pizza delivery business remains to be seen.
    [via EurekAlert]




    Discuss.
     
  2. #2 Yamato, Sep 17, 2009
    Awesome!
     
  3. #3 BlueDom, Sep 17, 2009
    Isn't it the trichomes that have the majority of the THC though, not the red hairs?
     
  4. #4 GlitterPaws, Sep 17, 2009

    If I'm not mistaken, you are correct.

    Either misleading information given, or because the writer of the article did not know that the hairs do not contain the majority of THC. Either way, the trichomes contain the most THC and other cannabanoids.
     
  5. #5 Reasoning, Sep 18, 2009
    I think it's a misunderstanding. The writer most likely doesn't even know what a trichome is. By hairs he probably meant trichomes.
     

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