A team of Canadian researchers has sequenced the DNA of a strain of marijuana that is widely used for medicinal purposes. The investigation. The sequence, published in Genome Biology , aims to find out the changes in the genome that led to the production of drugs by the plant. This study represents the first sequencing of the genome of a medicinal plant.
The scientists compared the genome and transcriptome (active genes) of marijuana or Cannabis sativa with those of Finola hemp, looking for differences that could explain why marijuana produces tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), the active ingredient in cannabis. According to Jon Page, co-author of the work, "the analysis of the transcriptome showed that THCA synthase, an essential enzyme in the production of THCA, is activated in marijuana, but deactivated in other types of hemp." Dr. Hughes adds that "the detailed analysis of the two genomes suggests that the cultivation of varieties of marijuana has caused the loss, in some strains, of the mentioned enzyme."
Throughout history, marijuana has been exploited by humanity in multiple ways. As noted in Genome Biology , he has a double personality: "Dr Jekyll", which allows us to obtain fiber to produce tissues and hemp seed oil rich in omega 6; and "Mr Hyde", for his ability to alter the mind. This plant has been used medicinally for more than 2,700 years.
