By Luke Sumpter


Advances in cannabis genetic sequencing are making strain classification more accurate. Instead of relying on plant height, leaf shape, and the word of seed banks, growers of the near future may have access to a strain’s cannabis genetic fingerprint (CGF).

Hailed as a game-changer for the cannabis industry, this biometric marker for each variety will improve scientific research, secure breeders' rights, and assist both medical and recreational consumers. Continue reading to find out who developed this groundbreaking tech, and how it’ll shape the cannabis landscape going forward.

Israel: A Hub of Cannabis Innovation

Israel and cannabis have a special relationship. Researchers from the country’s universities first discovered THC, and went on to unveil key components of the endocannabinoid system. These days, Israeli research and development companies are exploring how proprietary terpene blends affect lung inflammation[1] and the potential of cannabinoid and medicinal mushroom combinations for certain health conditions.

Among this flurry of innovation, one of Israel’s pioneering cannabis companies has figured out a way to biometrically categorise cannabis strains. Researchers at Tikun Olam Cannbit, with support from the Plant Metabolism Laboratory at MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, recently completed the development of an in-house system that utilises this technology.

The company’s geneticist, Asaf Salmon, commented on the significance of this development, stating that “determination of the plant’s identity based on its typical DNA enables an independent, reliable and statistically valid identification, more so than any other biological parameter we have had so far”[2].

Right now, the company accepts leaf samples from interested parties within Israel looking to sequence their strains. Those from other nations are required to process DNA samples of their strains before sending them off for a CGF analysis.

But these are early days. Tikun Olam Cannbit hopes to scale up its system and offer the technology to labs and institutions across the world, enabling growers, breeders, and researchers the chance to acquire the CGF of their stock closer to home.

Israel: A Hub of Cannabis Innovation

The Problem With Cannabis Strains

Accessing the CGF of a strain will help to clear up the murky waters of current systems of classification. Reports have shown that strain names don’t necessarily reflect the constituents within a given cultivar, leading to a false sense of diversity within the market[3]. Much of this confusion arises from the fact that strain names and effects are categorised away from scientific and taxonomic classification systems[4].

More scientifically valid means of categorising cannabis, such as chemovars and chemotypes, group varieties based on their key cannabinoids and terpenes. While this helps researchers and consumers seek out desired effects, it leaves much to be desired in regard to genomics—a field of study vital to the scientific understanding of cannabis, as well as commercial breeding efforts.

Sequencing the genetics of each “strain” will restore meaning and function to this key centrepiece of the cannabis lexicon. Rather than hoping that thousands of seeds labelled “Hindu Kush” actually belong to the lineage, produce thick-fingered leaves, and impart a stoning effect, breeders and growers will soon be able to acquire seeds with a CGF that promises these traits.

Having the genetic sequence of a strain for all to see will supersede word of mouth and marketing hype, opening up the doors to a more transparent and evidence-based market.

Cannabis Sequencing: A Boon for Breeders

For decades, qualitative data ruled the field of cannabis breeding. Although prohibition forced cultivators underground, they still managed to create timeless varieties that many smokers still wax nostalgically over today. The skilled horticulturalists behind these strains used their eyes to judge shape and yield, their taste buds to scrutinise terpene profiles, and their minds to weigh in on psychotropic effects. They kept the specimens with the most desirable traits, and bred them with others that fit the bill.

While this ancient form of creating hybrids works, it isn’t the most efficient. The modern, vast, and billion-dollar cannabis industry demands the accuracy and efficiency of a quantitative approach. While you’ll still come across the antiquated ideas of “indica” and “sativa” strains in many dispensaries, cannabis science has laid the groundwork for a quantitative revolution.

We’re about to enter the era of precise phytochemical profiles in commercial outlets, and genetic sequencing in the world of breeding.

Agricultural genomics paved the way for crop improvement in food cultivation. Sequencing the genetics of specific crops has allowed growers to select and develop elite cultivars boasting high yields, resistance to pests, and tolerance to environmental stress[5]. Prohibition created a latency period between the development of this technology and its application to cannabis, but that’s about to change.

Advances in cannabis genomics have already determined specific genes that code for enzymes that influence the phytochemical profile of a strain. For example, genes that code for the enzyme THCA synthase result in the conversion of CBGA—the “mother cannabinoid”—into THCA, the precursor to THC. Strains that contain these genes are more psychotropic than those that lack them.

But it goes much deeper than THC values. Breeders have had access to laboratory testing for years to determine the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of their crops. But genetic sequencing will allow them to determine many of the phytochemical outcomes of their plants as early as the seedling stage. Genome maps of each strain will also allow breeders to select for genetics that code for the creation of novel cannabinoids such as CBC.

Cannabis Sequencing: A Boon for Breeders

Can CGF Data Improve Medical Cannabis Research?

Plenty of barriers obstruct the smooth sailing of medical cannabis research. As legalization continues to sweep across nations, scientists are calling for a clearer understanding of the herb and how it affects us, both positively and negatively. To achieve this, researchers need to work with samples that are actually available to consumers via dispensaries and other outlets.

To give some background, in the United States, cannabis scientists are restricted in the material they’re allowed to work with. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has long limited researchers to a single legal supplier; The University of Mississippi provides labs with ground, frozen, and powder-like cannabis—some of the poorest-quality herb around.

As the DEA continues to approve more cannabis-related research, scientists hope the quality and diversity of the material will improve[6]As CGF technology enters laboratories across the country, it will enable researchers to study samples identical to those available to the public. We’re not just talking about similar terpene and cannabinoid profiles, but almost genetically identical material. This will, in turn, allow us to amass relevant data on the effects of different strains on different populations.

Big Changes Are on the Horizon

The CGF of a strain will open up other avenues of genetics-guided breeding, assisting in the selection and development of flower shape, pathogen resistance, and even nutrient uptake and harvestability. This technology will change the way we breed cannabis. Some voices in the industry are incredibly bullish and suggest that, within a matter of years, all of the strains we’re currently producing will disappear into irrelevance, to be replaced with unprecedented varieties born out of this new genetic selection process[7].

External Resources:
  1. New Research Suggests Terpenes And CBD Work 2X’s Better For Covid-19 Inflammation Than Corticosteroid https://www.forbes.com
  2. Israeli company develops system to identify, track cannabis strains - The Jerusalem Post https://www.jpost.com
  3. Cannabis Chemovar Nomenclature Misrepresents Chemical and Genetic Diversity; Survey of Variations in Chemical Profiles and Genetic Markers in Nevada Medical Cannabis Samples - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Cannabis: From Cultivar to Chemovar II—A Metabolomics Approach to Cannabis Classification https://www.liebertpub.com
  5. Genomics and our future food security - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. DEA Moves Toward Approving More Research Marijuana Growers | The Scientist Magazine® https://www.the-scientist.com
  7. Inner Workings: Genomics blazes a trail to improved cannabis cultivation - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: