- Hemp seed genetics are critical to hemp farming success
- Cannabigerol (CBG) is emerging as a valuable cannabinoid with multiple potential health benefits
- Hemptown USA is growing one million rare cannabigerol-dominant plants designed to yield up to one million pounds of CBG biomass
High quality seeds are a key prerequisite for growing healthy, strong cannabis plants. The right seeds can deliver the right cannabinoid profile, increase resilience and help for achieving sufficiently sustainable yields.
Companies like Hemptown USA are pioneers in the farming of novel cannabinoid strains in addition to cannabidiol (CBD). In 2019, the company acquired $5.5 million worth of Oregon CBD Seeds, including one million rare cannabigerol (CBG) seeds. Planted in early May, these seeds are now scheduled for soil transplant in early June.
Growing demand and legislative changes like the passing of the federal Farm Bill are changing the cannabis industry. Leading seed genetics like the ones being grown by Hemptown USA allow for new strains that can be bred to produce various novel cannabinoids while maintaining the broad-spectrum appeal of the plant. This also allows for diverse corporate portfolios through the creation of products featuring distinct formulations.
Dealing with the THC Issue
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is typically found in full-spectrum expression of cannabis plants. Despite the legalization of THC cannabis products at the state level, there is a large base of consumers who prefer to forego the high provided by THC and focus on the wellness benefits of non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD.
Historically, hemp types are grown for the production of seed and fiber (http://ibn.fm/J23gn). They contain low amounts of THC, and, over the years, they emerged as a reliable source of non-psychoactive CBD (http://ibn.fm/GGd0l). In the U.S., hemp is defined as cannabis that features 0.3 percent THC or less. For the emerging consumer, hemp can now be engineered to maintain low THC while producing exceedingly high cannabinoid levels.
Achieving Higher CBD Content
The plant’s DNA produces different types of proteins and enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis of CBD and THC. Plants that produce a lot of CBD feature more of the enzymes or proteins responsible for CBD synthesis (http://ibn.fm/IV19L). Hence, it’s easy to see how genetically superior seeds can produce large quantities of CBD and minimal concentrations of THC.
Genetic work has already enabled the development of strains that produce consistently high levels of either THC or CBD. Once plants with desirable traits are identified, they can be bred to express the new genetics. This mechanism works for boosting CBD production, but it can also be used to accomplish much more – high yields, resistance, etc.
Why CBG Will Play as Important a Role as CBD in the Near Future
While the industry has thus far been focused on CBD, cannabigerol, or CBG, is also emerging as a valuable cannabinoid. Non-intoxicating and present in relatively low concentrations in cannabis strains, CBG is the parent of both CBD and THC, hence the nickname “mother of all cannabinoids”. The market price for CBG oil in the U.S. is presently four to five times that of CBD.
The full range of effects is currently being studied, but, so far, CBG, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits, has exhibited potent anti-cancer properties (http://ibn.fm/pafod), in addition to anti-depressive effects and benefits in the treatment of glaucoma and inflammatory bowel disease.
Through Hemptown USA’s “soil to oil to shelf” methodology, the company will be producing broad-spectrum CBD and CBG crudes, distillates, pure isolates, multiple cannabinoid formulations and branded products. This year’s CBG focus positions Hemptown as a leading CBG producer in the U.S. in 2019 and beyond. In addition to the Oregon farm, the company is also growing in Kentucky and Colorado. Its present footprint comes in at just over 1,500 acres, but plans are in place to scale up operations by 2020 – expanding cultivation to 2,500 acres and increasing potential revenues up to $200 million.
While the market is currently focused on CBD-producing plants, some are already eyeing the opportunities that CBG brings to the table. Forecasts suggest that CBG could rival CBD in the years to come and turn into the market’s next big thing. As societal attitudes toward medicinal and recreational cannabis products continue evolving, further changes and faster growth are both to be anticipated.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.HemptownUSA.com
