Why it matters: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a genetically modified hemp plant that produces low levels of THC to be grown and bred in the US. This is significant because it allows hemp farmers to avoid having their crops destroyed if they test above the legal limit of THC. It also raises questions about the potential for creating cannabis plants with higher levels of THC in the future.
What they are saying: Growing Together Research (GTR), the biotechnology company behind the genetically modified hemp, states that their goal is to help hemp farmers whose crops test above the legal THC limit. They have successfully modulated THC expression in plants, allowing them to turn down or turn off genes coding for THC production. GTR also suggests that they are working on creating cannabis plants with enhanced expression of THC.
The big picture: The approval of genetically modified hemp with low THC levels by the USDA opens up new possibilities for the hemp industry. It allows farmers to avoid crop destruction and potentially leads to more consistent levels of THC in hemp-derived products. However, it also raises concerns about the future creation of cannabis plants with higher levels of THC, which could have implications for recreational and medical use.
What to watch: It remains to be seen if the genetically modified hemp plants approved by the USDA also have altered or reduced levels of other hemp-derived cannabinoids, such as Delta-8 THC. This is an important question considering the growing popularity of these cannabinoids in the market. Additionally, further clarification may be needed from other federal agencies regarding regulations for the compounds contained in the plant.
My take: The approval of genetically modified hemp with low THC levels is a positive development for the hemp industry. It provides a solution for farmers whose crops exceed the legal THC limit and could lead to more consistent levels of THC in hemp-derived products. However, there should be careful consideration and regulation surrounding the potential creation of cannabis plants with higher levels of THC to ensure public safety and adhere to legal frameworks.
