Hemp and Med Cannabis Exam #1 (copy)

1. Raphael Mechoulam

An Israeli chemist known as the "father of cannabis research," he isolated and identified THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in 1964. His work was crucial in advancing the understanding of cannabinoids and their effects on the human body, paving the way for medical cannabis research.

Short-Day Plant

Cannabis flowers when daylight shortens, typically at the end of summer.

Cannabinoid Biosynthesis Pathway

Occurs via the Malonate (Malonyl-CoA) pathway, producing CBGA, which then converts into CBDA (CBD precursor) or THCA (THC precursor).

THCA Activation

THCA, a bio-inactive precursor, converts to psychoactive THC through decarboxylation when heated.

Terpenes

Composed of isoprene units, terpenes add to cannabis's aroma and therapeutic effects.

Meroterpenes

Hybrid compounds in cannabis with mixed biosynthetic origins, adding chemical diversity.

Fiber Production in Cultivation

Enhanced by internodal spacing and low leaf-to-stem ratios.

Retting

A process that uses moisture (through water or dew) to break down the pectin-binding fibers to the plant stalk, making it easier to separate the fibers. It can be done using water or naturally with dew.

Scutching

A mechanical process is used after retting to remove the remaining woody parts from the separated fibers. It involves beating or scraping the retted plant stalks to free the fibers for further processing, such as spinning or weaving.

Bast Fibers

Long, strong fibers found in the outer layer of the hemp stalk. These fibers are durable and flexible, making them ideal for textiles, ropes, and high-quality technical applications.

Hurd Fibers

Short, woody fibers located in the inner core of the hemp stalk. These fibers are more brittle and are commonly used in products like paper, animal bedding, and bio-composites for building materials.

2. Jean-Baptiste Lamarck

A French naturalist who, in the 18th century, classified and named Cannabis indica, distinguishing it from Cannabis sativa. His taxonomic contributions are considered foundational in identifying cannabis species, laying the groundwork for botanical and agricultural cannabis studies.

Genetic Stability

Achieved after eight or more generations, reaching 95% consistency in genetic traits.

Hybrid Vigor (Heterosis)

Enhanced growth from crossbreeding, as opposed to inbreeding depression, which reduces plant vigor.

Glandular Trichomes

Produced by leaf bracts, these structures synthesize and store cannabinoids and terpenes.

Cannabinoid Production Under Stress

Cannabis increases cannabinoid levels under chronic stress, such as water scarcity.

Hydroponic Stress Simulation

Polyethylene glycol is added to hydroponic systems to simulate water stress by limiting root water uptake.

Constraints on Cannabis Yield

Disease, pests, water availability, regulations, breeding, harvest time, light, temperature control and sex of plants.

Gene Flow

Transfer of genetic material between populations, contributing to diversity but potentially spreading unwanted traits.

Synthetic THC (Dronabinol/Marinol)

A synthetic version of THC used medically, initially developed by Syntex Pharmaceuticals.

Cannabis Species Classification

Includes species like sativa, indica, and ruderalis, first described by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, with earlier references by Carl Linnaeus.

Carl Linnaeus

He classified Cannabis sativa in his major work Species Plantarum (1753), describing it as a useful plant for fiber and medicinal purposes. "father of modern taxonomy." developed a system for naming, ranking, and classifying organisms that is still in use today, known as the Linnaean system.

Legal THC Limit

Established at 0.3% THC in 1973 to differentiate hemp from other cannabis types.

Cannabinoid Pathway Flow Chart

Visualizes the conversion of CBGA into CBD, THC, and related cannabinoids.

Gene Flow in Breeding

The transfer of genetic material between populations of the same species, leading to increased genetic diversity and the spread of traits across populations.

Bioremediation

hemp absorbs toxins from soil like heavy metals and pesticides

Terpene Examples

Linalool - fruity citrusy , Myrcene - earthy, musky

Hydrodistillation

Bad for cannabis better to use solvent extraction or CO2 extraction

The smell

3-methyl 2-butene 1-thiol

Selective Breeding in Cannabis

The process of breeding cannabis plants with desirable traits to enhance those traits in future generations.

Transgenic Cultivars

Genetically modified cannabis plants with inserted foreign genes to develop new traits, like higher yield or pest resistance.

leaf bracts

produce glandular tr