**Cannabis Species and Varieties**:
– Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis are commonly grown species.
– Pure sativas are tall with long branches and narrow leaves, while pure indicas are shorter and bushier with wider leaves.
– Avidekel is a medical strain high in CBD and low in THC.
– Sativas are known for stimulating effects, while indicas are associated with relaxing effects.
– Chemotaxonomic types of cannabis are based on THC, CBD, CBG levels, and cannabinoid content.
– Breeders experiment with genetic engineering techniques to create new strains.
**Breeding Techniques and Genetic Stability**:
– Breeding involves pollinating female plants with male pollen to create new varieties.
– Hybridization results in F1 hybrids with characteristics of both parent plants.
– Techniques like mutation breeding and genetic engineering are used to develop new strains.
– Selection and breeding are crucial for genetic stability and desired traits.
– Breeders ensure genetic stability by selecting dominant and recessive genes to create strains with specific desired traits.
– Breeding helps eliminate unwanted traits for future harvests.
**THC vs. CBD and Medical Marijuana**:
– THC:CBD ratios are considered during selective breeding for medical marijuana.
– THC is psychoactive, while CBD has medicinal properties.
– Limited evidence exists on the efficacy of cannabinoids in treating epilepsy.
**Popular Cannabis Strains**:
– Acapulco Gold is a golden-leafed Cannabis sativa strain from Mexico.
– Bedrocan is a medicinal cannabis variety with standardized THC and CBD content.
– Blue Dream is a hybrid strain used for medical and recreational purposes.
– Charlottes Web is a high-CBD, low-THC cannabis variety marketed as a dietary supplement.
– Skunk is a strong-smelling cannabis strain popularized by Dutch growers.
– Sour Diesel is a hybrid strain known for its energizing effects and diesel-like aroma.
**Legal and Industry Impact**:
– Legal history of cannabis in the U.S., including the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 and major legal reforms.
– Global cannabis legislation and its impact on international drug policies.
– Industry overview, including the hemp industry.
– Media coverage and reports related to cannabis.
– Impact on medical marijuana laws, including the influence of specific strains like Charlottes Web.
