Is GMO Weed Coming?

Read Time:1 Minute, 16 Second

By Emily Jiannetto

The company Growing Together Research Inc. (GTR) has developed a method to genetically modify the levels of Delta-9 THC in cannabis plants (Herrington). GTR worked with Texas A&M Agrilife Research in August of 2020; the team was working to develop ways to genetically modify hemp that is used for commercial purposes (Herrington). They made a major breakthrough in developing genetically modified cannabis when they created, “the first known stable transformation and regeneration of multiple THC-free hemp cultivars” (Herrington). The cultivars should be ready for public consumption in the last leg of 2022 (Herrington).

The team was also able to decrease or increase the levels of THC in the plant, by “turning on,” or “turning off” the genes (known as the “Delta9 Dial”) which control the expression of THC (Herrington). Genetically modified marijuana should be available to the public in 2023 (Herrington). The cannabis plant is infamously hard to genetically modify, so this has been an incredible step forward in cannabis science. However, there are concerns about the safety of genetically modified products in general, and especially marijuana. Although Dimitri Samaratunga, GTR’s COO, stated that the marijuana is not a, “‘Franken-organism” and they are simply stimulating the genes, instead of crossing different genes together (Herrington).