THE CANNABIS CONUNDRUM: FRIEND OR FOE?

Just as blue eyes and stubborn spirits are genetically inherited from
parents, botanical genes code for flower color, seed shape, and stem
size as well as the production of molecules important for fragrance,
flavor, and natural chemicals.

Cannabis sativa, a plant cultivated for thousands of years, contains a
genomic region responsible for the production of the psychoactive
chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is this chemical that earned
Cannabis its illicit label, “marijuana,” and motivated United States
lawmakers to outlaw Cannabis cultivation over seventy years ago. The
resultant debate to legalize Cannabis stems from social, political,
and economic issues that, quite possibly, only modern science can ameliorate.

“I can’t think of another plant that is so regarded as a miracle by
some and a menace by others,” said George Weiblen, Professor of Plant
Biology at the University of Minnesota, in a recent interview.

The week’s Pinhead Town Talk, “The Cannabis Conundrum: The science and
politics of the world’s most controversial plant,” presented by Weiblen
will draw on scientific and historical facts to thrash out common
misconceptions of a plant so fraught with negativity.

“Today, Cannabis research in the United States focuses almost entirely
on marijuana’s effects on the human body,” Weiblen noted. “I’m one of
very few researchers permitted by our government to study the plant.
What our research has discovered will challenge opinions on either
side of the controversy.”

Depending on the cultivar, or plant variety resulting from selective
breeding, Cannabis plants vary in THC concentration and are generally
categorized as either hemp or marijuana. Hemp is primarily harvested
for durable fiber, isolated from the plant stems, and produces a
minimal amount of THC (0.3 percent). Marijuana, on the other hand,
contains higher percentages of THC (between 2 and 25 percent) and is
typically used for medicinal and “recreational” purposes.

“The problem is that hemp and marijuana are difficult to tell apart
based solely on appearance. They can only be distinguished by their
THC concentrations,” explains Weiblen. “For this reason, federal
lawmakers are reluctant to relax legislation and permit hemp
cultivation on domestic soil.”

Cannabis took root in America during the 16th century where it was
legally grown to produce essential materials — paper, clothing,
canvas, and rope — for nearly 400 years. Additionally, Cannabis seed
oil gained popularity as a nutritional, cosmetic, and industrial
commodity, and THC was discovered to treat medical conditions,
including pain, nausea, appetite loss, and glaucoma. In 1937, all
forms of Cannabis became illegal to grow in the U.S. with the passing
of The Marijuana Tax Act.

Even today, hemp products must be imported. However, the global trend
toward biofuels and renewable resources, and the search for better
therapeutics have launched Cannabis into the spotlight as an
attractive cash crop.

“Cannabis is an ideal alternative for farmers to grow on marginal
land. As opposed to cotton, it yields large quantities of durable
fibers, survives northern climates, and is resistant to pests and
disease,” says Weiblen.

So how can science contribute to the production of a Cannabis variety
not to be confused with marijuana in appearance or THC
concentration?

Enter Weiblen and his team of plant biologists. They have utilized a
scientific technique called DNA “fingerprinting” to identify distinct
DNA sequences, or “markers,” that distinguish hemp from marijuana. The
process requires a very small Cannabis sample and only few days,
making it a highly functional forensic tool with utility in economic
and political fields.

Weiblen and his researchers are also just a few genes shy of cracking
the entire “cannabinoid genome,” a feat that will help pave the way to
a completely drug-free, legal, Cannabis plant.

“My research brings honesty and scientific facts to the debate that
hopefully one day will aid in sound legislative decisions,” he concludes.

The botanical debate arrives on Tuesday July 7 at 6 p.m. at the
Telluride Conference Center in Mountain Village. It is produced by the
Telluride Science Research Center (TSRC) sponsored by the Town of
Mountain Village Owners Association (TMVOA). Admission is free and
there will be a cash bar.