Award-winning researcher develops cannabis strain with 20% THC

Researchers at the University of Jerusalem have managed to manipulate the number of cannabinoids in a cannabis plant.

According to The Jerusalem Post, research increased the plant’s THC content to 20%, which could help create new strains with more medicinal power and boost crop yields.

Researchers were led by Professor Alexander Vainstein and managed to increase a variety of cannabinoid levels, including THC and CBG, which were increased by 17% and 25%, respectively. The researchers were also able to increase the number of terpenes ⁠ – aromatic elements in the plant linked to euphoric and powerful medicinal effects ⁠ – by 20 to 30%.

Photo by CasarsaGuru/Getty

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According to researchers, the goal of the study was to “interfere with the biochemical pathways in the cannabis plant” to manipulate the production of active compounds. This was achieved by manipulating a neutralized active virus in the plant. “We examined the infected plants and found that the levels of the substances in question had actually increased,” the researchers write.

“These study results will be valuable both for industry to increase the yield of active compounds and for medical research to cultivate and develop new strains for medicinal cannabis users,” Vainstein summarized.

The University of Jerusalem has done some groundbreaking work in the field of cannabis since the 1970s, including the synthesis of key cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, and CBG.

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This study is the first time the level of a cannabinoid in a cannabis plant has been modified, something that could expand cannabis’ medicinal capabilities. For the entire industry, new business opportunities and profit opportunities could arise from these insights.