Phenotype
The term "phenotype" refers to the set of observable characteristics or traits of an organism resulting from the interaction of its genetic makeup (genotype) with the environment. In the context of medical cannabis, phenotypes refer to the physical appearance, growth patterns, chemical profiles, and other traits of cannabis plants.
Are phenotypes important in medical cannabis?
Phenotypes play a crucial role in the cultivation and application of medical cannabis for several reasons:
Genetic variation
Expression of traits: Different phenotypes express a variety of traits, such as leaf shape, plant height, flowering time, and colour. These traits can be crucial for identifying and selecting cannabis strains with specific desired characteristics.
Breeding: By understanding and selecting phenotypes, breeders can develop new cannabis cultivars that combine desirable traits, such as high cannabinoid content, certain terpene profiles, and resistance to pests and diseases.
Chemical profiles
Cannabinoid content: Different phenotypes can have varying levels of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which determine the therapeutic effects of the strain. For example, some phenotypes may be high in CBD, making them suitable for treating conditions like epilepsy or anxiety without psychoactive effects.
Terpene profiles: Phenotype variation influences the terpene composition of cannabis plants. Terpenes contribute to the aroma, flavour, as well as the therapeutic properties of the strain.
Environmental influence
Growth conditions: The environment, including factors like light, temperature, humidity, and soil nutrients, can affect the expression of phenotypes. Understanding how these factors influence phenotypic traits helps medical cannabis cultivators optimise growing conditions to produce high-quality medical cannabis.
Adaptation: Selecting phenotypes that thrive in specific environmental conditions can lead to more robust and resilient cannabis plants, reducing the need for chemical inputs like pesticides and fertilisers.
How are phenotypes selected and stabilised?
Selecting and stabilising phenotypes involves several steps:
Phenotypic screening: Breeders grow multiple plants from the same genetic line (the same batch of seeds or from the same mother plant) and observe their traits. Plants exhibiting desirable characteristics are selected for further breeding.
Cross-breeding: Selected plants are cross-bred to combine favourable traits. This process is repeated over multiple generations to enhance the expression of these traits.
Stabilisation: Breeders aim to stabilise the phenotype through repeated breeding and selection, ensuring that future generations consistently express the desired traits.
To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.
If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.