Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a method of cloning cannabis plants by growing new plants from small samples of plant tissue in a sterile environment. This ensures the new plants are free from disease and pests and results in more consistent and high-quality medical cannabis. Plants grown from individual seeds will always show some genetic variation (even if they are from the same batch of seeds), but tissue culture-grown plants produce genetically identical clones, ensuring consistent traits and characteristics.
Is tissue culture common in UK medical cannabis cultivation?
No, not yet. Cloning through the process of using a 'mother' plant, where cuttings are taken and propagated, is currently the most common method used by UK medical cannabis cultivators.
But as the industry expands and evolves, tissue culture is starting to gain traction as a more efficient and reliable method of propagation. This is especially true for larger-scale operations where consistency and quality control are crucial.
How is tissue culture performed?
Tissue culture involves taking a small sample of plant tissue, such as a stem or leaf, and placing it in specific growth media in a sterile environment. The growth media (often a hydroponic medium) contains all the necessary nutrients and hormones to stimulate growth and development of new plant tissue. This process is done under strict laboratory conditions to prevent contamination and ensure successful propagation.
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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.