International
USA: USDA awards grant to study cannabinoid production in hemp

O US Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded a grant of 600 thousand dollars (approximately 566 thousand euros) to Virginia Technological Institute College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, to develop innovative research into the production of cannabinoids in hemp. Researchers from Virginia, which is a pioneer in agricultural innovation, will delve into the intricate field of industrial hemp and the regulation of biosynthetic pathways for cannabinoid production.
At the heart of the project is a mission: to decipher the enigmatic processes that govern the production of cannabinoids. The team of researchers aims to unravel the genetic regulatory networks intrinsically woven into the biosynthesis of cannabinoids. By understanding these pathways, scientists aim to facilitate the meticulous selection or modification of plants, tailoring their cannabinoid content to meet specific requirements.
Led by Bastiaan Bargmann, assistant professor at School of Environmental and Plant Sciences and affiliate member of Fralin Institute of Life Sciences, this project is a collaborative effort. Virginia Tech joins forces with Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, Virginia, and with the york university, In Canada. Together, these institutions form an interdisciplinary powerhouse, bringing together knowledge to advance this research.
Pioneering innovations for a healthier future
The implications of this research project are revolutionary and the USDA seems to have realized this, awarding this funding. By comprehensively understanding the complex regulation of biosynthetic pathways, producers can significantly reduce risks and increase profitability. Furthermore, this knowledge opens the door to a series of possibilities in the field of medical treatments, where cannabinoids play a fundamental role. Advances in the production of specific cannabinoid compounds promise to transform the landscape of medical science.
The initiative emerged following the federal legalization of industrial hemp in 2018 through the Farm Bill, a monumental legislative package approved by Congress every five years. With legal barriers removed, the scientific community can now delve into the limitless potential of hemp-based research, fostering innovation and transforming theoretical possibilities into tangible realities.
At its core, Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is at the forefront of a scientific revolution. Through pioneering research, collaborative partnerships and unwavering dedication, this institution is shaping the future of cannabinoid production. As the intricate network of biosynthetic pathways is unraveled, a brighter, healthier future emerges where personalized cannabinoids pave the way for groundbreaking medical advances.
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[Disclaimer: Please note that this text was originally written in Portuguese and is translated into English and other languages using an automatic translator. Some words may differ from the original and typos or errors may occur in other languages.]____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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With a professional background in CAD technical drawing (2D and 3D), João Xabregas is an activist and advocate for all uses and applications of cannabis. He discovered and entered the world of cannabis during his youth, where he developed a special interest in the cultivation of the plant, which led him on a journey of self-learning through the world of cannabis that continues to this day. His adventures linked to cannabis cultivation began with the same goal as many others: to be able to guarantee the quality and eliminate any possible risks to his health of what he consumed, as well as to avoid any type of dependence on the illicit market. However, he quickly began to view the world of cannabis and everything related to it with a very different perspective. He admits the enormous passion he has for the most persecuted plant in the world and about which he is always willing to write and have a good conversation.
