Award-winning researcher engineers cannabis strain with 20% more THC

Levels for THC and CBG were increased by 17 per cent and 25 per cent more, respectively.

Researchers from the University of Jerusalem have managed to manipulate the number of cannabinoids within a cannabis plant.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the research increased the plant’s THC level to 20 per cent more, something that could help create new strains with more medicinal power and to help boost crop yields.

The researchers were led by Professor Alexander Vainstein and managed to increase a variety of cannabinoid levels, including for THC and cannabigerol (CBG), which were increased by 17 per cent more and 25 per cent more, respectively.

Researchers were also reportedly able to increase increase the ratio of terpenes ⁠— aromatic elements within the plant linked to euphoric and strong medicinal effects ⁠— by 20 per cent to 30 per cent.

Per investigators, the goal of the study was to “intervene in the biochemical pathways in the cannabis plant” to manipulate the production of active substances.

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, indeed, risen,” the researchers are quoted as writing.

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

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

The most recent study is touted as marking the first time the level of a cannabinoid has been modified on a cannabis plant, something that could expand cannabis’ medicinal capabilities.

In terms of the weed industry as a whole, these findings could prompt new business opportunities for making profits.

The FreshToast.com, a U.S. lifestyle site that contributes lifestyle content and, with their partnership with 600,000 physicians via Skipta, medical marijuana information to The GrowthOp.