Researchers at the University of Wisconsin’s Crop Innovation Center have produced a genetically modified version of the hemp plant and the United States Department of Agriculture has concluded that it may be safely grown and bred in the United States. Interestingly enough, this new hemp strain, named “Badger G,” does not contain CBD or THC. Instead, it has been designed to contain high levels of CBG, or Cannabigerol.
The University of Wisconsin states that this new strain “is absent of CBD/CBDA and THC/THCA through a gene editing knockout of the endogenous CBDAS gene.” The result is a much higher level of CBG and an elimination of THC. “Approximately 25% of the hemp crop in the US is discarded due to THC/THCA levels beyond the 0.3% threshold set forth in the 2018 Farm Bill,” it continues. “Our new line will allow farmers to be in full compliance with these regulations.”
What is CBG?
CBG is often referred to as the “Mother of All Cannabinoids.” This is because the acidic form of CBG, CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), is the early-phase cannabinoid that is produced as young hemp plants begin to mature. In other words, CBGA is where all cannabinoids begin.
As plants reach the end of their growth cycle, UV light breaks down CBGA and converts it to other cannabinoids. Because of this conversion process, this small amount of CBG remaining is only enough to classify it as a minor cannabinoid.
Much like CBD, CBG is believed to carry a multitude of benefits. In fact, one study conducted in 2021 revealed that many people use CBG products for effective relief from chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and other conditions. It is believed that CBG has the ability to bind with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS. This would explain this cannabinoid’s potential as a therapeutic compound.
What is Genetically Modified Hemp?
Genetic modification is the process of giving an organism desirable traits by directly altering its genes. Many agricultural crops like corn and soy are genetically modified. Since hemp is regulated by the USDA, like these other crops, it’s no surprise that hemp farmers are also looking to utilize genetic engineering.
Perhaps the most interesting product of this study is a hemp strain that contains no THC, and therefore, will never have a problem meeting the 0.3% or less restriction set forth by the US Farm Bill. Overall, this study shows hemps’ potential to be produced and utilized in a wide range of ways.
Real Tested CBD: Your Trusted Source for Hemp News
The hemp industry has been rapidly growing since the Farm Bill was passed in 2018. Stay up to date with it by visiting Real Tested CBD. There, you’ll find a plethora of articles, covering everything from hemp news to answers to commonly asked questions. You’ll also find unbiased reviews and lab test results for dozens of CBD and delta-8 products, so you can find the right hemp products for you!
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