With the upcoming legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use in Canada on the horizon, it’s the turn of cannabis growers to boost research
At the forefront of the initiative is scientists at the University of Guelph in Ontario, who claim that many growers are turning to researchers, in order to find out the best way to grow their crops.
Last week, two scientists from the University published a research paper, which they claim is the first of its kind, instructing growers how to best optimize their indoor crops. The new study looked at the amounts of organic fertilizer in soilless products holding cannabis before it flowered, as well as looking at how best to optimize THC and CBD extraction.
Youbin Zheng, who led the study, told reporters, “There is hardly any scientific information on how to produce these plants and now there is so much interest in this area.”
Zheng, along with his colleague, Mike Dixon, intend to carry out a number of studies, examining things like irrigation, lighting, and soilless technology for cannabis.
Dixon said, “Much of the work now is largely based on anecdotal bulls–t from people who think they have it all figured out and did all their research in their basements. I’m shamelessly taking advantage of the cannabis industry sector’s investment. The bottom line is we’re developing technologies that will allow Canadians to exploit production systems in harsh environments.”
Dixon added that there are more than 150 compounds in the cannabis plant, and most of which are either undiscovered or little understood.
The team also intend to research vertical farming, which could allow cold countries to grow crops throughout the year, regardless of the surrounding climate.
At the same time, The dean of the Ontario Agricultural College, Rene Van Acker, also spoke to reporters about the future for the cannabis industry in Canada, “One of our greatest challenges is recruiting people into our programs because people typically don’t understand the fact that agriculture and food are high-tech, high-growth sectors and demand an awful lot of people for really interesting careers.”
Many folks are looking forward to this new research, in the hope that they will be able to gather vital research to take medical cannabis into the next decade.
[Image credit: Pixabay]
