1) Improved Quality of Cannabis:
Cannabis genetics can be significantly improved through selective breeding practices, which have been around for centuries. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, we can predict that there will be higher quality and more potent strains available for consumers. These strains will be produced by breeders who focus on maximizing potency, flavour, and aroma to provide the best possible experience for consumers.
2) Increased Crossbreeding:
With the open-legislation for cannabis, we predict that cannabis cross-breeding will increase in popularity. Experimenting with different cannabis strains will be practiced to create new and unique variants. The popularity of cannabis strains like "Cookies," a combination of Girl Scout Cookies and OG Kush, shows just how accepted and loved cross-breeding cannabis has become in recent years.
3) Understanding Terpenes More Effectively:
Another prediction is that we will understand the roles of terpenes better, and how they impact the cannabis experience. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, contributing to the scent, taste, and benefits of cannabis. By understanding the benefits and roles of terpenes, breeders will be able to select and combine different strains for the cultivation of cannabis plants to enhance flavour, aroma, and effects.
4) Genetic Modification:
It is also essential to mention the future possibilities of genetic modification. As genetic engineering and modification quickly becomes more accessible, cannabis plants may become engineered to fit into various applications, like medicine and textiles. It's a topic that raises major ethical questions, but the trend towards a more genetically engineered world is clear. We could also predict that genetically modified cannabis could be used to create strains that could be more resistant to pests, which could be an increase in sustainability for the cannabis industry.
5) Preservation of Rare Cannabis Strains
As the demand for cannabis grows, it is crucial to preserve rare cannabis strains. Cannabis has been crossbred to the point that some strains can get lost altogether. By preserving endangered strains of cannabis, we ensure that unique phenotypes are passed from generation to generation, providing a broad spectrum of cannabis for people to enjoy in the future.
Conclusion:
The future of cannabis genetics looks bright and exciting. With legalization comes the ability to study and experiment with cannabis genetics more freely. We can expect the quality, potency, and flavours of cannabis to improve in the years ahead. Cross-breeding will become more popular, and understanding of terpenes and their roles in cannabis breeding will become more prevalent. Finally, it is essential to mention the consideration of preserving rare strains. All these predictions pave the way for a more diverse and exciting cannabis industry, which meets the needs of consumers in various ways. Whether it is for medicinal or recreational purposes, the future of cannabis genetics is sure to be fascinating and promising.