ABSTRACT

Cannabis is among the very oldest of economic plants, providing fiber, edible seed, and drug resin, Human selection for varying uses and natural selection pressures imposed by diverse climates have resulted in a wide variety of growth forms and chemical compositions. Innovative classical breeding techniques have been used to improve drug cannabis, resulting in many cannabinoid-rich cultivars suitable for medical use. The production of cannabinoids is unique to Cannabis, and cultivars with specific chemical protlles are being developed for diverse potential pharmaceutical uses.