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Seasonal fluctuations in cannabinoid content of Kansas Marijuana

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Abstract

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa L.) was sampled at nine progressive growth stages in Riley County, Kansas, and analyzed for four major cannabinoids: cannabidiol (CBD), della-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), and cannabinol (CBN). Seasonal fluctuation in cannabinoids were related to stage of plant development. Cannabinoids were lowest in seedlings, highest prior to flowering and at an intermediate level thereafter until physiological maturity. Cannabinoids were highest in flowers and progressively lower in leaves, petioles, stems, seeds, and roots. Cannabinoid content of male and female flowers was not significantly different.

Cannabidiol occurred in the highest concentrations (0.01 to 0.94% of dry matter) in all plant parts; delta-9-THC, the next highest (0.0001 to 0.06%) in the study over time. Cannabidiol content of leaf tissue of plants sampled from ten locations at flowering, ranged from 0.12 to 1.7%; delta-9-THC, from 0.01 to 0.49%. Some variation was attributed to environmental factors.

Results indicate transformation of CBD to delta-9-THC to CBN. Environmental stress apparently increased delta-9-THC concentration, and bivalent ions: Mg, Mn, and Fe of leaf tissue could have regulated enzyme systems responsible for cannabinoid synthesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Elanco Prod. Co., 5605, Pinehurst, Columbia, Missouri

    B. J. Eaton

  2. Dept. of Agronomy, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, Kansas

    B. J. Eaton

  3. Eli Lilly and Co., Box 708, Greenfield, Indiana

    B. J. Eaton

Authors
  1. R. P. Latta
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  2. B. J. Eaton
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Additional information

Contribution No. 1309. Department of Agronomy, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas. Submitted for publication December 22, 1972.

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Latta, R.P., Eaton, B.J. Seasonal fluctuations in cannabinoid content of Kansas Marijuana. Econ Bot 29, 153–163 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02863315

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