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Cannabis: the plant, its evolution, and its genetics—with an emphasis on Italy

  • CANNABIS AND CANNABINOIDS
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Abstract

This paper presents a scoping review of recent literature regarding the phylogenetics of Cannabis, descending the taxonomic ranks of family, genus, species, subspecies, and varieties. The family Cannabaceæ now consists of ten genera. Cannabis is a monotypic genus consisting of one species, Cannabis sativa L. The monotypic model is supported by DNA “barcode” studies. Two subspecies are recognized, and the number of varieties has increased to six. When and where Cannabis evolved has been explored, using molecular clock analyses and fossil pollen studies, respectively. The ubiquitous vernacular taxonomy of drug-type plants— “Sativa” and “Indica”—is deconstructed, and placed in a formal botanical framework. Italy has been a crossroads of Cannabis fiber-type plant genotypes, between Europe and Asia.

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  1. Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA

    J. McPartland

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The author discloses a research consultantship with GW Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of cannabinoid medicines, which could be perceived as a conflict of interest with Cannabis taxonomy and nomenclature. The author receives author’s royalties from CABI Publishing for the book Hemp Diseases and Pests, with a second edition slated for publication in 2021. The author discloses that his spouse has a financial interest in veterinary medicine, but no animal subjects or human participants were involved in this study.

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McPartland, J. Cannabis: the plant, its evolution, and its genetics—with an emphasis on Italy. Rend. Fis. Acc. Lincei 31, 939–948 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-020-00962-2

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