Development of Cannabinoids in Flowers of Industrial Hemp (<i>Cannabis sativa</i> L.): A Pilot Study

Abstract

A field study was performed to investigate the development of cannabinoids in flowers of industrial hemp using three day-length-sensitive and two day-length-neutral varieties. Flower samples were analyzed for cannabinoids on a weekly basis from 2 to 4 weeks postanthesis to plant senescence. Results indicate that total THC, CBD, and CBG significantly increased as flowers matured, reaching the greatest concentration during 6 to 7 weeks postanthesis. After a plateau stage of varied length for different varieties, the peak concentrations declined as plants senesced. Total THC was above the 0.3% threshold from 4 weeks postanthesis to the end of the growing season for day-length-sensitive varieties, but this only occurred during 6 to 7 weeks postanthesis for day-length-neutral varieties. The CBD/THC ratio in flowers dynamically changed during the entire reproductive stage for all of the evaluated varieties. The current study provides vital information for successful cultivation of industrial hemp.