Population genomics of cannabis across the native range

Background

Cannabis, an ancient and versatile crop, has been utilized for millennia in the production of fibers, seeds, and for various medicinal, ritual, and recreational purposes. In recent years, the legal market for medicinal cannabis has expanded significantly, driven by accumulating evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids. However, this market is primarily based on modern hybrid cultivars, while genetic variation of cannabis across its native range in Eurasia is not well understood.

Project description

This project aims to elucidate cannabis population structure across the native range. Applying state-of-the art whole-genome (re)sequencing of extant and historical (herbarium) samples, it has great potential to uncover untapped genetic variation.