Cannabis classification
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Cannabis Classification: An Overview of Current Research
Introduction to Cannabis Classification
The classification of cannabis has been a subject of debate and research for many years. The genus Cannabis, belonging to the family Cannabaceae, has been classified in various ways based on morphological, chemical, and genetic characteristics. This article synthesizes recent research on the classification of cannabis, focusing on the differentiation between drug-type and fiber-type cannabis, the historical and modern taxonomic debates, and the implications for forensic and medicinal applications.
Differentiation Between Drug-Type and Fiber-Type Cannabis
Forensic Classification of Cannabis Seedlings
In forensic contexts, distinguishing between drug-type (illegal) and fiber-type (legal) cannabis is crucial. A study evaluated several classifiers for this purpose, including Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), Nearest Neighbour Classification (NNC), Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ), Radial Basis Function Support Vector Machines (RBF SVMs), Random Forest (RF), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The results indicated that NNC and RBF SVMs were the most effective, achieving classification accuracies of up to 99% and 98%, respectively, for both 2-class and 12-class classifications1.
Chemical Fingerprinting for Cultivar Classification
Another approach to classifying cannabis cultivars involves chemical fingerprinting using thermal desorption direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (TD-DART-MS). This method, combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), achieved a classification accuracy of 99.3% for different cannabis cultivars, demonstrating its potential as a high-throughput screening tool6.
Historical and Modern Taxonomic Debates
Early Taxonomic Classifications
The taxonomic classification of cannabis has evolved significantly since the 18th century. Carl Linnaeus initially classified cannabis as a single species, Cannabis sativa, in 1753. Later, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck proposed a second species, Cannabis indica, based on specimens from India. A third species, Cannabis ruderalis, was introduced by D. E. Janischewsky in 1924. However, these classifications have been contentious, with ongoing debates about whether cannabis should be considered a single species or multiple distinct species4 7.
Genomics-Based Taxonomy
Recent advancements in genomics have provided new insights into cannabis classification. Genome-wide sequencing and bioinformatics have suggested that cannabis may be best understood as a highly diverse monotypic species rather than multiple distinct species. This approach has challenged previous taxonomic frameworks and highlighted the need for a more nuanced understanding of cannabis diversity8.
Implications for Medicinal and Forensic Applications
Medicinal Cannabis Classification
The medicinal use of cannabis has led to the need for a more precise classification system based on chemical composition. Traditional classifications using terms like "Sativa" and "Indica" have become unreliable due to extensive hybridization. A study proposed a new classification system based on genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), identifying five chemotype-aligned groups: one CBD dominant, one balanced, and three THC dominant clusters. This system aims to provide a clearer understanding of the genetic and chemical diversity of modern cannabis strains3.
Conservation of Cannabis Germplasm
The classification of cannabis also has implications for conservation. A study identified four taxa of cannabis that represent critically endangered reservoirs of germplasm. These taxa are essential for preserving the genetic diversity from which modern cannabinoid strains originated and are in urgent need of conservation efforts2.
Conclusion
The classification of cannabis remains a complex and evolving field. Advances in forensic methodologies, chemical fingerprinting, and genomics are providing new tools and insights for distinguishing between different types of cannabis. These developments have significant implications for both legal and medicinal applications, highlighting the need for ongoing research and refinement of cannabis classification systems.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Multi-class differentiation of cannabis seedlings in a forensic context
NNC and RBF SVMs effectively differentiate between cannabis seedlings at an early stage, with high classification performance for forensic purposes.
A classification of endangered high-THC cannabis (Cannabis sativa subsp. indica) domesticates and their wild relatives
This study classifies four taxa of Cannabis, identifying their critical conservation needs.
Meta-AnalysisClassification of cannabis strains in the Canadian market with discriminant analysis of principal components using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms
This study identified 344 structural SNPs in modern cannabis strains, enabling a new classification system based on genome-wide variation and secondary metabolites, potentially improving clinical research and medicinal production.
Rigorous JournalCannabis confusions
Cannabis taxonomy has been a source of debate for centuries, with some experts suggesting that indica, ruderalis, and rasta are just sub-species or variants of C sativa.
Rigorous JournalThe Name of Cannabis: A Short Guide for Nonbotanists
Avoiding the distinction between sativa and indica, apply a bimodal approach using the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP) for cultivated Cannabis varieties, with vernacular names having no taxonomical validity.
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedThe classification of Cannabis hemp cultivars by thermal desorption direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (TD-DART-MS) with chemometrics
TD-DART-MS is a high-throughput analytical method for accurately classifying Cannabis hemp cultivars, ensuring consistent quality and therapeutic benefits.
Letter to the Editor: Small, Ernest. 2015. Evolution and Classification of Cannabis sativa (Marijuana, Hemp) in Relation to Human Utilization. Botanical Review 81(3): 189-294
Cannabis sativa's evolution and classification are crucial for understanding its human uses, but its classification is influenced by outdated terminology and renaming of functional evolutionary and taxonomic groupings.
Literature ReviewCannabis - from cultivar to chemovar.
A PCA approach can effectively classify Cannabis varieties based on their chemical composition, improving our understanding of their medicinal properties.
Highly CitedEvolution and Classification of Cannabis sativa (Marijuana, Hemp) in Relation to Human Utilization
Cannabis sativa should be recognized as a single species with two subspecies: narcotic and non-narcotic, based on human selection and genetic exchange with wild plants.
Literature Review