USDA-Approved THC And CBD-Free Hemp Strain Seeks To Curb ~25% Crop Loss Due To Non-Compliance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted regulatory approval for a genetically modified hemp strain, “Badger G,” developed by the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This novel hemp strain, distinguished by its absence of THC and CBD, was designed to ensure compliance with federal thresholds and offer agronomic advantages to farmers.
Innovating Gene Editing At The Forefront
The Badger G distinguishes itself by producing higher levels of the cannabinoid CBG, without the psychoactive THC. Employing CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology, the scientists successfully nullified the CBDAS gene responsible for THC and CBD synthesis.
This genetic alteration ensures compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill, which requires a 0.3% THC threshold. In this way, it mitigates the risk of crop elimination due to excessive THC levels, a problem affecting approximately 25% of the US hemp crop, according to the regulatory approval request submitted by the University of Wisconsin.
The discussion on …