Medicinal cannabis is gaining importance worldwide and the demand for quality plants with optimal active ingredients continues to grow. To help growers improve their yields, organic fertilizer specialist DCM and plant analysis expert Brightlabs are collaborating on a study. The aim? To map the influence of fertilization on the production of essential substances such as cannabinoids and terpenes in medicinal cannabis plants. These substances play a crucial role in the therapeutic effects of cannabis: cannabinoids influence pain relief and anti-inflammation, for example, while terpenes and cannabinoids work together to enhance the plant's therapeutic effect.
Copyright DCM
Research into the ideal fertilization strategy
The research, part of the 'Cultivation for Compounds' consortium project, focuses on improving cultivation methods for medicinal cannabis. By testing different fertilization strategies, including fully organic, fully mineral, and mixed schemes, the partners aim to determine which approach most stimulates the production of valuable compounds.
Bas Nieuwesteeg of DCM: "Our analyses show that organic fertilization encourages the plant to produce more secondary metabolites, such as cannabinoids. These substances are crucial for the medicinal effect of cannabis."
Plant sap measurements offer unique insights
Brightlabs conducts detailed analyses on plant sap to measure the effect of fertilization on nutrient balance. "By artificially generating nutrient deficiencies, we see how plants respond," explains Brightlabs' Tommie Heijmans. "This helps us give growers concrete advice on how to keep their plants in optimal condition."
Combining these analyses with visual inspections provides a complete picture of plant health and the effectiveness of fertilization strategies.
Copyright Brightlabs
Towards a better future for medicinal cannabis
The results of this research could have major implications for the cannabis industry, according to the two companies. "Unravelling the link between fertilization and active substance production will give growers tools to improve their cultivation. This not only means better quality for patients, but also more sustainable and efficient production."
"The Cultivation for Compounds project is an important step in the development of medicinal cannabis and shows how innovation and collaboration can contribute to the successful and sustainable future of this fast-growing sector."
For more information:
DCM
[email protected]
www.dcm-info.com
Brightlabs
[email protected]
https://brightlabs.nl/