The most complete genome sequence of cannabis to date

Scientists have achieved an unprecedented feat by completing the most detailed sequencing ever performed of the cannabis genome. The strain Pink Pepper, developed by South Korean and US researchers, has achieved 99.6% genomic coverage, setting a new gold standard for the research on this ancient plant. This finding promises to transform the development of new varieties, offering groundbreaking tools for growers, researchers, and the industry as a whole.

Pink Pepper’s cannabis genome represents the most complete genetic map ever sequenced for Cannabis sativa, far surpassing all previous attempts to map the DNA of this complex plant. With 770 million DNA base pairs and more than 30,000 genes identified, this sequencing sets a new paradigm in the molecular understanding of cannabis.

This strain, which owes its name to its distinctive pink purple colour, was developed by Professor Jung Dae Lim and his team at Kangwon National University in South Korea, in close collaboration with the Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) of Colorado, with the results being published in Springer Nature’s prestigious Scientific Data journal.

Pink Pepper was developed to have a high content of cannabidiol (CBD) and a low content of the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Scientists used 26 different varieties of hemp to develop this strain, which unintentionally resulted in its vibrant colour, which can range from a pink fuchsia to an intense plum.

The importance of this achievement becomes magnified when we consider that previously sequenced cannabis genomes had numerous significant gaps and limitations. The first notable sequencing attempt was carried out with the strain Purple Kush in 2011, when a 534-megabase draft genome sequence was achieved.

Although this pioneering work laid the foundation for cannabis genomic research, its accuracy was limited and contained essential information gaps. Since then, several scientific teams have tried to improve these sequences, including the Cannbio-2 project, but none of them have been able to achieve the accuracy currently shown by Pink Pepper.

The methodology used for Pink Pepper included third-generation sequencing technologies to capture repetitive and complex regions, resulting in 17 chromosomal scaffolds in the final strain that allowed the technical limitations that had hindered previous projects to be overcome. And the public availability of data through the National Center for Biotechnology Information represents an invaluable gift to the global scientific community.

Revolutionary implications for the cannabis industry

The implications of this breakthrough transcend the purely academic realm and promise to revolutionise multiple aspects of the cannabis industry. For breeders and geneticists, for instance, Pink Pepper offers a reference template that will allow new varieties with specific characteristics to be developed in a more predictable and efficient manner. This reference cannabis genome will act as a detailed map that will guide the selection of desirable traits, from specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles to disease resistance and climate adaptability.

In the field of medical research, this complete genome opens up new avenues to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate the biosynthesis of cannabinoids. Scientists will now be able to accurately track the regulation of the genes responsible for producing not only THC and CBD, but also minor cannabinoids like cbg, CBN, and CBC, which are now gaining recognition for their unique therapeutic properties. This will in turn facilitate the development of medicinal varieties with cannabinoid profiles specifically designed for the treatment of particular medical conditions, which could significantly accelerate the development of cannabis-based therapies.

The applications for the agricultural industry are equally promising: Access to a complete reference cannabis genome will lead to the development of industrial hemp varieties with optimised characteristics for the production of fibre, oil, or protein, whilst simultaneously improving their resistance to environmental stress factors such as droughts, fungal diseases, or extreme climatic variations. This improved resilience will be crucial to establishing sustainable and economically viable cannabis crops on a large scale.

The connection of this cannabis genome with Purple Kush

Considering how long breeders and scientists have been working on the sequencing of the cannabis genome, and given that we’ve only just arrived at a model that is more or less clean, you could say it hasn’t been a walk in the park.

The history of the sequencing of the cannabis genome has its roots in the pioneering work conducted in 2011 with Purple Kush, a strain that Kannabia knows quite intimately and which is a fundamental part of our catalogue. That first sequencing project, led by Canadian researchers, marked the beginning of the modern genomic era for cannabis, providing the first molecular insights into the differences between varieties of marijuana and industrial hemp.

Purple Kush x Black Domina

Purple Kush

Purple Kush is a popular strain of cannabis known for its deep purple color and potent sedative effects. Purple Kush is a strain that’s born to thrive. You’ll be able to enjoy dramatic flowering in 60 days, dazzling your garden with a festival of colours and aromas, while purple tones will begin to appear in swollen buds that are loaded with resin from the fourth week.

The original Purple Kush study revealed fundamental discoveries about the differential expression of genes related to the biosynthesis of cannabinoids. Researchers identified that Δ (9)-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase, which is responsible for the production of THC, was expressed exclusively in Purple Kush, whereas this enzyme was replaced by cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) synthase in hemp varieties such as ‘Finola’.

This could be explained by the influence of ancestral viruses on the synthesis of cannabinoids (i.e., pathogens that infected the plant millions of years ago and inserted “junk” DNA fragments that activated the duplication of key genes). For example, chromosome 6 hosts the THCA and CBDA synthase genes (responsible for the production of THC and CBD), which are surrounded by the viral sequences that drove their divergence. This mechanism explains why hemp (low in THC) and psychoactive marijuana have different chemical profiles even though they belong to the same species (Cannabis sativa).

For Kannabia, this historical connection to Purple Kush represents more than a coincidence: it symbolises our continued commitment to genetic innovation and excellence in strain development. Our Purple Kush retains the genetic features that made it a scientific model, offering growers a proven strain with 23% THC and its uniquely distinctive purple tones.

Moreover, the launch of our new strain Zoap Rosé represents the natural evolution of our work with purple genetics with the addition of the latest advances in cannabis breeding. This sophisticated creation combines the genetics of Rainbow Sherbet and Pink Guava, resulting in a slightly indica-dominant hybrid that produces buds with spectacular pink hues.

Rainbow Sherbet x Pink Guava

Zoap Rosé: A True Floral Gem Within Your Reach!

Zoap Rosé is an indica-dominant hybrid (55/45) renowned for its floral and fruity terpene profile, featuring notes of roses, tropical fruits, and citrus. With 18-22% THC, it delivers effects that balance initial mental stimulation with gentle physical relaxation—perfect for brightening any time of day. Its compact structure and vigorous growth make it ideal for small-space cultivation, while its dense, ultra-resinous buds excel in extractions. A versatile strain for discerning growers and consumers seeking premium quality and sophisticated aromas.

Leading the cannabis genome revolution

Genetics is the foundation of cannabis. Only through it can we understand the plant’s physical and chemical characteristics at a molecular level, and manipulate its effects, quality, aroma, potency, flavour, and much more.

Completing the genome of Pink Pepper marks a defining moment in the history of cannabis—comparable in significance to the sequencing of the human genome for medicine. It not only provides unprecedented tools for research and development, but also validates the transformative potential of genomics when applied to cannabis.

Making this cannabis genome publicly available will democratise access to advanced genomic tools, enabling researchers, breeders, and companies of all sizes to contribute to the advancement of cannabis science. The future of cannabis is being rewritten at the molecular level, and Pink Pepper has provided the genetic alphabet that will guide this transformation towards a horizon of limitless possibilities for this extraordinary plant.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cannabis Genome

What makes the Pink Pepper cannabis genome sequencing unique?

The Pink Pepper genome represents the most complete sequencing of the cannabis genome to date, covering 99.6% of the genetic material. It offers a new gold standard for cannabis research by overcoming gaps left by previous sequencing efforts.

Why is the cannabis genome important for breeders and scientists?

A complete cannabis genome enables breeders and scientists to identify desirable traits such as cannabinoid profiles, disease resistance, and climate adaptability, making the development of new cannabis strains more efficient.

How does the Pink Pepper genome benefit medical cannabis research?

The Pink Pepper genome allows researchers to trace the regulation of genes involved in the biosynthesis of THC, CBD, and minor cannabinoids like cbg or CBC, paving the way for tailored therapeutic cannabis varieties.

What role did technology play in achieving this sequencing?

Third-generation sequencing technologies were key to mapping complex and repetitive regions of the cannabis genome, enabling the creation of 17 chromosomal scaffolds and a highly accurate genetic reference.

How does this genome compare to previous efforts like Purple Kush?

While Purple Kush laid the foundation for cannabis genomics in 2011, it left significant gaps. Pink Pepper’s genome far surpasses it in completeness and precision, marking a major leap forward for the field.