for all 35 strains: mean 0.6%, median 0.3%. Only one strain produced >1.49%
CBD. Based on such low CBD levels, it can be deduced that all but one of their
strains were high THC hybrids. They say so in a roundabout way,“previous papers
used samples collected worldwide, and based upon their reported cannabinoid
levels, are not representative of the cannabi[s] currently available in the United
States to patients and recreational users.”Not surprisingly, their PCA analysis“does
not support the classification between indica and sativa as it is commonly pre-
sented”(i.e., classification by Leafly).
Lynch et al. ( 2015 ) concatenated databases for a genotype-chemotype study,
which may explain their unique results. Theyfiltered two large databases of strain
sequences, and found 195 strains with common polymorphic sites (see genetics
section). Cluster analysis of polymorphic sites sorted the 195 strains into groups
named WLD and NLD biotypes. The Strain Fingerprint™database, developed by
Steep Hill Labs (and displayed by Leafly on its website) included chemotype
information for 54 of the 195 strains. Lynch and colleagues presented histograms of
mean THC% and CBD%, from which cannabinoid ratios can be estimated: WLD:
16.5/0.2 = 82.5, NLD: 14.2/2.2 = 6.45. Thus the latest THC/CBD ratios of 21st
century ganjanyms shows a stunning reversal of THC/CBD ratios compared to their
corresponding 1970s–1990s landraces.
4.7 Terpenoid Studies
Terpenoids include simple terpenes (isoprenes) and modified terpenes—where
methyl groups have been moved or removed, or oxygen added as alcohols, esters,
aldehydes, or ketones. The characteristic odor ofCannabiscomes from its unique
blend of monoterpenoids (C 10 H 16 templates) and sesquiterpenoids (C 15 H 24 tem-
plates). Terpenoids provide a key distinguishing feature between“skunky”Afghanis
and“herbal-sweet”plants of Indian heritage (Black and Capler 2003 ). Despite this
key diagnostic feature, few terpenoid studies have included Afghani landraces.
Hood and Barry ( 1978 )analyzed“headspace”—theodorgiven off by plants, rather
than contents of glandular trichomes. Headspace favors the detection of monoter-
penoids over less-volatile sesquiterpenoids. Hood and Barry quantified 17 terpenoids in
14 accessions, including plants from Afghanistan and Pakistan (n = 3) and plants from
India and Mexico(n = 5). Running statistics ontheir raw datarevealedsome terpenoids
with statistical differences: Hood and Barry reported more limonene in Af/Pak plants
(mean 16.5%±1.66 SD) than Indi-Mex plants (6.5%±1.01,p< 0.001), and more
b-farnesene in Indi-Mex (0.44%±0.13) than Af/Pak (0.10%±0.05,p=0.10).
Differences in three other terpenoids fell a little short of statistical significance: moreb-
caryophyllene in Indi/Mex (3.0%±0.39) than Af/Pak (1.9%±0.52,p=0.16),more
a-humulene in Indi/Mex (0.76%±0.20) than Af/Pak (0.53%±0.15,p=0.20),and
moreb-myrcene in Af/Pak (10.0%±0.53) than Indi/Mex (7.6%±1.3,p=0.21).
Hillig (2004b) identified 21 terpenoids in a subset of theCannabiscollection that
he analyzed for cannabinoids. He compared terpenoid profiles in WLD biotypes
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