glands of the foliage than in the large (stalked) glands of the inflorescence. CBG
rarely dominates the resin ofCannabis(Fournier et al. 1987 ). Some geographical
races with minor or trace amounts of cannabinoids have been described, notably for
CBGM in some northeastern Asian populations, CBDV in some populations from
central Asia, and THCV in some collections from Asia and Africa.1.6.4.8 Economic Status and PotentialMarijuana is the world’s most popular illicit recreational drug, and the value of the
corresponding black market is immense (it is often claimed that marijuana is the
most valuable crop in the U.S.). There is a veritable tidal wave of new legal
commercial activities related to cannabis, at present primarily with regard to
medical applications, but with decriminalization/legalization of marijuana in some
jurisdictions, some business interests are investing heavily in anticipation of a
possibly huge commerce in recreational marijuana. Needless to say, there are
concerns about individual and social health risks and considerable discussion about
appropriate regulatory changes.1.7 Genetic Groupings inCannabis
Several botanists have contributed to clarification of the taxonomy ofCannabisin
recent decades, notably: Small and Cronquist ( 1976 ), Small (1979a,b, 2015 ), Hillig
(2004a,b,2005a,b, Hillig and Mahlberg ( 2004 ), McPartland and Guy ( 2004 ), and
Clarke and Merlin ( 2013 ). Based on these studies collectively, the following genetic
groupings may be recognized:(1) Hemp plants domesticated for stemfiber (and to a minor extent for oilseed) in
western Asia and Europe; cannabinoids low in THC and high in CBD.
(2) Hemp plants domesticated for stemfiber (and to a minor extent for oilseed) in
East Asia, especially China; cannabinoids low to moderate in THC and high in
CBD.
(3) Marijuana plants domesticated in a wide area of south-central Asia for very
high THC content; cannabinoids mostly or almost completely THC (the mar-
ijuana trade’s“sativa-type”).
(4) Marijuana plants domesticated in southern Asia, particularly in Afghanistan and
neighboring countries, for substantial amounts of both THC and CBD (the
marijuana trade’s“indica-type”).
(5) Hemp plants of hybrid origin between groups 1 and 2.
(6) Marijuana plans of hybrid origin between groups 5 and 6.
It should be understood that the hybrid cultivars or strains are not simplyfirst
generation hybrids, but represent various degrees of stabilized intermediacy,1 Classification ofCannabis sativaL. in Relation... 33