CBG (cannabigerol) dominance is bred into cannabis plants through targeted genetic selection and breeding strategies that focus on increasing the expression of the CBG synthase enzyme and reducing the activity of enzymes that convert CBG into other cannabinoids like THC or CBD. As CBG dominance is a recessive trait, and the only way to breed a CBG pure seeds is with a plant that is already a CBG pure plant.
Understanding the Cannabinoid Pathway
CBG is the precursor to THC, CBD, and CBC. It is synthesized from CBGA (cannabigerolic acid). In most cannabis plants, CBGA is rapidly converted by specific enzymes:
•. THCA synthase → THCA (which becomes THC)
•. CBDA synthase → CBDA (which becomes CBD)
• CBCA synthase → CBCA (which becomes CBC)
To breed CBG-dominant plants, you need to minimize or eliminate the genes encoding these synthases so that CBGA accumulates and is not converted into other cannabinoids.
Selecting Natural CBG-Dominant Plants
• Some rare cannabis genotypes naturally produce high levels of CBG (up to ~15% CBG and <0.3% THC). Breeders start by identifying these outliers through:
•. Cannabinoid profiling using HPLC or GC testing
•. Genetic screening to identify plants with inactive THCA/CBDA synthase genes
Breeding Strategies
• Once CBG-dominant plants are identified:
• Inbreeding and backcrossing are used to stabilize the trait.
• Breeders cross two high-CBG parents to reinforce the CBG-dominant genotype.
•. Marker-assisted selection can accelerate this by using DNA markers linked to desired cannabinoid profiles.
The goal is to develop homozygous lines with:
• A functional CBG synthase gene
• Inactive or deleted THCA and CBDA synthase genes
CBG dominance is bred into cannabis plants by:
• Selecting rare plants with high CBG/low THC/CBD
• Crossbreeding and stabilizing those genetics
• Reducing or eliminating THCA/CBDA synthase expression
