Overview
The NYS Cannabis Research License (CRL) provides new avenues and opportunities for exploring the uses and benefits of cannabis through high-quality research.
Licensed researchers are investigating cannabis through agricultural, genomic, and lab-based methods, including outdoor and indoor cultivation spaces. The CRL enables licensees to produce, process, purchase and/or possess cannabis products in a research setting encouraging innovation in areas such as medical treatment efficacy, chemical composition analysis, and agricultural advancements.
Below you'll find a look at the innovations emerging from cannabis research in New York.
Approved Abstracts
Licensee: OCM-RSCH-24-0001
Research Type(s): Agricultural
Location(s): Buffalo, NY
Project: Untitled
Abstract:
The purpose of our proposed research is to develop, in New York State, novel technologies that will provide solutions to major problems in the cannabis industry. Based on the plant Cannabis sativa, one critical deficiency in the scientific underpinning this growing industry, is the current inability to make transgenic plants. Without effective cannabis transformation technologies, it is impossible to perform gene editing to develop new non-GMO varieties. It is also impossible to use new state-of-the-art RNA modification methods to increase overall plant yields. Identifying target genes for cannabis improvement is also difficult without transformation technologies. Moreover, the greatest current threat to the cannabis industry is the Hop Latent Viroid (HLV), which affects about 90% of cannabis grown in California, leading to up to 50% yield losses. HLV infection has the potential to decimate cannabis growth in New York State. One of the few ways to potentially generate resistant varieties is through RNA interference (RNAi) strategies. This approach requires transgenic technologies, and this demonstrates the urgency of our proposed research.
Cannabis sativa transformation (the introduction of DNA into the genome) and the regeneration of transgenic cannabis plants has proven difficult compared to other plant species. The team has already achieved success in C. sativa transformation in initial experiments. The proposed research will further develop methods for transformation to increase efficiency and establish a method for the routine generation of transgenic plants. The development of these technologies will enable gene editing, gene discovery, RNA modification technologies, and methods to fight multiple diseases including HLV.
Licensee: OCM-RSCH-24-0002
Research Type(s): Agricultural
Location(s): Syracuse, NY
Project: Enhancing Cannabis Cultivation through Beneficial Bacteria-Based Fertilizers
Abstract:
Cannabis cultivation is rapidly evolving, driven by the growing demand for medicinal and recreational marijuana products. This research project aims to delve into the potential benefits of employing beneficial bacteria-based fertilizers and supplements in commercial cannabis cultivation. The primary objective is to investigate how the introduction of specific strains of beneficial bacteria into hydroponic media can improve cannabis growth, ultimately leading to enhanced yields and the potential for increased development of key compounds, such as THC, CBD, and terpenes. The conclusion of this research will provide the groundwork for the development of multiple products available to commercial and hobbyist cultivators.
Licensee: OCM-RSCH-24-0003
Research Type(s): Agricultural, Genomic
Location(s): Bloomfield, NY
Project: Untitled
Abstract:
The Agricultural Genomics Foundation (AGF), a non-profit organization, is dedicated to advancing the cannabis industry in New York State (NYS) and the northeastern region through evidence-based research and sustainability initiatives. AGF aims to elevate plant management, collaborate with licensed growers and facilitate the deployment of superior crop varieties. AGF's mission revolves around creating comprehensive benchmark datasets, including genetic, phenotypic, and environmental data on Cannabis sativa specific to NYS in collaboration with licensed growers across the state. These datasets are designed to catalyze the development of predictive analytics tools with broad applications in agriculture, as well as to operate as a breeding hub, fostering an understanding of plant processes influencing growth, productivity, and predictive performance. AGF seeks to empower local producers by generating superior crop varieties and providing invaluable recommendations for plant management. Furthermore, AGF will conduct monitoring efforts using field-testing methods, harmonizing with laboratory results. This effort will enhance product quality, gather essential data, assess environmental impacts, improve operational efficiency, and secure legal protection for cultivators and the industry. AGF's overarching mission is to foster a thriving cannabis industry in NYS and the broader region, rooted in data-driven insights and dedicated research, promoting prosperity, efficiency, and social and environmental responsibility. The development of benchmark datasets will promote scientific collaboration and extend their applicability to broader agriculture, all contributing to the promotion of sustainability and integrity. Together, these efforts promise to assist and promote growth in the cannabis sector while fostering innovation and reliability. AGF's vision is to be at the forefront of C. sativa research and industry development in NYS and beyond, creating a more sustainable, prosperous, and innovative future.
Licensee: OCM-RSCH-25-0001
Research Type(s): Agricultural, Lab-based
Location(s): Middletown, NY, New Windsor, NY, New York, NY, Warwick, NY
Project: Efficacy of Far UV 222nm light for microbial reduction in indoor grow facilities and the potential impact on terpene and cannabinoid production
Abstract:
Unlike commonly used 254 nanometer germicidal UV light, UV light consisting of 222 nanometer (nm) wavelength, termed farUVC, has been deemed to be safe to humans. Exposure to 222nm is well tolerated by humans and could potentially be used in conjunction with cultivation lighting as a means to control fungus, powdery mildew, and bacteria. It is proven that 222nm light has antimicrobial effects on illuminated surfaces, but it is not known if the exposure to 222nm during cannabis cultivation stages will alter expected cannabinoid and terpene profiles. This study will measure microbial loading and cannabis and terpenes profiles and concentrations to 222nm exposed plants grown in a controlled indoor environment.
Licensee: OCM-RSCH-25-0001
Research Type(s): Agricultural
Location(s): New Kingston, NY
Project 1: Cultivating high terpene cultivars for the means of steam distillation extraction and efficiency for cannabis essential oils (terpenes)
Abstract:
Cultivate Cannabis Sativa L. to focus on high terpene production to then extract Cannabis terpenes post-harvest through the means of steam distillation using a 2,000 to 4,000 ML Steam distillation kit to measure and collect data to create a more cost-effective way to provide higher terpene rich cannabis and their naturally created essential oils.
Project 2: Mycorrhizal fungi and its potential benefits on cannabis sativa L. throughout its overall lifespan
Abstract:
Provide a controlled study implementing water soluble and granular Endomycorrhizal fungi to the root system during transplant and base of Cannabis Sativa L. throughout its grow cycle to show and demonstrate the mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship comparing it to an adjacent row of the same phenotypes with the same amendment regiment minus this potentially revolutionary soil amendment added to the beds and roots. To demonstrate overall growth structure, health, natural resistance to pests, pathogens, nutrient & microbial deficiencies, stem and bud wet and dry weights and to record the overall vigor of the Cannabis Sativa L. crop in an outdoor setting.
Project 3: Categorizing cannabis sativa L. classifications (indica, sativa, or hybrid) based upon chemical compositions of cannabinoid and terpene concentrations and not the morphological characterizations or geological origins in the consumer market
Abstract:
Determining and categorizing C. Sativa (Indica, Hybrid, Sativa) based upon the chemical composition of the specific phenotype at post-harvest testing (i.e. Cannabinoids and Terpenes) in the consumer market while understanding the differences of the taxonomy for both the cultivation, manufacturing, and consumer end. By conducting this study, it will split the final categorization of the strain’s psychoactive effects versus the specific origin and photoperiod cycle in cultivation for marketers, processors, and cultivators by determining how to classify and market strain specifics by the chemical makeup and oxidation of phytocannabinoids and their strain specific terpene profiles.
Project 4: Combating septoria cannabis through natural applications and practices to prevent the spread of fungal infection
Abstract:
Septoria is fungal blight made up of ascomycete and pycnidia producing fungus which include over 1,000 species of pathogens that infect specific hosts. Septoria Cannabis has been becoming an alarming issue within the New York market in both industrial hemp and Cannabis cultivation ranging from outdoor, mixed light, and indoor. Though indoor cultivation like our competing markets in the west coast seems to have higher infestation rate with pests such as thrips, aphids, and mites. This fungal infection has been known to create lesions on the vegetation of the leaves of C. Sativa preventing the plant from optimally performing photosynthesis in turn; causing the overall harvest yield to be stunted. In personal experience within the last two growing seasons I have noticed Septoria Cannabis spread throughout New York state and even to the main branches of C. Sativa causing me to want to understand this pathogen and fight it using natural IPM methods and cultivation practices.