Sounds a bit fancy, huh? Well, the cannabis plants that you are familiar with are diploid. This means they have two sets of chromosomes (2n). This is the normal ploidy level (sets of chromosomes) for many organisms, like us humans. When it comes to a triploid cannabis plant, there are three sets of chromosomes (3n). There is even tetraploid with… you guessed it, four sets of chromosomes (4n). So what exactly is triploid cannabis? Could triploid cannabis seeds be the next revolution for cannabis growers? We’ll tell you what you want and need to know!
The cannabis plant has been experimented with for centuries. There is a super long history of selecting and crossing different strains to create new and improved variants. Back in the days of cannabis breeding, everyone was focused on plants with high THC. Now we are seeing the major focus on flavor, aroma, and amount the plant produces.
Having an extra chromosome in plants is more common than you think. It also doesn’t happen with genetic modification. If you explore your kitchen, you’ll discover many polyploid plants. Wheat, grapes, bananas, and strawberries, all of cells with more than two pairs of chromosomes. This gives them their unique traits, like green and purple grapes, big and small strawberries… see the pattern?
Remember, triploid cannabis plants are not genetically modified. Triploid cannabis seeds are created through meticulous breeding techniques to have three sets of chromosomes. It’s not as common, but triploid plants can happen naturally. That’s why there are breeding techniques, using a tetraploid to breed a diploid cannabis plant to produce triploid seeds.
Let’s make a quick note that due to the breeding techniques not yet mastered. Triploid cannabis is still being studied and tested until scientists are able to stabilize the genetics. This means you cannot purchase triploid flower for sale. Seeds are sold to experienced and professional cannabis breeders.
Well, first, how do we even get a polyploid (more than two sets of chromosomes) cannabis plant? By inducing polyploidy through a process called colchicine treatment. Colchicine is a chemical compound derived from the autumn crocus plant. It has the ability to disrupt cell division and cause chromosome doubling.
Using a fan leaf from a diploid plant and colchicine solution, the normal separation of chromosomes is interfered with during cell division. This is how chromosomes duplicate within the plant cells. As the plant grows and develops the shoots or stems will have double the chromosomes, transitioning from diploid to tetraploid.
An herbal alternative to colchicine. Research has shown that by applying orizaline to small parts of the original plant in a controlled growing environment (in vitro explants), polyploid cannabis can be produced. Therefore, orizaline has been found to be a safer and more efficient option compared to colchicine for inducing polyploidy in cannabis plants.
Triploid cannabis plants, unlike diploid ones, are usually infertile and unable to produce viable seeds when pollinated. Growers find this beneficial since it avoids unintended pollination. This is how plants become ‘hermies’, hermaphrodite, which pollinate the whole crop. 100% do not want.
So this is where we start to question, “why the heck can’t we get some of this?” The genetics of a triploid cannabis plant are jacked. Like the buds are so robust, chunky, firm, massive, just so sweet and juicy-smelling. They even have high tolerances to environmental problems. Sun, water, bugs, no problem. Seriously, scientists need to get studying!
Cannabis Mutations – Variegation
One of the most stunning natural changes that can happen in a plant is variegation. This occurs when certain genes responsible for producing chlorophyll and other pigments don't work properly, resulting in unique patterns of colored and non-colored areas on leaves and buds.
Now, this is pretty obvious when it comes to the breeder’s POV. Getting more flower buds per plant without losing potency is a financial win. Having a high supply of something that is constantly in high demand, that’s business baby.
Just the breeding process alone is complex. There are very controlled and tedious techniques that many breeders cannot perform. When the main focus is on growing triploid plants, breeders run into a problem with propagation. Since the plants are predominantly seedless, cloning the same plant isn’t always possible. This makes a majority of each crop rare in its own way. Almost like a ‘limited edition’ for every strain. The typical challenge of how the heck are we going to price this? Until the legalities and regulations are in order, we just know it’ll be pricey.
The cultivation of triploids can greatly benefit the medical community, as it could lead to the discovery of new medically beneficial cannabis strains and compounds. Researchers will have the opportunity to explore the triploid genome on a large scale, potentially uncovering valuable insights. While triploids still require further research and development, they have the potential to be a major advancement in the evolution of cannabis.
