Cannabis News

How cannabis became a science-backed crop

Published

3 months ago

January 21, 2026

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Recognition of one’s work can take many forms, from peer recognition to institutional awards, and in some cases comes repeatedly throughout a career. This is the course of the cannabis research work of Prof. Nirit Bernstein of the Volcani Institute, which recently ended with the “Cannabis and Hemp Distinguished Achievement Award” given to the Israeli researcher by the American Society of Horticultural Science.

The beginning of the modern science of cannabis
Nirit started working with cannabis about 14 years ago, long before the crop gained its current institutional legitimacy. At that time, he approached the Israeli Ministry of Health, through its Medical Cannabis Unit, with a formidable request: to help define cultivation protocols for a crop that is poorly understood from a plant science perspective, to ensure that the plant product is safe for consumers, and to provide growers with the necessary agronomic support. “Back then there was almost no information about the plant science and agronomy of cannabis,” he says. “It was very difficult to establish a cannabis research program at the time because there was no funding, but I felt a great responsibility to do it.”

He did what any academic would do, turned to the scientific literature. For any other well-studied crop, the answers would have been numerous. For cannabis, there was basically nothing. “Cannabis is not a new crop, people have been using it basically forever, so I was hoping to find some useful information,” recalls Nirit. “But when I looked at it, there was basically zero. At that point I understood that if we wanted answers, I would have to start from the very beginning.”

This absence prompted him to redirect his research activity almost entirely to cannabis. Early work focused on the basics, not reinventing the wheel to get into the cannabis side of things, but because every discipline needs a framework to build upon if complex issues are to be addressed. “How the plant responds to mineral nutrition throughout its life cycle. How the vegetative and reproductive stages change in their requirements. What happens when inputs are boosted, limited or misaligned. All of this is decades of knowledge in all crops, but for cannabis it was all new territory.” Nitrogen became one of the first focuses, followed by potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, each of which was systematically analyzed. “Each time we found the optimal level, it became the basis for the next analysis,” he explained. “It was a very cumulative process.”

Academy for cannabis growers© Nirit Bernstein
As soon as Nirit started presenting the first data at conferences, it became clear how hungry the industry was for validated information. Growers, consultants and companies began arriving in volume with very specific questions about nutrient ratios and cropping decisions, often driven by hereditary practices. “For years, I received hundreds of emails and requests every week,” he says. “People would ask about nitrogen, potassium, light, irrigation, crop management and what not…very practical things. You really feel the responsibility, you know the industry is listening.”

The science of cannabis plants is advancing
This sense of responsibility dictated the direction of his laboratory. His research expanded into environmental drivers, light spectra, HPS versus LED, pruning strategies, plant density, and plant architecture, including some early peer-reviewed work on hood uniformity in cannabis chemistry. “We had very little information about the plant, but at the end of the day cannabis is just a plant,” said Nirit. “Interesting, yes, but it still follows physiological rules that need to be understood.”

As the field arrived, so did the questions. Attention was focused on inflorescence development, trichome ripening and harvest time, with industry conventions still struggling to fully distance themselves from heritage practices. “There’s been a lot of change in the last 9 years,” he says. “In the past, people harvested trichomes when they were about 50% amber. Today, many harvest them as soon as they start to turn amber, but we don’t have enough information about how growing conditions affect that process.”

This gap is now central to his research. With international collaborators, including projects funded by the Cannabis Research Institute in Colorado, Nirit is studying not only pesticide residues, but also how pest management strategies affect secondary metabolism. “It’s not just about waste anymore,” he explained. “If you spray the plant, even with terpene-containing botanicals, that can have a dramatic effect on the production of secondary metabolites.”

The physiology of stress has become another key focus. Time and time again, his work has shown that peak concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes often coincide with how the plant reacts to stressors, an observation long known to growers. “Stress often affects secondary metabolism,” he says. “What we’re trying to do now is to develop extraction methods that trick the plant into thinking it’s under stress while it’s growing under optimal conditions.”

This willingness to investigate grounded practices has continually encouraged her to question her research heritage methods. Physical injury, long dismissed as superstition, was shown to have some stimulatory effects on secondary metabolites. “They told us it worked, and they were right,” he says. Flushing, another divisive subject, showed no consistent increase in cannabinoid levels, but no harm either. “My recommendation is to clean it,” he added. “It helps to save money, it does not damage the plant and it improves the conditions of the soil, especially when growers have used too much fertilizer.”

Further experimental work continues in parallel, including carefully measured salinity stress in the last days before harvest, prolonged preharvest light or darkness, and studies on heavy metal uptake. “Hemp is a hyper accumulator, and ‘drug-type’ cannabis was never really tested for that in a medical context,” he explains. “Some of the nutrients we give to plants, such as iron, zinc, manganese, copper, are heavy metals. The question is how much we can give in the inflorescences and in the extracts produced without reaching critical thresholds.”

In all these lines of research, the methodology remains consistent. “We’ve put a lot of effort into understanding the physiology and biology of the plant,” says Nirite. “Not only agronomy, but also chemistry and the physiological function of plants. Then we translate this knowledge into practical applications. This is how we work in my laboratory.”

Thanks to this approach, Nirite has achieved a series of international recognitions in recent years, from the ‘American Chemical Society’, the ‘American Society of Agronomy’, the ‘American Society of Horticultural Sciences’, to agronomic and horticultural organizations throughout Europe and Israel. The “Cannabis and Hemp Distinguished Achievement Award” now joins that list to confirm that cannabis plant science has reached a level of maturity where fundamental work can finally be recognized as such.

“Cannabis is a fascinating plant,” reflects Nirite. “Not just because of the chemistry, but because the physiology can be so different between cultivars. The more we learn, the clearer it becomes how much we don’t know.”

For more information:
Institute Volcanoes
+9723-968-3226
(email protected)
agri.gov.il

Related Topics:Cannabis crop sciencebacked

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Village Farms opens Groningen facility to quintuple Dutch cannabis output

Published

11 hours ago

April 25, 2026

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Village Farms opened its new cannabis facility this morning in Groningen, the Netherlands, a building designed from the ground up around the crop, with an aroma system so precisely calibrated, the surrounding businesses could stand next to a tomato grower.

Dutch roots run deeper than the board members’ accents might suggest. The company’s relationship with the Netherlands goes back many years, and the Groningen location is an extension of the work begun in Drachten, where Village Farms began farming last year using practices carried over from its Canadian operations. The new facility is where that learning is applied at scale.

“Nearly four decades ago, we started bringing Dutch technology to North America. We’ve always worked with Dutch partners, and many of our producers and engineers are Dutch or have Dutch heritage. It’s like coming home.”

Village Farms entered the Dutch market through its majority-owned subsidiary Leli Holland, which holds one of ten licenses granted by the Dutch government to legally produce recreational cannabis and distribute it to participating cafes.

Once fully ramped up, Village Farms anticipates a production capacity of around 10 tonnes in the Netherlands, enough to quintuple its production for the Dutch cannabis trial and position the company for wider access to the European market. Orville Bovenschen, President of Canadian Cannabis and Leli Holland and Mike DeGiglio, CEO and founder, highlighted their confidence in the Dutch market, as well as growing in Europe. “We believe in the power of cannabis.”

Village Farms started its Dutch farming operations in the nearby town of Drachten last year, using farming practices developed through its Canadian experience to set up the facility. The new Groningen location represents a continuation and improvement of this established direction, with the building completely designed around the cultivation requirements. Special attention was paid to the odor control system, ensuring that nearby businesses could be located next to a tomato plant.

The opening featured an artwork by local artist Ben that reflects the company’s history: strong roots in vegetables and a future in cannabis.

More technical details to follow on Monday!

For more information:
Village Farms International Inc.
Phone: +1 (407) 936-1190
villagefarms.com

Cannabis News

White House Weighs In On Hemp Legislation As GOP Lawmaker Pushes Accelerated THC Product Ban

Published

11 hours ago

April 25, 2026

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White House officials are commenting on pending legislation to create a regulatory framework for hemp amid a flurry of lawmakers’ proposals on the issue, including a new amendment slated for November to speed up the recriminalization of hemp-derived THC products.

On Tuesday, Vince Haley, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, and James Braid, assistant to the president for legislative affairs, sent suggestions on hemp policy to Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), who is helping lead efforts to establish regulations for the plant as an alternative to prohibition.

“We appreciate your work to advance policy” in an executive order President Donald Trump signed in December that included provisions to protect Americans’ access to CBD products, the staff wrote in a letter to the congressman.

“We are submitting draft legislation and comments to your account to address the final statutory definition of hemp-derived cannabinoid products to ensure that Americans have access to adequate full-spectrum CBD products while maintaining Congress’ intent to limit the sale of products that pose serious health risks,” White House officials said, according to a social media screencast. “We are open to discussion and further technical assistance.”

An attachment to the administration’s proposed legislative text was not included in the message, and the White House and Barr’s office did not immediately respond to Marihuana Moment’s request for more details.

Barr introduced a hemp amendment to the pending Farm Bill this weekbut later withdrew for reasons he did not announce.

It’s not clear from the text of the letter whether the White House was proactively sending legislative proposals to the lawmaker or whether they were responding to something sent by his office, though two cannabis industry sources suggested to Marihuana Moment that Barr was sending the language to the administration, and then providing technical feedback.

Barr’s now-withdrawn amendment, according to the sponsor’s summary, “changes the definition of hemp to protect the legal hemp market by creating a regulatory framework that protects children, bans synthetics, and ensures that products on the market are of American origin.”

Ok guys, since you all want to troll me and have been going on about The Barr Bill all day, here’s Asshats… It’s the one plant that should have a set of rules.
And everything should be Legal with age limits and restrictions. pic.twitter.com/nTt8AJ5mvP

— Marc Cohodes (@AlderLaneEggs) April 23, 2026

Meanwhile, Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) also introduced a new Farm Bill amendment to take effect on November 12 that she said “accelerates the implementation of the hemp reduction provisions.”

Instead, under his proposal, the ban would go into effect the day the new Farm Bill takes effect — though it’s unclear when that will be based on current progress in Congress, and the legislation could not be passed until after the current recriminalization date, making the change controversial.

Hemp derivatives containing less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC by drug weight were made federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill signed by Trump during his first term. But late last year, the president signed new legislation containing provisions that will redefine hemp so that only products with a total of 0.4 milligrams of THC per container will be legal starting November 12th.

Trump this week It inspired lawmakers in Congress to take action to change the currently planned hemp banand suggested that this threatens to federally recriminalize full-spectrum CBD products.

“I’m calling on Congress to update the Act so Americans can continue to have access to the full-spectrum CBD products they trust and support, while maintaining Congress’ intent to restrict the sale of products that pose health risks,” the president said in a Truth Social message Thursday, the same day his administration announced it is moving forward to re-regulate marijuana.

“We need to do this RIGHT and FAST, especially for those who have found CBD to help them,” he said. “Also, I’m told it will help our BIG FARMERS that we love and will always be around.”

Barr echoed the president’s comments, saying in his message that he is “working in Congress to pass these critical reforms so farmers can have certainty and Americans continue to have access to safe and reliable hemp-derived products.”

Thank you, President Trump, for leading the charge to expand access to CBD products.

I am working in Congress to pass these critical reforms so farmers can have certainty and Americans continue to have access to safe and reliable hemp-derived products. pic.twitter.com/hguGIgDCAW

— Congressman Andy Barr (@RepAndyBarr) April 24, 2026

An additional Farm Bill amendment by Reps. James Comer (R-KY) and Kelly Morrison (D-MN) would push back the federal recriminalization of THC hemp products for another year.

Amendments to the Farm Bill, known as the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, or HR 7567, will be considered by the Rules Committee next week. That panel will decide whether or not the proposals can receive votes on the House floor.

Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN) had it introduced the hemp ban delay amendment before the House Agriculture Committee when it took up the Farm Bill last month, but the president of that panel determined that the proposal was not in line with the legislation.

The Farm Bill passed by the previous committee includes provisions to help the hemp industry and farmers who grow cannabis for industrial purposes, such as fiber and grain. For example, the legislation would amend statutes related to states and tribes developing regulatory plans for industrial hemp production, including policies on testing, sampling, background checks and record keeping.

Other bipartisan hemp reform bills are pending in Congress.

Last week, for example, it was introduced by Senators Rand Paul (R-KY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA). The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act, which would give states the option of federal recriminalization of THC hemp products. it will be established this year.

Ernst on Wednesday, however, withdrew his name as a sponsor of the legislation. His office did not respond to Marihuana Moment’s request for clarification on the move.

—
It’s Marijuana Time tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters by pledging at least $25/month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts, and audio calendars so you never miss a development.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracking and become a Patreon supporter to gain access
—

The US Department of Agriculture published this month shows that US farmers grow $3 billion in hemp crops by 2025— 64% increase compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, this month the Trump administration launched a new initiative Cover up to $500 of hemp-derived products annually for eligible Medicare patients. The program being implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) focuses largely on CBD, but also allows a certain amount of THC in products.

Anti-marijuana organizations filed a lawsuit against the Medicare hemp coverage policyand Health and Human Services attorneys. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Director Mehmet Oz recently He submitted a letter requesting the filing of the case.

Meanwhile, the White House Management and Budget Office has held a series of meetings a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) CBD product enforcement policy.

The FDA also issued guidance making it clear that it does not intend to interfere Establish a Medicare coverage plan for hemp-derived products.

CMS finalized a rule that will be adopted separately Coverage of certain hemp products, primarily as specialized health-related benefits, through Medicare Advantage the plans

As hemp products become more popular among consumers, some big brands are trying to get in on the action.

The main retailer Target, for example, is expanding its market share of hemp-derived THC beverages. Last year, the company began a pilot program selling cannabis beverages at 10 stores in Minnesota. That apparently went well, and now the company has secured licenses from Minnesota regulators to sell lower-potency edible hemp products — including THC drinks — in 72 stores in the state.

Marijuana Moment is made possible with the help of readers. If you rely on our pro-cannabis journalism to stay informed, consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

Cannabis News

Australian medicinal cannabis sales fall nearly 30% in second half of 2025

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2026

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Australian medicinal cannabis sales fell 28.5% in the second half of 2025 compared to the first half of the year, according to new data released by the Penington Institute in April 2026, marking the first significant drop in sales recorded since the country’s medicinal cannabis framework was introduced in 2016.

Data obtained by the Penington Institute from the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Aging through a freedom of information request shows sales peaked at 3.72 million units in the second half of 2024 and remained at 3.70 million units in the first half of 2025, before falling to 2.65 million units in the second half of the year. The decline followed a period of particularly significant growth in late 2023 and 2024, driven by increasing scrutiny from regulators and medical organizations over prescribing practices.

The Penington Institute attributes the reversal largely to a stepped-up enforcement campaign that has unfolded on multiple regulatory fronts since 2023. The Therapeutic Goods Administration banned the importation, advertising and supply of medicinal cannabis in 2023, and then issued millions of dollars in fines to non-compliant companies. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency published new clinical guidance for prescribers in July 2025 and, by mid-2025, had taken enforcement action against more than 50 doctors, with further investigations underway. Ahpra also issued explicit warnings warning health officials to prioritize patient well-being over profits.

The enforcement push was in response to documented concerns about high-volume, commercially driven prescriptions, some clinics conducting very brief clinical consultations, illegally advertising the drug to the public, failing to check real-time prescription monitoring systems, and using closed-loop business models in which medical cannabis brand companies also ran clinics prescribing their own products.

A wider TGA review of the patient access framework is ongoing. As of early April 2026, no reform recommendations have been announced. The Penington Institute’s report warns against major restrictions on patient access, the therapeutic benefits the drug provides to a large number of Australian patients, the lack of clear evidence linking medicinal cannabis to significant public health harm, and the presence of a robust illicit market that would absorb patients who would not be able to access legal avenues if access were restricted.

The report also points to product compliance testing as an area where existing standards are not applied consistently. Australian quality standards cover all medicinal cannabis products, but the TGA does not check compliance before the products reach patients, only conducting limited post-market risk-based testing, the results of which are not published. The issue is particularly relevant given that almost two-thirds of the flower volume sold in Australia in 2024 was imported, with some countries of origin maintaining lower regulatory standards than Australia. In April 2024, the TGA confirmed that it had not carried out tests on imported products in the previous 12 months.

The full Pennington Institute report, Medicinal Cannabis Sales and Regulatory Enforcement, can be seen here