USDA approves enhanced bioengineered hemp for medicinal use

USAgNet - 04/16/2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved the cultivation of Badger G, a bioengineered hemp variant developed to enhance medicinal properties while minimizing psychoactive elements. This approval was facilitated by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which found Badger G poses no greater plant pest risk than traditional crops.

Originating from the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center at the University of Wisconsin, Badger G has been genetically modified to increase levels of cannabigerol (CBG), a cannabinoid recognized for its potential in treating a variety of medical conditions, including glaucoma and inflammatory bowel disease. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound commonly associated with cannabis, CBG does not alter mental state, making Badger G a prime candidate for medical use without the usual regulatory challenges.

The enhancement of CBG, often more expensive to produce, comes with a strategic reduction in both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) levels, aiming for a more medically focused crop. This genetic modification positions Badger G as a pioneering crop in the field of medicinal hemp.

Additionally, the USDA-APHIS has approved several other genetically modified crops for various enhancements, such as improved oil quality in camelina, herbicide resistance in canola, and increased disease resistance in potatoes, indicating a broader acceptance of bioengineered crops in American agriculture.

This series of approvals reflects an ongoing commitment by the USDA to promote agricultural innovation, ensuring that crops like Badger G can be cultivated and researched safely within the United States, thus potentially offering new solutions to chronic health issues through agricultural advancements.

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