Study: drought increases the amount of cannabinoids in cannabis

In light of the many discoveries regarding the potential uses of the cannabis plant, researchers have begun exploring ways to optimize cannabis growing conditions. A study by the’American Society for Horticultural Science This has led scientists to hypothesize that drought could enable growers to improve the quality of their cannabis crops. Although the study was conducted on a small sample, the results suggest that controlled drought conditions would increase the amount of cannabinoids in the plant.

The concentration of cannabinoids may be genetically influenced by phenotypic selection. However, horticultural management practices such as fertilization, substrate selection, air temperature, light intensity and quality, and photoperiod can also affect cannabinoid production.

Controlled drought can stimulate oil production in plants. When exposed to intermittent watering and sunlight, herbs and spices grown in semi-arid regions tend to to be more aromatic and to have higher concentrations of essential oils. In the case of cannabis, moderate drought caused a 12% increase in THCA concentration and a 13% increase in CBDA concentration.

The yield of certain cannabinoids was also significantly affected. This yield was calculated in grams of cannabinoids per flower, with results of interest to growers. The study found that THC yield increased by 50%, and CBD yield by 67%.

However, although plants grown under drought conditions may have a higher oil concentration, the total yield is sometimes lower, as these conditions reduce growth and the amount of plant material that can be harvested. Careful management of the level and timing of drought stress can help minimize the loss of dry weight in cannabis flowers.