Genetic and biotechnological approaches are being integrated to enhance high CBD Cannabis sativa L

Abstract The increasing demand for cannabidiol (CBD) and the relaxation of legal restrictions have driven the rapid expansion of cannabis research, cultivation, and commercialization. This review synthesizes current knowledge on optimizing high-CBD cannabis cultivation, focusing on genetic, environmental, and technological determinants of yield, cannabinoid biosynthesis, and compliance with regulatory frameworks. Key aspects include genetic stabilization, molecular breeding, and CRISPR-based gene editing to ensure consistency in cannabinoid profiles; precision agronomy practices such as fertigation, irrigation, and controlled-environment agriculture; and the role of abiotic stresses, light spectrum, temperature, and photoperiod in modulating plant growth and secondary metabolism. Furthermore, the paper evaluates regulatory landscapes across regions, strain-specific performance, and the integration of artificial intelligence in trait selection and production monitoring. By linking molecular genetics with cultivation systems and global trade patterns, this review highlights pathways to enhance yield stability, product quality, and medicinal efficacy of high-CBD cannabis. The study highlights the pressing need for scientifically informed cultivation practices, harmonized regulatory standards, and interdisciplinary innovation to promote cannabis as a sustainable agricultural and medicinal resource. Source: Sokuma, A., Chatsungnoen, T., Susawaengsup, C. et al. Integrating Genetic and Biotechnological Approaches to Enhance High-CBD Cannabis sativa L. Cultivation for Medicinal Purposes. Mol Biotechnol 68, 2989–3031 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12033-026-01559-0