Uncovering the Diverse Evolution of Cannabinoid Biosynthesis

Researchers have discovered that the biosynthesis of cannabinoids has evolved independently in different plant lineages, including Helichrysum, a genus of flowering plants. The study identified the genes responsible for cannabinoid production in Helichrysum and found that they are similar to those in Cannabis. The findings suggest that the ability to produce cannabinoids may be more widespread in the plant kingdom than previously thought.