A team of biologists at The University of Adelaide in Australia has developed an innovative scanning device capable of determining the potency of cannabis plants before harvest. This new technology is particularly significant for medical cannabis growers who must adhere to strict regulations regarding the levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for the effects of cannabis.
Understanding the cannabinoid content early in the growth cycle is crucial for ensuring compliance with legal limits. In addition, industrial hemp farmers benefit from this technology as their crops also face stringent THC regulations. Dr. Aaron Phillips, who led the study published in Industrial Crops and Products, stated, “The capacity to predict cannabinoid profiles weeks before harvest has significant implications for cannabis production, enabling growers and breeders to enhance product quality, reduce costs, and ensure regulatory compliance.”
Revolutionary Leaf-Scanning Technology
The scanning method developed by the research team utilizes intact fan leaves and provides instant readings, eliminating the need for traditional lab analyses that can be costly and time-consuming. These conventional methods, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), involve hazardous chemicals and extensive labor.
The new approach employs a technique known as fan leaf hyperspectral reflectance (FLHR). By measuring the light reflected from a plant’s canopy during crucial flowering periods, the device captures data across 2,151 wavelength bands. This allows researchers to analyze the biochemical composition of the leaves without damaging them.
Combined with machine learning models, the technology predicts the final cannabinoid content in mature plants based on the spectral data collected. The machine learning model processes the spectral profile of the leaves alongside the actual cannabinoid concentrations produced by the flowers.
To validate the model’s accuracy, the study implemented a “leave-one-out” scheme, training on nearly all plants and testing on individual specimens, ensuring reliable performance across all 70 plants involved in the research.
Aiming for Future Development
The research team plans to continue refining this technology to encompass a broader range of genotypes and to identify the earliest points in the growth cycle for accurate predictions of flower cannabinoid content. They are also collaborating with the German spectral sensing firm Compolytics to develop a handheld device similar in size to a supermarket barcode scanner.
Looking ahead, Dr. Phillips expressed aspirations to utilize drones in the field, enabling the scanning of entire hemp fields to detect plants that exceed legal THC thresholds. This advancement could significantly enhance monitoring efficiency and regulatory compliance for growers across the industry.
The development of this scanning device represents a significant step forward in cannabis cultivation, providing growers with the tools they need to optimize yield while adhering to regulatory standards. As this technology evolves, it promises to transform the landscape of cannabis production globally.
