What Is Badger G?
Badger G is a genetically modified form of hemp made by the University of Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center that has been approved by the USDA for agricultural use. It has been modified to produce no THC or CBD, but retains a high percentage of CBG through a method called genetic editing.
The main reason for engineering badger G was to cut down on the waste of crop destruction that occurs when farmers produce hemp with THC levels that exceed the legal threshold. Regulatory compliance on hemp THC levels leads to a massive loss in revenue for both manufacturers and farmers alike. Badger G shows that with careful crossbreeding and cultivation, the loss of farmer’s crops can be mitigated by yielding hemp that is much more consistent with producing no THC content.
What Genetically Modified Hemp Can Do
Genetically modified hemp may sound unnatural and strange. However, cultivating hemp in desirable ways has been a common practice for years now. Almost all strains that you would find in a legal dispensary are specifically curated by crossing different strains together from different cannabis plants.
With Badger G’s inception comes another major benefit. Hemp that produces a higher percent of CBG is notoriously harder and more expensive to produce. With Badger G, manufacturers can now cut down on crop loss and utilize an abundant yield of hemp that is more efficient at producing high quality CBG products and isolate.
The Legality of Hemp
2018 Farm Bill
The legality of hemp varies depending on the country and its regulations. In many places, hemp is legal to cultivate, possess, and use as long as it contains very low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. In the United States, for instance, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC. However, it's essential to check the specific laws and regulations in your jurisdiction, as they can vary widely. Some countries have strict regulations on hemp cultivation and may require licenses or permits for its production.
Production of Hemp Derived Products
With the passing of the 2018 bill came the proliferation of hemp derived products including not only cannabinoid derived products like tinctures, topicals, and edibles, but also delta 9 THC derivatives like delta 10 and delta 8. Since 2018, the hemp market has grown and developed into a multi billion dollar industry. The growth of this industry is expected to reach 18.1 billion dollars in 2027. With the hemp and CBD industry growth, it’s no wonder new and exciting products are constantly being developed each and every year.
The Benefits Of Utilizing Genetically Modified Hemp
Crop Loss
Part of the reason Badger G was designed was to help cut the substantial crop loss by 25%. Crop loss occurs whenever an abundance of the produced hemp oversupplies the demand threshold. This discrepancy results in any unused crops to be disposed of as adhered to by federal compliance. By consistently producing a hemp plant that naturally produces no THC content and little to no CBD content, but produces a high percentage of CBG is a substantial game changer in the agriculture landscape.
Another occurrence could be that the hemp produced by the farm could test higher for THC then legislation allows for manufacturing. Usually this content remains at 0.3% or less of THC naturally produced by the plant. Crop loss is a huge siphon on the pockets of the farmers that grow the hemp. By eliminating most of the crop loss cost could greatly benefit not only the farmers growing the hemp, but also the consumer that is purchasing the product.
Pesticides
Pesticides contain chemical ingredients that are used to kill off pests, weeds, and fungi. They can also be toxic to other organisms such as birds, fish, bugs, and even humans. Some pesticides can even be further harmful for the soil, air, and water. Mitigating the use of pesticides can greatly enhance the health and safety of everyone involved in the growth and production of hemp. In December of 2019 the United States Environmental Protection Agency released a list of 59 pesticides that can be used during the cultivation of hemp. The full extent of the effects on organisms and the environment of these pesticides is unknown.
Pesticides are used more in abundance on non GMO crops than GMO crops due to the GMO crops natural resistance to pests and diseases. Another benefit worth noting when talking about utilizing genetically modified hemp is GMO crops tend to be much more pest resistant than non GMO plants. GMO crops can be much kinder to the environment due to farmers not needing to use as much pesticides. Badger G could also help cut back on pests that are drawn to hemp.
The Drawbacks Of Utilizing Genetically Modified Hemp
Stigma
GMO is already heavily used in major agricultural crops like soy, cotton, and corn. Genetically modified plants and crops get a bad reputation due to peoples insistence on maintaining an all natural product. The reality is that most if not all crops we grow today have been genetically modified in some way or another. It is estimated that roughly 90% of corn, soybean, and sugar beets are genetically modified. Genetically modified crops produce greater yield, are more resistant to diseases and pests, and have a longer shelf life.
Biotech Patents
There is one major drawback to genetically modified crops, however. Because genetically modified crops are a novel life form, biotech companies have been able to obtain patents to control the use and distribution of their genetically engineered seeds. This means that a farmer could potentially face federal charges if they use a patented seed from a biotech company. Restrictive legislation backed by investors of said bio companies erode farmers rights to save seed. This drawback is a major one considering that the laws and legislation put into place hurts independent farmers more than it helps.
The Future Of Hemp Cultivation
With the development of Badger G comes the question of what is next for the hemp industry? If we can curb crop loss and put more money into the pockets of both farmers and manufacturers, could we see even more growth? The answer is more complicated than a yes or no. Like with most things in life, only time can tell. The hemp industry is expected to grow even more in the next few years.
Ideally, the future of hemp looks more and more promising. By creating a hemp plant that produces a certain cannabinoid, the cost of crop loss becomes eradicated. If GMO hemp continues to become more resistant to pests, pesticides may not need to be utilized to ensure a healthy crop yield. If Badger G is any indication of the future of GMO hemp, hemp could be used for much more than its current use. For instance, hemp is a bioaccumulator, meaning that it soaks up more nutrients and materials from the soil, as well as CO2 from the air. GMO hemp could potentially be used to clean soil and reduce CO2 emissions in the air, making the environment much healthier.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, genetically modified hemp holds significant potential for revolutionizing various industries, from agriculture to healthcare and beyond. By harnessing advanced genetic engineering techniques, researchers can enhance traits such as yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and cannabinoid content. The widespread adoption of genetically modified hemp also raises important ethical, environmental, and regulatory considerations that must be carefully addressed to ensure responsible and sustainable innovation in this field.
