Scientists know surprisingly little about the most efficient ways to grow, process, and breed marijuana. The Stranger
Washington State—flush with millions of dollars’ worth of cannabis, a thriving biomedical research industry, and a long history of agricultural research—is well positioned to start answering questions about the world’s biggest cash crop. Scientists know surprisingly little about the most efficient ways to grow, process, and breed the plant.
“The reality is that pretty basic research needs to be done,” said Jessica Tonani, CEO of Verda Bio, a Seattle company that is seeking a permit from the state to research cannabis. “The research that needs to be done on this plant isn’t reinventing the wheel, it’s just doing what we need to do. I think you can look back at what has been done on any number of crops for the last 50 years.”
