Miraflora, a cannabidiol (CBD) company, has partnered with Front Range Biosciences (FRB) to research and identify which cannabinoid hemp varieties are most optimal for the Rocky Mountain region of the U.S.
The research will take place on Miraflora’s 160-acre organic farm in Colorado and will examine varieties of hemp bred by FRB from both Native American and European lineages.
The research will expand beyond CBD as well and into how genetics affect the production of other cannabinoids.
“This partnership will not only inform us on how best to efficiently cultivate CBD in our region, but will ultimately give us a sophisticated understanding of how hemp varieties express other cannabinoids beyond CBD, allowing us to provide new and proven products to consumers across the country,” said Miraflora CEO Christopher Wynne in a news release.
The studies will track water, weather and nutrient flow daily and use drone flights and mapping technology to evaluate plant growth and health.
Once the plants are harvested, Miraflora’s R&D team will work with FRB to assess the extraction results for each plant, the news release said.
“With the close proximity of the farm, its access to clean mountain water, ample space for our field trial site, and Miraflora’s commitment to developing premium, cannabinoid-rich hemp products, this partnership is a great opportunity to showcase how good farming practices and genetics are differentiators in the hemp market place” said Jonathan Vaught, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of FRB. “As a relatively new crop, it is important to examine how different growing regions, such as the Colorado Front Range of the Rockies, affect minor cannabinoid and terpene production.”
