Marrakech – A recent groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from several Moroccan universities has revealed that the local “Beldiya” cannabis cultivar demonstrates remarkable chemical stability compared to exotic varieties grown in northern Morocco.
Published in Food Chemistry Advances, the research analyzed five Cannabis sativa L. cultivars over three consecutive growing seasons (2014-2016) in the Bab Taza region near Chefchaouen province.
Scientists used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with a triple-stage quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC-MS/TSQ Endura) to evaluate the chemical variability in phytocannabinoid compounds.
Lead researcher Ismail El Bakali and colleagues from multiple Moroccan institutions identified 13 cannabinoid compounds across the analyzed samples. Five major cannabinoids were detected in important concentrations exceeding 5%: THCA-A, CBDA, CBD, Δ⁹-THC, and CBN.
“The chemical profile of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown in northern Morocco is characterized by these five major compounds, with CBN being the most prevalent across all studied cultivars at a mean concentration of 52.24%,” the researchers noted.
Δ⁹-THC and CBD were the second and third most abundant compounds, with mean concentrations of 11.55% and 9.83% respectively.
The study revealed significant chemical polymorphism among the cultivars. Statistical analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) grouped the samples into three distinct chemical clusters based on their cannabinoid concentrations.
Most notably, the indigenous “Beldiya” cultivar exhibited consistent chemical composition across all three harvest years, while exotic cultivars, including “Avocat,” “Mexicana,” “Critical Plus,” and “Khardala,” showed considerable variability, displaying heterogeneity from one year to another.
This stability is attributed to the homogeneity of seeds produced and selected by local farmers, as well as the earlier flowering stage of “Beldiya” compared to other varieties, which prevents hybridization with exotic cultivars.
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The research revealed that cannabinoid percentages varied markedly between growing seasons. Higher levels of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) were recorded in 2014, while 2015 showed elevated cannabidiol (CBD) levels. The lowest values for THCA-A, CBDA, CBN, CBD, and Δ⁹-THC were observed in 2016.
Environmental and genetic factors played crucial roles in the chemical variations observed. The researchers noted that genetic modifications in exotic hemp cultivars during the 2016 growing season had negative effects, leading to decreased cannabinoid production.
Meanwhile, CBN levels increased in the final agricultural season across all cultivars except “Avocat,” likely linked to the oxidation of THCA-A during drying and storage.
The study’s findings have important implications for medicinal applications. Several cannabinoids have demonstrated therapeutic properties: CBD possesses antipsychotic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antiseizure properties, while Δ⁹-THC has shown antiemetic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory qualities.
The research provides valuable insights into cannabis chemistry under northern Moroccan conditions, particularly following Morocco’s 2021 legalization of cannabis for therapeutic purposes through Law No 13-21, which allows its application in industrial, medical, and cosmetic sectors.
“This research contributes a set of genetic markers for chemical polymorphism that can be utilized in future studies of Cannabis sativa in northern Morocco,” the authors concluded.
“These findings enhance our understanding of Cannabis chemistry and move us closer to harnessing its potential for therapeutic, industrial, medical, and cosmetic applications.”
The research team included scientists from Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Chouaib Doukkali University, Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute, Ibn Tofail University, and Sultan Moulay Slimane University.
