Cbd Synthase Dominance

CBD synthase dominance refers to cannabis plants expressing elevated levels of the CBDA synthase enzyme, which preferentially converts CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) toward CBD-A production rather than THCA-A. This genetic trait is controlled by a single major locus (often designated as the BD or 'CBD-dominant' allele) and creates a biochemical pathway skew that results in CBD-rich plant profiles. Plants exhibiting CBD synthase dominance typically produce cannabinoid ratios heavily weighted toward CBD, sometimes with minimal detectable THC levels, though the exact ratio depends on additional modifier genes and environmental conditions. This family is foundational to modern hemp breeding programs and CBD-focused cultivar development. Lineage records frequently report this trait emerging from landraces in eastern Europe and central Asia, though modern CBD-dominant varieties often carry deliber

Breeders working with CBD synthase dominance employ it as a primary selection criterion for developing cannabinoid-stable lines intended for consistent CBD extraction and research applications. The trait's monogenic inheritance pattern makes it relatively straightforward to identify and stabilize in breeding populations using progeny testing or molecular markers targeting the CBDA synthase locus.