Metabolic Pathways

Metabolic pathways in cannabis refer to the biochemical routes through which the plant synthesizes cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from precursor molecules. Understanding these pathways is central to cannabis breeding and cultivation science, as they determine which compounds accumulate in different cultivars and environmental conditions. Primary pathways include the phenylpropanoid route (leading to flavonoids), the mevalonate pathway (producing monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes), and the cannabinoid synthesis cascade from geranyl pyrophosphate and olivetolic acid precursors. Breeders and researchers study pathway expression to predict chemical profiles across generations and to identify genetic markers associated with desired compound ratios.

Breeders working with metabolic pathway expression can select parent plants that activate specific biosynthetic routes, enabling more predictable chemotype outcomes in offspring. Mapping pathway genes and their regulatory elements helps explain cannabinoid-to-terpene ratios and supports targeted breeding for desired chemical profiles.