Polyploid Induction

Polyploid induction is not a terpene, but rather a breeding technique in which cultivators expose cannabis plants to chemical agents—most commonly colchicine—to double or multiply their chromosomes. This process creates polyploid plants (triploid, tetraploid, or higher) that can exhibit altered morphology, vigor, and secondary metabolite profiles. Polyploid cannabis plants are often larger, produce denser tissue, and may accumulate different ratios of cannabinoids and terpenes compared to diploid counterparts. Lineage records frequently report polyploid experiments in both academic research and advanced breeding programs, though cultivation complexity and regulatory questions limit commercial adoption. Understanding polyploidy is relevant for breeders exploring novel phenotypic expression and for those studying cannabis genome stability across generations.

Breeders working in polyploid research use this technique to explore trait amplification, hybrid vigor, and novel chemotype expression. Polyploid lines can serve as foundational genetics for developing stable, high-yield cultivars, though backcrossing to diploid parents is often necessary for commercial viability.