Leading Cannabis Research at Verda Bio & Basic Jane

The mad rush for green continues to reach ever greater heights as states lift decades-long bans on marijuana. But at the end of the day, all marijuana companies rely on one thing – the living, breathing Cannabis sativa plant. And like all things both lucrative and living, the world of biotechnology has already jumped right in and worked to optimize the biological output of these plants. In other words, cannabis biotech companies are growing like weeds.

BREWING UP CANNABIS

A synthetic biology research group at University of California, Berkeley, led by synthetic biology pioneer Professor Jay Keasling, recently announced their results from biohacking yeasts to produce tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive of marijuana, and therapeutic non-hallucinogenic cannabinoids, like cannabidiol (CBD), in a Nature journal article. The group spun out Demetrix Inc. in 2015 to optimize and capitalize on these findings. But, of course, the world of science is fiercely competitive and in the same month, a group from UCLA published their own Nature article on a near-magical way to make THC straight from sugar without any living tissue at all, and working to spin out their own company to get in on the action. And back in 2018, the Cronos Group (CRON), a vertically integrated marijuana company based in Canada, partnered up with the likes of synthetic biology startup Ginkgo Bioworks to culture cannabinoids directly from fermenting vats of bioengineered yeast for medicinal purposes like treating epilepsy. The game plan for all these projects and partnerships? Bring down the cost of these compounds from the current $1,000 per kilogram and rake in the cash, not to mention hitting the jackpot on producing rare pharmaceutical cannabinoids that could treat serious diseases.

Graphic compares the cost of one ounce of gold, diamonds and a rare cannabinoid.

Cannabinoids are forever. Source: InMed Pharmaceuticals

PLANT BREEDING GENETICS AND MARIJUANA

Marijuana plant breeding and genetics are also another hot spot of activity for the biotechnology industry. The traditional ways of breeding, by selectively bringing the boys and girls together, are being revamped using modern methods like those pioneered by agricultural giant Monsanto. These new techniques involve shooting novel genes straight into marijuana crops to boost THC and CBD output, protecting crops from pests, and designing completely new cannabinoids (not to mention locking down that lucrative IP in the process). Aurora Cannabis (ACB), which we profiled last year, acquired Canadian biotech company Anandia Labs with research expertise in marijuana genetics and analytics for $115 million. And cannabis biotech startup Front Range Biosciences, a startup we covered last year, has gone on to raise $10 million in a Series A round, for a total funding of $14.6 million, to meet the growing demand of legalized cannabis in California, applying their Clean Stock methodology to keep cannabis crops pathogen and pesticide-free. The company isn’t just satisfied with marijuana though, as it’s taking its technology and applying it to other cash crop products like coffee and hemp, with future plans for propagating bananas, sugar, and hops. The beauty of pumping up the biotechnology R&D is that the methods can apply to a whole range of parallel plant products and create new funnels of revenue beyond just marijuana.

Plant breeding and genetics.

The million-dollar science experiment. Credit: BioNinja

The world of possibilities is expanding for the marijuana industry to combine the power of synthetic biology, genetics, and biotechnology to optimize the growth and production of marijuana. Below, we’ve highlighted the cannabis biotech companies that are paving the way for Marijuana 2.0 and growing that green.

CANNABIS BIOTECH COMPANIES

Founded in 2017, New Mexico-based Trait Biosciences is a biotechnology startup that’s working to design a natural pesticide against common cannabis plant pests to improve cannabis yields. The startup recently raised $12 million from cannabis-focused investment firms CannaIncome Fund and Green Acre Capital. Its latest project is to genetically engineer cannabis plants to produce water-soluble cannabinoids that can be used to manufacture cannabis drinks to get in on the beverage industry rush for cannabis wine. Other projects in the pipeline are designer plants that can produce cannabinoids throughout the entire plant, not just the resin glands responsible for making cannabinoids.

Founded in 2014, Segra International is a Canadian tissue culture service company that’s attempting to innovate a technique called cannabis micropropagation, and recently closed on $7.2 million in funding, and is working on an additional $10 million ahead of a planned IPO. The company was originally planning on being acquired by Chichi Financial, but that was eventually canceled in late December. Segra is using its technology to create clean stock libraries of marijuana plants to sell directly to producers or to build libraries for marijuana greenhouses out of the producer’s own strains. Last year, Sega purchased 20 acres near Vancouver for its new micro-propagation production facilities, which are projected to reach design capacity of 80 million plantlets per year by 2024.

Founded in 2013, Verda Bio is a Seattle-based biotechnology startup that has raised $545,000 from a seed round in 2016. After winning a research license from the state last year, Verda Bio is currently the first Washington-based cannabis research laboratory. The company is focusing on the less well-defined cannabinoids found in cannabis that could lead to new medicinal applications to treat diseases like cancer, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Verda Bio plans to perform research into the genetics of marijuana plants and test the 85 known cannabinoids for their variable concentrations and efficacies across different strains.

Graph shows possible uses of cannabis compounds.

Cannabis has a lot of possibilities. Source: InMed Pharmaceuticals

It’s a time-consuming process, as the breeding cycle to produce the targeted compounds can take upwards of five years. One wonders if it wouldn’t be faster and cheaper to brew up the cannabis compounds as we discussed earlier.

Founded in 2015, San Francisco-based Rev Genomics is a Y Combinator-seeded biotech startup located in Oakland, with $120k in funding and plans of improving marijuana yields using big data. The startup is working to sift through the enormous amounts of data made available through DNA and RNA sequencing of plant genomics to maximize the efficiency of cannabis breeding. And using advanced cell culturing techniques, they’re setting out to create pure cannabis strains with the aim of creating licensing deals in the future.

Founded in 2006, Filament.Science is an agricultural startup that’s working on using soil microbes to improve cannabis growth by improving soil nutrition and beating out mildew fungus that can wreak havoc on cannabis crops. While the data on soil microbes related to cannabis is still sparse, Filament.Science hopes to bridge the knowledge gap using systems automation and improving data reliability. Much like the hype around probiotics and gut health, the science behind soil microbes and their impact on agricultural products is still in its infancy. It’s unclear if changing the microbe population will yield serious improvements for cannabis stock.

Founded in 2012, Canada-based CanGenX BioTech is a biotech startup that offers a suite of cannabis-related services to support the production and growth of marijuana plants, including virus testing, nutrient development, and tissue micro-propagation for clean plant stock. Not much is known about the company’s financials, but CanGenX BioTech did sign an agreement to collaboratewith Aurora Cannabis back in 2015 to support the latter’s growing cannabis greenhouse operations.

CONCLUSION

Synthetic biology and biotechnology are already changing the way we eat, so it stands to reason that these technologies would start filling in the gaps for improving the way we partake in recreational activities. While pharmaceutical companies like GW Pharmaceuticals (GWPH) are spending money working their way through the hundreds of possibilities behind the many potential medicinal compounds that marijuana produces, and already filing patents for the treatment of epilepsy, the low-hanging fruit for many cannabis companies is to start pumping out IP on cannabis production and getting out as much THC and CBD for the hungry consumer markets. And with researchers from the ivory tower of academia getting their feet wet with marijuana research, we might one day thank a future Nobel laureate for discovering the unicorn biotechnology that lets us retire early on a tropical beach. Until then, the future of cannabis biotech is still wide open for exciting discoveries that can transform the way we get high.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Oral CBD Products

What makes Basic Jane oral products different from other CBD edibles?

Basic Jane oral products are developed out of one of the first state-licensed cannabis research programs in the U.S. Every formula is designed by scientists with a focus on real-world use, consistent dosing, and meaningful results. All oral products are THC-free — so you get the benefits of cannabinoids without any psychoactive effects or concerns about drug testing.

Do Basic Jane oral products contain THC?

No. All Basic Jane oral products are 100% THC-free and are legally sold under the 2018 Farm Bill. They will not get you high and are designed for clear-headed, everyday wellness.

Which oral product is best for general pain and inflammation relief?

It depends on what you need! CBD Mints are a great everyday starting point — low-dose, gentle, and appropriate for any time of day. For stronger inflammation relief, Boost Mints contain both CBD and CBDA (the raw form of CBD), which provides an added boost for more significant discomfort. Both work systemically, meaning they support your whole body — not just one area.

What is the difference between CBD Mints and Boost Mints?

CBD Mints contain 5 mg of CBD per mint — a perfect microdose for consistent, all-day support. Boost Mints contain both CBD and CBDA for extra inflammation relief. Think of CBD Mints as your everyday companion and Boost Mints as your go-to when you need more firepower — particularly after a tough workout, a flare-up, or a harder day.

What are Refresh Chews best for?

Refresh Chews contain CBD, CBG, and terpenes, making them ideal for people who want to power through their day with more clarity and ease. They are designed to help reduce anxiety, support focus and energy, and keep you feeling your best without any jittery side effects. Perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.

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What are Night Caps and are they CBD?

Night Caps are actually cannabinoid-free. Instead, they contain a blend of hops (Humulus lupulus) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) — two botanicals with a long history of traditional use as natural sleep aids. They are non-habit-forming and designed to help you wind down, fall asleep, and wake up refreshed. A wonderful option for anyone who prefers to keep their sleep routine free of cannabinoids.

Which oral product is best for sleep?

Night Caps are Basic Jane's dedicated sleep product and are the first recommendation for anyone struggling to get a good night's rest. Their blend of hops and valerian is non-habit-forming and designed specifically for sleep support. If you are also managing pain that interferes with sleep, pairing Night Caps with a CBD Mint or Boost Mint may provide broader comfort going into bedtime.

Which oral product is best for daytime use?

CBD Mints are perfect for any time of day — subtle, low-dose, and easy to take on the go. Refresh Chews are a standout daytime choice if you want an added edge: the CBD/CBG and terpene blend is designed to keep anxiety at bay and help you feel energized and focused. Both are discreet, minty, and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

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Boost Mints are a great post-workout choice. The combination of CBD and CBDA works systemically throughout the body to support inflammation relief and recovery. Take one to two mints after exercise and give them 30–90 minutes to build. For faster, localized muscle relief right after a workout, consider pairing with a Relieve Cream or Relieve Gel topically as well.

Can I use oral and topical products together?

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How Oral CBD Works

How is oral CBD different from topical CBD?

Topical CBD products work locally — you apply them directly to the area of discomfort and they interact with receptors in the skin and underlying tissue. Oral products are absorbed through digestion and work systemically, supporting your whole body rather than one specific area. This makes oral products especially valuable for conditions that are more widespread, internal, or mood- and sleep-related.

How long does it take for oral CBD products to work?

Oral products typically take 30–90 minutes to take effect, depending on your metabolism and whether you have eaten recently. Plan accordingly — they are not a rapid-response product in the way topicals are, but their effects last significantly longer.

How long do the effects of oral CBD last?

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What is CBDA and why is it in Boost Mints?

CBDA is the raw, unheated form of CBD found in the hemp plant. Research suggests it may have potent anti-inflammatory properties, and when combined with CBD, the two cannabinoids may work synergistically for enhanced effect. That is why Boost Mints contain both — to deliver extra support beyond what CBD alone can provide.

What is CBG and why is it in Refresh Chews?

CBG (cannabigerol) is sometimes called the "mother cannabinoid" because it is the precursor to other cannabinoids. It is being studied for its potential to support mood, energy, and focus. In Refresh Chews, CBG is combined with CBD and terpenes to create a formula specifically designed to help you feel clear-headed, calm, and energized.

Activity and Timing

When is the best time to take CBD Mints?

CBD Mints are designed for any time of day. Many customers take one in the morning as part of their wellness routine, another mid-afternoon, or after activity for recovery. Because each mint is a low 5 mg dose, you can adjust timing and quantity to fit your lifestyle. Start with one and see how your body responds.

When is the best time to take Boost Mints?

Boost Mints are best taken when you need more targeted inflammation support — after exercise, during a flare-up, or when you know a more demanding day is ahead. Because they contain both CBD and CBDA, they are more potent than standard CBD Mints and are ideal when everyday support is not quite enough.

When should I take Night Caps?

Take Night Caps about 30–60 minutes before bed to give the hops and valerian time to take effect. They are designed to help you relax, fall asleep naturally, and stay asleep through the night.