b'able to understand how different varieties perform in different regions is of really critical value for the industry, Shultz says. Last year, Arcadia and Tritium3H focused on testing for THC compliance in order to gain Health Canada approval. This year, theyre expanding their testing and trialing program, looking at yield, planting rates and agronomy, all designed to help growers maximize their per-acre profit.These varieties are true hybrids. The team went to great lengths to stabilize the genetics on the parental sides and the inbreds to get the uniformity and performance thats needed and to finish really early, Shultz adds. The time from flowering to harvest is shorter than many other varieties out there, which in Canada is a huge benefit. But the amount of research needed to get there is significant, so to open up the space like this and allow these CBD varieties to be grown in Canada is a leap forward.CBGIts not just CBD that the cannabis industry in Canada is looking to bring to market. Other so-called minor cannabinoids, including cannabigerol (CBG), are in demand as well. Research has shown CBG may have beneficial effects in reducing pain, glaucoma and psoriasis. It might also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.Panakeia, a THC-free and high-CBG hemp variety from Ottawa biotech company Cannabis Orchards, was also added to the approved cultivar list. The variety, technical name Randy Shultz is chief technology officer for the California-based ArcadiaHURV19PAN, is the first THC-free, high-CBG variety approved Biosciences.PHOTO: ARCADIA BIOSCIENCESMAXIMIZE SEEDPRODUCTION54seed.ab.ca'