Advancing the Understanding of Cannabis Genetics
At NorCal Seeds & Genetics, research begins with observation. For decades, the work of Jennifer and Jay Michaels has involved studying how cannabis cultivars express across seasons, environments, and breeding generations. This long-term observational work forms the foundation of NSG’s research approach.
In recent years, advances in laboratory analysis and genetic research have created new opportunities to better understand cannabis genetics at a deeper level. By combining traditional breeding knowledge with modern analytical tools, NSG works to explore how genetics express, stabilize, and evolve over time.
Areas of Research Interest
NSG’s research interests include:
• chemotype and terpene expression
• cultivar stability across generations
• environmental influence on genetic expression
• genetic diversity within breeding populations
• documentation of cultivar lineage and ancestry
Collaboration With Laboratories & Researchers
NSG collaborates with laboratories and research partners to better understand the chemical and genetic characteristics of cannabis cultivars. These collaborations help document cultivars more precisely and preserve important data for future study.
Areas of collaboration may include:
• chemical profiling and chemotype analysis
• genomic research and marker analysis
• cultivar validation and documentation
• long-term breeding program support
Field-Based Research
While laboratory work provides valuable data, some of the most meaningful insights into cannabis genetics come from long-term field observation. Observing plants across multiple environments and seasons reveals patterns that laboratory data alone cannot fully capture.
Field-based research at NSG includes:
• plant structure and morphology
• environmental adaptation and stress response
• terpene development during flowering
• expression consistency across climates
Looking Forward
Cannabis genetics remain one of the least studied areas in agricultural science. As research expands, preserved genetic collections such as the NSG library may play an increasingly important role in advancing understanding of the plant and preserving genetic diversity for future generations.