Editing Cannabinoid (section)

=== Cannabis plant profile ===
Cannabis plants can exhibit wide variation in the quantity and type of cannabinoids they produce. The mixture of cannabinoids produced by a plant is known as the plant's cannabinoid profile. [[Selective breeding]] has been used to control the genetics of plants and modify the cannabinoid profile. For example, strains that are used as fiber (commonly called [[hemp]]) are bred such that they are low in psychoactive chemicals like THC. Strains used in medicine are often bred for high CBD content, and strains used for [[recreational drug use|recreational]] purposes are usually bred for high THC content or for a specific chemical balance.

[[Quantitative analysis (chemistry)|Quantitative analysis]] of a plant's cannabinoid profile is often determined by [[gas chromatography]] (GC), or more reliably by gas chromatography combined with [[mass spectrometry]] (GC/MS). [[Liquid chromatography]] (LC) techniques are also possible and, unlike GC methods, can differentiate between the acid and neutral forms of the cannabinoids. There have been systematic attempts to monitor the cannabinoid profile of cannabis over time, but their accuracy is impeded by the illegal status of the plant in many countries.