From fibers to flowering to metabolites: unlocking hemp (Cannabis sativa) potential with the guidance of novel discoveries and tools

Abstract Cannabis sativa L. is an ancient crop, but its agricultural adoption has been interrupted to prevent the use of marijuana as a psychoactive drug. Nevertheless, hemp—the C. sativa type with low concentrations of intoxicating Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinoid—is experiencing a resurgence in interest due to loosened cultivation restrictions and its potential as a multipurpose bio-based crop. Hemp has valuable applications, including production of medicines from its non-intoxicating cannabinoids, food, medical, and industrial uses of its seed oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids,