Factors affecting micropropagation of Cannabis sativa L. : A review

Cannabis sativa L. is a well-known herb that has been used for medicines and textile fibers for thousands of years. Its biomass and phytochemicals are precious sources for pharmaceuticals. Various preparations featuring bioactive compounds from C. sativa including tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol have been reported to link with a wide range of health benefits. Micropropagation is an alternative method for production of these resources as the field-cultivation of C. sativa is strictly regulated in many countries. This review highlights the conditions for micropropagation of C. sativa. Factors affecting establishment of in vitro cultures including selection of explants and disinfection protocols, media and culture conditions, plant growth regulators used for cultivation of C. sativa, and protocols for acclimatization are reviewed and discussed. These successful established protocols for micropropagation of C. sativa are advantageous for further applied approaches such as mutation breeding, genetic engineering, somaclonal variation, and in vitro production of valuable bioactive components.