As the cannabis industry matures and scientific research deepens, genomic precision has become more critical than ever. From ensuring strain consistency to accelerating breeding and supporting evidence-based medical applications, everything hinges on one foundational element: high-quality reference genomes. In this context, the sequencing and assembly of the PinkPepper genome marks a transformative leap forward for hemp genetics, agronomy, and applied cannabis science.
Meet PinkPepper: Visually Stunning and Genetically Advanced
The PinkPepper cultivar (Cannabis sativa L. cv. Pink Pepper) is more than just a high-CBD hemp variety—it is a visually captivating, chemically distinctive, and genetically elite plant.
Named for its striking pinkish-to-purplish floral coloration, PinkPepper stands out among conventional hemp varieties. These vibrant hues are more than aesthetic; they are linked to a unique cannabinoid and terpene expression profile, producing a floral, spicy, and mildly fruity aroma that enhances its potential for therapeutic, aromatic, and wellness applications.
In terms of performance, PinkPepper is engineered for success. The plant consistently averages around 12% cannabidiol (CBD) while maintaining THC levels below 0.3%, fully compliant with hemp regulations. Its autoflowering, compact, and genetically stable traits make it highly adaptable to a wide range of cultivation systems—from smart farms and greenhouses to large-scale open-field operations.
Most importantly, PinkPepper is among the very few hemp cultivars with a fully sequenced, high-fidelity genome, positioning it as a foundational resource for the next generation of cannabis genomic research.
Setting a New Standard in Cannabis Genomics
The PinkPepper genome has been officially deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)database under RefSeq ID GCF_029168945.1, where it now serves as a peer-reviewed, publicly accessible reference for both scientific and commercial cannabis stakeholders.
Sequencing was performed using a cutting-edge hybrid platform, integrating PacBio SMRT (Single Molecule Real-Time) long-read sequencing, Illumina short-read sequencing, and Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT). This approach provided an exceptionally detailed view of the hemp genome’s complex architecture.
The assembled genome spans approximately 770 million base pairs (Mbp) with a GC content of 34.09%, and it contains a remarkably high 77% repetitive sequence content—a hallmark of cannabis genomes. Quality metrics are robust, with BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs) scores ranging from 97.8% to 99.6%, placing PinkPepper among the most complete of the 17 cannabis genomes sequenced to date.
With over 30,000 annotated protein-coding genes, the genome offers deep functional insights for gene discovery, chemotype prediction, and targeted strain development.
Uncovering the Genetic Blueprint for Cannabinoid Production
One of the most impactful outcomes from the PinkPepper genome project is the precise localization of cannabinoid biosynthesis genes, especially CBDAS (cannabidiolic acid synthase) and THCAS (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase).
These two enzymes—central to defining a strain’s cannabinoid profile—are predominantly located on chromosome 7, a region that displays striking structural variations such as insertions, deletions, and inversions compared to other reference cultivars. These genomic features may influence the expression of cannabinoids and secondary metabolites, reflecting both natural selection and human-driven breeding pressures.
From Lab to Field
Beyond its scientific significance, PinkPepper offers clear practical advantages for growers, breeders, and product developers.
Key agronomic features include:
- Autoflowering growth habit, enabling multiple harvests per year
- Indel marker-based varietal identification, supporting precision breeding and intellectual property (IP) protection
- Proven adaptability across smart farms, greenhouses, and outdoor fields
In industries where chemical consistency is critical—particularly in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and wellness sectors—PinkPepper’s traceable and stable cannabinoid profile makes it an ideal platform for reliable, large-scale CBD production.
Vision for Collaborative Innovation
The PinkPepper project is led by Dr. Jungdae Lim, professor and CEO of PinkBioLab, which holds the cultivar’s intellectual property.
Dr. Lim and his team are actively developing ICH (International Council for Harmonisation) Q2-compliant analytical protocols for cannabinoid quantification. These methods are essential to ensure accuracy, precision, and global pharmaceutical validation standards in cannabis testing.
To foster transparency and collaboration, PinkBioLab is making the complete genome sequence, annotations, and associated structural variation data freely available via NCBI and Figshare. Moreover, PinkPepper seeds will soon be distributed to academic and industrial research partners, with availability anticipated between July and August.
Also Read: Last Week in Weed: June 10- June 17, 2025
A Genomic Foundation for the Future of Hemp
The PinkPepper genome is more than a scientific milestone—it is a strategic genomic asset that will shape the future of cannabis innovation. It empowers breeders to design optimized cultivars, supports producers in achieving regulatory compliance, and provides researchers with a high-resolution framework for cannabinoid and terpene biosynthesis studies.
As cannabis research expands into personalized medicine, oncology, neurodegenerative diseases, and beyond, genomic tools like PinkPepper will become indispensable. With its eye-catching pigmentation, aromatic complexity, and unmatched genomic fidelity, PinkPepper sets a bold new benchmark for what modern hemp can become—and where it can lead us next.
