Cannabidiol industrial hemp growth, biomass, and temporal cannabinoids accumulation under different planting dates in southern Florida

Due to limited information, identifying suitable cannabidiol (CBD) dominant industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars and optimal planting date are critical for commercialization CBD production in Florida. Two field trials were conducted with seven planted on three different dates from late April June. The received two suppliers (Kentucky Colorado) representing their adaptation. Plant growth parameters such as plant height green canopy cover recorded at 2−3 weeks intervals during crop growth. Temporal Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations developing flowers analyzed weekly beginning after flowering until maturity. final floral biomass yield was measured harvest. THC concentration curve over growing season varied among the tested cultivars. High positive correlations between (R2 = 0.88−0.98) observed all This resulted similar CBD/THC ratios across conditions. Earlier higher CBD, THC, a few cultivars, no significant effect most Cultivars adapted Kentucky performed better compared Colorado yield. However, mostly exceeded acceptable legal threshold (0.3% THC) Results indicate cultivar performance affected more by genetics date. Screening regions of latitudes environmental conditions is necessary identify Florida or climatic