MCG to use Bitcoin blockchain to sequence DNA of medicinal marijuana

Rage Comment : Blockchain technology has begun to merge with bioengineering, gene testing, fingerprint authentication and other technologies in many fields, but it is the first time that blockchain has been used to explore the practical application of genomics. The American company Medicinal Genomics has jointly developed genomics safety and quality standards with 12 cannabis growers and processors, and used the Bitcoin blockchain to track the DNA sequencing of cannabis. This project is of great significance to the protection of patients' rights and interests and has practical social significance.

Translation: Annie_Xu

Molecular information company Medicinal Genomics (MCG) has teamed up with 12 cannabis growers and processors to develop safety and quality standards for genomics and use the Bitcoin blockchain to track DNA sequences from cannabis.

The dangers of strain inconsistency

Inconsistency in the strains provided by the same grower can cause medical harm to patients because subtle differences in cannabis genetics can affect efficacy. Many conditions require specific strains of cannabis. The right strain can reduce a patient's symptoms.

Although some states in the United States have passed testing standards for microorganisms, heavy metals, and mold, there are no laws and regulations to enforce the consistency of medicinal marijuana strains.

High-tech verification of cannabis strains

MGC has developed corresponding technologies so that growers, processors and laboratories can verify the stability of strains and efficacy to ensure the consistency and safety of products.

This has increased confidence in patients who use cannabis and drugs. It has also reduced legal risks for growers and others. Doctors and regulators who previously did not realize the subtle relationship between strains and drug efficacy have praised the project.

Kevin McKernan, chief scientist at MGC, said: "Currently there is no consistency between the industry's strain nomenclature and the medicinal function of the strain. Clinically validated next-generation sequencing technology can provide the ability to decode the medicinal properties of medicinal cannabis strains."

Blockchain for managing intellectual property

McKernan said, "Moreover, relevant information can be linked to the distributed ledger and used for intellectual property protection, scientific exploration, and brand promotion in the breeding market."

MGC's patented service StrainSEEK uses DNA sequencing to record cannabis strain information in a blockchain database. This genetic record can ensure the consistency of medicinal cannabis strains.

Advances in the medical cannabis industry

Kevin Murphy, executive director of investment firm High Street Capital, which was one of the first companies to adopt StrainSEEK for its medicinal cannabis management, said MGC had improved consistency, quality and reliability in the industry.

"As the business of high-quality medicinal cannabis expands, it will be necessary to use more advanced scientific tools to ensure cannabis quality and patient safety."

According to the firm’s September 16, 2016 stock research report, the medical marijuana industry is valued at $6 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 24%. Twenty-five U.S. states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana, with more states set to join the list in December 2016. However, the industry is still new, and safety and quality standards are not uniform across the food and crop industries.

MGC is using the clinical neurology sequencing and bioinformatics analysis pipeline of its parent company, Courtagen Life Sciences, to generate and analyze DNA information.