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Cannabis saliva L. is one of the oldest cultivated crops, used for its fiher and medicinal properties. The cannabis plant synthesizes a myriad of secondary metabolites, but the most valuable products from a medical and commercial standpoint are cannabinoids. Despite significant advances in elucidating the biochemistry and genetics that govern cannabinoid accumulation, we still do not have conclusive evidence for the role of these secondary metabolites in the physiology of C. saliva. In line with known functions of other secondary metabolites, the protective functions of cannabinoids against temperature stress, poor micronutrient soil content, drought, ultraviolet B radiation, and as antimicrobial agents have been suggested, but are yet to be conclusively demonstrated. Recent research suggests that the environment has a major effect on cannabis growth and productivity, but the relationship between stress, cannabinoid accumulation, and plant health is complex. Here, we summarize the current insights on how abiotic and biotic stresses affect C. saliva biology. We also examine the available evidence to support the hypothesis for the protective function of cannabinoids against environmental stressors. Maintaining optimal growth and high cannabinoid synthesis is a balancing act, one that can only be achieved by better understanding of the effects of the environment on the cannabis plant. Key words: Cannabis, cannabinoids, secondary metabolites, abiotic stress, biotic stress, Introduction Cannabis saliva L. is an annual dioecious herb native to Central and South Asia, and considered one of the oldest domesticated plants. Genomic evidence suggests that cannabis has already [...]

We investigated the diversity of fungal species present on inflorescences as epiphytes and in stem tissues as endophytes in flowering plants of cannabis grown organically in British Columbia during 2019-2021. Fresh and dried inflorescence samples were obtained at various times during production while stems were obtained at harvest. Fungal species in the air were assessed by exposing Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar + streptomycin sulfate for 1 h in the growing environment while soil samples were dilution-plated to assess soil fungal diversity. Colonies were identified from PCR-derived sequences of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid. Twenty-nine species in 26 genera were recovered from inflorescences and 17 species in 11 genera originated from stem tissues. Approximately 96% of species found on inflorescences were present in air and 45% were present in organic soil. The fungi comprised plant pathogens, saprophytes, and opportunistic human pathogens. A large proportion of the species found in air and soil in organic facilities are present on cannabis inflorescences, where they may increase total colony forming units and negatively affect product quality. Some species could contribute to allergies or secondary infections in humans. The potential benefits of endophytes within organically grown cannabis plants remain unexplored. Key words: Cannabis sativa, post-harvest quality, soil fungi, organic production, plant pathogens, endophytes, Introduction Large-scale production of THC-containing Cannabis sativa L. (referred to here as cannabis) for medicinal and recreational use is currently permitted in Canada following its legalization in 2018. Licensed producers [...]