Revolutionizing Metabolic Engineering in Cannabis sativa L. Harnessing the Power of Hairy Root Culture

Cannabis sativa is highly valued for its use in fiber production, medicine, and recreational products. Its secondary metabolites (SM) are renowned for their wide range of health benefits and psychoactive properties. While much of the existing research has focused on cannabinoid production in the plant’s aerial parts, particularly the leaves and flowers, the root system remains understudied in terms of its SM profile. One promising in vitro approach for metabolite production involves the use of ‘hairy roots (HRs)’. These roots mimic the phytochemical profile of native roots but grow more efficiently and yield higher quantities of metabolites. HRs are genetically altered root tissues that develop at the site of infection when Agrobacterium rhizogenes is introduced into wounded plant tissues. HRs cultures in Cannabis represent a breakthrough in plant metabolic engineering, offering potential for the controlled biosynthesis of cannabinoids and terpenoids. By utilising genome editing (GE) tools such as CRISPR-based tools, these cultures can produce novel bioactive compounds at an industrial scale. The use of elicitors enhances the production of SM by activating their biosynthetic pathways, further boosting yields. This system provides a sustainable alternative to conventional farming and chemical synthesis, addressing challenges such as pharmaceutical shortages, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting more resource-efficient biomanufacturing. Few studies have explored elicitor-induced HR cultures in Cannabis to enhance terpenoid production. This review highlights research on HRs for SM synthesis and introduces a platform that positions Cannabis as a leader in biomanufacturing and sustainable biotechnology, promoting advancements across the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries globally.