09: Cannabis as "magic" solution plant for climate change - Interview with Gavin George, Puregene

SustainNOW Podcast - Exploring Climate Solutions with Innovators and Entrepreneurs

Dr. Gavin George is a co-founder and CEO of Puregene AG. The Swiss company has developed a technology stack that harnesses the power of genomics for trait discovery and predictive plant breeding, using massive datasets and machine learning to assemble tailored elite varieties, fit for industry. He was awarded a PhD in 2010 from Stellenbosch University before his 7 years at the ETH Zurich as a Postdoctoral researcher. He has authored 12 peer reviewed publications and contributed to 6 books.

In this episode, Dr. Gavin George, explores the potential of cannabis as a sustainable solution for climate change and global challenges. Puregene is using genomics and machine learning to develop tailored cannabis varieties for various industries.

🎙 Key topics covered:
🔹 Understanding the different cannabis terms: THC, CBD, marijuana, hemp (4:34)
🔹 Why cannabis could feed the world (6:09)
🔹 Sustainability potential of cannabis: High CO2 absorption (12:00)
🔹 Cannabis as an alternative to forests for carbon capture (22:20)
🔹 Cannabis vertical farming possibilities (27:47)
🔹 Breeding 3.0 vs CRISPR technology (13:08)
🔹 Expectations for future regulations in Switzerland (31:30)

💡 Gavin’s insights:
🌱 Cannabis is 60% more protein-efficient per acre than soy.
🌱 Cannabis can capture 10 times more CO2 than eucalyptus trees.
🌱 His company is at the forefront of genomics innovation in cannabis, using massive datasets to create optimized plant varieties.

For more on Puregene, visit:
Website

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Capíttulos

1. 09 - Cannabis as "magic" solution plant for climate change - Interview with Gavin George, Puregene (00:00:00)

2. We know hemp (German: Hanf); Cannabis, THC, CBD, Marihuana, Haschich → can you please explain the differences between these names? (00:04:34)

3. You told me that cannabis will feed the world in the future. What do you mean by that? (00:06:09)

4. Under which conditions Cannabis can be planted? Does it need a lot of water? Heat? (00:10:19)

5. Where do you see the potential in sustainability? And why? (00:12:00)

6. What is the “innovation” of breeding 3.0? What is the difference to CRISPR? Can you explain that non-experts? (00:13:08)

7. Cannabis has also other incredible features such as a high absorption rate of CO2 - So shall we plant Cannabis instead of forests? (00:22:20)

8. Would it be possible to grow cannabis through vertical farming? (00:27:47)

9. How will the revenue in the company change and what will change in the industry in the next 5 years? (00:29:05)

10. Are you expecting Switzerland will open its laws like California and Canada? (00:31:30)

11. What are the challenges in your company in the next 5 years? (00:33:32)