Israeli Agtech startup RCK has completed the first-ever catalog of cannabis strains that covers all the medical indications of the Israeli Medical Cannabis Agency (IMCA).
"The new move opens the path for mass marketing of medical cannabis by growers. The growers will be able to select from RCK's catalog, which includes dozens of strains. Following the production of each strain, cannabis can be used for treating diseases and other medical and personalized conditions, including cancer, pain, PTSD, autism, and numerous other indications, for treatment during the day and at night," RCK explains.
In recent years RCK has succeeded in decoding the genetics of cannabis plants and in fully controlling their chemical components. Based on this breakthrough, RCK developed technologies for creating new strains and stable cannabis hybrid seeds of the highest quality. RCK's strains and seeds meet stringent medical standards and are precisely suited for various medical needs.
"RCK is also offering growers interested in producing a private label the possibility of developing strains based on customer specifications of each grower," they continue. "Alternatively, the growers can directly purchase from RCK strains developed by the company for exclusive cultivation. This particular group includes strains that are rich in THC (the component with the psychoactive influence), strains that are rich in CBD (the component without the psychoactive influence), and balanced strains (approximately equal amounts of THC and CBD."
RCK founders from left to right - David Gabay, Haim Bar-Joseph, Shay Bar-Joseph and Dr. Noam Chehanovsky
In addition, RCK has started field trials for growing hybrid seeds developed in the past three years. When the pilot is completed, the company plans to commercially produce hybrid seeds from five different strains (three with high levels of THC and two with high levels of CBD). During the third quarter of the year, field trials are planned for more new strains.
"RCK can tailor an appropriate strain with the specific composition of cannabinoids (the active ingredient in the cannabis plant) for every relevant medical indication. The features of each strain can be determined according to the ratio between the THC component and the CBD component, or other minor cannabinoids such as CBG, THCV, and more."
RCK is currently in the process of raising funds from investors in order to expand its gene bank and R&D efforts, which are focused on developing unique cannabis strains for commercial growers. RCK has already signed agreements for exporting cannabis strains and hybrid seeds to growers and distributors in several countries around the world as well as in Israel.
The company recently concluded an agreement with Holland-based SeedTech. RCK has devised for SeedTech a dedicated breeding plan to develop unique cannabis strains for medical and commercial uses such as cosmetics and food. The deal is valued at several million dollars for breeding services, but its potential is greater, as RCK will receive royalties from the sale of seeds over all the duration of the patent life of each strain.
Shay Bar-Josef, co-founder and VP for Business Development and Marketing at RCK, notes: “Decoding the genetics of the cannabis plant paves the way for revolutionizing the growing of cannabis. Our complete catalog of cannabis strains for medical uses will now enable every cannabis grower to purchase seedlings or mother plants that are suitable for specific diseases or various medical conditions and compete in the new eco-system that has been created."
Bar-Joseph added: "In essence, we have opened the market for growers to grow and produce cannabis flowers that are suitable for every disease. This is also great news for millions around the world who are waiting for pain relief from cannabis-based medical products. We are continuing to develop additional new strains for medical and commercial uses, and we can offer the development of unique strains for growers.”
RCK, which is located in Kibbutz Ruhama in Israel, operates a state-of-the-art lab, indoor growing rooms, and 1,500 square meters of breeding greenhouse and commercial propagation facility. RCK’s genetics bank already includes tens of new strains and seeds developed at the company’s R&D facility, some of which are already marketed as medical cannabis in pharmacies throughout Israel. New strains are under development on an ongoing basis. Cannabis growers from around the world have shown interest in purchasing the company’s new hybrid seeds and in breeding plans targeted at developing new strains for various uses.
For more information:
RCK
Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council, Hof Ashkelon, 79152, Israel
+972-(0)52-2214877
info@rckmc.com
rckmc.com